The Toyota 4Runner has been one of the longest standing SUV models, and for good reason. Here are five the most powerful engines that powered it over the years.
The Toyota 4-Runner is one of the toughest SUVs and for 2025 it’s getting a full redesign with lots of updates, including the powertrain. For five generations, the 4Runner has earned and maintained its reputation as a rugged and reliable SUV, competing with capable rivals like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, and now the sixth-generation model will have to carry that torch. The 4Runner has fared well against its competition thanks to robust four-wheel-drive systems, a spacious interior, and a long list of off-road equipment across multiple trim levels — so it’ll be a tall task to keep up with modern rivals, but one the off-roader is probably well-prepared for.
Unlike some of its rivals, however, the 4Runner has never really embraced big-power off-roading. The Wrangler has shredded tires and off-road courses alike with its powerful 392 V8, while the Ford Bronco Raptor bounces across the dunes with massive tires and long-travel suspension — and all that time, the 4Runner has soldiered on with relatively modest power. Over the years, most 4Runner models have been characterized by average acceleration, decent horsepower ratings, and modest powerplants — no superlatives here. But just how much power has the 4Runner had over the years? It turns out that there are some respectable engines in the rough-and-tumble Toyota’s history.4th generation 4Runner V6 (2003 – 2009)
During their first few generations, 4Runners were powered by underwhelming engines, at least by today’s standards. First-generation models with the inline four-cylinder engine made just 100 horsepower, while V6s that showed up in the late 1980s produced just 150 horses. That small amount of power was sufficient for most daily tasks, but it didn’t give the early 4Runner much grunt. That was the way of things for a while, with models as modern as the 2002 4Runner putting out just 183 hp from a 3.4-liter V6.
In 2003, however, the 4Runner was significantly updated and given much more power. Two powertrains were offered in 2003 — the first was a 4.0-liter V6 (called the 1GR-FE) that was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, and it produced 245 hp and 283 lb-ft of torque at launch. The 4.0-liter V6 would later drop its power ratings slightly to 236 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, but it was still a big upgrade over the smaller V6 from the past, with smooth acceleration.
