How Much Do 5th Gen 4Runners Depreciate?

Hi everyone,

I'm researching the long-term value of the 5th generation Toyota 4Runner, and was wondering if anyone has data or real-world experience on how much these trucks typically depreciate over time.

Specifically, I'm interested in:
- Average depreciation after 3, 5, and 10 years
- How trim levels (SR5, Limited, TRD Off-Road, etc.) affect resale value
- Any factors that help retain value (mileage, maintenance, color, etc.)

I’ve heard Toyotas generally hold value well, but I’d love to see some actual numbers or personal experiences from owners who’ve sold or traded theirs.

 

This is some of what I found; during the 1st year depreciation is around 15-20%, the years following depreciation slows down a bit to 10-15%, at 5 yrs depreciation is roughly 25%, give or take a bit. You ask about 5th Gen. specifically, the question was asked on the forum about who would consider a '25 4Runner, not alot of takers. Something new, untested etc., as a result nationwide, our 5th Gens. are holding their value, the trim levels, as you get to the more costly trim levels of course they are worth more. So the depreciation thing is kind of mute due to people not wanting to be guinea pigs on the 6th Gen. The other thing you ask about were factors that help retain value, mileage, maintenance records for sure have a part to play in value retention, color is personal choice, although some colors are sought after more than others. Hope this helps.

 

Probably worth looking at a bunch of used listings but note that there’s plenty of factors that may not be apparent on the listing.

But also why?

If you’re trying to min/max depreciation and buy the “optimal” 4Runner I’m not sure how much that will be worth doing as at the end of the day it is a vehicle you are buying, driving, etc.

 

Biggest factor that makes a 4runner worthless to me, regardless of used market price, is the condition of the frame.

In the salt-belt, rust can literally destroy any vehicle in 10 years if the owners don’t take steps to maintain them. The 4runner is no exception. But since 4runners can easily go 10+ years and still otherwise be in good mechanical and cosmetic condition, you’ll often see 10-15 year examples being sold as if they were in good condition at insane prices despite being actual junk that’s not even roadworthy.

So, if you’re depending on the resale value at 10 years, just know that if the frame hasn’t been actively maintained and regularly cleaned, there’s a real possibility it will be unroadworthy scrap (or close to it).

If you’re considering buying one that old, you need to inspect the frame first. If it has a bad frame, there is no point in caring about its mechanical or cosmetic shape!

 

Hi. You must be new to using the internet, so I'll help you out! Here's the AI answer that I got when I typed your question into Google:


Fifth-generation Toyota 4Runners experience slow depreciation, retaining value much better than the average vehicle, with a 5-year depreciation rate of around 30% compared to the 49% average for all cars. This excellent value retention is due to their legendary reliability, durability, and the vehicle's desirable utility, making them a wise investment for long-term ownership.

Depreciation by Year (Approximate)

• First few years: A new 4Runner will depreciate in the 8-10% range annually.
• After 5 years: Expect the 4Runner to retain roughly 70% of its original value.
• Over 10 years: Depreciation may reach around 55.8%, but this is still excellent for the age of the vehicle.

 

I tracked mine for my area and was blown away with how well it held its value and even went up in value since everything had gone up.

My 2019 went up in value the first 3 years, ~MSRP new at 4-5 years and now at 6 years its lost about $8000 with 100k.
They all hold there value but a Pro will hold better from what i have seen.
Milage/condition and availability help retain value.

 

Do note that those numbers are largely made up and are just those statistically more likely to be associated with prior text generated.

It did tell me that the breakover angle of a Smart ForTwo rivals the 4Runner before - confidently of course.

 

I assume this is in jest. IA is terribly wrong/off most of the time.

 

We should be encouraging research, evaluating sources and other media literacy rather than just telling people to consult the misinformation matrix. (or the kill yourself komputer?)

 

Yeah but, 55.8 percent depreciation after 10 years? That number seems too specific to be incorrect. Also, it’s “around” that figure, which tells me that the AI is showing humility and not giving the impression that it’s not over-estimating its own accuracy. See, it’s humble!

