Is a Toyota 4Runner worth it?
It depends on what you pay and what you earn. Here is what a 3-year-old 4Runner costs to own at US averages, and the most you can pay before it stops being a smart buy.
The short answer
- It keeps about 69% of its price after five years, better than the typical suv or crossover (57%).
- At 17 MPG, fuel runs about $2,224 a year at 12,000 miles and US average gas prices.
- Insurance, fuel, maintenance and fees come to about 42 cents per mile, before the car payment.
How much can you pay?
The highest price that still scores Worth it (70 or more) or Borderline (50 or more), for a 3-year-old 4Runner with 20% down, a 60-month loan at 10% APR, 12,000 miles a year and US average costs.
| Yearly income | Worth it up to | Borderline up to |
|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | Not at any price | $7,500 |
| $60,000 | $10,500 | $22,500 |
| $80,000 | $21,500 | $37,500 |
| $100,000 | $32,500 | $53,000 |
| $150,000 | $60,500 | $91,000 |
Paying cash, a bigger down payment or a cheaper insurance quote all raise these limits. Your state matters too: run your own numbers.
Cost to own, year one
Running costs for a 3-year-old Toyota 4Runner at 12,000 miles a year, at US averages. The car payment comes on top.
| Insurance | $2,100 |
| Fuel | $2,224 |
| Maintenance and repairs | $529 |
| Registration and fees | $150 |
| Total per year | $5,002 |
Key facts
- Type: SUV or crossover, gas
- Efficiency: 17 MPG
- Value kept after 5 years: about 69%
- Insurance class: 5% above the state average
Compare with
Toyota RAV4 · Toyota RAV4 Hybrid · Toyota Highlander · Toyota Grand Highlander · Honda CR-V · Honda HR-V · Honda Pilot · Ford Bronco Sport · Ford Bronco · Ford Explorer · Ford Escape · Chevrolet Equinox · Chevrolet Trax · Chevrolet Tahoe · Jeep Wrangler · Jeep Grand Cherokee · Jeep Cherokee · Jeep Compass · Nissan Rogue · Hyundai Tucson · Hyundai Santa Fe · Kia Sportage · Kia Sorento · Kia Telluride · Subaru Crosstrek · Subaru Forester · Subaru Outback · Subaru Ascent · Mazda CX-5 · Mazda CX-50 · Mazda CX-30 · Volkswagen Tiguan
Figures are estimates from public averages (data as of 2026-10, method v1.0), not quotes or financial advice. See how we score.