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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Toyota 4Runner

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

Overview

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2012 Toyota 4Runner Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.0

Over 25 years ago, the Toyota 4Runner helped create the sport utility craze for people with active lifestyles. Back then, SUVs were little more than boxes built on truck frames for rugged off-road capability. Fast-forward to today's designs: a sculpted exterior on a car-based platform limited to light off-roading. The 2012 Toyota 4Runner bucks this trend and continues on a truck chassis to provide a rugged alternative to the more refined Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Honda Pilot.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you are looking for an SUV that serves dual purposes – family commuter during the week and an off-road-capable hauling vehicle on the weekend – then add the 2012 Toyota 4Runner to your short list.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If a car-like ride with room for seven passengers and their luggage are more important than rough-road prowess or towing ability, then look at the Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, or Honda Pilot.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.0
Driving Dynamics

6.2
Comfort & Convenience

7.2
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.2
Value

6.6
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#40

out of 53

MPG

#28

out of 53

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

8.8 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2012 Toyota 4Runner Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner adds major audio and connectivity updates such as standard SiriusXM satellite radio, a USB port with iPod connectivity, and hands-free phone capability. For those who refuse to leave their technology behind, there is Toyota's available Entune multimedia system: a collection of popular mobile apps including Bing and Pandora, as well as data services like a fuel price guide and sports scores that will keep you connected.

Driving the 4Runner

2012 Toyota 4Runner Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions On the road, the 2012 4Runner's drivetrain shines. The Toyota SUV accelerates briskly with an eager 270-hp V6 engine mated to a smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic transmission. Despite being on a...

truck chassis, the Toyota's ride is fairly smooth with its compliant suspension absorbing bumps well. Outward visibility is good all-around even with the raised rear-seat headrests, so you can change lanes with confidence. The steering, however, is overly-assisted in situations such as parking lots or tight turns and is slow to respond, thus requiring constant corrections. The brakes - bit "grabby" at times – took a little getting used to as well. At highway speeds, wind noise is sometimes loud enough to interrupt cabin conversations. The 4Runner continues to be a capable off-roader offering part-time and full-time 4-wheel-drive (4WD) systems to confidently assist you on rugged adventures.

Favorite Features

Power Rear Liftgate Window
Gain access to the 4Runner's rear cargo space without opening the rear liftgate - especially useful in a tight garage or when someone is parked close behind. As a bonus, you can carry long objects such as lumber out the back window without fuss.

Sliding Rear Cargo Deck
This convenient sliding deck lets you reach your gear in the back, supports 440 pounds, and is handy for your next tailgate party.

2012 Toyota 4Runner Details

2012 Toyota 4Runner Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 4Runner interior is both functional and inviting. Drivers will welcome the clear instrumentation with large buttons and rotary knobs for climate and audio controls, especially useful when wearing gloves. Pairing a smartphone using Bluetooth is refreshingly easy and does not require reading the owner's manual. The large center console has an available 120V AC power outlet to run your laptop or computer games. Power-adjustable front seats are comfortable and provide good support. In the rear, a 40/20/40 split seat offers numerous cargo/seating configurations and also reclines for additional comfort. For 7-passenger seating, a third row (best for children) is available.

Exterior

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner remains true to its utility heritage, featuring an upright windshield, long roofline and nearly vertical liftgate contributing to its boxy appearance. Impressively, that box can swallow 47.2 cu. ft. of cargo with the rear seats up. With a large flat front end, bulging fenders and 9.6 inches of ground clearance in the 4x4 version, the 4Runner shows off its rugged personality. Access to the rear cargo is through a single-piece liftgate with a unique power rear window. The SR5 and Trail editions ride on 265/70 mud and snow tires mounted on 17-inch alloy rims while the Limited sports 245/60 tires on 20-inch alloy rims.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Three trim levels are available on the 2012 Toyota 4Runner: SR5, Trail, and Limited. The SR5 sports the 4.0-liter V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission shared by all 4Runners, plus Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and integrated towing receiver hitch with wiring harness. A USB port with iPod connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, hands-free phone, trip computer with outside temperature, and three 12V auxiliary power outlets are also standard. The rugged Trail adds part-time 4-wheel drive, water-resistant fabric seats, power moonroof, Optitron instrumentation, integrated backup camera display, electronic locking rear differential, sliding rear cargo deck, and Multi-terrain Select and Crawl control. The top-line Limited features dual-zone automatic climate control, Display Audio with Navigation and Entune, leather-trimmed and heated front seats, pushbutton starting, and Safety Connect (emergency assistance, stolen vehicle locator, roadside assistance, and automatic collision notification). All 4Runners feature eight airbags and the Star Safety System - stability and traction control, antilock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart-stop technology.

Optional Equipment

Only a few option packages are available on the 2012 Toyota 4Runner. Now hold your breath and get ready for the lists: The SR5 Premium Package with Third Row includes the Display Audio with Navigation and Entune, power adjustable leather-trimmed seats, power moonroof, and other interior/exterior upgrades. For the off-road enthusiast, the Trail offers a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for enhanced wheel articulation over deep ruts and large obstacles. The audiophile can choose the Limited with voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system, JBL AM/FM 4-disc CD Changer, 15 speakers including subwoofer, and NavTraffic.

