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2016 Toyota 4Runner

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Toyota 4Runner
Pictured: 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport in Wind Chill Pearl, front right, 2025-05-18. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4WD Limited V6, 4dr SUV 4WD Sr5 V6, 4dr SUV 4WD Trail Edition V6
Engines
4.0L 6-cyl
Horsepower
227–270 hp
Transmission
5-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
19 combined · 17 city / 22 hwy
Length
189.8 in
Curb weight
4,654–4,806 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Few owner complaints81 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 312 for similar models.

Watch out for

  • Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 24.6% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Toyota 4Runner is a standard SUV offered with a 4.0L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive, part-time 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 190 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,806 lb (4dr SUV 4WD Limited V6).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 22 highway), 1% worse than the 2016 standard SUV average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 81 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2016

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 4Runner — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 4Runner →

Trims, performance & features

Engine270 hp4.0L 6-cyl
Engine227 hp4.7L 8-cyl
Transmission5-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

Base GradeSR5

Built in: Tahara, Aichi

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2016 4Runner configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4WD Limited V6189.8 in76 in71.7 in109.8 in63.4 / 63.4 in4,806 lb54/46
4dr SUV 4WD Sr5 V6189.8 in76 in70.1 in109.8 in63 / 63 in4,654 lb54/46
4dr SUV 4WD Trail Edition V6189.8 in76 in74 in109.8 in63 / 63 in4,751 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
4Runner 2WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)Rear-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19-1%$3,550467
4Runner 4WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive17 / 21 / 18-4%$3,700478
4Runner 4WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)All-Wheel Drive17 / 21 / 18-4%$3,700478
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $5,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.1 MPG2016 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2016 Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 3★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★24.6%
2016 Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 3★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★24.6%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2016 Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD
Frontal crash test — 2016 Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2016 Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD
Side crash test — 2016 Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2016 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Toyota 4Runner (this car)19 MPG★★★★★8
2016 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated3
2016 Toyota RAV432 MPG★★★★★3
2016 Ford Explorer22 MPG★★★★★14
2016 Subaru Forester27 MPG★★★★★3
2016 Toyota Highlander28 MPG★★★★★2
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee25 MPG★★★★★8

Recalls (8)

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Oct 17, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V741000 · 928,220 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 9, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V005000 · 1,299,448 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
Structure › Body › Hood · Nov 29, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V763000 · 431 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Toyota 4Runner vehicles equipped with an accessory Billet Grille Overlay installed by SET or provided by SET and installed by SET dealers. The U-nut that secures the overlay grille may fracture, allowing the Billet Grille Overlay to detach from the vehicle.
Risk
If the Billet Grille Overlay detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the securing U-nuts with upgraded hardware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 26, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET17C.
Equipment · Jul 3, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V425000 · 3,547 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
Risk
If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.
Equipment · May 1, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V291000 · 1,019 vehicles

Problem
Gulf States Toyota, Inc (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2016-2017 4Runner vehicles equipped with the TFORCE accessory package. The fasteners for the aftermarket roof rack may have been improperly tightened.
Risk
If the roof rack fasteners loosen, the roof rack may detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the roof rack fasteners, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Gulf States' number for this recall is 17R1.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Dec 21, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V937000 · 2 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling one 2016 Toyota 4Runner vehicle manufactured November 1, 2016 and one 2017 Lexus GX460 vehicle manufactured November 16, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with Takata PSPI-LD front passenger air bag inflators that may have been manufactured without ignition booster tablets. As a result, in the event of a crash, the air bag may not fully inflate during deployment of the primary stage. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
The improper inflation of the passenger air bag may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Toyota dealers have replaced the passenger side air bag modules, free of charge. Toyota notified the affected dealers on December 15, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G06, GLR.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Apr 22, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V236000 · 94 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Risk
An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and provide them a corrected label to be installed over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16A.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Apr 20, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V228000 · 844 vehicles

Problem
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 22, 2014, to March 23, 2016 and equipped with accessories installed by Gulf States. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Risk
An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will install an accurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 1, 2016. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Gulf States' number for this recall is 16R2.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Toyota 4Runner is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

81Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
6Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
6Injuries reported
25,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System17
Unknown Or Other17
Air Bags10
Suspension9
Structure › Body9
Engine6
Power Train5
Service Brakes5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/11: 122/03: 222/06: 123/02: 123/03: 123/07: 123/09: 123/11: 124/02: 124/08: 125/02: 125/04: 125/05: 125/07: 125/09: 125/10: 125/11: 126/01: 126/02: 226/03: 126/05: 126/06: 126/08: 226/10: 221/1123/0223/0924/0825/0525/1026/0226/06max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Toyota 4Runner buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 17 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Air Bags — 10 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Suspension — 9 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 25,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other 4Runner years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 4Runner23194.9 inNot rated27
2025 4Runner23194.9 in★★★★★162
2024 4Runner17189.8 in★★★★★110
2023 4Runner17189.8 in★★★★★133
2022 4Runner17189.8 in★★★★★339
2021 4Runner17189.8 in★★★★★136
2020 4Runner17189.8 in★★★★★133
2019 4Runner18189.8 in★★★★★465
2018 4Runner18189.8 in★★★★★560
2017 4Runner18189.8 in★★★★★536
2015 4Runner19189.8 in★★★★★987
2014 4Runner19189.8 in★★★★★773

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →