In this it’s sixth generation, Toyota’s 2026 4Runner is an iconic SUV that has been made even better than it is with the addition of Toyota’s proven hybrid technology.
Offered in nine grades of SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and Trailhunter. With all these offerings, there’s certainly a model suited for SUV buyers.
4Runner’s platform is shared with Toyota’s Tacoma pickup truck and its Land Cruiser SUV. The 4WD TRD Pro hybrid model we tested had rugged styling with sculpted, chiseled lines, bumped-out fenders, wide, deep-lugged Toyo tires, 10-inch ground clearance, front/rear skid plates, locking rear, non-functional hood scoop for a racy look and heavy-duty TRD-tuned Fox shocks. Its appearance alone shows it can handle the most rugged off-road terrain. It’s definitely a compelling competitor to Jeep’s Wrangler Rubicon, and it rides a lot better than the latter.
4Runner hybrid also has a classy, yet durable interior with SoftTex seats that are heated/ventilated with sporty,
contrasting red stitching and heated steering wheel. With a tall 23-inch step-in, ingress is a stretch but there are assist handles above all doors to hoist you in. This height allows 4Runner to have its 10.1-inches of ground clearance to negotiate the off-road nasties and deep snow.
The dash is classy for a rugged SUV with faux carbon fiber trim, chrome pedals and a large 14.0-inch infotainment display that serves Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, rearview, front view and revolving view cameras, mode selections and more. HVAC controls are large and easy to view switches.
The adjacent 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster includes a driver information display for alerts, features and functions.
4Runner’s vertical stack boasts a hefty gear selector for the 8-speed automatic transmission and 4WD system controls for 2H, 4H, 4L gearing plus DAC/Crawl along with Tow/Haul modes, locking rear axle and stabilizer bar disconnect switches. These controls are flanked by a vertical wireless phone charger.
Rear seats (like the fronts) are a tad on the taut side that can accommodate two adults or three youngsters with decent leg room provided the fronts aren’t racked too well rearward.
Back in the cargo area wherein 4Runner has a separate opening, roll-down liftgate window that’s helpful, and more secure, when having to carry long items as opposed to atop the roof. With a 37-inch lift over onto the cargo floor and with the rear seat backs upright, the area measures 41 inches deep, 46 wide and 28.5 wide for 42.6 cubic feet of load space. That increases when flipping the seatbacks to 72 inches (a full six feet) for 82.6 cubic feet. There is a shallow bin at the aft end of the cargo floor to stow small items out of sight.
4Runner Hybrid gets its grunt from a 2.4-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder that with an AC electric motor and battery pack, generates 326-hp and an impressive 456 lb/ft of torque that offers gobs of low and high-end power on demand. When coupled to the 8-speed auto transmission, EPA rates the combination at 23 city, 24-highway mpg. Not bad for a heavy 4WD SUV with 5,458-pound curb weight. The transition from gas to hybrid power and back is seamless. With this powertrain, 4Runner Hybrid carries a 6,000-pound tow rating.
Ride wise, and considering 4Runner is set up for rugged off-roads, the ride is on the stiff side with its heavy-duty shocks/springs and huge wide tires. Handling is planted in tight turns where its hefty weight stabilizes it. Parking is surprisingly easy with a 19.7-foot turn radius assisted by electric power steering.
Now all this awesome capability doesn’t come cheap. Starting at a base price of $66,900 that comes with a long list of standard features such as Toyota Safety-Sense 3.0 w/Pre-Collision with a connected 4G network featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, multi-terrain monitor, trailer reverse assist and more. Options included Digital Key ($274), Tailgate LED Light ($200), Onboard Compressor ($1,475), Roof Rack ($1,710), Cargo Lights on D pillar ($375), Rear Steel Skid Plate ($425), Towing Trailer Ball ($24), Accessory Ready LED Lantern ($160), Embossed Cargo Mat ($130), 4Runner Carpeted Floor Mats ($199) Towing Ball Mount ($65) took the bottom line to $73,338 with delivery of $1,450. Yes, a lot of money for a lot of solid 4WD SUV.
With the Farmer’s Almanac predicting a snowy winter, if owning a 4Runner Hybrid TRD Pro I’d say, bring it on, as this is one 4WD midsize SUV that will surely get your through the deep and steep. And do so with gas saving hybrid technology. As Toyota says, “4Runner is engineered for exploration.” Indeed it is.
