For over a decade, the Toyota 4Runner has remained one of the few midsize SUVs to hold on to its rugged, body-on-frame roots, built not for mall crawling but actual trail crawling. The 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road continues this legacy with a bold stance, proven powertrain, and genuine off-road hardware, offering a sweet spot between affordability and off-pavement capability.
Positioning & Price
The TRD Off-Road sits just above the TRD Sport and below the hardcore TRD Pro trim, making it an ideal middle ground for adventurers who want serious trail talent without spending over $50,000. With a starting MSRP of around $44,550, it offers impressive value for its feature set.
Powertrain & Performance
Under the hood is a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Though aging compared to turbocharged competitors, this naturally aspirated setup is known for its durability. A part-time 4WD system and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds make it suitable for hauling gear or a small trailer to remote destinations.
Fuel economy is rated at 16 MPG city and 19 MPG highway, a figure that won’t impress daily commuters but is typical for the off-road-ready class.
Off-Road Hardware & Trail Technology
Where the TRD Off-Road earns its name is in capability. Toyota equips it with an electronically locking rear differential, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select—all working together to help drivers maintain traction on challenging surfaces like sand, rock, and mud.
A standout optional upgrade is the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which automatically disconnects the sway bars for better wheel articulation over rough terrain. Ground clearance is a respectable 9.6 inches, with an approach angle of 33 degrees and a departure angle of 26 degrees—impressive numbers in the segment.
Reviewers praise the SUV’s confident climbing ability, though they note the Crawl Control system is a bit noisy during operation.
Interior & Convenience
Inside, the 4Runner TRD Off-Road balances practicality with comfort. SofTex-trimmed seats, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a sliding rear cargo deck add functionality, especially for campers and overlanders. The power rear window is a fan-favorite feature, offering extra ventilation or quick access to the cargo area.
Technology includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The infotainment setup is intuitive, though not the most modern in appearance or response time.
Safety Features
The 2024 model comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense P, which includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Automatic High Beams
- Blind-Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
These features bring peace of mind without relying on overly aggressive driver-assist technologies.
Room to Customize
While trail-ready from the factory, many owners opt to upgrade the stock tires and thin skid plates to better match the 4Runner’s potential. The aftermarket ecosystem for the 4Runner is massive—rooftop tents, lift kits, rock sliders, and more are easy additions.
Verdict: Built for the Wild, Not the Whim
The 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road isn’t about luxury touches or cutting-edge efficiency—it’s about unshakable reliability, true off-road performance, and long-term value. If your weekends involve forest trails, mountain passes, or rocky riverbeds, this is the kind of SUV that won’t just survive the adventure—it’ll thrive in it.
With a proven formula, timeless design, and just enough modern tech, the TRD Off-Road proves that some classics are worth keeping just the way they are.
It’s crucial to remember, though, that the 4Runner does feel outmoded in urban settings. The cabin insulation isn’t as quiet as some manufacturers’, and the engine may seem underpowered when merging on highways. These trade-offs are unimportant, though, for those who value trail durability and durability over elegance.
One of the only midsize SUVs to stick to its sturdy body-on-frame base for over a decade is the Toyota 4Runner, which was built for actual trail crawling as opposed to mall crawling. The 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Rugged maintains this history by striking a mix between price and off-road power with its aggressive stance, reliable drivetrain, and actual off-road technologies.
A Legacy of Dependability
It took a moment to create the 4Runner’s reputation. Since its inception in 1984, it has gained the confidence of overlanders, families, and drivers who put utility first. Even though the 2024 model doesn’t look all that different from its previous models, that’s part of its attraction: Toyota focuses on what works rather than following trends.
Although this 4Runner generation is outdated, part of the vehicle’s appeal is its familiarity. Even after years of hard use and high mileage, owners praise its durable build, low-maintenance engineering, and extraordinary resale value.
Real-World Road (and Trail) Impressions
While it shines off-road, the 4Runner TRD Off-Road is no slouch on pavement either. The ride is firm but controlled, especially with KDSS equipped. Steering feels heavy compared to modern unibody crossovers, but that’s expected in a truck-based SUV. On rough trails, the suspension soaks up bumps confidently, and the locking rear differential makes a big difference when traction disappears.
However, it’s worth noting that the 4Runner does feel dated in urban settings. The engine can feel underpowered on highway merges, and the cabin insulation isn’t as quiet as some competitors. But these trade-offs are minor for those prioritizing durability and trail reliability over refinement.