Is the 2016 Toyota 4Runner a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B+8.5/10
Ideal for those seeking a rugged and reliable off-road SUV with ample space, but not for those prioritizing on-road comfort or fuel efficiency.
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Pros
- Strong off-road capability
- Spacious interior
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Poor fuel economy
- Dated interior design
- Less refined ride on pavement
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
17 mpg
Maintenance cost
$1,500/yr
Expected lifespan
250,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Cracking dashboard
- Vague steering feel
- Rear suspension sag
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (8)
The 2016 Toyota 4runner has 8 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Equipment — Other — Labels (campaign 16V228000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Equipment — 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.…
- Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module — Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling one 2016 Toyota 4Runner vehicle manufactured November 1, 2016 and one 2017 Lexus GX460 vehicle manufactured November 16, 2016. The affected vehicles are equ…
- Tires — Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. …
- Equipment — Other — Labels — Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 22, 2014, to March 23, 2016 and equipped with accessories installed by Gulf States. The Loa…
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.