Why the Toyota 4Runner is Expensive: Understanding the Factors Driving its High Price

By Derrick •  Updated: 08/21/23 •  12 min read

If you’ve been in the market for a new SUV, you may have noticed that the Toyota 4Runner comes with a higher price tag than some of its competitors. You might be wondering why this vehicle is so expensive, especially if you’re trying to stay within a certain budget. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the high cost of the Toyota 4Runner.

One reason for the 4Runner’s high price is its reputation for reliability and durability. Toyota is known for producing vehicles that last a long time with minimal maintenance, and the 4Runner is no exception. This means that demand for the vehicle remains high, which drives up the price. Additionally, the 4Runner has a strong resale value, so even used models can be expensive.

Another factor contributing to the high cost of the 4Runner is its off-road capabilities. This SUV is designed to handle tough terrain and challenging driving conditions, which requires specialized engineering and components. The cost of these features is reflected in the price tag. However, if you’re someone who enjoys off-roading or needs a vehicle that can handle rough terrain, the 4Runner may be worth the investment.

Brand Reputation and Quality

One of the main reasons why the Toyota 4Runner is so expensive is because of the brand’s reputation and quality. Toyota is known for producing reliable and long-lasting vehicles, and the 4Runner is no exception.

Toyota has consistently been ranked as one of the most dependable car brands in the market. According to the 2021 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, Toyota is ranked second among all car brands, with only Lexus ahead of it. This reputation for reliability means that the 4Runner holds its value well, even as a used vehicle.

Moreover, the 4Runner is built with high-quality materials and parts, which contributes to its durability and longevity. It has a body-on-frame construction, which makes it more rugged and capable of handling tough terrain. This construction also makes it easier to repair and maintain, which can save you money in the long run.

Additionally, the 4Runner has advanced safety features designed to keep you and your passengers safe. It has a suite of driver-assist features, including lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. These features add to the vehicle’s overall value, making it a worthwhile investment.

Overall, the Toyota 4Runner’s brand reputation and quality are important factors contributing to its high price tag. While it may be expensive, the 4Runner’s reliability, durability, and safety features make it a solid investment for those who prioritize these qualities in a vehicle.

Off-Road Capabilities

The Toyota 4Runner is known for its off-road capabilities, making it a popular choice for adventurers who enjoy exploring rough terrains. Here are some of the features that make the 4Runner an excellent off-road vehicle:

  • Part-Time 4-Wheel Drive System: The 4Runner comes with a part-time 4-wheel drive system that allows you to switch between 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive. The 4-wheel drive system provides better traction and stability on slippery or uneven surfaces.
  • Locking Rear differential: The selectable locking rear differential is another feature that makes the 4Runner a great off-road vehicle. It helps to distribute power evenly to both rear wheels, ensuring that they rotate at the same speed. This feature is particularly useful when driving on steep inclines or rocky terrain.
  • Crawl Control: This feature helps to maintain a slow and steady speed when driving on challenging terrains. It controls the accelerator and brakes, allowing you to focus on steering the vehicle.
  • Multi-Terrain Select: The multi-terrain select feature allows you to choose between different driving modes depending on the terrain you are driving on. The modes include mud and sand, rock, mogul, and loose rock.
  • Hill Start Assist Control: This feature helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on a steep incline. It holds the brakes for a few seconds after you release the brake pedal to give you time to switch to the accelerator.

Overall, the Toyota 4Runner’s off-road capabilities make it an excellent choice for adventurers who want to explore rough terrains. Its features provide better traction, stability, and control on challenging terrains, ensuring a safe and enjoyable off-road experience.

