Why the V8 Toyota 4Runner Is So Coveted

The Toyota 4Runner’s fourth generation—built from 2003 to 2009—stands out as the only one to leave the factory with a V8 engine, and that alone makes it a legend among off-road enthusiasts. Under the hood sits Toyota’s indestructible 4.7-liter 2UZ-FE iron-block V8, a powerplant shared with the Land Cruiser, Sequoia, and Tundra. Early versions cranked out 235 horsepower, but from 2005 onward, Toyota’s VVTi variable valve timing bumped output to 270 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque.

The result is a deep, mechanical growl that, with the right exhaust, can rival an old-school American muscle truck. But the V8 4Runner isn’t just about sound—it’s a serious workhorse. While the V6 models offered a multi-mode 4WD system with a switchable 2WD setting for fuel savings, the V8 came exclusively with a full-time 4WD system.

More importantly, the V8’s towing capacity dwarfed its siblings: up to 7,300 pounds with 2WD or 7,000 pounds with 4WD, compared to the standard 5,000-pound rating. That’s more than even the 2025 4Runner can manage. Today, clean examples of these fourth-gen V8 4Runners are scarce and expensive, often trading hands for upward of $25,000.

The engine’s reputation for longevity is well-earned—examples with seven-figure mileage still run strong with basic maintenance—but the rest of the truck takes a beating. Frame rust, especially in salt-belt states, and timing belt service (every 90,000 miles) are critical concerns. Other common issues include air injection pump failure, cracked exhaust manifolds, and limp-mode triggers.

Despite these potential headaches, demand for these overbuilt SUVs is surging. They represent a golden era before infotainment screens and driver aids took over, a time when Toyota’s overengineering philosophy ruled. If you’re hunting for one, patience and a sharp eye for rust and maintenance history are non-negotiable.