Toyota 4Runner Towing Capacity

You can find 166 different trims/engines for the Toyota 4Runner and their corresponding recommended towing capacity.

The years available stretch from 2001 through to 2022 and to view the towing capacity you just click to expand.

The Toyota 4Runner was firstly a compact, then a mid-sized sport utility vehicle sold globally. It replaced the Hilux Surf in 1984 and the name was thought up by a copywriter called Robert Nathan. This was a result of an advertising campaign sun by Saatchi and Saatchi, to create awareness, they opened up a competition to the public and chose ‘4Runner’ due to it referencing the first of its kind by Toyota and the fact that it was a 4x4.

The first generation was essentially a modified Hilux, maintaining the same mechanical structure and only changing the overall aesthetic. Unfortunately, Toyota didn’t reinforce the rear springs leading to a sagging suspension due to the increased weight.

The second generation came out in 1989 (also referred to as N120/N130) a new fibreglass roof was added along with a new design. Despite the difference in looks, the 4Runner still had the Hilux foundation. Most were built as 4-door vehicles and had a range of diesel engines to include a 2.4-liter turbocharged powerplant, then followed by the 3-liter turbocharged version. Due to the non-stringent safety requirements for trucks at the time, the 4Runner was dubbed ‘unsafe’.

In 1995, the third generation appeared markedly different to its predecessors. This time it shared the engine and transmission with the Tacoma. In 1996, Toyota removed the 4Runner from the UK market as it was replaced by the Land Cruiser Prado.

2002 saw the branding change as the 4Runner was marketed as a mid-size semi-luxury SUV with off-road capabilities. The trims available here were SR5, Sport Edition and Limited. The fifth generation debuted at the State Fair of Texas and now shared its platform with the J150 Land Cruiser Prado, the FJ Cruiser and the Lexus GX. These were only available in 4-wheel drive. There have been numerous adjustments and facelifts since 2002 but no major overall generational changes.