What kind of engine does a Toyota 4Runner have?
The current Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 gasoline engine, delivering about 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a five-speed automatic transmission, and there are no diesel or hybrid variants offered in the U.S. market as of 2024–2025.
In the broader history of the model, engine choices have varied across generations. While early 4Runners offered smaller inline-four or V6 options, the modern lineup centers on a robust 4.0-liter V6. This article outlines the present powerplant and traces the evolution of the engine lineup through the years.
Current engine specifications
Note: specifications can vary slightly by trim and model year. The following reflects recent, representative figures used in U.S. models:
- Displacement: 4.0 liters
- Configuration: V6
- Horsepower: approximately 270 hp
- Torque: roughly 278 lb-ft
- Fuel system: gasoline direct and multipoint injection
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode in most trims
These specifications illustrate the engine's balance of off-road capability and everyday drivability. The 4Runner remains built around a durable, high-torque V6 suited to rugged terrain and long highway runs.
Engine history by generation
To place the current setup in context, here is a concise overview of how the engine lineup has evolved across generations. The trend shows a move from smaller engines to a standardized, robust V6 in the modern era.
- First generations (roughly 1984–1995) offered a choice between a smaller inline-four and an early V6 option.
- Mid-generation updates (roughly 1995–2002) commonly used a 3.4-liter V6 in many markets.
- Current and recent generations (roughly 2003–present) have standardized on a 4.0-liter V6 engine, refined over time for efficiency and durability.
The engine philosophy across these generations emphasizes reliability and off-road capability, culminating in the current 4.0-liter V6 as the staple powerplant for most U.S. models.
What’s not changing in the near term
As of 2024–2025, Toyota has not introduced a hybrid or diesel variant of the 4Runner in the U.S. market. The lineup remains gasoline-powered, with the 4.0-liter V6 at its core and no official announcement of a powertrain change for this model in the near term.
In summary, the 4Runner’s engine is a 4.0-liter V6 gasoline powerplant, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission in recent models, and there are no diesel or hybrid options offered in the United States as of 2024–2025. Over its history, the model has transitioned from smaller engines to this durable, torque-rich V6, which continues to define its rugged, all-terrain character.
Summary
Today’s Toyota 4Runner runs on a 4.0-liter V6 gasoline engine with about 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 5-speed automatic. There are no U.S. diesel or hybrid variants of the 4Runner as of 2024–2025. Historically, the model used smaller engines and various V6 configurations before arriving at the current powerplant, which remains focused on durability and off-road performance.
