2008 Toyota 4Runner Review: An Excellent Off-Roader Selling at Around $3,000 More Than Its Worth

The 2008 Toyota 4Runner would be the easiest SUV in the world to recommend if it only listed for a few thousand dollars less. It is the most reliable off-roader in its model year, and one of the most capable, but it’s hard to justify spending $10,000 to $15,000 on a vehicle this old.

Is the 2008 Toyota 4Runner a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 9/10 – The 2008 Toyota 4Runner is a Vehicle History Owner’s Choice award winner for its model year. The steep sticker price is really the only major issue with the SUV.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – It’s more comfortable than a Jeep, but it would be nice if the third row would fold flat.
• Reliability 9/10 – The only thing you need to look out for is corrosion in the underframe.
• Safety 8/10 – The 4Runner comes with good crash test scores and generous standard safety equipment.
• Gas Mileage 6/10 – A V8 model delivers around 14/18 miles to the gallon. That’s not terrible for a 2008 off-roader, but it might have you wondering if a 2008 off-roader is really worth buying.
• Value 6/10 – The entry-level model sells for around $10,000. You could buy a brand new Hyundai for that price.

What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Toyota 4Runner?

Consumer Reports praised the 4Runner as one of the best off-roaders in its price range. They note that the body-on-frame construction actually rides better than some car-based SUVs, the cabin is nice and quiet, and the handling is secure, if not exactly nimble.

Kelley Blue Book liked the spacious interior, the rugged off-road performance, and the generous features of teh 2008 4Runner They note that there are bigger SUVs out there for the same price, though, so the 4Runner is only recommended if all-terrain performance is a priority.

Edmunds liked the power of the V6 engine, and they found that the 4Runner performed pretty well on the highway for an SUV oriented around the dirt road. The lack of a folding third-row, mediocre fuel capacity, and limited rear leg room earned a few red marks.

What Common Problems Does the 2008 Toyota 4Runner Have?

The 2008 Toyota 4Runner has generated just 92 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 26 of these are for the powertrain, with drivers reporting rollaway stemming from difficulty shifting into park.

A handful of suspension and structure complaints point to excessive corrosion in the frame, shocks, and struts. This is more common in colder states where you see a lot of road salt, and can be impossible to fix once the rust settles in.

The issues with rust extend to other areas, like the brakes, with reports of corrosion chewing right through the brake lines.

The 2008 Toyota 4Runner has been recalled 5 times in total, which is average for a vehicle this old.

How Long Will the 2008 Toyota 4Runner Last?

The Toyota 4Runner has been reported to last 300,000 miles and up. It’s a Toyota, after all, so this isn’t too surprising. But, if frame rust settles in, you’ll be lucky to pass 100,000 miles. Expect a typical lifespan of around 250,000 miles, but don’t even bother with a test drive until you’ve taken a look at the frame.

Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $451, which makes it one of the most low-maintenance off-roaders on the market. New brake master cylinders make up the most expensive common repairs, starting at around $1,303.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology in the 4Runner is good for 2008. MP3 players come standard, and you can upgrade to a 6-disc CD changer.

Safety technology includes everything you hope to find in an off-roader. You’ve got anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, and electronic brake force distribution, all standard.

Is the 2008 Toyota 4Runner a Good Value?

The 2008 Toyota 4Runner is a better value than a comparable Jeep Wrangler, but it’s still not a great bargain. A Sport model typically sells for around $11,654, while a high-end Limited will go for around $14,136.

Even for a Toyota, even for a rugged off-roader, these prices are pretty high for a vehicle that’s old enough to get its own driver’s license. Cost of ownership is below average, but not low enough to make up for the high sticker price. If you think a 2008 SUV is worth $15k, go for it. But consider the alternatives, first.

What are the Different Models of the 2008 Toyota 4Runner?

The 2008 Toyota 4Runner is available in two engine types, V6 and V8, and three trim levels, from the base SR5 to the high-end Limited.

In the base SR5 you’re getting:

• Automatic air conditioning
• Anti-lock brakes and traction control
• Cloth seating
• Fog lights
• Remote keyless entry
• CD/MP3 player

The mid-range Sport adds:

• Heated mirrors
• 17″ machined aluminum wheels
• 8-way power adjust driver seat
• Leather wrapped steering wheel with mounted cruise and audio controls

In a top-of-the-line Limited you’re adding:

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

What Engines Come In the 2008 Toyota 4Runner?

• V6 models pack a 4.0L V6 engine delivering 236 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission in rear wheel drive, and it averages 16/20 miles to the gallon, city/highway. The V6 tows up to 5,000 pounds.
• In the V8 model you get a 4.7L V8 delivering 260 horsepower and 306 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic in four wheel drive, it averages 14/17 miles to the gallon, and it can tow up to 7,300 pounds.

What Colors Does the 2008 Toyota 4Runner Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2008 Toyota 4Runner?

The 2008 Toyota 4Runner is more comfortable than a Jeep, but less comfortable than a typical full-size SUV. It’s built for the dirt road, so suspension may be a little stiffer than you’re used to, but you’ve got 55 inches of hip room in the back and a reasonably spacious cabin.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Toyota 4Runner Have?

The 2008 Toyota 4Runner packs 40 cubic feet of cargo to start with, and you can expand that to 75 by removing the back row. The third row does not fold flat, unfortunately, you’ve got to pull it all the way out and find a spot for it in your garage if you want to pack a little extra cargo.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The 2007 model 4Runner was the sixth model year in the nameplate’s 4th Generation, running from 2003 to 2009.

2006: A mid-cycle refresh year, the 4Runner got a new set of headlights and some extra chrome trim in the SR5 model.

2007: There were no major changes for 2007.

2008: Roll-sensing side-curtain airbags were added for 2008.

2009: Rear window switches were repositioned to the center console for 2009.

2010: Toyota launched the 5th Gen 4Runner in 2010, adding a four-cylinder engine option, beefing up the V6, and rebuilding the body design to look more like a standard pickup.

How Does the 2008 Toyota 4Runner Compare to the Competition?

The Toyota 4Runner is arguably the best off-road SUV on the market for this model year. But it’s not so much better than its nearest competitors as to be worth twice the cost.

A 2008 Grand Cherokee is prone to early breakdowns and expensive repairs, but it sells for about four thousand dollars less than a 4Runner at the entry level.

The 2008 Chevy TrailBlazer is a bit more reliable than a Jeep, with list price starting in the low $5,000 range, around half the cost of a comparable 4Runner.

It’s a shame that the 2008 Toyota 4Runner is so expensive, because it really is an excellent SUV from top to bottom. You’re just not going to find many drivers willing to spend five figures on an SUV that’s almost old enough to vote.

Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Toyota 4Runner?