2024 4Runner soldiers on with two new paint colors, not much else

Though typically known for its conservative product cycles, you may have noticed that Toyota (and its luxury brand Lexus) have been busy rolling out entirely new or heavily refreshed models over the past 18–24 months. Stalwarts like the Tundra, the Sequoia, the Tacoma, and even the Land Cruiser have made the leap to hybrid tech and engineering that looks fit for another half-decade or more of service. Lexus rolled out the new GX and LX, along with an entirely new SUV, the TX, and even an all-electric vehicle, the RZ 450e.

The 4Runner, Toyota’s workhorse body-on-frame SUV, will make no such leap for the 2024 model year. Instead, the old but proven machine will make do with just two significant updates, both of them courtesy of the paint department.

The range-topping 2024 4Runner TRD Pro will be treated to a new paint color, dubbed “Terra” by Toyota’s stylists. The earth tone is sure to appeal to those who want to drop a hefty chunk of change for a ready-to-roll overlander. Another color, Underground, will be available for other 4Runner models.

The 4Runner lineup remains virtually unchanged, otherwise. You can opt for 2WD or 4WD on most trims, though the off-road-oriented TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models offer part-time 4×4 with a manual transfer case exclusively. The 4Runner Limited can be had with either 4×2 or full-time 4×4, the latter of which utilizes a Torsen center differential and a console-mounted switch to engage 4WD rather than a second lever for the transfer case.

Trim-wise, you’ll have the following choices: SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. On the cheaper end, a 2024 4Runner SR5 4×2 will run you at least $41,850, including a $1395 destination fee. At the pricier end, the 4Runner TRD Pro, kitted out with heavy-duty underbody armor, high-tech Fox internal-bypass shocks, Nitto Terra Grappler tires, and more will run you at least $56,315. That’s up just $300 over the 2023 model year‘s TRD Pro asking price. Not bad, all things considered.

Mechanically, while its adventurous siblings have ditched free-breathing engines for turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines often aided by hybrid componentry, the 4Runner will soldier on with a tried-and-true 4.0-liter V-6 making 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque sending power through a five-speed transmission. Yes, both the engine and the gearbox are old dogs, but there’s no point in trying to teach new tricks here—especially when, with the new Tacoma, we’ve seen what’s almost certainly ahead for the 4Runner.

Somehow, despite this fifth-gen 4Runner debuting in 2009, it feels as though product updates have arrived even slower than normal. However, viewed in the context of what the 4Runner stereotypically trades on—dead-nuts reliability, a capable platform, and extensive aftermarket support that has had more than a decade to develop every part under the sun—meager changes to a proven formula make all the sense in the world.

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