Toyota 4Runner SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The 2011 Toyota 4Runner is a traditional mid-sized SUV that handles well in the city but excels with its remarkable capabilities off-road. Contributing to this capability are its body on frame construction and solid rear axle suspension as well as Toyota's own technology of a Kinetic Dynamic suspension System that disconnects the front and rear stabilizer bars so the wheels can better handle rough terrain at speeds below 40 mph. A special Trail package enhances these capabilities with durable off-road tires, water resistant upholstery and hill-descent and hill-start assist control.
The Toyota 4Runner is available in three trim levels: the SR5, Trail and Limited. The SR5 features heated outside mirrors with turn indicators and puddle lights, 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, fog lights, skid plates, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, power rear window, trip computer and an audio system with eight speakers, CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio jack. The SR5 can be had with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
The Trail model of the Toyota 4Runner is only available with four-wheel drive and adds black fender flares and rocker panels, a hood scoop, locking rear differential, off-road tires, Craw Control which electronically controls the brakes and throttle when going up and down hills, sunroof, rearview mirror with backup camera, tinted head- and tail-lights, audio controls on the steering wheel, power front seats, upholstery that is water resistant, and an upgraded audio system with USB port and iPod connectivity, satellite radio and Bluetooth functionality.
The Limited model of the Toyota 4Runner adds entry and ignition that are keyless, 20-inch cast-aluminum wheels, Toyota's adaptive suspension dampers, automatic headlights, leather upholstery and a steering wheel wrapped in leather, climate control with two zones, front seats that are heated with power lumbar support for the driver and an audio system with 15 speakers and a six-disc CD changer.
Specs:
The engine in the Toyota 4Runner is a 4.0 liter dual overhead cam 24-valve V6 with dual independent variable valve timing that can produce 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission available is a five-speed automatic. Either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive is available on the SR5 and Limited and the Trail model has part-time dual range four-wheel drive. The Toyota 4Runner can tow 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Fuel economy for the Toyota 4Runner with rear-wheel drive is rated at 17 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg combined. Fuel economy for the rear-wheel drive version is the same except for highway driving which is rated at 22 mpg.
The interior of the Toyota 4Runner is somewhat industrial, aligning with the vehicle's rugged image. Seating for five passengers is standard with an optional third row that increases seating capacity to seven. The seating is spacious with only five passengers but becomes more cramped when the third row is added. Cargo capacity with the third seat up is 9.0 cubic feet and expands to 46.3 cubic feet with the second row folded down and to 90 cubic feet when both rear rows are folded down.
For a vehicle that performs very well off-road, the basic ride of the Toyota 4Runner is smooth and comfortable and it maneuvers well around curves and in parking lots. If you are in the market for a traditional SUV, then the Toyota 4Runner is worth investigating.
The Toyota 4Runner is available in three trim levels: the SR5, Trail and Limited. The SR5 features heated outside mirrors with turn indicators and puddle lights, 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, fog lights, skid plates, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, power rear window, trip computer and an audio system with eight speakers, CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio jack. The SR5 can be had with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
The Trail model of the Toyota 4Runner is only available with four-wheel drive and adds black fender flares and rocker panels, a hood scoop, locking rear differential, off-road tires, Craw Control which electronically controls the brakes and throttle when going up and down hills, sunroof, rearview mirror with backup camera, tinted head- and tail-lights, audio controls on the steering wheel, power front seats, upholstery that is water resistant, and an upgraded audio system with USB port and iPod connectivity, satellite radio and Bluetooth functionality.
The Limited model of the Toyota 4Runner adds entry and ignition that are keyless, 20-inch cast-aluminum wheels, Toyota's adaptive suspension dampers, automatic headlights, leather upholstery and a steering wheel wrapped in leather, climate control with two zones, front seats that are heated with power lumbar support for the driver and an audio system with 15 speakers and a six-disc CD changer.
Specs:
The engine in the Toyota 4Runner is a 4.0 liter dual overhead cam 24-valve V6 with dual independent variable valve timing that can produce 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission available is a five-speed automatic. Either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive is available on the SR5 and Limited and the Trail model has part-time dual range four-wheel drive. The Toyota 4Runner can tow 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Fuel economy for the Toyota 4Runner with rear-wheel drive is rated at 17 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg combined. Fuel economy for the rear-wheel drive version is the same except for highway driving which is rated at 22 mpg.
The interior of the Toyota 4Runner is somewhat industrial, aligning with the vehicle's rugged image. Seating for five passengers is standard with an optional third row that increases seating capacity to seven. The seating is spacious with only five passengers but becomes more cramped when the third row is added. Cargo capacity with the third seat up is 9.0 cubic feet and expands to 46.3 cubic feet with the second row folded down and to 90 cubic feet when both rear rows are folded down.
For a vehicle that performs very well off-road, the basic ride of the Toyota 4Runner is smooth and comfortable and it maneuvers well around curves and in parking lots. If you are in the market for a traditional SUV, then the Toyota 4Runner is worth investigating.
