2024 Toyota 4Runner Configurations: Trims, Features, and What Sets Each Apart

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was the final model year of the fifth-generation platform before a full redesign — which makes it a significant purchase decision for buyers who want the proven body-on-frame build that made the 4Runner a long-running favorite. Understanding how Toyota structured its trim lineup helps buyers identify which configuration aligns with their intended use, whether that's daily driving, overlanding, towing, or family hauling.

How Toyota Structured the 2024 4Runner Lineup

Toyota organized the 2024 4Runner into six primary trim levels, each targeting a different buyer profile. All trims share the same 4.0-liter V6 engine producing approximately 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. That powertrain combination is notably old by modern standards — it predates CVTs and more modern multi-speed automatics — but it has a strong reputation for durability and serviceability over time.

Fuel economy across the lineup is rated at roughly 16 city / 19 highway mpg, though real-world numbers vary based on load, terrain, and driving habits.

The Six 2024 4Runner Trim Levels

Toyota also offered special editions in prior years (such as the TRD Pro and 40th Anniversary editions), though availability and packaging can vary by model year and region. Buyers should verify current dealer inventory directly, as special edition production is typically limited.

What Each Trim Actually Delivers

SR5 is the starting point. It includes Toyota's standard safety suite (Toyota Safety Sense-P), a multi-terrain select system on 4WD models, and basic infotainment. It's the most affordable entry into the 4Runner family but skips creature comforts found on higher trims.

SR5 Premium adds heated front seats, a power moonroof, and a premium audio system. The jump from SR5 to SR5 Premium is mostly about interior comfort rather than capability.

TRD Sport takes a different direction — it's styled for on-road performance with a sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch wheels, hood scoop, and unique exterior trim. It doesn't add meaningful off-road hardware, so buyers focused on trail use should look elsewhere in the lineup.

TRD Off-Road is where capability takes over. This trim adds Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, a locking rear differential, and underbody skid plates. The KDSS system automatically adjusts sway bar stiffness depending on terrain — a meaningful feature for technical off-road driving.

TRD Off-Road Premium layers comfort features onto the Off-Road foundation: heated and ventilated front seats, a JBL audio system, and premium interior materials. It targets buyers who want serious trail capability without sacrificing daily comfort.

Limited is the top-tier trim for buyers prioritizing refinement. It includes leather seating, a power running board option, premium audio, and upscale interior finishes. Its suspension is tuned more toward highway comfort than off-road use, and it rides on 20-inch road-oriented wheels. 🛣️

Key Variables That Separate Trim Choices

4WD vs. RWD: Not every trim is available in rear-wheel drive. The TRD Off-Road variants are 4WD-only by design. The SR5, SR5 Premium, and Limited can be purchased with rear-wheel drive, which reduces the purchase price but eliminates low-range capability.

4WD system type: The standard system is a part-time 4WD setup with a two-speed transfer case, giving drivers a Low and High range. This differs from full-time AWD systems found on crossovers — it's designed to be engaged when needed, not left in 4WD permanently on dry pavement.

Towing capacity: Properly equipped, the 2024 4Runner can tow up to approximately 5,000 lbs, though this figure depends on configuration, installed packages, and trailer type. Buyers planning to tow should verify the specific vehicle's tow rating from the manufacturer documentation.

Third-row seating: A third-row bench seat was available as an option on select trims, creating a seven-passenger layout. This is a significant differentiator for families who need the extra capacity — but the third row is tight by modern standards.

What the Old Platform Means for Buyers 🔧

The fifth-generation 4Runner ran from 2010 through 2024 with relatively few mechanical changes. That long production run creates a specific tradeoff: the platform is well-understood by mechanics, has extensive aftermarket support, and has a long reliability track record. On the other hand, the interior tech, fuel efficiency, and ride quality trail newer competitors significantly.

Buyers comparing the 2024 4Runner to newer three-row SUVs or more fuel-efficient alternatives will find the 4Runner falls short on mpg and interior modernity. Buyers prioritizing body-on-frame durability, off-road hardware, and long-term repairability tend to weigh those tradeoffs differently.

The Part That Depends on You

Which configuration makes sense depends entirely on factors specific to each buyer: how often the vehicle will go off-road, whether towing is part of the picture, how many passengers need to fit, and how much weight the buyer places on fuel economy versus capability. The trim levels don't overlap much in purpose — the TRD Off-Road and the Limited are genuinely different vehicles even though they share a powertrain. Where your priorities fall within that spectrum shapes which configuration actually fits your use case.