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2013 Toyota 4Runner

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Toyota 4Runner
Pictured: 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport in Wind Chill Pearl, front right, 2025-05-18. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4WD Limited V6, 4dr SUV 4WD Sr5 V6, 4dr SUV 4WD Trail Edition V6
Engines
4.0L 6-cyl
Horsepower
176–270 hp
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
19 combined · 17 city / 22 hwy
Length
189.8 in
Curb weight
4,654–4,806 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Few owner complaints36 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 333 for similar models.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Toyota 4Runner is a standard SUV offered with a 4.0L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 190 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,806 lb (4dr SUV 4WD Limited V6).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 22 highway), 8% better than the 2013 standard SUV average of 17.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.

What changed for 2013

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 4Runner — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 4Runner →

Trims, performance & features

Engine236–270 hp4.0L 6-cyl
Engine176 hp2.5L 4-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

GRN280L/GRN285L/TRN280L/TRN285LDeluxHigh

Built in: Tahara, Aichi · San Antonio, Texas · Woodstock, Ontario

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2013 4Runner configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4WD Limited V6189.8 in76 in71.7 in109.8 in63 / 63 in4,806 lb54/46
4dr SUV 4WD Sr5 V6189.8 in76 in71.7 in109.8 in63 / 63 in4,654 lb54/46
4dr SUV 4WD Trail Edition V6189.8 in76 in74 in109.8 in63 / 63 in4,751 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
4Runner 2WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)Rear-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19+8%$3,550467
4Runner 4WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)All-Wheel Drive17 / 21 / 18+5%$3,700478
4Runner 4WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive17 / 21 / 18+5%$3,700478
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $5,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
17.6 MPG2013 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Toyota 4Runner.

Similar 2013 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Toyota 4Runner (this car)19 MPGNot rated6
2013 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated2
2013 Ford Explorer23 MPGNot rated11
2013 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated3
2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee19 MPGNot rated9
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe24 MPGNot rated7
2013 Volkswagen Touareg23 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (6)

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Oct 17, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V741000 · 928,220 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 9, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V005000 · 1,299,448 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 9, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V024000 · 628,018 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan), and the U.S. VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2009 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Lexus IS250, IS350, ES350, IS-F, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
Equipment · Jul 3, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V425000 · 3,547 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
Risk
If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · Aug 3, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V577000 · 425 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 3, 2009, to December 1, 2014. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.
Risk
Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began September 15, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16D.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · Aug 13, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V515000 · 2,530 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured March 29, 2010, to July 30, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.
Risk
Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began on September 22, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for the recall is SET15D.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Toyota 4Runner is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

36Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
74,100 miTypical mileage at failure
Unknown Or Other10
Air Bags9
Service Brakes5
Electrical System4
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Engine3
Wheels2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
18/01: 118/02: 218/04: 118/07: 118/10: 118/12: 119/01: 119/02: 119/03: 319/05: 120/01: 120/03: 220/05: 120/09: 120/11: 121/04: 121/09: 122/10: 123/02: 123/11: 124/08: 125/04: 125/11: 126/06: 118/0118/0719/0119/0520/0521/0423/0225/04max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Toyota 4Runner buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 9 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Service Brakes — 5 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 74,100 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Toyota 4Runner. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other 4Runner years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 4Runner23194.9 inNot rated27
2025 4Runner23194.9 in★★★★★162
2024 4Runner17189.8 in★★★★★110
2023 4Runner17189.8 in★★★★★133
2022 4Runner17189.8 in★★★★★339
2021 4Runner17189.8 in★★★★★136
2020 4Runner17189.8 in★★★★★133
2019 4Runner18189.8 in★★★★★465
2018 4Runner18189.8 in★★★★★559
2017 4Runner18189.8 inNot rated536
2016 4Runner19189.8 inNot rated880
2015 4Runner19189.8 inNot rated987

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →