What kind of engine is in the 4Runner?
The current U.S.-market Toyota 4Runner uses a 4.0-liter V6 gasoline engine (the 1GR-FE), delivering about 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. This is the standard powerplant across modern trim levels, with variations in driving feel depending on transmission and drivetrain configuration.
In this article, we examine the engine that powers Toyota’s rugged 4Runner, how it’s configured, and what buyers should know about its performance and reliability. The 4Runner’s V6 has been a defining feature of the model since the fifth generation began in 2010, emphasizing durability and off-road capability over flashy performance figures. The following sections lay out the core specifications and context for this engine.
Current engine configuration
Below are the key technical details of the engine that powers the latest 4Runner models. These figures reflect the common U.S.-market specification shared across trim levels in the current generation.
Technical specifications
Here is a concise list of the engine’s core specifications:
- Engine type: 4.0-liter V6 gasoline (1GR-FE)
- Configuration: Naturally aspirated V6
- Valvetrain: DOHC with VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence)
- Displacement: 3956 cc
- Power output: 270 horsepower
- Torque: 278 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic transmission
- Engine family: GR engine family (1GR-FE)
These specifications define the 4Runner’s balance of on-road manners and off-road capability, with ample low-end torque for climbing rocky grades and towing light loads while maintaining reliability in rugged conditions.
Context and implications
While the 4Runner’s engine is a fixed configuration for the current generation, Toyota has kept the platform oriented toward durability and simplicity rather than high peak power. The 4.0-liter V6 is paired with systems that support off-road driving—such as available 4WD with a low-range transfer case—making the engine a cornerstone of the model’s adventurous reputation. For buyers prioritizing reliability and steady performance in challenging terrain, this V6 remains a consistent choice across trim levels.
Summary
The Toyota 4Runner is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 gasoline engine (1GR-FE), producing about 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This setup, part of Toyota’s GR engine family, has underpinned the SUV’s reputation for durability and off-road capability in the current generation.
