carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $31,718–$36,865 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2016 Toyota 4Runner at 7.1/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.7/10, while Technology at 5.5/10 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. At 8.7/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 7.0/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.9/10 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 5.5/10 — 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 $31,718–$36,865, 11 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota 4Runner sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2016 Toyota 4Runner is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in performance and value and technology hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
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 2016 Toyota 4Runner ranks #1814 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 26% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $31,718 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 12%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the 4Runner model years we've scored, the 2016 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 (this review) | 7.1/10 | $31,718 | |
| 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… |
| Structure / Body / Hood 29/11/2017 · 17V763000 | Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Toyota 4Runner vehicles equipped with an accessory Billet Grille Overlay installed by SET or provided by SET and installed by SET dealers. The U-nut that secures the overlay grille… |
| Equipment 01/05/2017 · 17V291000 | Gulf States Toyota, Inc (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2016-2017 4Runner vehicles equipped with the TFORCE accessory package. The fasteners for the aftermarket roof rack may have been improperly tightened. |
Showing 5 of 8 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.