Toyota 4Runner vs. Toyota RAV4
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota 4Runner and Toyota RAV4 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Toyota 4Runner and the Toyota RAV4.
When comparing the Toyota 4Runner's and the Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the Toyota 4Runner has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and base engine power. The Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Toyota 4Runner's and the Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the Toyota RAV4 is a better car than the Toyota 4Runner.
Pricing: A used 2024 Toyota 4Runner ranges from $44,999 to $59,806 while a used 2024 Toyota RAV4 is priced between $30,333 to $41,519. For a new model, the Toyota 4Runner's price is between $44,699 and $58,164, with the Toyota RAV4 priced between $30,673 and $41,221.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota 4Runner loses 29.1 percent of its value and the Toyota RAV4 loses 28.7 percent of its value. This means the Toyota RAV4 retains 0.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Toyota 4Runner.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota 4Runner is 8.7 out of 10 while the Toyota RAV4's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Toyota 4Runner being ranked 7 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Toyota RAV4 being ranked 3 out of 39.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota 4Runner is 9.4 out of 10. For the Toyota RAV4 the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Toyota 4Runner a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Toyota RAV4.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Toyota 4Runner’s base engine makes 270 horsepower, and the Toyota RAV4 base engine makes 203 horsepower. The 4Runner is rated to deliver an average of 17 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 437 miles. The RAV4 is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 508 miles. This gives the Toyota RAV4 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Toyota 4Runner. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Toyota 4Runner, a midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Toyota RAV4, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of rear head room and rear leg room. The Toyota 4Runner and Toyota RAV4 are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Toyota RAV4 has higher safety ratings than the Toyota 4Runner, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Toyota RAV4 has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$44,699 - $58,164
Starting MSRP:
$40,705
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$30,673 - $41,221
Starting MSRP:
$28,475
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$27,871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,860 - $30,300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$51,048
Price Range:
$44,999 - $59,806
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,588
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
4,326
# Good or Great Deals:
108
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$35,001
Price Range:
$30,333 - $41,519
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$33,244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,649 - $36,546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
7,064
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
2,036
# Good or Great Deals:
136
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$12,137
Depreciation %:
29.8%
Resale Value $:
$28,568
Residual Value %:
70.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$8,275
Depreciation %:
29.1%
Resale Value $:
$20,200
Residual Value %:
70.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
42%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29.1% - 47.3%
Toyota 4Runner Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
9.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Toyota RAV4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota 4Runner
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
92.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota RAV4
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
40.7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
Toyota 4Runner Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 28Ranking
23 out of / 39Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 39Ranking
31 out of / 39Ranking
31 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 32Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
37 out of / 39Toyota RAV4 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 39Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
22 out of / 59Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 39Ranking
35 out of / 39Ranking
36 out of / 39Ranking
37 out of / 39Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
65 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Summary Review
Toyota doesn't have just one popular SUV in this segment, but two. The Toyota 4Runner is the Highlander’s more-rugged sibling.
Summary Review
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover with seating for five. The current Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with new models averaging $31,101 and 3-year-old models averaging $23,510.
Pros and Cons
- Rugged off-road capability
- Great for towing when properly equipped
- Outstanding value retention (low depreciation)
- Aging design
- Interior space is limited by comparison to other midsize SUV / crossovers
- Fuel economy literally half that of a Highlander Hybrid
Pros and Cons
- Reputation for durability
- Gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models available
- Rugged SUV-like capability with the TRD Pro Off-Road trim
- Lackluster driving experience
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto late to arrive
- Cumbersome touchscreen controls
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels
TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, TRD Sport, Limited, SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road
Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels
Adventure, LE, Limited, TRD Off-Road, XLE, XLE Premium
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
270 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
278 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
203 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.060 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4, AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 19 / 17
Range (city/hwy):
368 / 437 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
392 / 508 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
32.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Cargo Space:
47.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
89.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
144.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Cargo Space:
37.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
69.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4400 lbs
Width:
75.8 inches
Height:
71.5 inches
Length:
190.2 inches
Wheelbase:
109.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3370 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
67 inches
Length:
180.9 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P265/70R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Nautical Blue Metallic
Gray
Underground
Red
Barcelona Red Metallic
Silver
Classic Silver Metallic
White
Ice Cap
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Not available
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Silver Sky Metallic
White
Ice Cap
Interior Colors
Beige
Sand Beige
Black
Black/Graphite
Interior Colors
Beige
Nutmeg
Black
Black
