Toyota currently sells a variety of SUV and crossover options in the U.S. This is a direct response to the increased demand that the market shows for these more versatile high-riding models. As you might expect, there are some SUVs that sell more than others, due to more competitive pricing strategies and better fuel efficiency. One off-road midsize SUV in its catalog recently experienced an impressive surge in demand in February 2026.
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner enjoyed a significant jump in sales throughout the second month of 2026. Based on historical data, it’s easily one of the biggest year-on-year sales jumps that the model has ever experienced. The 4Runner is currently one of Toyota’s most accomplished SUV options, so seeing it finally get the appreciation it deserves is a welcome result.
Toyota’s Modern SUV Direction
The Toyota 4Runner enjoys a longstanding reputation in the U.S. for mechanical longevity, with many older models covering hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal maintenance. Toyota introduced this model as an American alternative to the internationally popular Hilux Surf, but with the same principles of prioritizing heavily engineered components and a durable body-on-frame construction. Thanks to this focus, many early-generation models easily surpass 300,000 miles, cementing the SUV’s status as a leader in resale value.
The 2026 model is part of the sixth-generation, which Toyota dramatically redesigned both visually and structurally. Electronic systems and turbocharged components are more complex, but the 4Runner retains a high-strength steel frame and rigorous testing to ensure it meets the robust standards of its predecessors.
The 4Runner Is Selling Like Crazy
According to Toyota’s February 2026 sales report for the U.S. market, the Japanese brand sold 10,151 examples of the midsize SUV, reflecting a 683.3 percent increase in Feb 2026 over Feb 2025. Including the first two months of the year brings the total to up to 20,864 copies, resulting in a 1,334 percent year-on-year increase.
We obviously have to point out that 4Runner sales were so low last year because it was a transitional period between the previous generation and current generation models. Naturally, most prospective buyers were holding out for the newer model, which hit dealership floors by March 2025.
For added context, Toyota sold 11,132 units of the 4Runner in December 2025, which represented a 17,736.6 percent year-on-year increase. Throughout 2025, the brand sold 98,805 copies of the midsize SUV.
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Dividing The Range Into Nine Trims
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner is available in nine distinct trims, ranging from a base MSRP of $41,870 for the SR5 to $68,200 for the range-topping TRD Pro. The SR5 features an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster, and fabric-trimmed seats. It is the only trim to offer an optional third row for seven-passenger seating.
Stepping up to the TRD Sport for $48,350 adds a sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch wheels, and a hood scoop. The $53,710 TRD Sport Premium includes SofTex-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, a larger 14-inch touchscreen, a heated steering wheel, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system.
Concentrated Off-Road Options
For trail enthusiasts, the $50,290 TRD Off-Road includes a locking rear differential, multi-terrain select, and crawl control. Upgrading to the Premium for $56,070 adds the 14-inch display, a 360-degree panoramic view monitor, and an optional stabilizer disconnect mechanism for increased articulation. The $68,200 TRD Pro comes standard with Fox QS3 adjustable shocks, a performance exhaust, and exclusive red or black SofTex interior with technical camo inserts.
The new-for-2026 Trailhunter, costing $68,000, includes factory-installed gear like an ARB roof rack, an onboard air compressor, and Old Man Emu forged shocks. Visually, it adds unique bronze accents and a high-mount air intake. The $56,500 Limited features genuine leather-trimmed seats, a sunroof, and dual-zone climate control. The flagship Platinum, priced at $63,960, adds heated second-row seats, a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and a digital rearview mirror.
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Powertrains Built For The Modern Era
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner features two high-output configurations of the brand’s turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The standard i-Force produces 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The advanced i-Force Max hybrid integrates a 48-horsepower electric motor, increasing the combined output to 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque at 1,700 RPM. The Japanese brand’s T24A-FTS 2.4-liter four-cylinder features a single twin-scroll turbocharger that optimizes airflow to reduce lag and improve power delivery. The electric motor sits within the eight-speed automatic transmission, and takes charge of the low-end torque for better acceleration and stronger towing performance.
Drivetrain configurations include rear-wheel drive with an automatic limited-slip differential, part-time four-wheel drive with a two-speed electronic transfer case, or a full-time four-wheel drive system available on higher trims. Toyota electronically limits the 4Runner’s top speed to 112 MPH. Additionally, the structural move to the TNGA-F boxed-steel frame has increased the maximum towing capacity to 6,000 pounds across the majority of the lineup.
Versatile Drivetrain Configurations
Toyota builds the current-generation 4Runner on its TNGA-F fully boxed steel frame, available with the three aforementioned drivelines. Traction is managed via an electronically controlled locking rear differential, standard on TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter models, while the new stabilizer disconnect mechanism allows the front sway bar to be decoupled at the push of a button for massive suspension articulation.
Suspension tuning varies by mission, with the TRD Off-Road utilizing Bilstein monotube shocks with remote reservoirs, the TRD Pro featuring Fox 2.5-inch Internal Bypass QS3 shocks for high-speed desert running, and the Trailhunter debuting Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks specifically valved for overlanding and heavy gear loads.
A compact battery gathers energy via regenerative braking to provide an instant electric boost for short periods without requiring an external charging system. Other key features of the powertrain include a water-cooled intercooler system to maintain optimal intake temperatures, as well as improve durability and efficiency when subject to heavy load driving conditions.
This hardware is complemented by software updates like crawl control and a revised multi-terrain select system that now functions in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low. Optional extras to further optimize the experience include a 3D multi-terrain monitor for a see-through view of obstacles beneath the chassis, factory-installed rock rails, a high-mount air intake, and an onboard air compressor located in the cargo area.
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Improved EPA Consumption Estimates
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner significantly improves its efficiency over the previous generation, though it remains a robust, body-on-frame SUV. Models equipped with the standard engine achieve an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG consumption on the city/highway/combined cycle in rear-wheel-drive configuration, while four-wheel-drive variants see a slight dip to 19/25/21 MPG.
The hybrid further optimizes urban driving with estimates of 23/24/23 MPG. All models across the lineup feature a 19-gallon fuel tank, providing a maximum estimated driving range of 418 to 437 miles per fill-up, depending on the powertrain. The estimated annual fuel cost for a 2026 4Runner ranges from $2,280 to $2,500.
The 4Runner Gets A Lot Of Love
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner earns high praise from both critics and owners. iSeeCars awards the model with an 8/10 overall score, including 8.1/10 for reliability, 8.9/10 for retained value, and 7/10 for safety. On the reliability front, the publication indicates that you can expect it to enjoy an average lifespan of 14.2 years or 195,788 miles, together with a 47.8 percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles.
When looking at value retention, you can expect the SUV to lose $10,543 or 25.4 percent of its value over five years, which is about half of what most of its competitors lose in the same period.
The 4Runner currently holds a 4/5 average consumer review score on Edmunds, consisting of 25 user-submitted feedback. Key strengths that owners are currently enjoying include its visual presence, engine range, and interior, but it does draw some criticism for translating a poor ride quality, being somewhat more expensive, and returning poor fuel consumption.
Sources: Edmunds, iSeeCars, J.D. Power, EPA