Toyota’s 4Runner has been an iconic SUV for 41 years after debuting in1984. And now, in its sixth generation, it has been updated with the latest technology and freshened design along with a hybrid version that we tested.
The 2026 4Runner shares the same platform as Toyota’s Land Cruiser, Sequoia and Tacoma pickup. And it’s offered in SR5, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and Trailhunter Hybrid that was tested.
4Runner has a tough looking, go anywhere chiseled exterior. After a tall 25-inch step-in over rock rails that are needed protection when traversing rocky terrain, 4Runner Hybrid Trailhunters’ interior has long-wearing, heated/ventilated, supportive, SoftTex seats. It’s a pleasing cockpit that sports a 14-inch infotainment display that serves a host of functions including Wi-Fi, some voice control, a rearview camera with a close-up rear view, a revolving camera, Multi-Terrain monitor, XM Radio, apps and lots more.
Below the display are hard switches with rotary dials for HVAC controls that are a pleasure to use instead of display selections that are far too common on cars today, and are often difficult to use at certain times.
4Runner Trailhunter Hybrid comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 functions that include 4G, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and Trailer Reverse Assist.
A burly console mounted gear selector for the 8-speed automatic transmission is surrounded by a wireless cell charger in front, and a rotary dial for Sport, Normal, Eco and Tow-Haul modes to its rear. The 4WD mode switch is also selected there for traditional 2H, 4H, 4L gearing. When the going gets extra tough, there’s a rear axle lock and a stabilizer bar disconnect for uneven, rocky terrain. There’s also a Crawl mode that acts like an off-road cruise control.
Over on the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, it includes a driver information display for alerts, features and functions. And it’s easy to view at a glance.
With wide opening rear doors, they allow easy rear seat access for two adults, or three youngsters as the transaxle hump is low for appreciable legroom. Headroom is ample fore and aft.
Back in the cargo area, that has a 36-inch lift-over, it has a hands-free liftgate with power rear window that is nice if having to carry long items that can protrude out the open window.
With the rear seatbacks upright, the area offers 12.1 cubic feet of space that measures 43 inches deep, 46 wide and 29 high. Flip them and cargo space expands to 42.6 cubic feet for 72 inches (a full six feet) of cargo loading depth.
The cargo underfloor has a full-width, 5-inch deep bin for small item storage. Toyota also included a compressor kit to inflate tires or a variety of inflatables.
As expected from a sturdy high-stance 4WD SUV, the ride on Toyo 18-inch tall, 9-inch wide tires, is on the taut side. But it’s a planted assuring ride particularly in sharp turns and cloverleafs. 4Runner also parks easily thanks to electric power steering that allows a tight 19.7-foot curb-curb turn diameter. And with an impressive 9.1 inches of ground clearance, 4Runner Trailhunter can easily handle deep snow depths and nasty off-roads.
Power wise, 4Runner’s iForce Max 2.4-liter hybrid turbo 4-cylinder puts out 326-hp and 465 lb/ft of torque which includes 48 contributing horsepower from the electric motor that uses a 1.87 kWh hybrid battery. And who knows more about hybrid technology than Toyota. So powered, Trailhunter Hybrid was independently tested at 6.7 seconds for a 0-60 sprint. Coupled to the 8-speed automatic transmission, 4Runner Hybrid is EPA rated at 23 city, 24-highway mpg, and carries a 6,000-pound tow capacity rating.
The 2026 4Runner Hybrid Trailhunter came nicely equipped with a list of most wanted standard features too long to list. The only option was for floor mats ($199.00) that took the base price of $67,700 to $69,394 with delivery. This also includes a 36-month//36K mile basic new-vehicle warranty; 60 month/60K mile powertrain, 60 month/no mileage limitation perforation; Hybrid-related material for 8 years/100K miles whichever comes first; hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150K miles and is transferable across ownership; plus Toyota Care for 2 years/25K miles covering normal factory maintenance; and 2 years/unlimited mileage for Roadside Assistance.
4Runner Hybrid came with impressive 5-star government safety ratings of four for an overall score; four for driver/passenger frontal crash; five for front/rear seat side crash.
Now this is a lot of 4WD SUV for the money. It’s a good choice for all season, all weather driving, be it as a commuter car, trips to Home Depot, or weekend jaunts to the outback for some off-roading adventures. It’s a versatile, proven, hybrid
