I drove the 2026 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Wave Maker for a week for USA TODAY Cars, and it comes in my favorite car color of the year. The TRD Pro Wave Maker is an exclusive, limited-availability paint color that gives the 4Runner nameplate a whole new vibe.
Toyota's midsize family SUV is rugged, capable, and prepared for adventure. Here's what I learned about the 2026 Toyota 4Runner.
What stands out about the 2026 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Wave Maker?
The Wave Maker's exclusive exterior paint color is hard to miss. Its vibrant design reflects its capability and free-spirited driving dynamics.
Other noticeable attributes include 2.5-inch shocks from FOX and chunky 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires. It's built for the road less traveled, straight from the factory.
Performance, handling and efficiency: How does it drive?
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro has selectable
drive modes and its engine provides quick acceleration for a hefty SUV. It handles well for its size. I enjoyed its Sport mode on the highway because of its pleasant engine noise and raw power.
It uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. My 4Runner TRD Pro Wave Maker test vehicle came with an i-FORCE MAX Hybrid engine and electric motor powertrain setup that increases horsepower to 326 and torque to 465 pound-feet.
Toyota's gas 4Runner trims average around 22 miles per gallon combined. Hybrid models achieve around 23 miles per gallon combined. The 4Runner TRD Pro can travel more than 437 miles on a single tank of gas, which is impressive for its segment.
Interior, tech and comfort: What's it like inside?
The 4Runner has a surprisingly comfortable interior for an off-road vehicle. It comes with great standard safety and driver-assistance features as well as comfort features.
The cabin of the TRD Pro includes a massive 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Lower trims like the SR5 and TRD Off-Road have an 8-inch screen. My TRD Pro Wave Maker test model comes with a wireless smartphone charger, a panoramic view monitor, and a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system with a portable flex speaker in the dash.
Will the 2026 Toyota 4Runner fit your lifestyle?
Toyota's 4Runner is a midsize family SUV that seats five occupants comfortably. If you have a family or regularly travel with passengers, it should fit your lifestyle.
Toyota's midsize SUV is 194.9 inches long, 78 inches wide (without mirrors), and 72.6 inches tall (without roof rails). It has 41.8 inches of legroom in the front and 34.8 inches of legroom in the rear. Drivers can add a third-row package to trims like the SR5 and Limited, which provide 31.8 inches of legroom.
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner has 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second row of seats. Three-row models have 12.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
Price, value and competitors: Is the 2026 Toyota 4Runner worth buying?
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner starts at $42,270. I tested the TRD Pro Wave Maker, which starts at $70,890. It comes in a whopping 12 trims.
Toyota's 4Runner is worth buying for families who need a capable SUV with a strong build quality. Upper trims are pricey, but you don't need to get the TRD Pro to enjoy the 4Runner. That said, I did enjoy the TRD Pro's design and the Wave Maker color.
The 4Runner's main rivals are models like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Toyota's midsize family SUV beats rivals when it comes to long-term value and reliability. The Bronco is the better off-road SUV for hardcore enthusiasts. Jeep's Grand Cherokee is the better choice for towing and passenger space.
Final verdict: Who should buy the 2026 Toyota 4Runner?
Toyota's 4Runner is an excellent choice for car buyers who want a long-lasting and dependable family SUV. If you regularly take long road trips and tend to go off the beaten path, the 4Runner is made for you.
There are midsize SUVs that are more spacious and efficient than the 4Runner, but its rugged aesthetic and formidable build quality make it stand out in an ultra-competitive segment. I personally would not be able to opt for the most expensive TRD Pro trim, but I can see the appeal as an auto enthusiast who appreciates all the additional gear and features.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: I drove the 2026 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. Is it worth $70,890?
