The fifth-generation 4Runner is not uniformly clean. Safety Connect was standard factory hardware on the 2010 Limited and optional on other trims through the generation, which is why 2010-2019 4Runners appear on Toyota’s 3G retirement list with the note that Safety Connect varies by model. The targets are SR5 and Trail/TRD trims verified without the option: inspect for the SOS button, run the VIN. Avoid the Limited unless you are deliberately accepting, and ideally removing or bypassing, dead Safety Connect hardware.
Many older Toyota Safety Connect systems no longer function because 3G service was retired. That is not the same as “no hardware was installed.” For this category, no SOS and no telematics hardware remains the standard.
Verified clean, this is the rugged-only pick: body-on-frame construction, a proven 4.0L V6, and available 4WD for rural roads, bad weather, towing, and off-road use. The tradeoffs are old ergonomics, older safety tech, and poor fuel economy, roughly 17 city / 22 highway. If you do not need the towing or off-road capability, the RAV4 is the better quality pick.