Resale Value

One of the primary reasons why the Toyota 4Runner is so expensive is its exceptional resale value. Toyota has an excellent reputation for producing reliable and durable vehicles that hold their value over time. The 4Runner is no exception. Its high resale value is due to several factors, including:

  • Brand reputation: Toyota is known for producing high-quality vehicles that are built to last. This reputation has helped to establish the 4Runner as a reliable and trustworthy SUV, which in turn has helped to boost its resale value.
  • Durability: The 4Runner is built to withstand tough conditions and rough terrain. Its body-on-frame construction and off-road capabilities make it popular for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This durability translates into a vehicle that holds its value over time.
  • Limited supply: The 4Runner is not produced in high volumes, so supply is limited. This scarcity helps to drive up demand and prices, which in turn helps to maintain its resale value.
  • Steady demand: The 4Runner has a loyal following of fans who appreciate its ruggedness, durability, and off-road capabilities. This steady demand helps to keep prices high and resale values strong.

Overall, the 4Runner’s exceptional resale value is a testament to its quality, durability, and popularity among consumers. If you’re in the market for a used SUV, the 4Runner is an excellent choice that is sure to hold its value over time.

Longevity and Durability

One of the main reasons why the Toyota 4Runner is so expensive is because of its longevity and durability. Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs have a good reputation for reliability and retaining resale value, and the 4Runner is no exception.

According to a report, 4.1% of examples of the midsize SUV reach 200,000 miles, and some owners claim to have gone beyond 300,000 miles. This is due to the 4Runner’s robust build quality and reliable engine. The 4Runner is built on a body-on-frame chassis, which is more durable and rugged than the unibody construction used by many other SUVs.

Moreover, the 4Runner’s engine is known for its reliability. The 4.0-liter V6 engine has been in use for over a decade, and it has proven to be a dependable workhorse. It can handle heavy loads and rough terrain without breaking down, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.

In addition, the 4Runner is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and rough terrain. It has a high ground clearance, skid plates, and a reinforced frame that can handle bumps and bruises without damaging the vehicle. This makes the 4Runner a popular choice for people who live in areas with harsh weather conditions or who enjoy off-roading.

Overall, the 4Runner’s longevity and durability are major factors that contribute to its high resale value and expensive price tag. If you’re looking for a vehicle that can last for years and handle tough conditions, the 4Runner is a great choice.

Advanced Safety Features

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner comes with a slew of advanced safety features that make it one of the safest SUVs on the market. Here are some of the key safety features that you can expect to find in the 4Runner:

  • Automatic Emergency Braking: The 4Runner comes with automatic emergency braking, which can help prevent collisions by automatically applying the brakes if it detects an imminent collision.
  • Lane-Departure Warning: The 4Runner also comes with lane-departure warning, which can alert you if you start to drift out of your lane.
  • Lane-Keeping Assist: The 4Runner’s lane-keeping assist feature can help keep you centered in your lane by making small steering adjustments.
  • Blind-Spot Monitoring: The 4Runner’s blind-spot monitoring system can alert you if there is a vehicle in your blind spot, helping you avoid collisions when changing lanes.
  • Automatic High-Beam Headlights: The 4Runner’s automatic high-beam headlights can automatically adjust the brightness of your headlights based on the lighting conditions, helping you see better at night without blinding other drivers.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control: The 4Runner’s adaptive cruise control can automatically adjust your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you.

It’s worth noting that while the 4Runner comes with many advanced safety features, it did not receive a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the 4Runner still received high marks for its safety features, making it a great choice for those who prioritize safety when choosing a vehicle.

High-End Comfort and Convenience Features

The Toyota 4Runner is known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design, but it also comes equipped with a number of high-end comfort and convenience features that make it a top choice for buyers who want both luxury and practicality.

One of the most notable features of the 4Runner is its spacious and comfortable interior. With seating for up to seven passengers, the 4Runner offers plenty of room for families and groups of friends. The seats are designed with premium materials and are adjustable for maximum comfort on long drives.

In addition to comfortable seating, the 4Runner also offers a range of convenience features that make driving easier and more enjoyable. Some of these features include:

  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Keyless entry and ignition
  • Power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • JBL premium audio system with 15 speakers

The 4Runner also comes equipped with a number of advanced safety features, including a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. These features help keep you and your passengers safe on the road, no matter where your adventures take you.

