Few cars could buck the trend in 2026, with rising prices and changing buyer preferences making growth in the industry increasingly difficult. Yet one rugged SUV has done just that, posting one of the most impressive sales increases of any mainstream model this year.
His success is not accidental. A complete redesign transformed this long-term off-roader into a more modern package without sacrificing the stability and trail ability that built its reputation. Buyers have responded in a big way, helping to more than double their sales compared to the same period last year.
In order to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the information used to compile this article was obtained from Toyota and other reputable sources, including EPA.
Sales of Toyota 4Runner will increase rapidly in 2026
The new model proved incredibly popular
With a strong reputation for reliability and a focus on mechanical prowess, the 4Runner has always been a staple vehicle for off-road enthusiasts. For the 2025 model year, the SUV has been completely rebuilt from the ground up, receiving a much-needed update that brings it into the modern age. Sometimes it takes time for sales momentum to build when a new generation car hits the market, but 2026 is proving to be the year of the 4Runner.
Toyota 4Runner sales Q2 2026
|
Model |
June 2025 (MTD) |
June 2026 (MTD) |
% Change |
Q2 2025 (YTD) |
Q2 2026 (YTD) |
% Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Toyota 4Runner |
5,754 |
12,981 |
125.6% |
30,013 |
72,320 |
141% |
Until now 2026 has been absolutely fantastic for the 4Runner. With the second quarter now behind us, we’ve got a full picture of the nameplate’s performance for the first half of the year. The SUV managed to more than double its sales compared to last year, selling more than 40,000 units in the first half of 2026 compared to the first half of 2025. In fact, Toyota sold as many 4Runners in this half of the year as it did in all of 2025.
This momentum is not slowing down, with June’s numbers showing the same consistent growth. It is clear that the production is in full swing and the demand for the SUV is incredibly high. The majority of models sold still have a gas-only powertrain configuration, with only 21,456 units sold this year being hybrids.
The updated 4Runner is a large SUV that checks almost every box
Decoration for every type of buyer
Mid-size SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco have always been exceptionally popular in America. The 4Runner has always been part of the conversation, but the outgoing model was too outdated to compete. The new model feels more modern than its rivals, sticking to the ideology of simple capability that made it so popular in the first place.
A trim kit with a ton of options
|
Model |
MSRP starts |
|---|---|
|
SR5 |
$40,775 |
|
TRD Sports |
$47,250 |
|
TRD Off-Road |
$49,190 |
|
TRD Sport Premium |
$52,610 |
|
TRD Off-Road Premium |
$54,970 |
|
It is limited |
$55,400 |
|
Platinum |
$62,860 |
|
TRD Pro |
$66,900 |
|
Trailhunter |
$66,900 |
Starting at just over $40,000, the 4Runner is competitive with other big and rugged SUVs like the Honda Passport and Ford Bronco. Its trim range is wide and Toyota offers a model for almost every type of buyer. The SR5 is a great workhorse, TRD Sport models balance off-road capability with on-road performance, and TRD Off-Road models are for those who want to climb rough terrain. Buyers with deep pockets can opt for the luxurious Limited or Platinum trims or fully equipped TRD Pro and TrailhunterIt’s built to attack the outdoors straight off the dealer floor.
Strong off-road performance regardless of whether you go hybrid
Toyota convinced buyers that its four cylinders were enough
There was some uproar when the updated model was announced and it was revealed that the 4Runner would no longer have a V-6, but a turbocharged four-cylinder. Many fans of the rugged SUV weren’t convinced that a turbocharged four-cylinder would offer the same kind of performance or reliability you’d get with a proven V-6. But Toyota did it turn some of these nameplates loyalalthough.
A four-pot superior to the old V-6
- Main Trim Engine
-
2.4L I-FORCE I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-speed automatic
- Basic Trim transmission
-
Rear wheel
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
278bhp @6000rpm
- Main Trim Torque
-
317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
- to do
-
Toyota
- Model
-
4 Runners
- Segment
-
Mid-size SUV
Every 2026 4Runner comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood. In most models, this engine works alone, producing 278 horsepower and sending it through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional. Some trims can be had with a hybrid configuration, which boosts output to 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The Trailhunter and TRD Pro are only available with a hybrid setup.
While buyers may still need some convincing to upgrade to the more expensive hybrid configuration, it’s clear from the nameplate’s sales figures that they’ve embraced the four-cylinder engine. Given that the four-pot outperformed the old V-6 in almost every measure, from horsepower to efficiency, it wasn’t too difficult a task. Toyota also ensures that the new engine is designed with reliability as a top priority, but only time will tell how well it holds up.
The new 4Runner has proven its worth
This year has been quite a turbulent one for the automotive industry. From rising fuel prices to tariff wars, there have been headwinds almost everywhere. It is in this context that the 4Runner has emerged as somewhat of a hero for Toyota. While the brand has managed the year so far quite well, having a model that has more than doubled its sales in this environment is something that can only be applauded.
