why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Toyota 4Runner

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 2 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Toyota 4Runner

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2008 Toyota 4Runner Review

By KBB.com Editors

Few SUVs are held in such high regard as the Toyota 4Runner. Generation after generation has come to love this midsize SUV for its near-bulletproof reliability, excellent build quality and strong resale value. Although the 4Runner has grown larger and more luxurious over the years, at its core it remains a versatile and rugged SUV, as comfortable traversing a boulder-strewn desert as a four-lane highway. Still, it is easy to find newer SUV and CUV designs with more interior room, smoother rides and more electronic goodies. Budget-conscious buyers will probably suffer sticker shock, as even the most basic 4Runner model starts around $29,000.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2008 Toyota 4Runner provides ample space for four adults and their gear but, in a pinch, can fit seven people. If you're looking for a rugged, powerful midsize SUV that has a reputation for superb reliability and great off-road manners, the 4Runner should be at the top of your list. It also has some exclusive features not found on other SUVs, such as an opening back window.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're one of those people who needs an SUV more for its interior accommodations and sheer size than its ability to leave civilization behind, the 4Runner may not be the best choice.

What's New for 2008

Every 4Runner now has roll-sensing side-curtain airbags as standard equipment.

Driving the 4Runner

Driving Impressions To help the driver remain in control under all driving conditions, Toyota has equipped all 4Runners with a feature known as HAC (Hill Start Assist Control). The HAC system prevents...

the 4Runner from rolling backwards when starting to climb a hill from a start. Also standard on all four-wheel-drive 4Runners is the DAC (Downhill Assist Control), which combines the vehicle's brakes with engine braking to avoid unwanted downhill acceleration. Four-wheel-drive models have a Torsen limited-slip center differential which transfers the bulk of the engine's torque to the rear wheels, thus helping the vehicle remain stable in both off-road and slippery situations. These features complement the 4Runner's standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and traction control.

Favorite Features

Rear Back-Up Camera
The 4Runner's rear backup camera option allows you to see objects out of the range of your rearview mirror.

Flip-Up Third-Row Seating
The 4Runner's flip-up third-row seating lets you convert from cargo hauler to people hauler in just seconds.

2008 Toyota 4Runner Details

Interior

The 4Runner's dash is typical Toyota: Handsome, functional and assembled of the finest materials with the tightest tolerances. The seats are wide and tall to better accommodate full-sized adults. There is more headroom, shoulder room and, most importantly, rear legroom than in previous models. Toyota adds the option of third-row seats on SR5 and Limited models. A rearview backup camera is optional. It's linked to the optional GPS navigation viewscreen and engages when the vehicle is placed in reverse. For vehicles not equipped with navigation, standard cargo area backup mirrors built into the rear pillars provide a low-tech solution to better rear visibility.

Exterior

The 2008 Toyota 4Runner uses a compilation of bulging fender flares, blocky front and rear bumpers and a wide-slat grille to convey its message of stylish off-road capability. Standard rear privacy glass hides valuables from prying eyes, and the back window that rolls down into the liftgate is a real bonus. With coil springs front and rear, available auto-leveling rear air shocks (Limited V8 only) and about nine inches of ground clearance, the 4Runners' off-road capabilities are not in doubt. Dealer-installed options such as a front skid plate, ski attachments for the roof rails and seven-pin to four-pin adapter for towing further add to the 4Runners rugged image.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 4Runner is available in three trims: SR5, Sport and Limited. Standard features include a V6 engine, five-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), Hill Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Control and traction control, side-curtain airbags, front side airbags, automatic air conditioning, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, fog lights, dual power mirrors, three-in-one audio with MP3-compatible CD player, side running boards, cruise control, tilt wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels and a rear wiper/washer.

Optional Equipment

Options vary by trim and include a V8 engine, four-wheel drive, leather interior, auto-dimming rearview mirror, onboard navigation, rear backup camera, rear DVD entertainment system, JBL audio, upgraded wheels, off-road package and a power glass moonroof.

Under the Hood

The 4Runner's V6 is more than adequate to move this vehicle with gusto. For those who need to tow a heavy trailer, the V8 makes perfect sense, but it does use more gas.

