The 2024 4Runner comes in five trims with two engine choices, and your decision hinges on whether you want the newer, more efficient engine or the proven V8 that's been in the model for years

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner lineup breaks down into five distinct trims: SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and Platinum. Every trim is available with either a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (new for 2024) or the carryover 5.7-liter V8. The turbo four makes 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque; the V8 makes 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet. Both pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Your choice of engine affects fuel economy, towing capacity, acceleration feel, and long-term maintenance patterns—so understanding what each delivers matters before you configure one.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 4Runner offers a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine alongside the traditional V8, and the turbo is more fuel-efficient but the V8 tows more weight and feels more powerful off the line.
  • SR5 is the base trim with cloth seats and manual windows; TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road add off-road hardware; Limited and Platinum focus on comfort and technology.
  • The V8 is rated for 5,600 pounds of towing; the turbo four is rated for 4,700 pounds, a meaningful difference if you plan to haul a trailer regularly.
  • Fuel economy improves roughly 2 to 3 miles per gallon with the turbo four, but real-world numbers depend heavily on driving style and terrain.
  • All 2024 models include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 driver aids as standard.

SR5: The entry point with the essentials

The SR5 is where most buyers start, and it includes everything you need to drive a 4Runner without paying for features you won't use. You get cloth upholstery, manual windows and locks, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless phone integration, a backup camera, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (adaptive cruise, pre-collision warning, lane-keeping information). The interior is straightforward—durable rather than luxurious—which is appropriate for a vehicle that's equally at home on a dirt road or a highway.

The SR5 does not include a power liftgate, heated seats, or a panoramic sunroof. If you plan to spend most of your time in the city or on highways and rarely venture off pavement, the SR5 with the turbo four is the most economical choice. If you tow regularly or want more aggressive suspension tuning, you'll want to step up to a TRD trim or choose the V8.

TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road: Off-road capability and suspension tuning

Both TRD trims add Toyota's TRD-tuned suspension, which includes a rear electronic locking differential, Crawl Control (low-speed terrain management), and Multi-Mode Dynamic Suspension that adjusts damping in real time. The TRD Sport leans toward on-road performance with a sportier suspension setup; the TRD Off-Road is built for unpaved terrain with a higher ride height, skid plates, and all-terrain tires as standard.

The TRD Off-Road also includes a power liftgate, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 360-degree camera system that shows you the ground around all four corners—invaluable when navigating tight trails or parking in tight spaces. If you plan to use your 4Runner for serious off-road driving, camping, or towing a trailer through rough country, the TRD Off-Road is the trim that justifies its cost. The TRD Sport is a middle ground: it gives you the suspension upgrades and some creature comforts without the full off-road package.

Limited and Platinum: Comfort and technology over terrain capability

The Limited and Platinum trims prioritize interior refinement and technology. Both include leather upholstery, a power liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Platinum adds a Mark Levinson premium audio system, a head-up display that projects speed and navigation onto the windshield, semi-aniline leather, and power-adjustable pedals.

Neither the Limited nor the Platinum includes the TRD suspension or off-road-specific hardware. They ride more smoothly on pavement and offer more storage and convenience features, but they're not designed for serious trail work. If you want a 4Runner primarily for highway driving, family trips, and occasional light off-road use, the Limited is a sensible choice. The Platinum is for buyers who want the 4Runner's size and capability but prioritize the driving experience and interior quality of a luxury SUV.

Engine choice: Turbo four versus V8

The 2024 4Runner's new 2.4-liter turbo four is the more efficient option, returning roughly 21 to 23 miles per gallon combined depending on driving conditions and whether you choose two-wheel or all-wheel drive. The V8 returns roughly 18 to 20 miles per gallon combined. Over a year of typical driving, that difference adds up—but it's not dramatic enough to force a decision on fuel economy alone.

The real trade-off is towing capacity and acceleration feel. The V8 is rated for 5,600 pounds of towing; the turbo four is rated for 4,700 pounds. If you plan to tow a boat, horse trailer, or travel trailer regularly, the V8 is the safer choice—it has more reserve power and won't strain as hard under load. The V8 also accelerates harder from a stop and feels more responsive on the highway when you need to pass. The turbo four is adequate for most driving and feels quick enough in everyday use, but it doesn't have the low-end punch of the V8.

Maintenance costs are likely to be similar between the two engines over the life of the vehicle, though the turbo four's complexity (turbocharger, intercooler, higher fuel pressure) means repairs, if needed, may cost more. The V8 is proven—it's been in the 4Runner for years—so parts availability and repair knowledge are well established.

Standard features across all 2024 models

Every 2024 4Runner, regardless of trim or engine, includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a backup camera, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. Safety Sense includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping information, and automatic high-beam control. These systems work well in practice and are standard rather than optional, which means you're not paying extra for core safety technology.

All models also come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and a multi-terrain select system that adjusts throttle and transmission behavior for different surfaces (mud, sand, rock, snow). The 4Runner's interior is built around a vertical touchscreen rather than a horizontal one, which some drivers find easier to reach and use while driving.

How to think about your configuration

Start by asking yourself three questions: How much do you plan to tow? How often will you drive off pavement? How important is interior comfort and technology? If you tow regularly or drive trails, the V8 and a TRD trim are worth the cost. If you drive mostly on pavement and want the best fuel economy, the turbo four and SR5 or Limited make sense. If you want a balance of capability and comfort without paying for off-road hardware you won't use, the Limited with either engine is a solid middle ground.

The 2024 4Runner is a full-size SUV, so it's not cheap regardless of which trim or engine you choose. But the lineup is straightforward: each trim has a clear purpose, and the engine choice is genuinely about how you'll use the vehicle, not about marketing positioning. Configure the one that matches your actual driving, not the one that looks best in photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the new turbo four engine reliable, or should I stick with the V8?

The turbo four is new for 2024, so long-term reliability data doesn't exist yet. The V8 has been in the 4Runner for years and has a proven track record. If reliability history matters more to you than fuel economy, the V8 is the safer choice. If you're willing to accept some uncertainty in exchange for better fuel economy, the turbo four is a reasonable bet—Toyota's turbo engines in other models have been reliable.

Can I get two-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive?

No. All 2024 4Runner models come with all-wheel drive standard. There is no two-wheel-drive option. This increases the base price but also means you have traction and capability in snow and rain without choosing an option.

What's the difference between TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road suspension?

The TRD Sport suspension is tuned for on-road handling and a sportier feel; the TRD Off-Road suspension is tuned for rough terrain and includes a higher ride height. The TRD Off-Road also includes all-terrain tires and skid plates. If you plan to drive trails regularly, the TRD Off-Road is worth the extra cost. If you mostly drive paved roads, the TRD Sport gives you the suspension upgrades without the terrain-specific hardware.

Does the Limited trim have the same off-road capability as the TRD Off-Road?

No. The Limited has standard suspension and does not include the TRD-tuned suspension, locking differential, Crawl Control, or all-terrain tires. It's designed for highway and light off-road use. If serious off-road driving is part of your plan, the TRD Off-Road is the trim that delivers the hardware you need.

What warranty does the 2024 4Runner come with?

Toyota covers the 2024 4Runner with a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Powertrain covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. The basic warranty covers everything else. These are standard Toyota warranties and explore to all trims and engine choices.