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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $41,233–$47,924 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2016 Toyota 4Runner SL is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.1/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.7/10, while Technology at 5.8/10 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. Reliability stands out at 8.7/10. The 4Runner SL nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 7.0/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
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 5.8/10 — 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 $41,233–$47,924, 11 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota 4Runner SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.4/10 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.
Verdict: The 2016 Toyota 4Runner SL sits in the middle of the field. Until its performance and value and technology scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
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 SL 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 $41,233 starting price is about 14% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the 4Runner SL 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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.6/10 | $55,883 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $54,255 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $52,626 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $50,999 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.3/10 | $49,371 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $47,743 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $46,116 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $44,488 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $42,861 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.1/10 | $41,233 | |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $39,605 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.