The fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner (2010-2024 model years) is a body-on-frame midsize SUV built on Toyota's N280 platform, sharing architecture with the Land Cruiser Prado and the FJ Cruiser. For most of its run the US lineup used the 4.0 liter 1GR-FE V6 rated at 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission; the only alternative came on the 2010 base rear-wheel-drive model, which used a 2.7 liter four-cylinder with a four-speed automatic. Buyers could choose rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive depending on trim, and the generation ran nearly unchanged mechanically for fifteen model years before the sixth generation arrived for 2025.
Other Toyota 4Runner generations
Platform
The fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner (2010-2024) uses a ladder-frame, body-on-frame chassis on Toyota's N280 platform. It is a midsize SUV with a live rear axle and a four-link rear suspension with coil springs, and a double-wishbone front suspension. Off-road-oriented trims could be equipped with the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which hydraulically decouples the stabilizer bars to increase wheel articulation.
Engine lineup
The primary engine across the fifth-generation 4Runner (2010-2024) is the 4.0 liter 1GR-FE V6, a 24-valve dual-overhead-cam unit rated at 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. A 2.7 liter 2TR-FE inline-four, rated at 157 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, was also offered on the base rear-wheel-drive 4Runner for the 2010 model year only. It was discontinued after 2010, and from the 2011 model year onward the V6 was the sole engine.
Transmission
The 4.0 liter V6 in every fifth-generation 4Runner (2010-2024) uses a five-speed automatic transmission (the A750F). The 2010-only 2.7 liter four-cylinder used a four-speed automatic instead. No manual transmission was offered in this generation, and the V6 and its five-speed automatic remained in place for the entire run.
Drivetrain
The fifth-generation 4Runner was sold with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive depending on trim:
- SR5 and Limited were available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
- Limited four-wheel-drive models use a full-time system with a locking Torsen center differential.
- Trail, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro use a part-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case and an electronically locking rear differential.
- Off-road trims added electronic aids including Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select.
Year-by-year notable changes
- 2010: Fifth-generation 4Runner launched with the 4.0 liter V6 and five-speed automatic; the base rear-drive model offered a 2.7 liter four-cylinder with a four-speed automatic.
- 2011: The 2.7 liter four-cylinder was dropped after its single 2010 model year, leaving the V6 as the only engine.
- 2014: Mid-cycle refresh with revised front fascia, restyled grille and headlights, and updated interior trim.
- 2015: TRD Pro trim introduced, adding Bilstein shocks, TRD-tuned springs, and unique styling.
- 2017: The Trail and Trail Premium grades were renamed TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium.
- 2020: Toyota Safety Sense P became standard, and the infotainment system was upgraded to an 8 inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- 2023: A 40th Anniversary Special Edition was offered.
- 2024: Final model year of the fifth generation before the redesigned sixth generation arrived for 2025.
Trims and variants
Trim grades offered across the fifth-generation 4Runner (2010-2024) included:
- SR5 and SR5 Premium, the volume trims.
- Trail and Trail Premium (2010-2016), renamed TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium from 2017.
- TRD Pro (2015 onward), the most off-road-focused factory variant.
- Limited, the top on-road trim with full-time four-wheel drive when so equipped.
- Special editions were offered in various years, including a Venture Edition and the 2023 40th Anniversary Special Edition.
Asked all the time
What engine does the fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner use?
The 2010-2024 fifth-generation 4Runner is powered by the 4.0 liter 1GR-FE V6, rated at 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. A 2.7 liter four-cylinder (157 horsepower) was also offered on the base rear-wheel-drive model for the 2010 model year only, after which the V6 was the sole engine.
What transmission is in the fifth-generation 4Runner?
The 4.0 liter V6 in the fifth-generation 4Runner (2010-2024) uses a five-speed automatic transmission, and no manual was offered. The only exception was the 2010-only 2.7 liter four-cylinder, which used a four-speed automatic; from 2011 on, every 4Runner used the V6 and its five-speed automatic.
When did the TRD Pro trim appear, and when was Trail renamed?
The TRD Pro trim was introduced for the 2015 model year. The Trail and Trail Premium grades were renamed TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium for the 2017 model year.
Which model years got the biggest updates?
The 2014 model year brought a mid-cycle refresh with revised front styling and interior updates. The 2020 model year made Toyota Safety Sense P standard and added an 8 inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What is the difference in four-wheel-drive systems between trims?
SR5 and Limited could be ordered in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Limited four-wheel-drive models use a full-time system with a locking Torsen center differential, while Trail, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro use a part-time system with a two-speed transfer case and an electronically locking rear differential.
Technical Reference
Member-uploaded diagrams & documents for this generation. AI-classified; community-verified where badged.
Manual Pages (1)
- Toyota Automatic Transmission Flex Lock-up Operation Gears Chart (D, S5, S4)This manual page explains the flex lock-up operation of an automatic transmission's torque converter clutch. On the left, a graph plots throttle opening angle (vertical axis, increasing to "Large") against vehicle…
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