Toyota 4Runner Depreciation: Do They Hold Their Value?


in Car Costs and Prices

We deep-dive into everything related to the Toyota 4Runner's depreciation: if it holds its value, what its resale value looks like, and other general buying info.

Orange Toyota 4Runner
Source: Flickr

One of the most significant considerations when investing in a vehicle is depreciation—the inevitable decline in value over time. For many car buyers, understanding how well a particular model retains its worth is crucial to making an informed decision.

Having said that, the Toyota 4Runner, a popular mid-size SUV, has established a strong reputation and a loyal following among off-road enthusiasts and those seeking a dependable, long-lasting vehicle. As such, the 4Runner’s proven track record and consistent performance have made it a popular choice in the mid-size SUV segment.

Is the 4Runner a good option if you’re looking for a rugged SUV that retains value over time? This article dives deep into the data surrounding the Toyota 4Runner depreciation and value retention over time. Let’s get to it.

Toyota 4Runner Depreciation: How Well Does It Hold Its Value?

Most people into cars know the value retention of the 4Runner, but how well does it retain its value? For this section, we look at several analyses of the Toyota 4Runner depreciation by trusted outfits like iSeeCars and CarEdge.

According to a comprehensive analysis of over 15 million vehicles by iSeeCars, the 4Runner stands tall over its competitors in terms of value retention over time.

When considering a new vehicle purchase, depreciation is a critical factor to keep in mind. It represents the largest expense associated with owning a car, and understanding how well a particular model holds its value can greatly influence the decision-making process. The Toyota 4Runner shines in this regard, losing only 30.2% of its value after five years, which is significantly lower than the average depreciation rate of 46.9% for midsize SUVs.


TOYOTA 4RUNNER PROS & CONS

Before investing in any vehicle, it’s critical to examine the history. You might wonder - what are the Toyota 4Runner pros and cons?


To put this into perspective, the five-year depreciation rate for all SUVs is 45.3%, and for all vehicles, it stands at 42%. This means that the 4Runner not only outperforms its direct competitors but also surpasses the average depreciation rates for SUVs and vehicles in general.

Looking at different timeframes, the 4Runner continues to impress. After three years, it experiences a depreciation of just 23.2%, resulting in a resale value of $31,250. As time goes on, the 4Runner’s value retention remains strong, with a 7-year depreciation rate of 41.5% and a 10-year depreciation rate of 55.8%. While these figures may seem substantial, they are still considerably lower than the average depreciation rates for midsize SUVs, all SUVs, and all vehicles over the same periods.

Meanwhile, CarEdge’s analysis of the Toyota 4Runner’s resale value and depreciation presents a slightly different picture. According to their data, a Toyota 4Runner will depreciate 19% after five years, resulting in a resale value of $44,562 in half a decade. This figure is notably higher than the iSeeCars analysis, which suggests a 5-year depreciation rate of 30.2% and a resale value of $28,410.

Despite the discrepancy in the exact figures, both analyses agree that the Toyota 4Runner ranks highly in terms of value retention over time. CarEdge emphasizes the 4Runner’s loyal following and reputation as a reliable off-road vehicle, noting that a well-maintained 4Runner with low mileage could serve as a dependable SUV for up to a decade.

Used Toyota 4Runner Buyer’s Guide (Powered by CoPilot Price Pulse Tool)

For this section of the buyer’s guide, we leverage our handy CoPilot Price Pulse Tool to keep a finger on pulse of the 4Runner’s performance in the used car market. For this purpose, we use the 2018 4Runner as a point of reference.

The 411 on current market conditions

The Tool gives us the inside scoop on how the 2018 Toyota 4Runner is faring in today’s market. The Current Price Premium is currently sitting at $642, which means the 4Runner is selling for 2% more than initially predicted. This is a good sign that the 2018 4Runner is still a hot commodity, holding its value like a champ.


THE TOYOTA 4RUNNER YEARS TO AVOID

Like with all vehicles in production for many generations, there will always be a few model years that have their share of problems. Here are the Toyota 4Runner years to avoid.


Steady resale value

One thing that really stands out in the data is how consistent the 4Runner’s resale value has been over time. The graph shows a nearly flat line from the original price forecast to the current market price. This rock-solid resale value is a testament to the 4Runner’s lasting popularity and reputation for being a reliable ride. It’s no wonder buyers are drawn to this vehicle, knowing it will hold its value for years.

Is now the time to pull the trigger?

If you’re on the fence about buying a 2018 4Runner, the “Should you buy now?” section of the report might just convince you to take the leap. With market prices down $4,239 from the peak for 2018 models, now could be the perfect time to snag a great deal. Plus, prices are pretty close to what they were during normal times so that you can feel good about your purchase.

Forecast vs. reality: how’s the 4runner stacking up?

The CoPilot Price Pulse Tool originally forecasted the price of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner to be $31,029. But get this – the current market price is $31,671, a little higher than predicted. This adds another leaf to the 4Runner’s laurel crown for value retention.

Disclaimer: The information provided by the CoPilot Price Pulse Tool is based on real-time market data and is subject to change. While the insights offered are valuable, they should be considered a current market snapshot, not a long-term guarantee. Conduct thorough research and consider your circumstances before making any vehicle purchase decisions.


DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP

The CoPilot car shopping app is the smartest way to buy a car. Get a curated list of the best cars for sale in your area, as well as notifications if a similar vehicle is listed nearby at a lower price. CoPilot is the smartest way to shop for used cars. 


Toyota Runner Value Retention vs. Competitors

Meanwhile, CoPilot’s data reveals that the Toyota 4Runner is a true champion in terms of value retention among mid-size SUVs. According to their findings, the 4Runner secures the top spot, outperforming its rivals in holding its original worth over a 5-year period.

This impressive feat showcases the 4Runner’s enduring appeal and reliability in the eyes of buyers. While the Jeep Wrangler and its Unlimited variant also exhibit strong value retention, the 4Runner’s ability to maintain such a high percentage of its initial value sets it apart from the competition.

For those seeking a mid-size SUV that will retain its worth exceptionally well over time, a used Toyota 4Runner is a clear frontrunner.



Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You

The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to provide you with a personalized list of the best car listings.

The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.

trade-in