- Newest year: 2009
- Gas
- Standard SUVs
- Same as 2008
2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner MPG & Fuel Cost
7 model years · 15–18 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 5 of 10 standard SUV configurations, MY2009. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner at a glance
The 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner covers 7 model years in the EPA database (28 configurations in all), rated 15–18 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2009, costs about $3,630 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl RWD (18 MPG), at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA changed the ratings in 2005, 2007 and 2008; 2004, 2006 and 2009 repeat the values of the year before.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner by model year
| Model year | Powertrains | Combined | $/yr | EPA ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Gas | 15–18 MPG | $3,630–$4,360 | Same EPA ratings as 2008 |
| 2008 | Gas | 15–18 MPG | $3,630–$4,360 | Ratings changed |
| 2007 | Gas | 16–18 MPG | $3,630–$4,080 | Ratings changed |
| 2006 | Gas | 16–18 MPG | $3,630–$4,080 | Same EPA ratings as 2005 |
| 2005 | Gas | 16–18 MPG | $3,630–$4,080 | Ratings changed |
| 2004 | Gas | 15–18 MPG | $3,630–$4,360 | Same EPA ratings as 2003 |
| 2003 | Gas | 15–18 MPG | $3,630–$4,360 | First year |
What the 2009 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl RWD costs to drive
Per month
$303
$3,630 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$6.05
Per 100 miles
$24.20
Five years
$18,150
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the standard SUV median
$210less a year
Class median $3,840 a year, MY2009
Based on 15,000 miles a year and regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2009 Toyota 4Runner MPG
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2009 Toyota 4Runner as for the 2008 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2008 section above.See 2008
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl RWD (Most efficient) | 4.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,630 |
| 4Runner 4.7L 8-cyl RWD | 4.7L 8-cyl | RWD | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,840 |
| 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 20 | 17 | $3,840 |
| 4Runner 4.7L 8-cyl 4WD | 4.7L 8-cyl | 4WD | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,360 |
2008 Toyota 4Runner MPG
15–18 MPG · $3,630–$4,360/yr
Versus 2007: The most efficient configuration stays at 18 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $3,630.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl RWD (Most efficient) | 4.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,630 |
| 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 20 | 17 | $3,840 |
| 4Runner 4.7L 8-cyl RWD | 4.7L 8-cyl | RWD | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,840 |
| 4Runner 4.7L 8-cyl 4WD | 4.7L 8-cyl | 4WD | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,360 |
2007 Toyota 4Runner MPG
16–18 MPG · $3,630–$4,080/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2006: The most efficient configuration stays at 18 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $3,630.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl RWD (Most efficient) | 4.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,630 |
| 4Runner 4.7L 8-cyl RWD | 4.7L 8-cyl | RWD | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,840 |
| 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 20 | 17 | $3,840 |
| 4Runner 4.7L 8-cyl 4WD | 4.7L 8-cyl | 4WD | 14 | 18 | 16 | $4,080 |
2006 Toyota 4Runner MPG
Same EPA ratings as 2005
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2006 Toyota 4Runner as for the 2005 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2005 section above.See 2005
2005 Toyota 4Runner MPG
16–18 MPG · $3,630–$4,080/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2004: The most efficient configuration stays at 18 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $3,630.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl RWD (Most efficient) | 4.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,630 |
| 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,840 |
| 4Runner 4.7L 8-cyl RWD | 4.7L 8-cyl | RWD | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,080 |
| 4Runner 4.7L 8-cyl 4WD | 4.7L 8-cyl | 4WD | 14 | 18 | 16 | $4,080 |
2004 Toyota 4Runner MPG
Same EPA ratings as 2003
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2004 Toyota 4Runner as for the 2003 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2003 section above.See 2003
2003 Toyota 4Runner MPG
15–18 MPG · $3,630–$4,360/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl RWD (Most efficient) | 4.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,630 |
| 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,840 |
| 4Runner 4.7L 8-cyl RWD | 4.7L 8-cyl | RWD | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,080 |
| 4Runner 4.7L 8-cyl 4WD | 4.7L 8-cyl | 4WD | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,360 |
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl RWD: $4,940 in California and $3,170 in Texas, a $1,770 difference.
- California $4,940
- Washington $4,570
- New York $3,630
- Florida $3,430
- Texas $3,170
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2009 standard SUV models.
Generations
- 2000-2002 (N180)
- 2003-2009 (N210)
- 2010-2024 (N280)
- 2025-2026 (N500)
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner get?
EPA rates the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner at 15–18 MPG combined across 28 configurations and 7 model years. The most efficient version, the 2009 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl RWD, is rated 18 MPG (16 city, 21 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner?
Every model year of the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner tops out at 18 MPG combined, so no year is better than another.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2005, 2007 and 2008. In 2004, 2006 and 2009 the values repeat the year before.
How does the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner compare with the previous generation?
The previous generation (2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner) is rated 16–19 MPG combined and costs $3,440–$4,080 a year to fuel; the 2003-2009 model is rated 15–18 MPG and costs $3,630–$4,360 a year.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2009 Toyota 4Runner per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl RWD costs about $3,630 a year. Across all 4 configurations the cost runs $3,630–$4,360 a year. That is a $730 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.
How much does it cost to drive a 2009 Toyota 4Runner 100 miles?
About $24.20 per 100 miles for the 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl RWD at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $24.20 and $29.07 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2009 Toyota 4Runner more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl RWD is rated 16 city and 21 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 5 MPG.
How does the 2009 Toyota 4Runner compare with other standard SUV configurations?
The 4Runner 4.0L 6-cyl RWD costs about $3,630 a year to fuel, $210 less than the class median of $3,840, and less than 5 of 10 standard SUV configurations. The comparison covers all 341 rated standard SUV configurations for MY2009, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2009 Toyota 4Runner different from the 2008 model?
No. EPA lists the same ratings for 2008 and 2009: 4 configurations rated 15–18 MPG combined. See the 2008 Toyota 4Runner for that year.