2007 Toyota 4Runner Review: One of the More Reliable, and More Expensive, 2007 Off-Roaders

The 2007 Toyota 4Runner is a bit limited as a daily-driver, but it’s an excellent off-roader all around, easily matching comparable Jeeps and Chevrolets on performance, and outclassing them on longevity and reliability. But, typical Kelley Blue Book prices put the SUV in the low five-figures, and you probably don’t want to spend that much money on a vehicle that’s old enough to get its own driver’s license.

Is the 2007 Toyota 4Runner a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 8/10 – Simply one of the best off-road SUVs released in the late 2000s, but less versatile than comparable offerings from Honda and Ford. It’s an adventure vehicle, not a daily-driver.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Spacious and smooth-riding. But, the third-row is a bit tight, and there are a few complaints of early corrosion in the suspension.
• Reliability 9/10 – It’s a Toyota. It’s probably the most reliable, low-maintenance off-roader in its model year.
• Safety 8/10 – Anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard, and the SUV earned solid crash test scores across the board.
• Gas Mileage 7/10 – The V6 model will get you around 18/22 miles to the gallon, city/highway. As far as 2007 mid-size SUVs go, you could do a lot worse.
• Value 6/10 – The 2007 4Runner goes for around ten to twelve thousand dollars. That’s just too much money to spend on a 2007 SUV.

What Do Critics Say About the 2007 Toyota 4Runner?

Consumer Reports were impressed with the 2007 Toyota 4Runner’s quiet, roomy cabin, secure handling, standard safety features, and strong body-on-frame construction. They note that it’s not particularly agile, but is one of the most capable off-roaders in its class.

Kelley Blue Book liked the roomy interior and rugged, reliable powertrain. They note that, while the 4Runner excels in terms of size, space, and performance, it comes up a bit short if you’re looking for a versatile family car with a robust suite of standard features.

Edmunds adds to the overall consensus on the 4Runner: Awesome off-roader, not-so-great everything-else. The lack of a fold-flat third row limits the 4Runner’s usefulness, as you’ll have to uninstall the back seats entirely if you want to haul more than a few coolers and a grill.

What Common Problems Does the 2007 Toyota 4Runner Have?

The 2007 Toyota 4Runner has a scant 150 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Of these, 40 are for structure. Drivers are reporting excessive rust in the frame, to the point of rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive.

Corrosion issues extend to the suspension, as well. A handful of drivers have reported losing their shocks and struts to rust. This can be prevented with a coating anti-rust spray, but once it settles in it’s effectively impossible to fix, requiring a whole new frame, at which point you might as well buy a whole new vehicle.

There are reports of the 4Runner revving up from park, sometimes resulting in unintended acceleration. A recall was issued for pedal entrapment in 2011, but it is unclear how many of these complaints, if any, are related to the recall. Rate of incidence is thankfully low, with just 21 vehicle speed control complaints on file.

The 2007 4Runner has been recalled 5 times, which is on the lower end of the median for vehicles in this model year.

How Long Will the 2007 Toyota 4Runner Last?

The 2007 4Runner could last 300,000 miles or more. It’s a Toyota, so you can expect a long lifespan. Around 4% pass 200,000. If you take excellent care of yours you can realistically expect a used model to hit 250,000 miles before the repairs get to be a little too expensive to bother with.

Repairpal estimate a nice low annual maintenance cost of just $379, with the most expensive common problem, by far, being a head gasket replacement starting at around $2,419 and running up to $2,835.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology in the 2007 Toyota 4Runner is decent for the model year. You’ve got a CD player and an MP3 player in the entry-level model, and the high-end Limited adds a 6-disc CD changer.

Safety technology is more than adequate for a 2007 SUV. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control all come standard, as do full airbags. You won’t find any newer gadgets like rearview cameras on board, but what’s here is pretty good for the model year.

Is the 2007 Toyota 4Runner a Good Value?

The 2007 Toyota 4Runner is a bit overpriced considering the vehicle’s age. An entry-level SR5 typically lists for around $10,514, while a Limited can go for $12,727. Those prices wouldn’t be so bad on a like-new model, but these are for vehicles with 150,000 miles on the odometer.

Maintenance costs are very low, and refueling is cheaper than you might expect in this size class, and in this model year. But it would take a long time for those savings to pay off over the high sticker price.

What are the Different Models of the 2007 Toyota 4Runner?

The 2007 4Runner is offered in three trim levels from the the base SR5 to the high-end Limited. All three are available with either a V6 or a V8 engine, making for six models total.

With the entry-level SR5 you’re getting:

• Anti-lock brakes and traction control
• Remote keyless entry
• Fog lights
• Cloth seating
• Automatic air conditioning
• CD player with 6 speakers and MP3 player
• Power mirrors
• Cruise control

The mid-range Sport model adds:

• Heated mirrors
• 8-way power driver seat
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted cruise and audio controls

The top-of-the-line Limited adds:

• Dual zone automatic air conditioning
• Leather seating
• Heated front seats
• 6-disc CD changer

What Engines Come In the 2007 Toyota 4Runner?

• The 2007 4Runner’s base engine is a 4.0L V6 delivering 236 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission in rear/four wheel drive, and it averages 16/21 miles to the gallon, city/highway. The V6 can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
• Next up is a 4.7L V8 delivering 260 horsepower and 306 lb.-ft. of torque at 14/18 miles to the gallon. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic in rear/four wheel drive, and it can tow up to 7,000 pounds, making it a breeze to pull dirtbikes, ATVs, jet skis and fishing boats out where you need them to be.

What Colors Does the 2007 Toyota 4Runner Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2007 Toyota 4Runner?

The 2007 4Runner is fairly comfortable. Toyota advertises seating for 7, but the third row is a bit short on leg room. Realistically, you can haul 4 adults comfortably. The back seats stretch 55 inches across, which isn’t bad, and you’ve got plenty of hip room.

Suspension rides smoother in the 4Runner than in, say, a Jeep Cherokee. But there are those reports of major corrosion in the undercarriage, so take a look under the SUV when you go for a test drive, and see how it performs on speed bumps and broken roads.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2007 Toyota 4Runner Have?

The 2007 4Runner is one of the smaller vehicles in its size class when it comes to storage space, expanding to 75 cubic feet with the back seats removed. The lack of a fold-flat third row really hurts the SUV in this regard, meaning you’ll need to find somewhere to store the seats any time you’re packing a full load.

Still, 75 cubic feet is more than enough space to throw down a sleeping bag and take a nap on a long road trip, or save yourself the effort of setting up a tent for an overnight camp out.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

2006 was the fourth model year in the nameplate’s 4th Generation, which ran from 2003 to 2009.

2005: 5-speed automatic transmissions were made standard for V6 models in 2005.

2006: 2006 was a mid-cycle refresh year, adding new headlights and chrome trim to the SR5 model.

2007: No big changes for 2007.

2008: The biggest change for 2008 was the addition of roll-sensing side-curtain airbags.

2009: Changes for this year were minor. Rear window switches were repositioned to the center console.

2010: The 5th Generation relaunch saw the addition of a four-cylinder engine option, a more powerful V6, and a redesigned body based more on a conventional pickup.

How Does the 2007 Toyota 4Runner Compare to the Competition?

If you’re after an off-road adventure vehicle, you’re probably comparing a 4Runner to a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Grand Cherokee sells for around half the price of a 4Runner, starting at about $5,721. A Jeep comes with a steeper repair bill, but, even so, the Grand Cherokee is probably going to cost you less in the long run.

It’s the same story with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, another capable off-roader. It’s more likely to rack up some expensive repairs, but can be had for under $4,500 if you shop around. The 4Runner will save you some money at the shop, but will it save you five, six thousand dollars over 100,000 miles? Probably not.

The 2007 4Runner is a Toyota, so it’s one of the most reliable vehicles in its class. But, it’s not five thousand dollars more reliable than the competition.

Do Owners Recommend the 2007 Toyota 4Runner?