Overall, the Toyota 4Runner is a top choice for buyers who want a rugged and capable SUV that also offers high-end comfort and convenience features. Whether you’re driving on the highway or off-road, the 4Runner is designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable ride for you and your passengers.

The Cost of Manufacturing

The Toyota 4Runner is known for being a durable and reliable SUV that can handle tough terrain and off-road adventures. However, its high price tag can be a turnoff for some potential buyers. One reason for the high cost is the manufacturing process.

Toyota has a reputation for producing high-quality vehicles, and the 4Runner is no exception. The company uses high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to ensure that each vehicle is built to last. This attention to detail and quality comes at a cost, which is reflected in the price of the 4Runner.

The manufacturing process for the 4Runner involves several steps, including stamping, welding, painting, and assembly. Each step requires specialized equipment and skilled workers, which adds to the overall cost of production. Additionally, Toyota has implemented strict quality control measures to ensure that each vehicle meets its high standards, which also adds to the cost.

Despite the high cost of manufacturing, Toyota has managed to keep the price of the 4Runner competitive with other midsize SUVs on the market. This is due in part to the 4Runner’s popularity and strong resale value, which allows Toyota to recoup some of the manufacturing costs over time.

In summary, the high cost of manufacturing is one factor that contributes to the overall price of the Toyota 4Runner. Toyota’s commitment to quality and attention to detail comes at a premium, but many buyers feel that the durability and reliability of the 4Runner are worth the investment.

Market Demand and Supply

The Toyota 4Runner is a popular SUV that has been around for several decades. The demand for this vehicle has remained high due to its durability, dependability, and off-road capabilities. As a result, the price of the 4Runner has remained relatively high, even in the second-hand market.

The market demand for the 4Runner is driven by a variety of factors. One of the main reasons why people are willing to pay a premium for this vehicle is its reputation for reliability. The 4Runner has a long history of being a dependable SUV that can handle rough terrain and adverse weather conditions. This reputation has made the 4Runner a popular choice for people who need a vehicle that can handle the demands of their lifestyle.

Another factor that contributes to the high demand for the 4Runner is its off-road capabilities. The 4Runner is designed to handle rough terrain, which makes it an ideal choice for people who enjoy off-roading or need a vehicle that can handle challenging driving conditions. The 4Runner’s off-road capabilities are further enhanced by its four-wheel drive system, which provides excellent traction and stability on uneven ground.

On the supply side, Toyota has been able to maintain a relatively low production volume for the 4Runner. This limited production has helped to keep the price of the vehicle high, as demand outstrips supply. Additionally, Toyota has been able to maintain a high level of quality control in the production of the 4Runner, which has helped to maintain its reputation for reliability and durability.

Overall, the market demand for the Toyota 4Runner is driven by its reputation for reliability, off-road capabilities, and limited supply. These factors have helped to keep the price of the 4Runner relatively high, even in the second-hand market. If you’re in the market for a 4Runner, be prepared to pay a premium for this dependable and capable SUV.

Conclusion

In summary, the Toyota 4Runner is an expensive SUV because of its exceptional reliability, long-lasting durability, and high-quality materials. These attributes make it a highly sought-after vehicle, leading to high demand and naturally pushing up prices. Additionally, the 4Runner’s modern and relevant looks, as well as its ability to maintain its value over time, contribute to its high price.

When considering purchasing a Toyota 4Runner, it’s important to keep in mind that its high price is a reflection of its exceptional quality and reliability. While it may be more expensive than other SUVs on the market, its long-term value and low maintenance costs make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a reliable and durable vehicle.

Overall, the Toyota 4Runner’s high price is justified by its exceptional quality and reliability. If you’re in the market for a durable and reliable SUV, the 4Runner is definitely worth considering.

Derrick

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