We evaluated every tire available to determine the best tires for 4Runner Limited owners that offer a balance of performance, comfort, and tread life.
The top-of-the-line Toyota 4Runner Limited represents an ideal blend of on and off-road capability, sensible luxury, and long-lasting durability.
Therefore, we believe that 4Runner Limited drivers want the same characteristics from their tires as well.
So, we looked for the top tire options that deliver great handling, all-weather performance, an excellent ride quality, and class-leading longevity.
Of course, we also factored in the price and value of each tire option, especially since we noticed that higher prices from the big brands do not always equate to better performance in the SUV tire market.
We also cross-checked our findings with owners and forums like 4Runners.com and Toyota-4Runner.org to confirm that our recommendations actually perform well over the long haul.
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Best Tires for 4Runner Limited – Methodology
The 4Runner was first introduced in 1984 and has evolved over five generations since then. We researched the exact size of tires for the 4Runner Limited for each of the modern generations beginning with the 3rd Generation starting in model year 1996:
| Years | Tire Size – Toyota 4Runner Limited |
| Third Generation: 1996-2002 | 16 inch tires: 265/70-16 |
| Fourth Generation: 2003-2005 | 17 inch tires: 265/65-17 |
| Fourth Generation Refresh: 2006-2009 | 18 inch tires: 265/60-18 |
| Fifth Generation: 2010-Present | 20 inch tires: 245/60-20 |
We looked for brands that offer multiple tire sizes so that they will fit on the majority of 4Runner Limited SUVs out there.
Next, we developed a scoring system to objectively rate each of the tires that we evaluated. We prioritized five main categories for our study:
- Tire Performance – ability to handle in different environments and on various pavements
- Ride Quality – noise level and overall comfort, especially on highways
- Tread Life – durability and tread longevity
- Value – quality vs. price along with the length of warranty included
- Actual Feedback – comments from real-world 4Runner Limited owners
Finally, we split our findings into three sections:
- Best Tires for 4Runner Limited – All-Season
- Best Tires for 4Runner Limited – On/Road / All-Terrain
- Best Tires for 4Runner Limited – Winter
We also compared every online tire seller and found that Tire Rack consistently offers the best prices & free shipping (even directly to your installer). They also include:
• FREE 2 year Road Hazard Protection with no-cost roadside assistance
• Tire Replacement Benefit to reimburse you 100% of the price of a damaged tire up to $599 per tire
• Flat Tire Repair Coverage up to $40 per tire
• Mobile Tire Installation Service that can come to your house
• Fast shipping usually in 1 to 2 business days
We’ve never seen a more generous benefits package from any other retailer, so we added a link to Tire Rack for each tire below.
Best Tires for 4Runner Limited – All-Season
Michelin Defender LTX M/S
Fits:
- 1996 to 2002 – 265/70-16
- 2003 to 2005 – 265/65-17
- 2006 to 2009 – 265/60-18
- 2010 to Present – 245/60-20
These workhorse Michelins provide excellent all-weather handling, class-leading tread life, and a supple ride that make them one of the top choices for the 4Runner Limited.
In fact, they were ranked #1 out of 52 “Highway Tires” in Tire Rack’s latest customer survey.
Owners gave them the best overall score for their dry, wet, and snow performance, comfort level, and durability over an astounding 22 million miles of reviews.
Michelin includes a generous 6 Year / 70,000 Mile treadwear warranty that helps to sweeten the deal as well.
Continental TerrainContact H/T
Fits:
- 1996 to 2002 – 265/70-16
- 2003 to 2005 – 265/65-17
- 2006 to 2009 – 265/60-18
These Continentals were not very far behind the Michelins and were ranked 2nd out of 52 “Highway Tires” in the Tire Rack survey.
They were tied for the lead in dry and wet handling as well as treadlife, making them a solid choice as well.
The fact that they cost about 15-20% less than the Michelins and matches them with a 6 Year / 70,000 Mile treadwear warranty make them one of the best bangs-for-your-buck for your 4Runner Limited.
Best Tires for 4Runner Limited – On/Road / All-Terrain
Toyo Open Country A/T III
Fits:
- 1996 to 2002 – 265/70-16
- 2003 to 2005 – 265/65-17
- 2006 to 2009 – 265/60-18
- 2010 to Present – 245/60-20
These rugged Toyo tires are a perfect fit for 4Runner Limited owners who frequently take their truck off-road and want a sturdy tire that can withstand all the elements.
They were ranked #2 out of 33 “On-/Off-Road All-Terrain Tires” by Tire Rack customers and offer the best dirt, sand, mud, and rock performance in their class.
Meanwhile, they were rated as the most long-lasting tire in the survey.
Toyo’s 5 Year / 65,000 Mile treadwear warranty is also quite generous for an off-road tire that is expected to get pretty beat up.
Vredestein Pinza AT
Fits:
- 1996 to 2002 – 265/70-16
- 2003 to 2005 – 265/65-17
- 2006 to 2009 – 265/60-18
Vredestein is an emerging brand from Europe that produces some of the most capable, yet budget-friendly tires we have ever evaluated.
Their Pinza AT tires even captured 1st place out of 33 “On-/Off-Road All-Terrain Tires” in Tire Rack’s customer survey.
They earned the highest marks for their dry, wet, and snow performance while also leading the class in comfort and tied for the best treadwear as well.
Vredestein’s extremely long 8 Year / 70,000 Mile treadwear warranty helps to add extra value, too.
Best Tires for 4Runner Limited – Winter
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
Fits:
- 1996 to 2002 – 265/70-16
- 2003 to 2005 – 265/65-17
- 2006 to 2009 – 265/60-18
- 2010 to Present – 245/60-20
There is only one winter tire that we can recommend for the 4Runner Limited and it is Bridgestone’s legendary Blizzak line.
They have been recognized as the most capable snow tires for decades now and were rated as the #1 “Light Truck/SUV Studless Ice & Snow Tire” by Tire Rack customers.
They even won Tire Rack’s own test and offer unmatched performance when it comes to light snow, deep snow, and icy conditions.
Best Tires for 4Runner Limited – Summary
We believe that this comprehensive list showcases the most well-rounded tires for the 4Runner Limited for every occasion.
They all deliver great handling and maintain the 4Runner Limited’s luxurious ride, all while offering class-leading tread life.
There is really no wrong choice as it will just depend on whether you frequently drive on the highways or go off-roading.