carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $23,680–$30,414 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 6.8/10, the 2012 Toyota 4Runner earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.5/10, while Technology at 5.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Toyota 4Runner's reliability at 8.5/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. Safety is a notable gap at 6.5/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance at 6.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 5.3/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $23,680–$30,414, 10 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota 4Runner sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The value score of 6.2/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2012 Toyota 4Runner, but it needs the right buyer. Its performance and safety and value and technology scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2012 Toyota 4Runner ranks #2205 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 10% of the segment. Its 6.8/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $23,680 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 34%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the 4Runner model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.6/10 | $42,987 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.6/10 | $42,987 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $41,735 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $40,482 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $39,230 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.4/10 | $37,978 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $36,726 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $35,474 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $34,222 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $32,970 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $31,718 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $30,466 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 09/01/2019 · 19V005000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama,… |
|---|---|
| Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 17/10/2019 · 19V741000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F,… |
| Structure / Body / Hood / Hinge and attachments 03/07/2017 · 17V425000 | Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to… |
| Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 09/01/2017 · 17V006000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever… |
| Engine and engine cooling / Exhaust system / Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe 03/08/2016 · 16V577000 | Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 3, 2009, to December 1, 2014. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET… |
Showing 5 of 8 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
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Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
