The Toyota 4Runner is one of the brand’s most reliable vehicles. Reportedly, 4.1% of examples of the midsize SUV reach 200,000 miles, and some owners claim to have gone beyond 300,000 miles. However, rust is the greatest threat to aging 4Runners.
Key Points
- A Toyota 4Runner can reach 300,000 miles with meticulous maintenance but expect closer to 200,000 miles.
- The 4Runner is susceptible to Toyota’s rust issues. Owners say rust and corrosion are common, and noticeable after only a few years on the road.
- The average annual repair cost for a 4Runner after four to five years is lower than average at a little over $500. However, Toyota recommends numerous extra services for 4Runners driven in snowy states.
- Fourth-generation 4Runners (2003 to 2009) have the worst rust issues. However, all 4Runners are susceptible to rust.
- iSeeCars‘ report on “Longest-lasting Cars to Reach 200,000 Miles and Beyond” cites the Toyota 4Runner in fifth place among 16 vehicles considered.
Expect a 4Runner to Last Close to 200,000 Miles, with 4.1% of the SUVs Reported to Reach the Mileage Milestone
Toyotas are known for their reliability, and the 4Runner is no exception. The Toyota 4Runner is one of the brand’s most reliable vehicles, with many 4Runners living to see as many as 300,000 miles.
In a study by iSeeCars titled “Longest-lasting Cars to Reach 200,000 Miles and Beyond,” the Toyota 4Runner earned the number five spot out of 16 vehicles, with 4.1% of the SUVs reaching over 200,000 miles.
Also, according to many reliable automotive sources, and confirmed by owners in popular enthusiast forums like Toyota 4Runner, the SUV is likely to reach around 200,000 miles. With proper maintenance, they’ll run even longer, with 300,000 not unreasonable.
So, will all 4Runners reach 200,000 miles? No. Routine maintenance is key to a 4Runner’s long-term survival. Fortunately, the 4Runner’s annual maintenance costs are lower than average at $514 a year, according to Repair Pal.
Rust is a Common Problem for Toyotas, Especially Fourth-gen 4Runners, and can Take the SUV off the Road Well Before 200,000 Miles
Rust is a common issue for Toyota vehicles, and one of the biggest concerns for 4Runners which are susceptible to rusty frames. The problems are due to manufacturer defects and from driving on roads treated with salt. If a 4Runner is to make it to the 200,000-mile mark, rust issues will need to be treated early.
In this 4Runners forum thread on “What Years Have Rust Problems?,” owners report that rust is noticeable within one to three years of ownership. It also mentions that the fourth-generation 4Runners (2003 to 2009) have the worst rust issues.
However, all 4Runners are susceptible to rust, which should be prevented ahead of time with an undercoating.
Adding to the rust issue, a common complaint about the Toyota 4Runner concerns corrosion on starter solenoids, which may require the starter to be replaced.
Longevity of a Toyota 4Runner Depends Heavily on How it’s Driven and How Much Care it Gets, but Many will Make it Past 200,000 Miles
The Toyota 4Runner is commonly known for two things: it’s a very reliable vehicle, and it’s susceptible to Toyota’s infamous rust issues.
But if the rust issues are spotted early and taken care of, and if the vehicle is well maintained within Toyota’s guidelines, then newer 4Runners made within the last 10 years should last anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles. This assessment comes both from reliable automotive sources and real-owner reviews.
Overall, Toyota’s long-time reputation for making reliable vehicles overrides any foreseeable rust issues and confirms that the 4Runner can last 200,000 miles. If you put effort into maintaining your 4Runner, it may even go beyond 300,000 miles.
Photos: Toyota
