For decades now, the Toyota 4Runner has had an almost cult following. With each new iteration, this is for better and better reasons. Over its many years of production, engineering, design and redesign, the 4Runner has only gotten better and better. Now, in 2026, there’s no denying its deft balancing of on-road refinement and off-road capabilities. Sharing its underpinnings with the popular Tacoma and powered by a punchy four-cylinder turbo that spools out a healthy 278-hp. There are even more powerful Hybrid options now available.
The Toyota 4Runner already underwent a complete, head-to-toe redesign in 2025. So we wouldn’t expect to see many changes for 2026, if any at all. Starting at just over $43,000 and climbing to over $58,000 for the top trim Limited model, the new 4Runner delivers something for everybody. From the base SR5, which still comes equipped with all of the driving aides one could desire, the TRD Premium off-road monster, on up to the luxurious Limited edition. It was my pleasure to spend a week with the TRD Off-Road model, which would be my suggestion for anyone in the market and on the look out.
Landing right in the middle of the model range, with a price tag just under $52,000, the TRD Off-Road brings serious looks, value and off-road credibility. For a little more, the TRD Off-Road offers a Premium version with extra luxurious additions like faux leather seats, a heated steering wheel and an enormous 14-inch infotainment screen.
From the outside, the new styling is masculine, angular and tough in all the right ways. It’s Boxy and menacing, especially with meatier tires, step-up side rails and the extra ground clearance. Inside, the space will look and feel familiar if you’ve seen the new Tacoma, as it’s effectively identical. Big knobs and controls fit the sport utility theme perfectly. Seats are supportive and comfortable, even after 5-plus hours on the road. Storage space is smartly laid out and plentiful. Rear seats offer lots of space to stretch out. There’s cargo room in the way back to spare and even a neat little power-operated rear window.
Choose the TRD Off-Road model to get part-time 4WD, a locking rear diff and a 2-speed transfer case. Suspension upgrades include Bilstein shocks. There are the all important underbody skid plates to protect the engine, transmission, fuel tank and transfer case. 18-inch wheels come in a matte-black finish with perfectly proportioned, thick all-terrain rubber. A black honeycomb grille rounds off the aggressive styling. The Everest color is a unique paint option that swirls together greens and blues to create the effect of, what I imagine looking deep into clear, glacial ice might look like.
Since it’s quite beginnings in 1984, the Toyota 4Runner has built itself into a complete force to be reckoned with. In many ways, it’s become the benchmark for other auto manufacturers for what a quality, balanced-built SUV should be. Something to admire and emulate as closely as possible. If you’ve never owned one before, or have been a repeat customer for years, this latest version will not disappoint.
