The review of the V8 version of the 4Runner praised that exceptional engine more than any other piece of the vehicle, yet the version equipped with the base V6 outranked it. How? The 4.0-liter V6 is also a very impressive engine that can also provide impressive power and refinement, along with better gas mileage. It’s not as quick or as silent as the V8, but it is good enough that the V8 isn’t worth its $2,000 price premium. 

The 4Runner has a very comfortable ride in most conditions, smooth, controlled, and absorbent. Some bumps taken at highway speeds can lead to side-to-side rocking however, and ride float is occasionally noticeable as well. There is less control evident in cornering, however. Body roll is excessive, but the vehicle remains safe overall. The steering is completely numb, but fairly accurate and responsive. The 4.0-liter V6 provides impressive acceleration, but lacks the effortless feel of the V8. Likewise, it is very smooth and refined, but not at the level of the Lexus-issue 4.7-liter. Gas mileage naturally improves, but not as significantly as could be expected. 

Inside, the 4Runner’s front seats are well-shaped, but too low. The rear seat is mounted too low as well, and surprisingly cramped, lacking in head space despite the seat’s placement and in foot space beneath the front seats. The third row is low, hard, and cramped, but most adults should be able to physically fit. The dash uses mostly notably high-quality materials that fit together well, though some plastics on the center stack feel insubstantial. The gauges are very clear, and the instruments are well-placed and easy to use. Visibility is good, with pillar-mounted inside mirrors compensating somewhat for the pillars' thickness, but the driver sits too low, though comfortably enough. A high ride height complicates entry/exit. There is very little cargo space behind the third row, but folding it opens up an adequately-large, well-shaped area. The particularly high floor complicates loading large items, however.

The 4Runner did well in crash testing, earning four stars for both the driver and the front passenger in the NHTSA frontal crash test, and five for both the driver and the rear passenger in the side crash test. NHTSA also estimated that the 4Runner would have a 20% chance of tipping up in a single-vehicle accident, good for a rating of three out of five stars. The IIHS awarded the 4Runner a rating of Best Pick in its offset crash test, but haven’t evaluated the vehicle’s head restraints.

The 4Runner reviewed here came in at $30,203, some $600 less than the V8 version. But more of that difference is in equipment, this 4Runner has the power seats and sunroof that the other lacks, along with its traction and stability control, side airbag system, automatic climate control, and power liftgate window. But neither vehicle includes a 6-disc CD player, a reverse sensing system, or heated leather seats.

Overall, the V6 version of the 4Runner is almost as impressive as the exceptional V8, for much less money. But neither have sufficient interior comfort, agility, or value to place ahead of more vehicles here. The 4Runner is a decent vehicle with an excellent V6, but it is not worth the asking price.