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The Toyota 4Runner is a reliable SUV, but it has its shortcomings. The midsize SUV has a few traits that consumers may want to run from.

The Toyota 4Runner is pricey

A red Toyota 4Runner midsize SUV.
The Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner starts at $37,605. Its TRD Pro trim starts at a whopping $52,420. The midsize SUV may be capable and long-lasting, but does that justify its high prices?

The 2022 Kia Telluride is currently the most popular midsize SUV model, and it starts at just $33,090. Its final trim, the Telluride SX, starts at just $42,990. The Telluride SX comes standard with features like second-row captain’s chairs, a surround-view monitor, and a wireless phone charger.

The Toyota 4Runner doesn’t come with as many standard features as some of its major rivals. In today’s economy, the vehicle that provides the most value for the most affordable price often becomes more popular than competitors.

The Toyota 4Runner doesn’t get great gas mileage

A green 2022 Toyota 4Runner is parked off-road.
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

The 4Runner’s gas mileage doesn’t cut the mustard when compared to other midsize SUV models. Its body-on-frame design doesn’t help the SUV’s fuel economy. The midsize SUV achieves just 16 miles per gallon in the city and 19 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Kia Telluride is hardly the most fuel-efficient SUV in its vehicle segment, but it gets a superior 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 4Runner is at the bottom of midsize SUV rankings

A blue Toyota 4Runner midsize SUV is parked in a parking lot.
The Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

The Toyota 4Runner came in dead last on a midsize SUV ranking list from Car and Driver. The automotive publication provides adequate justification for ranking the 4Runner as the 24th-best on its list. The 4Runner is a relic of the past that reminds consumers of a time when most midsize SUVs were based on pickup trucks.

Today’s midsize models are much sleeker and more agile than many of the boxy body-on-frame SUV designs of the past. The 4Runner’s design has its pros and cons. It’s tough for an older design to compete with more modern midsize models like the Kia Telluride.

The Toyota 4Runner’s ride quality leaves much to be desired

A red 2022 Toyota 4Runner is driving off-road.
The Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

Consumer Reports gave the Toyota 4Runner a 2/5 for its ride category. The midsize SUV got a 55/100 on CR’s road test. There are plenty of rivals that offer a smooth ride quality in the midsize SUV vehicle segment.

The Toyota 4Runner is a decent midsize SUV for consumers looking for a durable, long-lasting model. There are more affordable and more fuel-efficient alternatives like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Chevrolet Traverse on the market.

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