Makes›Toyota›4Runner›2018

2018 Toyota 4Runner

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 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 Sr5 V6, 4dr SUV 4WD Trail Edition V6, 4dr SUV 4WD Limited V6
Engines
4.0L 6-cyl
Horsepower
270 hp
Transmission
5-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
18 combined · 17 city / 21 hwy
Length
189.8 in
Curb weight
4,654–4,806 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Few owner complaints59 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 410 for similar models.

Watch out for

  • Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 24.6% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Toyota 4Runner is a standard SUV offered with a 4.0L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive, part-time 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 190 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,654 lb (4dr SUV 4WD Sr5 V6).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (17 city / 21 highway), 8% worse than the 2018 standard SUV average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2018

  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 4Runner →

Trims, performance & features

Engine270 hp4.0L 6-cyl
Transmission5-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

SR5/SR5 Premium/TRD Off Road/TRD Off Road Premium/Ltd/TRD ProLtd/SR5/SR5 Premium

Safety & driver-assist features

Forward collision warningStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard

Built in: Tahara, Aichi

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2018 4Runner configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4WD Sr5 V6189.8 in76 in70.1 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
4dr SUV 4WD Limited V6189.8 in76 in71.7 in109.8 in63.4 / 63.4 in4,806 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 / 21 / 18-8%$3,700479
4Runner 4WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive17 / 20 / 18-4%$3,700491
4Runner 4WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)All-Wheel Drive17 / 20 / 18-4%$3,700491
3/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
3/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $6,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.5 MPG2018 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 3★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★24.6%
2018 Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 3★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★24.6%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD
Side crash test — 2018 Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Toyota 4Runner (this car)18 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated2
2018 Toyota RAV432 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Honda CR-V30 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Ford Explorer22 MPG★★★★★7
2018 Subaru Forester28 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Toyota Highlander29 MPG★★★★★4

Recalls (5)

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 4, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V682000 · 1,525,742 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Suspension · Sep 20, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V670000 · 34 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.
Risk
Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET19B.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Oct 25, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V753000 · 1,295 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles that SET modified to be equipped with a TRD wheel package. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
SET will notify owners and mail them corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began November 28, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET18A.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Dec 20, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V831000 · 649 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.
Structure › Body › Hood · Nov 29, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V763000 · 431 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Toyota 4Runner vehicles equipped with an accessory Billet Grille Overlay installed by SET or provided by SET and installed by SET dealers. The U-nut that secures the overlay grille may fracture, allowing the Billet Grille Overlay to detach from the vehicle.
Risk
If the Billet Grille Overlay detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the securing U-nuts with upgraded hardware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 26, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET17C.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Toyota 4Runner is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

59Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
21,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering12
Unknown Or Other9
Air Bags8
Service Brakes6
Engine5
Structure › Body4
Suspension4
Fuel System, Gasoline4
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/07: 120/09: 320/10: 120/11: 320/12: 421/01: 121/03: 421/05: 121/06: 222/02: 122/04: 223/03: 123/05: 123/06: 124/02: 124/03: 224/04: 124/07: 224/08: 125/03: 226/01: 126/03: 126/07: 126/10: 120/0720/1121/0322/0223/0524/0324/0826/03max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Toyota 4Runner buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 12 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Air Bags — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Service Brakes — 6 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 21,000 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 2018 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
2017 4Runner18189.8 inNot rated536
2016 4Runner19189.8 inNot rated880
2015 4Runner19189.8 inNot rated987
2014 4Runner19189.8 inNot rated773

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