What transmission does a 4Runner have?
The short answer: modern Toyota 4Runners use a 5-speed automatic transmission. The exact gearbox has evolved across generations, and older models offered manual options or different automatic configurations depending on year and market. If you have a specific year in mind, you can confirm the exact transmission by checking the drivetrain code on the vehicle.
To understand how this applies in practice, it helps to look at how transmission choices have changed across the model’s history. The 4Runner has progressed from early manual-leaning setups to today’s streamlined automatic layout, with the current U.S. lineup centering on a 5-speed automatic paired with Toyota’s four-wheel-drive systems.
Current generation (fifth, 2010–present)
What you get today
The latest 4Runners in the United States are equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission that is electronically controlled and offers a sequential shift mode for a more manual-like experience when desired. This transmission is paired with the 4.0-liter V6 engine and is matched to the model’s multi-mode 4WD configurations, depending on trim.
- 5-speed automatic transmission with electronic control and sequential shift mode.
- No factory manual transmission option on U.S. market 4Runners (as of the current generation).
In practice, this means the current generation relies on an automatic gearbox with modern shift logic, complemented by off-road-capable four-wheel-drive systems across most trims.
Historical context
Generational overview
Transmission options have varied by era. Here is a broad, high-level view of how things have evolved over the 4Runner’s history.
- Early generations (1980s–1990s): a mix of manual and automatic transmissions was available, with many trims offering manual gearboxes and others offering automatics.
- Later generations (1990s–2000s): automatic transmissions became more prevalent, with four- and five-speed automatics common and some markets offering manual options on certain trims.
- Fifth generation (2010–present): the U.S. lineup standardized on a 5-speed automatic, with no regular-production manual option in the current generation.
Note: exact transmission availability can vary by year, engine, and market. For precise details on a specific 4Runner, check the vehicle’s drivetrain label or owner's manual.
Summary
Today’s Toyota 4Runner uses a 5-speed automatic transmission in the United States, paired with a 4WD system. Historically, the model offered manual transmissions and a range of automatic configurations across earlier generations. For any given year, the best way to confirm the exact gearbox is to consult the vehicle’s drivetrain code or official documentation.
