The 4Runner first received the 4.0-liter V6 in the 2003 model year, and that 1GR-FE engine has powered the SUV through generations up to today. This article traces the timeline and explains what changed in each generation and why Toyota stuck with the V6 for so long.
Timeline: When the 4.0L V6 appeared in the 4Runner
Below is a concise timeline highlighting the model-year ranges and the generational shift when Toyota introduced the 4.0L V6 in the 4Runner, and how the engine remained in later generations.
- Fourth generation (about 2003–2009 model years): Toyota introduced the 4.0L DOHC V6 (1GR-FE) for the 4Runner, replacing the preceding 3.4L V6. This marked the first use of the 4.0L V6 in the U.S.-market 4Runner.
- Fifth generation (about 2010–present): The 4.0L V6 continued in the redesigned 4Runner, with refinements such as variable valve timing and updated electronics, maintaining a balance of power and reliability.
In short, starting with the 2003 model year, the 4Runner has used the 4.0L V6 in the U.S. market, and that configuration has persisted across generations with improvements over time.
Engine basics
The engine in question is Toyota's 1GR-FE 4.0-liter V6, a DOHC 24-valve design with Toyota's VVT-i. It has been the standard powerplant for most U.S. 4Runners since 2003, typically paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and offering a reliable balance of torque and daily drivability.
Summary
Since its 2003 redesign, the Toyota 4Runner has been powered by the 4.0-liter V6 (1GR-FE) in the U.S. market, and that setup remains in use in the current generation, reflecting Toyota's commitment to a robust, enduring V6 option for the SUV.