4 the Love of Adventure: 40 Years of the Toyota 4Runner
Since its debut in 1984, the Toyota 4Runner has carved out a legendary reputation as one of the most capable and adventure-ready SUVs on the road—and off it. Built for those who live for the trails, camping trips, and untamed terrain, the 4Runner has evolved over the decades while staying true to its rugged roots.
Here in Oregon, the 4Runner has long been a favorite for drivers who treat nature as their second home. At Wilsonville Toyota, we’ve celebrated the 4Runner’s adventurous legacy with No Bull Built customizations, offering everything from off-road tires and lift kits to roof racks, lighting kits, and interior gear upgrades. As the 4Runner turns 40, we’re looking back at each decade to see what made this SUV an icon—and why it’s still going strong today.
1980s: Where It All Began
The Toyota 4Runner made its entrance in 1984 as a compact SUV based on the Hilux pickup truck. With a removable fiberglass top, solid front axle, and simple interior, it quickly earned respect among off-road enthusiasts. It wasn’t about luxury—it was about going places other vehicles couldn’t.
1990s: Comfort Meets Capability
In the 1990s, the 4Runner gained size, four doors, and more refined features—without giving up its trail-ready toughness. With the introduction of coil-spring rear suspension and more powerful engine options, the 4Runner struck the perfect balance between daily drivability and weekend adventure. It was during this decade that it became a common sight in Oregon’s forests, deserts, and snowy mountain passes.
2000s: Bolder and More Versatile
The early 2000s brought a full redesign, introducing available V8 power and more sophisticated off-road tech. Towing capacity increased, ride quality improved, and interior features elevated the 4Runner into a new class of comfort. Whether towing a trailer to the coast or loading up for a backpacking trip, this version of the 4Runner was built for flexibility.
2010s: The Off-Road Era
This was the decade the 4Runner fully leaned into its off-road identity. The fifth-generation model debuted with aggressive styling and added capability, especially with the launch of the TRD Pro trim. Features like crawl control, multi-terrain select, and skid plates helped it conquer even the gnarliest terrain.
2020s: Tech Meets Tradition
Now in its 40th year, the 4Runner continues to combine the traditional strength of body-on-frame construction with modern conveniences. The latest models offer Toyota Safety Sense, Apple CarPlay, and enhanced off-road packages—making them safer, smarter, and still unstoppable.
Adventure, Your Way
The Toyota 4Runner has never been about blending in—it’s been about standing out, exploring further, and getting the most out of every journey. At Wilsonville Toyota, we’re proud to be part of that journey. Whether you’re planning your next off-road expedition or gearing up for a weekend in the Cascades, our No Bull Built customizations make your 4Runner uniquely yours.
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