 

I paid $46,600 for my 2023 4Runner. It currently has 27,500 miles on it. Carmax offered me $42,000 for it. That means it has depreciated about 10% in 2yrs.

I know these numbers will fluctuate based on a number of factors: Region, Condition of the vehicle, Options on said vehicle, Mileage, etc... The average vehicle loses half its value in a 5yr period. The 4Runner hits that number around 10yrs. So I'll re-state something we all already know:

The 4Runner does two things very fast:

1) Depreciate slowly.
2) Accelerate slowly.

 

Oh please, it does 0-60 in mid to low 7 second range, that's anything but slow for a 5k+ lb SUV and faster than the new LC250 with its "muh 465 torques". Keep the throttle pedal planted and watch it work, or if you can manage it, move the shifter slightly left into S4 and be amazed.

The transmission learns from the driver so if everyone is trying to squeeze the last .1 mpg out of their long commutes, of course the ECU and TCM will try to anticipate the driver prioritizes fuel economy first and foremost.

 

My 2015 TP that I bought brand new only depreciated $1000 / year for the eight years that I owned it. It was $40,000 new and it was worth $32,000 when I sold it so I'd say 25% in the first ten years would be pretty accurate but it only had 60,000 miles on it so a lot of variables come into play too.

 

Had a 2014 sr5 4wd in white. Paid $37800 all in with tax and license. Had 77k miles and very well maintained. I added katzkin leather seats. Totaled in august 2024. Insurance paid me $30277.

 

I'm on my 8th 4runner, my current truck is the only one to appreciate.

 

I think 5th gen values are on a bubble while prospective buyers wait for a real track record to be available for the 6th gen. After that happens, the bubble may either solidify or burst.

 

The 5th gen actually accelerates well for what it is.

#1 is accurate, though.

Agreed!

 

Somewhat off topic, but literally moments ago, I finally realized I had a specific use-case for the search AI built into most browsers!!! I thought you’d be proud that I’m extending a hand towards the future, instead of clutching my pearls.

Use case:
I’d rather go buy something locally when I think of it, than place an order on-line and then just sit by the door for it to arrive. I realize I don’t have to wait by the door, but I got nothing else to do if I ordered it online.

Potential benefit of asking AI: Successfully finding what I’m looking for at the first store I drive to! Not gonna lie, I was getting excited right about this point.

The Question:
I asked where I could buy a specific degreaser in my local area. I named both the product and the target metro area carefully. I double checked my spelling before hitting the carriage return key. I figured I could save a few fish by not forcing the AI to spend 5,000 kilowatts spell checking my query.

The Answer:
At first, I entered the question in the normal search bar on the home page of the search engine and pressed the colorful AI button. It took a few crushingly long seconds during which I saw flashes of an angry Greta Thunberg, but finally a neatly organized response popped up, describing the product, and some information about the company that makes it. That was it.

My Response:
I held in my rage knowing that I’m generally overly critical, and that it’s time I join with all of humanity in moving towards the inevitable..I mean future. So I decided that I was gonna “prompt hack” this beotch until it gave me the secrets of the universe.

The Prompt-Hack:
I reformulated my question to: “I saaaaaaid….WHERE can I buy it! I didn’t ask WHAT it was!!!! I want to buy it, it’s freakin obvious I know what it is. Pay attention!”

Oh, and by the way, I’m loaded for bear at this point…I didn’t ask it in the search bar, I did the version that redirects you to an AI page that made me accept a detailed user agreement. I didn’t read it, as I felt it wouldn’t be in the spirit of an AI search.

The New Answer:
Oddly enough, the AI still felt a need for a passive-aggressive description of the product, but it did actually provide 4 store names in my area! With a final statement that the response may be inaccurate so should call the stores to make sure they carry the product (call?!?…yeah right..I’m not a caveman bud, I have the internet). I went to the store websites, set it to my nearest store location, and searched the inventory. While all had products from that particular manufacturer, none stocked the specific product I was looking for.
The AI was right! Faultless!!!!

