2026 Toyota 4Runner Review

2026 Toyota 4Runner Specs and Features

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner at Cumberland Toyota in Cookeville, TN, brings back true body-on-frame SUV capability with a 278-horsepower turbocharged engine, available 2WD or 4WD, and up to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity. Offered in six gas-powered trims, including SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road Premium, and Limited, this 4Runner generation continues to compete directly with the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco while maintaining everyday road comfort.

If you are reading a Toyota 4Runner review and comparing trims, specs, fuel economy, and road capability, the 2026 Toyota 4Runner delivers a serious balance of power, practicality, and off-road engineering. Built on the TNGA-F chassis and powered by the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, this SUV remains a core member of the Toyota lineup alongside the Tacoma and other vehicles designed for active lifestyles.

Interior Comfort and Versatile Space

The 2026 4Runner offers standard seating for five passengers, with available third-row seating on select trims that increases seating capacity to seven. The cabin is engineered for durability while maintaining comfort for daily driving.

Interior dimensions include:

• Front headroom: 39.7 inches
• Rear headroom: 37.8 inches
• Front legroom: 41.8 inches
• Rear legroom: 34.8 inches
• Wheelbase: 112.2 inches

Cargo capacity measures 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row and expands to 90.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. With third-row seating available, cargo space measures 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Interior features vary by trim, but available amenities include:

• SofTex®-trimmed, heated, and ventilated front seats
• Leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats on Limited
• 50/50 split fold-flat third-row seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Hands-free power liftgate with power rear window

Additional interior details include cloth seating surfaces on SR5, power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats on Premium trims, illuminated entry, power windows with auto up/down and jam protection, digital gauge cluster with 7-inch Multi-Information Display or available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and cargo area LED liftgate light.

The signature power rear window remains a defining feature across the 4Runner generation, allowing the rear glass to raise and lower independently for easier cargo access.

Exterior Design and Trail-Ready Hardware

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner blends rugged design with modern refinement. A high-clearance front bumper, wide stance, and sculpted body lines reflect serious road capability.

Available exterior paint colors include:

• Wave Maker
• Supersonic Red
• Everest
• Wind Chill Pearl
• Underground

Additional colors include Ice Cap, Heritage Blue, Black, and Cutting Edge.

Exterior equipment varies by trim level. SR5 features 17-inch dark-gray painted alloy wheels and a black horizontal-bar grille. TRD Sport adds 20-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, gloss-black hood scoop, and honeycomb-style grille. TRD Off-Road includes 18-inch alloy wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires, a black honeycomb grille, and Bilstein® monotube shocks.

Limited features 20-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, satin-chrome tri-bar grille, heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, and available third-row seating.

Additional exterior and hardware features include:

• Premium LED headlights with daytime running lights
• LED fog lights or Rigid Industries® LED fog lights
• High-clearance front bumper
• Composite or aluminum skid plates
• Roof rails in black or satin chrome
• Power tilt and slide moonroof

Available equipment across trims includes frame-mounted steel rock rails, automatic power-extending running boards, fixed running boards, TRD performance exhaust, rear spoiler with integrated LED stop light, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and privacy-tinted rear glass.

Performance, Powertrain, and Road Capability

The i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine powers the 2026 Toyota 4Runner gas model.

i-FORCE 2.4-liter Turbo Engine

• 278 horsepower at 6,000 rpm
• 317 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 rpm
• Twin-scroll turbocharger
• D-4ST direct and port fuel injection
• Eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission

EPA estimates for rear-wheel drive models are 20 city and 26 highway mpg. EPA estimates for 4WD models are 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Drive configurations include 2WD, part-time 4WD with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case, and full-time 4WD with a Torsen limited-slip center differential.

Towing capacity reaches up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. The 4Runner includes an integrated towing receiver hitch with four- and seven-pin connectors, Trailer Sway Control, and an available Tow Tech Package with an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller and Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist.

Off-Road and Suspension Systems

The 4Runner offers serious terrain capability across TRD Off-Road trims:

• Multi-Terrain Select
• Crawl Control
• Downhill Assist Control
• Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism
• Bilstein® or Adaptive Variable Suspension

The reinforced body-on-frame TNGA-F chassis provides increased rigidity and rust protection. Ground clearance measures 8.1 inches, and approach and departure angles range from 18 to 24 degrees depending on trim.

Whether navigating highway miles or rough terrain, the 4Runner remains composed and capable.

Technology and Connectivity

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner integrates Toyota Audio Multimedia and connected services across the lineup.

Infotainment and Audio

• Available tech features include:
• 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen
• 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay®
• Wireless Android Auto™
• JBL® Premium Audio with 14 speakers and subwoofer

Additional technology features include a digital gauge cluster, SiriusXM trial subscription, Bluetooth® connectivity, USB ports, Wi-Fi Connect hotspot capability, Remote Connect, Service Connect, Safety Connect, Drive Connect with Cloud Navigation and Intelligent Assistant, and Digital Key capability.

Safety Systems and Driver Assistance

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner includes Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 across the gas trims.

Core safety features include:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Automatic High Beams

Additional available safety and convenience technologies include:

• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Panoramic View Monitor with 360-degree overhead view
• Multi-Terrain Monitor
• Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking
• Trailer Sway Control

The 4Runner includes nine airbags, child-protector rear door locks, the LATCH system, the Tire Pressure Monitor System, an anti-theft system, and advanced stability control.

Explore the 2026 Toyota 4Runner at Cumberland Toyota

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner delivers body-on-frame strength, turbocharged power, advanced off-road capability, and everyday comfort in a proven SUV platform. Whether you are comparing it to the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, or exploring the broader Toyota lineup, the gas-powered 4Runner stands out for its durability and versatility.

Visit Cumberland Toyota in Cookeville, TN, to test drive the 2026 Toyota 4Runner and explore available trims and configurations. If you are also interested in the Toyota 4Runner hybrid powertrain or hybrid trim options, our team can help you compare models and find the right SUV for your needs.

* Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Toyota is under license. A compatible Bluetooth®-enabled phone must be paired first. Phone performance depends on software, coverage, and carrier.

* All fuel economy mpg listings in the content above are manufacturer estimates. Actual mileage will vary.

*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.