Under the Hood

The sole powertrain combination in the 4Runner is a sophisticated 270-hp, 4.0-liter V6 engine mated to a responsive 5-speed automatic transmission. There are three drivetrain choices: rear wheel drive (SR5, Limited) part-time 4WD (SR5, Trail), or full-time 4WD (Limited) with a limited-slip, locking center differential. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

2012 Toyota 4Runner
4.0-liter V6 engine
270 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
278 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 mpg (rear-wheel drive)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/22 mpg (4-wheel drive)

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner starts at a Manufacturer's Suggest Retail Price (MSRP) of $31,900 for the rear-wheel-drive SR5 and tops out at over $46,000 for the full-featured Limited 4x4. Pricing for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Honda Pilot is similar to the 4Runner. The Toyota, however, has the highest projected resale value in this competitive set, confirming a wise purchase decision. In fact, Toyota won Kelley Blue Book's 2012 Best Resale Value Award for Best Brand – the second time in three years. A look at the Fair Purchase Price on Kbb.com shows what others are paying for the 4Runner in your area, so be sure to check it out before you purchase.

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2012 Toyota 4Runner Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 88 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

8.9/10

My favorite vehicle ever!

By Ann (TX) on Saturday, May 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,400

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: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfortable, good gas mileage, not too pricey"

Cons: "I have no complaints about this vehicle."

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

"I have owned 3 SUV's - first a Sequoia, then a Highlander, and now a 4RUNNER. I enjoyed the Sequoia for its comfort and roominess, but it was a little too large for my needs. I got a Highlander, which drives like a car. I felt like I was sitting too low after being used to the Sequoia. I traded the Highlander for a 4Runner, and I love it. It is just the perfect size SUV for me."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Initial Impressions

By Rich (KY) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 400

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: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Build quality, heavy duty engineering and build."

Cons: "No unexpected downside at all."

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

"I've only had this vehicle for one week... traded a Highlander Hybrid. Admittedly, the Highlander handled better and was more nimble. But the 4Runner is a much more solid vehicle and I have no doubt it will take more punishment. I'm averaging 21.5 MPG on the highway, and about 20 mixed highway/city. No way I can speak to the reliability of this vehicle -- will update later. One unexpected bonus with the 4Runner: Very good rear window visibility, which seems to be a thing of the past with other vehicles. Even though the 4Runner has a rear camera, I still get comfort knowing I can pilot in reverse through the back window in confidence. Great build quality -- everything seems heavy-duty."

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Toyota Owner For Life

By RyGuy75 (MD) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 113,000

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: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Built to last, Smooth Ride."

Cons: "None."

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

"I have a 2005 SR5 4Runner, I have 113k miles on it and its still in immaculate condition. I cant imagine ever driving anything but a Toyota. We have a lot of Toyota's in my family. Just added a 2013 Rav4 to my household as well. Love that too. The quality of Toyota is hands down the best in the industry. They are built like tanks and go and go. I have never had any issues with my 4Runner what so ever, Just the routing maintenance. I highly recommend the 4Runner. The power of the V6 is incredible with an average of 23 MPG on the highway. Cant beat it."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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TOYOTA DID IT AGAIN

By jj (NY) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

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: 10/10

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

"I HAVE OWNED OR LEASED ALMOST EVERY TRUCK IN THIS CATAGORY AND NONE COME CLOSE TO THE 4 RUNNER. MY FIRST 4X4 WAS A 4 RUNNER BACK IN THE LATE 80'S AND IT WAS THE BEST THEN AND IS STILL THE BEST."

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Daily driver and trail warrior

By ConnerMan (MA) on Tuesday, April 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 42,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Rugged, reliable, good v6, genuine off road chops"

Cons: "paint, some interior plastics, no locking gas cap"

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

"If you are looking for something rugged, reliable, off-road capable yet a pleasant commuter than this is a good bet. I have the trail edition and it is aptly named. Can keep up with a jeep rubicon unlimited in most situations but drives far better when back on the pavement. V6 is designed for trucks, compared to almost all competitors with V6s designed for cars. Results in better low end torque. Fuel economy is decent given 9.6 inches of ground clearance, non all-season tires, and 4750lb curb weight. No problems after 41k miles, must of which driven in the harsh environments of northern Vermont. There are some downsides, namely: Paint chips/scratches easily Not as quiet as some competitors Hard plastics found in some of the less common touch points Gas cap doesn't lock (4th gen did!) If you can live with those, and want a real truck instead of a car based crossover, this is a great choice. Its also one of the last ones left!"

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Very Dissapointed

By JINSWAZ (AZ) on Wednesday, April 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,000

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 2/10
Styling: 3/10
Comfort: 3/10

Pros: "Resale value"

Cons: "Very poor MPG, Poor acceleration, cheap Paint"

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

"This 2013 Toyota 4Runner is a huge dissapointment. I only have 2,000 miles on it and will be trading it in now only after having it five weeks. I'm only averaging 16.1 MPG average. The steering ratio isn't as good as the older 4Runners such as 2004. The vehicle really leans to the side when turning on curved roads. There are some cabin noises which are annoying that tend to increase as i continue driving it. The paint scratches easier than my 2004 4Runner. The power in this engene isn't enough since this vehicle already weighs more than 4,700 pounds. It requires too much work to get enough power to pass someone when needed. Very disappointed with the horrible steering ratio, very poor MPG, and lack of horse power/torque. Out of a scale of 1 to 10 I would only rate the 2013 4Runner a 3."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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