Toyota 4Runner generations by year
Toyota 4Runner generations covered here: 3rd generation 4Runner (1996-2002 MY); 4th generation 4Runner (2003-2009 MY); 5th generation 4Runner (2010-2024 MY); 6th generation 4Runner (2025 MY-). The table gives the first and last dates by market, and each generation lists its codes, facelifts, how to tell it apart and the sources.
Not sure which one you have? Use the which generation do I have finder.
Years by market
| Generation | Australia | United States | Europe and the UK | South Africa | Thailand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd generation 4Runner (1996-2002 MY) | Not confirmed | 1996 MY to 2002 MY | Not sold | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| 4th generation 4Runner (2003-2009 MY) | Not sold | 2003 MY to 2009 MY | Not sold | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| 5th generation 4Runner (2010-2024 MY) | Not sold | 2010 MY to 2024 MY | Not sold | Not sold | Not sold |
| 6th generation 4Runner (2025 MY-) | Not sold | 2025 MY to today | Not sold | Not sold | Not sold |
"Not confirmed" means we found no source we could open for that date; "Not sold" means the generation was not offered there. Dates are first and last sale or production as the sources give them.
3rd generation 4Runner (1996-2002 MY)
Codes: N180, VZN180/VZN185 (V6, unverified), RZN180/RZN185 (4-cyl, unverified), KZN185 (Japan diesel, unverified). Also called: Hilux Surf (Japan), Hilux SW4 (Argentina/Brazil).
How to tell it apart: First 4Runner on its own SUV body (not pickup-based) with a lift-up rear hatch; 1999-2002 cars have revised headlights and bumper.
- 1999 MY facelift (1999 MY): New front bumper and headlights, interior changes (Wikipedia).
Our files for this generation: Toyota 4Runner 3rd gen (N180).
Market notes and sources
- Australia: No opened source confirms official Australian sales of this generation; Hilux Surf grey imports exist but are not documented here.
- United States: Wikipedia: production Aug 1995 - Aug 2002, MY 1996-2002 (single source).
- Europe and the UK: Wikipedia: UK dropped the 4Runner in 1996, replaced by the Land Cruiser Prado (Colorado).
Not confirmed: All dates for this generation rest on Wikipedia only; no second source was opened (Car and Driver and MotorTrend refuse automated access).; Engine-specific chassis codes..
- Wikipedia, Toyota 4Runner: production, MY range, 1999 facelift, UK replacement
4th generation 4Runner (2003-2009 MY)
Codes: N210, GRN210/GRN215 (V6, unverified), UZN210/UZN215 (V8, unverified). Also called: Hilux Surf (Japan, to 2009).
How to tell it apart: Based on the Prado 120 platform; optional 4.7 V8 is unique to this generation.
- 2006 MY refresh (2006 MY): unverified: not covered in the opened sections of Wikipedia.
Our files for this generation: Toyota 4Runner 4th gen (N210).
Market notes and sources
- United States: Wikipedia only.
Not confirmed: All dates single-source (Wikipedia).; 2006 MY refresh content.; Chassis codes..
- Wikipedia, Toyota 4Runner: production Aug 2002 - Aug 2009, MY 2003-2009, Prado 120 platform, V8
5th generation 4Runner (2010-2024 MY)
Codes: N280, GRN280/GRN285 (unverified).
How to tell it apart: Chunky body with a high hood and bulging fenders; 2010-2013 has halogen headlights, 2014-2024 an aggressive fascia with projector headlamps and LED tail-lamps.
- 2014 MY refresh (Announced 2013): Redesigned front fascia and grille, smoked projector-beam headlamps replacing halogen, LED rear lamps; roof rack standard.
Our files for this generation: Toyota 4Runner 5th gen (N280).
Market notes and sources
- Australia: Wikipedia: built only in left-hand drive, not sold in any right-hand-drive market.
- United States: Wikipedia: production Aug 2009 - Aug 2024. Toyota USA (2014): 'fifth design generation'; 2025 is the sixth generation (Toyota USA, Apr 2024).
- Europe and the UK: Wikipedia: Europe gets the Prado; LHD-only US-market model.
- South Africa: RHD market; Wikipedia says not sold in RHD markets.
- Thailand: RHD market; as above.
Not confirmed: Chassis codes.; Exact first and last MY rely on Wikipedia plus Toyota's generation numbering (no Toyota page states '2010-2024')..
- Toyota USA, New 2014 4Runner rugged exterior, 2 Aug 2013: 2014 MY refresh visible changes
- Toyota USA, 4Runner 30 years, 8 Sep 2014: fifth design generation; 2014 restyle
- Toyota USA, 2025 4Runner, 9 Apr 2024: 2025 is sixth generation; on sale end of 2024
- Wikipedia, Toyota 4Runner: unveil 24 Sep 2009, production dates, LHD only
6th generation 4Runner (2025 MY-)
Codes: N500 (Wikipedia).
How to tell it apart: TNGA-F based 2025 redesign built in Tahara, Japan.
Our files: none for this generation yet. Ask us if you need one.
Market notes and sources
- United States: Toyota USA release.
Not confirmed: Markets outside North America..
- Toyota USA, 9 Apr 2024: sixth gen, on sale end of 2024
Questions about fitting a part to one of these generations, or a small CAD job? Ask us.
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