4.0-liter V6
236 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
266 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21 (2WD), 16/20 (4WD)

4.7-liter V8
260 horsepower @ 5400 rpm
306 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19 (2WD), 14/17 (4WD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Toyota 4Runner vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2008 Toyota 4Runner Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.5

Out of 10

Based on 779 Ratings for the 2003 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

9.5/10

Quality

9.6/10
Reliability

9.7/10

Performance

9.5/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.4/10

Reliable, practical and solid!

By Windrider (CA) on Friday, June 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 71,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Pleasure to drive, reliable & uncomplicated."

Cons: "Little shy on extras for top of the line model"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I'm writing this as I've just decided to sell my 2008 4Runner which I've owned for 5 years. I bought it slightly used with 9K miles on it and have been very happy with it. I've kept up with oil changes every 5K and kept up with all the other basic regularly scheduled maintenance and the vehicle has been running great and served me very well. I know this vehicle will run until 200K miles without any trouble. I'm selling it only because my vehicle needs have changed. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a superbly reliable no nonsense SUV that can do everything!"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Great vehicle, never lets me down

By Bobcal432 (NE) on Wednesday, May 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 88,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Power, comfort, smooth ride, utility, style"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned my 4Runner for almost 2 years and could not be happier with a vehicle. I had my eye on the 4runner for a few years, my brother owns one and he loves it. I did all the research I could and read glowing reviews from many other owners. But I really just loved the look of the 4runner and nothing else stacked up to the features and utility of this truck. I found one on line and had to have it. This SUV is solid, built on a heavy duty steel frame and all of the under carriage is well protected by steel skid plates designed for off road and trail use. The body on frame design is rare in the SUV market today. The engineers at Toyota dont over engineer their vehicles, but rather seem to bring the right amount comfort while keeping the design simple. Everything just work, and thing don't break. I do much of the maintenance on the 4runner myself, oil and fluid changes, nothing has broken down in the 20K miles that I have driven it. The truck is a beast in the snow and off roads, it is easy to kick in the 4WD, and comes with locking differential if it is needed. I have the 4.7 V8 engine which has more than enough power to tow a boat or trailer. Inside is a very comfortable ride. Handling is great, the SUV has a super tight turning radius, the larger tires give it a smooth ride n rough roads, the cabin is quiet and well insulated from the noise outside. The A/C and heat work great and there is a ton of storage in the back. One of the best features is the rear window that rolls down and allows you to haul things that might not fit totally inside the truck."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Best automovile in life

By Loco Loco (NV) on Monday, May 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 130,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great vehicle to own and drive"

Cons: "No cons thanks God"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Best car I had in my life and I had a few cars before this one The ride is so smooth and no mayor problems at all I have given all the services since we have it purchase out of the floor in upstate N.Y. Viva La Vida Viva Toyota 4 Runner"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Has been nearly maintenance free

By brwnjj (FL) on Sunday, May 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 196,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Reliabilty. Little cost to maintain"

Cons: "Rear passenger leg room"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Nine years of ownership and closing in on 200,000 miles. My 2004 4runner has been practically maintenance free. Looking to get a few more years of driving out of it. Don't know what I will do when the time comes to let it go. No doubt part of the family."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Love-love my 4-Runner and it has loved me back

By Sandi (FL) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 94,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Cons: "getting seat belt clasp fastened/other cars easier"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"After searching for 6 months for a used 4-Runner with a V8 I finally found my 4-Runner in my home town where it had been purchased originally at the local Toyota dealer (was relying on CarFax due to the many floods/hurricanes & salty snow-belt cars on the market). Have felt comfortable and safe in my 4-Runner since day one."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

reliable!!

By hams (MA) on Friday, May 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 220,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "it lasts well into the high mileage area."

Cons: "alloy rims corrode."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"ive owned many vehicle and i usually trade after two or three years. ive had this 4runner six years now and i have never appreciated a vehicle as much as i do my 4runner. this suv is reliable and consistant in its performance. i also own audi quattro vehicles, and the runner handles as well as they do. my old chevys or fords dont even compare! im glad i joined the toyota family!"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 779 reviews