2026 Toyota 4Runner Review

AutoNetwork's expert review of the 2026 Toyota 4Runner, including POV test drive footage, 360° walkaround, real-world driving impressions, and honest pros and cons for car buyers.

Read the full 2026 2026 Toyota 4Runner review with detailed photos, video walkaround, and buyer guidance.

Quick Facts

MSRP	$41,570 plus
Towing	Up to 6,000 pounds across the range
Seating	Up to 7 with available third row
EPA rating	Up to 20 city / 26 highway MPG (2WD gas); 23/24/23 (hybrid 4WD)
Gas powertrain	i-FORCE 2.4L turbo, 278 hp / 317 lb-ft
Standard safety	Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
Hybrid powertrain	i-FORCE MAX, 326 hp / 465 lb-ft

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner is in its second year of an all-new generation: a body-on-frame SUV built on the TNGA-F platform shared with the Tacoma and Land Cruiser, powered by a 2.4-liter turbo four or the 326-hp i-FORCE MAX hybrid, towing up to 6,000 pounds, and starting at $41,570.

Trim Lineup

Nine grades: SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, plus the new-for-2026 Platinum and the off-road flagships TRD Pro and Trailhunter. TRD Pro, Trailhunter and Platinum come standard with the hybrid powertrain.

Engines and Fuel Economy

| Powertrain | Horsepower | Torque | EPA (city/hwy/combined) | |---|---|---|---| | i-FORCE 2.4L turbo, 2WD | 278 hp | 317 lb-ft | 20 / 26 / 22 MPG | | i-FORCE 2.4L turbo, 4WD | 278 hp | 317 lb-ft | 19 / 25 / 21 MPG | | i-FORCE MAX hybrid, 4WD | 326 hp | 465 lb-ft | 23 / 24 / 23 MPG |

Towing capacity is up to 6,000 pounds across the range.

What's New for 2026

The new Platinum grade tops the comfort range, and the Trailhunter joins as the overlanding flagship. The Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism — which unlocks extra front articulation on the trail — is now optional on the TRD Off-Road Premium i-FORCE MAX. Available tech includes a 14-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

Capability

The TNGA-F boxed ladder frame brings more rigidity and a calmer ride than the old 4Runner ever had. TRD Off-Road grades add Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, and an available third row seats up to seven. Inside, available 14-inch touchscreen tech and a 12.3-inch digital cluster bring the cabin into the modern era — something the outgoing generation never managed.

Safety

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard on every grade: pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control and proactive driving assist.

Warranty

Basic: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Hybrid battery: 10 years / 150,000 miles

Questions People Ask About the 2026 4Runner

How much is a 2026 4Runner? It starts at $41,570 plus

What MPG does the 4Runner hybrid get? The i-FORCE MAX 4WD rates 23 city, 24 highway, 23 combined — about two MPG better combined than the gas 4WD version.

Which 4Runner trims are hybrid? The i-FORCE MAX hybrid is standard on TRD Pro, Trailhunter and Platinum.

How much can the 4Runner tow? Up to 6,000 pounds across the lineup.

TRD Off-Road vs. Limited — which one? TRD Off-Road is the trail hardware play: Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, off-road suspension. Limited is the comfort play: leather-trimmed interior, 20-inch wheels and available full-time 4WD.

The 2026 4Runner finally has a powertrain worthy of its frame. The old 4.0-liter V6 is gone, replaced by a turbo four that makes more power and makes the 6,000-pound tow rating meaningful again. Buy the gas i-FORCE if you want the classic formula at the lowest price. Buy the i-FORCE MAX if you live with this truck daily and want the extra 48 horsepower — the hybrid is now the choice for TRD Pro, Trailhunter and Platinum. Skip it entirely if you never leave pavement: at $41,570 to start and low-20s MPG, a crossover does that job for thousands less. And if you're cross-shopping the 4Runner against the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, the Toyota's edge is the same one it has always had — reliability you can plan a decade around, now with a hybrid battery warrantied for 150,000 miles.

The Bottom Line

Buy the 2026 4Runner if you genuinely use its capability — the ladder frame, 6,000-pound towing and TRD Pro/Trailhunter hardware are the point. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid is the one to choose if you split time between pavement and trail, since it adds 48 hp and a few MPG. Skip it if your driving is city commuting: at $41,570 to start and low-20s MPG, the RAV4 does that job for thousands less.

Best For

Buyers who need real towing and trail hardware on a ladder frame
Overlanding families who want the new Trailhunter or TRD Pro
Drivers upgrading from the old V6 4Runner who want more power
Households needing a third row in a body-on-frame SUV

Skip It If

You want good fuel economy — this is a 21–23 MPG vehicle at best
You never leave pavement — a crossover costs less and rides better
Your budget is under $40,000

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