Toyota 4Runner

Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year

The Toyota 4Runner appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with gasoline power. Combined economy ranges from 17 to 19 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $3,400 to $3,800 at 15,000 miles.

Fuel economy by year

YearCombinedAnnual fuelVersions
201618-19 MPG$3,400-$3,6003
201718-18 MPG$3,600-$3,6003
201818-18 MPG$3,600-$3,6003
201918-18 MPG$3,600-$3,6003
202017-17 MPG$3,800-$3,8003

How it compares

Against the average standard sport utility vehicle 4wd in this dataset (about 23 MPG), the 4Runner sits roughly 5 MPG below that mark on average, making it a thirstier-than-average choice for its class.

Five-year fuel cost

Fuelling a 4Runner for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $17,000 to $19,000, averaging about $18,000 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.

How it changed over time

Between 2016 and 2020 the 4Runner's average combined economy slipped from about 18 to 17 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.

Best year for fuel economy

The 2016 4Runner has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 18 MPG, while the 2020 is the lowest at about 17 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.

2020 4Runner at a glance

VersionEngineFuelCombined
4Runner 2WD4.0L 6-cylGasoline17 MPG
4Runner 4WD4.0L 6-cylGasoline17 MPG
4Runner 4WD4.0L 6-cylGasoline17 MPG

Use the comparison tool to set the 4Runner against a rival, or go back to all Toyota models.