What should I pay for a new Toyota 4Runner?
Expect to pay roughly $40,000 to $65,000 before tax, title, license and destination charges for a new Toyota 4Runner, with most buyers landing in the mid-$40,000s to mid-$50,000s depending on trim level and options.
How pricing works and what affects the bottom line
The price you see on the sticker (MSRP) is only the starting point. Destination charges add to the sticker price, and taxes, licenses, and dealer fees can vary by state and dealership. Optional equipment, packages, and incentives also shape the final out-the-door price. Regional demand and vehicle supply can push or pull prices away from the MSRP, especially for popular trims like TRD Pro.
Below is a snapshot of typical sticker prices for the current 4Runner lineup, from base to top trims. These figures represent Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) before destination charges and taxes, and reflect the latest model year in common configurations. Actual prices may vary by region and dealer.
- SR5 — starting around $40,000
- SR5 Premium — approximately $46,000 to $50,000
- TRD Sport — approximately $50,000 to $54,000
- TRD Off-Road — approximately $50,000 to $58,000
- Limited — approximately $53,000 to $60,000
- TRD Pro — approximately $60,000 to $65,000
Note that the numbers above are baseline MSRPs. The actual out-the-door price will include destination charges (typically around $1,900), plus taxes, title, and any dealer-installed options or fees. Taking the time to understand the full pricing picture can help you negotiate more effectively.
Strategies to get the best price on a new 4Runner
To maximize value, you’ll want to approach the purchase with strategy and patience. The following practices often yield the best overall deal when buying new.
- Solicit quotes from multiple dealerships to compare total out-the-door prices, not just monthly payments.
- Ask specifically for the out-the-door price, including destination, taxes, and all fees, and request a line-item breakdown.
- Negotiate the price of the vehicle separately from financing or trade-in offers to avoid masking gaps in the actual cost.
- Inquire about current incentives, regional rebates, or special financing programs for new Toyota models.
- Be flexible on the trim and options; inventory and color availability can affect pricing and lead times.
- Evaluate add-ons carefully; options like extended warranties, rust protection, or window tinting are often negotiable or unnecessary at the time of sale.
Ultimately, the goal is to arrive at a transparent, total price that you’re comfortable with, rather than focusing solely on the monthly payment or a sticker price that omits hidden costs.
Summary
For a new Toyota 4Runner, expect to pay a price range from roughly $40,000 to $65,000 before taxes and destination charges, depending on trim and options. The best strategy to minimize cost is to shop around, compare out-the-door prices, leverage incentives, and avoid unnecessary add-ons. A careful approach, combined with patience and clear negotiation, can help you land a fair deal on the right 4Runner for your needs.
What year 4Runner to stay away from?
The Toyota 4Runner years to avoid are generally 2003-2005 due to severe frame rust and engine issues, and earlier models like 1988-1995 (specifically with the 3.0L V6) due to head gasket failures. Other problematic years include 2001-2002 for rust and 2010-2011 for airbag defects.
This video discusses the best and worst years for the Toyota 4Runner, including common problems to watch out for: 59scar PROblemsYouTube · Oct 29, 2024
Problematic model years by generation
- First Generation (1984-1989): Avoid 1988-1989 models with the 3.0L V6 engine due to potential head gasket failures.
- Second Generation (1990-1995): Avoid 1990-1995 models with the 3.0L V6 engine for the same head gasket issues.
- Third Generation (1996-2002): Avoid 2001-2002 models due to reports of severe frame rust and suspension problems.
- Fourth Generation (2003-2009): This is the most problematic generation.
- 2003-2005: These years are notorious for severe frame rust, and some 2003-2004 models are also associated with head gasket failure and dashboard cracks. The 2004 model is often cited as one of the worst due to a combination of rust, ABS problems, and poor rear impact safety ratings.
- Fifth Generation (2010-present): Avoid 2010-2011 models due to dangerous airbag defects.
Key issues to be aware of
- Frame and body rust: A significant problem, particularly for the 2003-2005 models, can lead to expensive repairs or a complete vehicle write-off.
- Engine issues: The 3.0L V6 engine in the second-generation 4Runner is prone to head gasket failure.
- Airbag defects: A recall affected the 2010-2011 models due to faulty airbags.
- Dashboard cracks: This was an ongoing issue in some models, including the 2004.
- Suspension and brake problems: The 2001-2002 models had suspension issues, while the 2004 had a high number of complaints about the ABS not working properly.
Why are 4Runners so expensive to buy?
4Runners are expensive due to their exceptional reliability, strong resale value, and rugged, durable construction that holds up well for off-road use. This reputation creates high demand for both new and used models, with some older models even fetching higher prices than their original MSRP due to their legendary longevity.
Reasons for the high cost:
- Exceptional reliability and longevity: 4Runners are famous for their durability, with many owners reporting that they can last for hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance, which gives them a legendary reputation in the used car market.
- Strong resale value: Due to their reliability, 4Runners hold their value exceptionally well, often outperforming competitors in the midsize SUV category. This strong resale value means that even used models remain in high demand and command higher prices.
- Durability and off-road capability: The 4Runner is built to be a rugged and capable vehicle, designed for both on-road comfort and serious off-road adventures. This durable construction contributes to its higher price point compared to less robust vehicles.
- Consistent high demand: The combination of reliability, durability, and brand reputation has created a consistent and strong demand for 4Runners, which drives up prices for both new and used models.
- Low depreciation: While most cars depreciate significantly, the 4Runner's value retention is so strong that it's not uncommon for a low-mileage used model to sell for more than its original sticker price.
What should I pay for a new 4Runner?
2025 Toyota 4Runner Features & Specs
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $41,270 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $157/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 48.4 cu.ft. |
What did you pay for your 2025 4Runner?
The price of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner starts at $42,765 and goes up to $57,395 depending on the trim and options. We think the best value is the four-wheel-drive TRD Off-Road, which comes with a good amount of off-road equipment without getting too expensive.
