Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2019 Toyota 4Runner
Our scoring places the 2019 Toyota 4Runner at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.8/10, while Technology at 5.6/10 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 8.8/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 7.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.4/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 5.6/10 — 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 $35,474–$46,592, 14 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota 4Runner sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.7/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 7 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 2019 Toyota 4Runner is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in 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 →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2019 Toyota 4Runner ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $35,474 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
$0 — 4 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which 4Runner Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Toyota 4Runner scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.3 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
Fuel economy at 14 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2019 Toyota 4Runner (4 on record)
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 with our free VIN recall checker.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020…
Equipment / Other / Labels 25/10/2018 · 18V753000
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles that SET modified to be equipped with a TRD wheel package. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly…
Steering 20/09/2019 · 19V670000
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.
Equipment / Other / Labels 27/03/2019 · 19V244000
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2019 Toyota 4Runner that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2019 Toyota 4Runner
Is the 2019 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
We rate the 2019 Toyota 4Runner's reliability 8.8/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota 4Runner have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2019 Toyota 4Runner worth buying?
It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #1384 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 44% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2019 Toyota 4Runner cost?
The 2019 Toyota 4Runner starts at $35,474 and ranges up to $46,592 across trims (MSRP when new). At 14 MPG, expect roughly $3,750/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which 4Runner years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest 4Runner years we've rated are 2016 (7.1/10), 2015 (7.1/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.6/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2019 Toyota 4Runner have?
The documented issues for the 2019 Toyota 4Runner are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Fuel system, gasoline, Equipment, Steering (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Toyota 4Runner
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