The Psychological Toll:
I feel empty inside now. Also, I can’t get the fish, and otters, and dolphins I’ve harmed out of my head. Or that farmer, tear in his eye, looking out over that expansive data center that’s on top of a crushed red barn and some squashed cows.

 

Is there another kind?

 

No. That’s why you never want to see flashes of her face in your psyche. It’s your own mind showing its righteous disappointment in what you’ve done.

 

This is me, after trying to read what you wrote:

 

You’re welcome.

 

I don't believe past experience will be useful for the 5th gen over the next couple of years. Let the new 6th gen get a few years under its belt and prove itself, then the 5th gen prices will drop quickly.

 

With the way 6th gens are priced especially the ORP and up trims, the bubble on 5th gen residuals may never burst.

 

Hey everyone,


Following up on the great discussion about 4Runner depreciation — thanks for all the real-world insights! It’s clear these trucks hold value like crazy, especially compared to other SUVs.


Now I’m trying to figure out the best time to buy one used — you know, that "sweet spot" where you avoid the steepest initial depreciation but still get a vehicle that’s reliable, not too old, and ideally hasn’t hit major maintenance milestones yet.


So I’m asking the community:
What year (or age/mileage range) do you think is the ideal “sweet spot” to buy a 5th gen 4Runner?


For example:

• Is it a 3-year-old model that’s dropped significantly from MSRP but still feels new?
• A 5-year-old one that’s lost ~30% of its value but likely still under 60k miles?
• Or maybe even older (7–10 years) when prices might start softening — assuming the frame is solid?

Also, does the “sweet spot” change depending on trim (e.g. SR5 vs TRD Off-Road vs Pro)? And are there specific model years or known issues I should watch out for?


Looking for your personal experiences, timing strategies, or even regrets (“I should’ve bought sooner/later”). Trying to balance cost, reliability, and long-term value.


Thanks in advance!

 

Thats a lot of what if factors.

Some people dont wrench on their cars, which can be a factor in purchase.

Some people dont drive cars over 100k because maintenance cost creep.

Some people dont drive over 55mph because they cant afford the gas.

Lots of factors - you should try to use car websites for sale and you'll see where the drop off rate is.

In my search for a 2nd 5th runner -

2018-2020 trd pro are hovering around 29k (with over 100k miles)
2018-2020 orp are hovering around 25k (with over 100k miles)

As you play with those variables, years, milage, distance (or even location) - the fear of rust.. i.e. a car with 100k in Nevada will not have same stress on chassis as a 60k mileage car in Maine

Also consider whether youre into the face lifted models (2013?), the audio upgrades (i think this happened in 2020) - there's a sticky thread of the differences.

In the end its one big rabbit hole how deep are you gonna dig

 

There is no definitive "sweet spot" as it's a sliding scale between condition, miles, age, budget, trim/equipment (changes from year to year), what YOU want, what is available and so on.

We can't answer that for you, only you know yourself. All we can offer is opinions, I don't fit if there's a sunroof so base trim it was for me for example.

Side note, are you going to go off-pavement or want a body-on-frame SUV specifically?

If depreciation is the primary consideration, also consider the increased fuel costs and upfront cost over other less-thirsty, less expensive vehicles.

 

"Normal" 4Runners, better than most cars, but they still go down. TRD Pros? You can rack up the miles and 100k mile ones are still worth $$$

 

It’s worth whatever someone is willing to pay.

 

I am frankly super glad the pro takes all the attention. When I was buying my wife's 23 ORP with KDSS everyone and their mother was chasing after a Pro so I got the ORP for 2.5k off sticker at just over 46k loade with everything except the terrain monitoring cameras. I think at the time all the Pros were stickered at over 56k and then most dealers were adding another 3-5k markup, sometimes more.

Gotta love the free market as permitted by Toyota's product planners. LOL.