Toyota 4Runner: True sport utility vehicle

SUV is good for towing, off-roading or driving in town

Tweek, we’re driving Toyota’s popular 4Runner, delivered in Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Off-road 4x4 trim. Listed as a “standard size” SUV by the EPA, the 4Runner is a larger midsize built for both off-road and highway travel.

Since its inception in 1984 as a four-cylinder compact Toyota pickup with a hatch on the back, the 4Runner grew into today’s impressive SUV. It expanded its wheelbase by 6.8 inches through five generations and, as for popularity, sales for 2017 came in at a near record-high 128,296 units, up from 111,970 the prior year.

One thing constant through the years is the 4Runner’s build platform. Specifically, it’s always been built on a body-on-frame truck chassis for added muscle and superior SUV performance. The models for 2018 include an entry-level SR5 4x2 at $34,610; SR5 Premium at $36,440; TRD Off-road at $37,785; TRD Off-road Premium at $39,695; TRD Pro at $42,875; and top-tier Limited at $42,925.

New for 2018 are two new packages, including a Wilderness upgrade and a TRD Enhancement package, which is exclusive to the TRD Offroad model only.

These new packages are pretty much small add-ons, as the Wilderness features all-weather floor mats, roof rack crossbars and a cargo tray for an additional $434. The TRD Enhancement finds Trd-specific 17-inch alloy wheels and a Trdstamped aluminum front skid plate for $1,750 more. Our tester had neither option, nor would I recommend them.

The 4Runner’s versatility easily meets the driving demands of most consumers who seek true SUV performance, be it rear-drive or 4x4. The Off-road TRD underpinnings feature skid plates that protect the engine, front suspension, fuel tank and transfer case. The independent double-wishbone front and fourlink rear coil spring setup ensure the 4Runner’s chassis will deliver brute strength for serious off-road adventures yet still provide a comfortable ride for long highway road trips.

Under the hood, the engine offers power to climb a grade, pass quickly or easily merge thanks to a standard 4.0-liter V6 that delivers 270 horses and 278 lb. ft. of torque. The engine mates to a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with sequential shift mode. EPA numbers for the 4x4 are tolerable at 17 city and 20 highway, while the rear-drive version does just one better on the highway at 21.

All 4Runners weigh more than 2 tons and can tow up to 5,000 pounds thanks to a standard tow package that includes an integrated tow receiver and wiring harness. Hill Start Assist, Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control come standard.

Exterior standard features include seven-spoke alloy wheels, color-keyed front and rear bumpers with silver accents and color-keyed hood scoop. The TRD Off-road badges let everyone know you’re driving a Toyota racing inspired vehicle. Inside you’ll find an overhead console, TRD shift knob and TRD floor mats that augment the functional interior.

Our tester featured an eight-speaker Entune Premium Audio system with integrated navigation and

App Suite, a 6.1-inch high-resolution touch-screen display and all the modern smartphone and app features. Siriusxm delivers three months’ free service, and one notable feature is a CD player that many manufacturers are now eliminating.

Our tester came with the optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for $1,750 more. Known as the “KDDS” system, this option allows each wheel to respond to the terrain separately, allowing for maximum traction regardless of terrain or serious bad weather driving conditions. I do recommend this feature for those who are serious about their off-road adventures or want the very best for demanding bad weather encounters.

The 4x4 unit is part-time and offers a locking rear differential and active traction control. Ground clearance is better on the Off-road TRD models as they are 0.6 inch higher than the SR5 model’s 9-inch clearance build. This extra room adds more off-road maneuverability and added safety going over rough terrain.

Five-passenger 4Runners feature a second-row seat with split and fold feature that allows folding one or both seats down. If all seats are folded down, there’s lots of cargo space available. Additionally, for those

who want to haul seven passengers, a third row is optional on select models.

Every 4Runner built comes with Toyota’s Star Safety system, a combination of six distinct attributes designed to keep driver and passengers as secure as possible. Included are vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock four-wheel brakes, brake assist, electronic brake-force and Smart Stop technology. All expected airbags are standard, as is a backup safety camera. The overall government safety rating is good with four stars out of a possible five.

In summary, the 4Runner offers consumers an SUV for changeable lifestyles. It also delivers flawless Consumer Reports magazine reliability ratings and recently made the magazine’s top 10 list of vehicles that go routinely go over 200,000 miles trouble free.

Toyota Even after thousands of miles of harsh trail, 90 percent of 4Runners sold in the past 10 years are still on the road.

The 4Runner’s 6.1-inch touch-screen display keeps drivers connected. Available heated and ventilated front seats ensure comfort.

Consumers can easily access their gear with the 4Runner’s utility features, such as an available sliding rear cargo 20 deck and power rear glass.