Is a Used Toyota 4Runner a Good Buy in 2026?

1. Depreciation & Purchase Price in 2026

The big question for most buyers:

Am I actually getting a deal on a used 4Runner in 2026, or am I just paying near-new prices for an older SUV?

A few key points:

• 4Runners still hold their value extremely well. Compared with other midsize SUVs, they tend to lose a smaller percentage of their original MSRP over the first 5–7 years.
• The “sweet spot” in 2026 is usually a 2022 model. It’s old enough to miss the steepest new-car depreciation, but new enough to have modern safety and tech.
• Pricing reality: In most markets, clean 2022 SR5 and TRD models are still commanding strong money. You’re rarely stealing one, but you are buying a vehicle with unusually slow depreciation.

If you’re stepping out of a small crossover or sedan, used 4Runner prices can cause sticker shock. But remember: you’re paying for body-on-frame construction, off-road hardware, and a reputation for hitting 200,000+ miles with regular maintenance.

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2. Reliability & Maintenance: Why the 4Runner Still Has a Cult Following

The core appeal of a used 4Runner hasn’t changed:

• Proven 4.0L V6 in the outgoing generation
• Traditional body-on-frame construction
• Simple, durable 5-speed automatic

Owners routinely keep these trucks for a decade or more. Many see 200,000+ miles with only routine maintenance and wear-and-tear repairs.

Common realities on a 4–8-year-old 4Runner:

• Routine maintenance: Oil changes, brake pads/rotors, tires, and fluids at normal intervals.
• Wear items: Suspension bushings, shocks, and sometimes rust treatment on frames in road-salt states.
• Major failures: Statistically rare compared with many crossovers, but still expensive when they happen.

That last point is why so many used-4x4 owners look at extended coverage. If you’re considering a 4Runner with higher mileage, it’s worth reading Cuvrd’s guides like High Mileage Extended Warranty: Smart Protection for Older Vehicles and Mechanical Breakdown Insurance for Used Cars: Why an Extended Warranty Is the Smarter Choice to understand how coverage fits into your long-term plan.

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3. Old-School vs New-School: 5th Gen vs 6th Gen 4Runner

If you’re shopping in 2026, you’re effectively choosing between:

• Used, outgoing-generation 4Runner (through 2024)
• New or nearly new sixth-generation 4Runner (2025–onward)

That has a few practical implications:

Why many buyers still love the older (pre-2025) trucks

• Proven V6 and 5-speed auto: Less efficient, but simple and well-understood by shops.
• Classic look and feel: Boxy, rugged design and a more analog driving experience.
• Huge owner community: DIY guides, parts, and upgrades everywhere.

What the new generation brings to the table

• Modern engines and improved efficiency. The new turbo and hybrid powertrains are designed to bring better fuel economy and stronger torque.
• Updated safety and tech. Bigger screens, more active-safety tech, and a cabin that feels more 2026 than 2016.
• Higher new-vehicle pricing. Great for resale value—used 4Runners benefit from a strong brand halo and expensive new alternatives.

If you’re the kind of driver who values “known quantity” reliability and old-school truck feel, a used 2022 4Runner often makes more sense than jumping straight into the newest tech. If you want the latest gadgets and the best MPG you can get in a body-on-frame SUV, the new generation is going to be tempting.

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4. Fuel Economy & Day-to-Day Costs

The 4Runner has never been shy about what it is: a rugged SUV, not a fuel-sipping commuter.

For the outgoing generation (like a used 2022):

• Expect truck-like MPG, especially in city driving.
• Highway mileage improves if you keep speeds moderate and tires stock-size.
• Big all-terrain tires, lift kits, or roof racks will push fuel economy down further.

In day-to-day life, the cost picture looks like this:

• Fuel: Higher than crossovers, lower than some full-size trucks.
• Insurance: Typically reasonable given its safety and theft profile.
• Repairs: Individual repairs can be expensive, but frequency is relatively low compared with many similarly sized SUVs.

If you’re trying to smooth out those potential big repair spikes, it’s worth learning how a car breakdown warranty or powertrain-focused plan fits into your budget.

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5. Features & Everyday Livability

A used 4Runner is not trying to be a luxury crossover—and that’s part of the charm.

What you get in a well-equipped 2022-ish model:

• Comfortable, upright seating position with great visibility
• Straightforward controls and durable interior materials
• Real off-road hardware on TRD trims (locking diffs, terrain modes, crawl control, etc.)
• Plenty of cargo space, especially with the rear seats folded flat

Where it shows its age:

• Interior design and infotainment feel more “early-2020s” than “cutting-edge 2026”
• Ride is more truck-like, especially on off-road-oriented tires
• Noise levels and refinement lag behind plush crossovers

If your daily drive is mostly smooth pavement and you want soft-riding comfort, you might also want to compare the 4Runner with other used-car strategies Cuvrd covers—like Why a Used Toyota Tacoma with an Extended Warranty Is a Smarter Buy Than New or Why a Used Mazda CX-5 With an Extended Warranty Beats Buying New.

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6. How an Extended Warranty Fits Into a Used 4Runner Purchase

By 2026, a 2022 4Runner is likely at or near the end of its factory warranty depending on mileage and in-service date. That’s exactly when many owners start thinking seriously about coverage.

Pairing a used 4Runner with a vehicle service contract (VSC) can:

• Cover expensive components like the engine, transmission, and 4WD system
• Add roadside assistance and rental coverage so a breakdown doesn’t derail your life
• Turn unpredictable repair costs into more predictable monthly payments

To go deeper on how that works, Cuvrd has several guides worth bookmarking:

• High Mileage Extended Warranty: Smart Protection for Older Vehicles
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance for Used Cars: Why an Extended Warranty Is the Smarter Choice
• Car Breakdown Warranty: What It Covers and Why You Need One
• Extended Warranty with No Waiting Period: What You Should Know

You can also step back and learn the basics in About Warranties, check common questions in the FAQs, or explore more deep-dives on the Cuvrd blog.

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7. Who Is a Used 4Runner Right For in 2026?

A used 4Runner (especially a 2022 model) is usually a great fit if you:

• Want long-term reliability more than the latest styling
• Actually use the extra capability—camping, overlanding, rough roads, snow, towing small trailers
• Plan to keep your SUV for many years and want something that ages gracefully
• Are comfortable trading fuel economy and ride softness for durability and capability

You might be better off with a different vehicle—or even a newer crossover—if you:

• Care most about MPG, quietness, and super-modern tech
• Rarely need off-road ability or body-on-frame toughness
• Don’t want to pay the “Toyota tax” for strong resale value

If you’re on the fence, it can help to read broader decision guides like Is a Car Protection Plan Worth It in 2025? (still very relevant in 2026) and then talk through coverage options with a trusted Cuvrd partner via Why Cuvrd? or the main site at cuvrd.com.

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8. Bottom Line: Is a Used 4Runner Still a Smart Buy in 2026?

For the right driver, yes—a used Toyota 4Runner is still a very smart buy in 2026.

You’re getting:

• A truck-based SUV with a long, proven reliability track record
• Strong resale value that helps protect your investment
• Real off-road and bad-weather capability
• A huge ownership community and easy access to parts and service

You’re trading:

• Higher fuel and tire costs than a typical crossover
• A more old-school driving feel
• Cabin tech that trails the latest crossovers and the brand-new 4Runner generation

If that trade sounds fair—and you pair your 4Runner with the right extended coverage through a Cuvrd partner—a used 4Runner can be one of the most satisfying long-term SUV purchases you can make.

Drive smart. Stay protected. Stay Cuvrd.