Toyota’s Cult-Favorite ’90s Classic Holds Up, Even Against New 4Runners

Toyota’s N180 4Runner commands a cult following in the off-roading world on account of its indestructible build quality and go-anywhere capability. In other words, tired cars with a quarter-million or more on the odometer can still command surprisingly strong resale values.

But what about those choice examples that have managed to avoid heavy trail duty or excessive aftermarket modification? The ones that have rarely even seen the road?

Mecum

Well, in the case of the remarkably pristine 1996 SR5 model you see before you, it can mean a result that falls higher than the MSRP of new cars. While that’s not out of the ordinary among more priceless collectibles, it’s a feat that shows Toyota’s classic still holds up even against models 30 years its junior.

More than a modern SR5

I’m talking, of course, about the 1996 4Runner SR5 that recently crossed the block as part of Mecum’s Indianapolis 2026 auction. It sold for some $52,800, which puts it at more than $10,000 above a 2026 model of the same trim.

Not only that, but it also means that it surpassed Mecum’s pre-auction predictions by a hefty margin. When I first came across this Toyota 4Runner earlier in May, it was expected to bring home anywhere between $35,000 to $45,000.

Mecum

Mind you, considering the condition of this particular Toyota, even the final hammer price seems like a steal. With a mere 6,954 ticks showing on the odometer, it has to be one of the lowest-mile 4Runners of its generation still left on the road.

Moreover, it’s exceptionally original. In addition to spotless Desert Dune Metallic paint, it also rolled on its original Dunlop Grandtrek tires and came equipped with genuine Toyota accessories like a roof rack, chrome fender flares and running boards and a tow receiver.

If anything, the interior and engine bay showed even better than the outside of the SUV. From the Oak Sport cloth upholstery to the CD/cassette stereo to the 3.4L 5VZ-FE V6, it’s a 4Runner that’s as close to factory-fresh as you’ll find.

Mecum

Embracing the analog experience

While that’s all well and good for collectors, does it really make for money well-spent compared to a 6th-generation Toyota 4Runner with all of the modernizations 2026 technology brings?

As with any car purchase, it depends. At first blush, it probably seems like a lot to spend for a 30-year-old SUV, and rightly so. 

Mecum

After all, Toyota’s latest SR5 outguns the auction SUV in more ways than one. Beyond an outright power advantage thanks to its i-Force turbocharged 2.4-liter four-pot (up from 183 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque to 278 and 317), it’s also more fuel-efficient and it brings a superior 6,000-pound towing capacity.

Hell, that’s not even addressing more obvious improvements like suspension, safety and modern creature comforts like backup cameras and infotainment connectivity.

Nevertheless, what the 1996 model lacks in refinement, it certainly makes up for in its dependability and its rugged truck-based preparedness. As a third-generation SR5, it features part-time four-wheel drive with a dual-range transfer case while its successor does not.

Mecum

Still more important, though, is that it’ll continue to last (and be serviceable) for years to come. Absent frustrating driver-assist systems, gimmicky screens, hybrid systems and even turbochargers, it’s a truly analog time capsule existing in an increasingly digital age.

A sign of the times

Accordingly, this 4Runner auction isn’t likely to be the last one like it, and it suggests that the N180 is destined for greater heights yet. As collectors and enthusiasts alike look to connect with the vehicles they know (and can maintain), it’s bound to follow a similar path to its upmarket Land Cruiser stablemate.

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