2018 Toyota 4Runner SUV Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2018 model is powered by a 4.0 liter V6 (270 horsepower, 278 lb. ft. of torque) mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are options for the SR5 and Limited trim, while the rest of the trims are four-wheel drive only. With the TRD Off-Road Premium tested, the engine gets the job done for everyday use on paved roads. Overtaking at speed and tackling sloped roads are handled with no problems. Its 0 �- 60 mph time clocks in at just over 8 seconds, which is average for the midsize SUV class. During off-road driving, the traction control was effective in traversing surfaces that are unstable. Power delivery is smooth to minimize wheel spin and maintain traction. It handles decently for its weight but it’s not an agile vehicle. Cornering is steady, but its inertia and high center of gravity holds it back when increasing speed through the turn. Steering is consistent, albeit not the most responsive. With a lot of rubber in contact with the road, there is that slight delay but the effort required is not unreasonable. These traits translated well to off-road duties and the crawl mode decreased mental effort since the vehicle automatically goes in a low speed and only the steering has to be manipulated. In braking, the body lurches forward because of the high center of gravity. It stops from 60 mph in a little over 180 feet, considerably less than its competitors with the same off-road aptitude. Pedal action however is a long process, with its initial feel being soft and a stepping further was needed for the brakes to bite.

Technology

The base SR5 trim comes standard with foglights, keyless entry, power liftgate, power rear window, power-adjustable front seats, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, infotainment system with 6.1 touchscreen and eight-speaker sound system, USB port, satellite radio, and a 120-volt power outlet in the trunk. The TRD Off-Road includes the base SR5 features and adds crawl control settings located at an overhead console. Off-road oriented mechanical upgrades are also available for off-road purposes. Both the SR5 and TRD Off-Road have a Premium variant, which includes power-adjustable and heated side mirrors, heated front seats, navigation and auto-dimming rearview mirror. The TRD Pro trim then ups the ante with several mechanical upgrades for serious off-road duties. The top-of-the-line Limited trim adds heated and ventilated front seats, 15-speaker JBL sound system and the optional power running boards. It also receives mechanical upgrades for better ride quality.

Safety

The 2018 model has been tested by the NHTSA and receives a 4-star rating in the Frontal Crash, a 5-star rating in the Side Crash test, and a 3-star rating in the Rollover test. Overall, it attains a 4-star safety rating. The IIHS has also tested the 2018 model and scores were “Good” in Crashworthiness apart from the “Marginal” in the Driver-side front crash test. Crash avoidance and mitigation tests shows a “Poor” score for the headlights. Standard safety equipment include skid plates and a rearview camera. Front and rear parking sensors are only available on the Limited trim and advanced safety features and driver assist technologies are not really available for the 4Runner.

Appearance

The 2018 model has a height of 71.5 inches, a width of 75.8 inches, a length of 191.3 inches, and a wheelbase of 109.8 inches. The 2018 model is still part of the fifth generation of the 4Runner and remains visually identical to last year’s model. The gaping center grille still dominates the front fascia, with only the Limited trim featuring chrome parts while the rest of the trims have color-matching bumpers. Only the Limited trim comes with 20-inch wheels, while the rest have 17-inch wheels. The TRD Pro trim however, comes with a black front bumper, hood scoop, and matte black wheels.

Comfort

With its higher ground clearance than most midsize SUVs in the market, the first step inside may be more of a stretch but this is about normal for SUVs with a body-on-chassis configuration. Once inside, there is generous headroom, but the optional sunroof takes up headspace for passengers at the back. Legroom is also ample even for longer legged people. There is seating for 7 people with the optional third row of seats. Leather trim is only available on the Limited trim, and faux leather for the rest. Comfort is decent at best but fortunately it didn’t flatten out even when the drive got longer. The seat cushion however seems short especially for the taller passengers. Ride quality is decent for an off-road SUV, and bumps and divots on the road were dampened. This is particularly ideal off-road, as rough terrain can be unpredictable. Going through rocks and potholes did not agitate the ride quality harshly. On highways, wind noise seeps into the cabin because the body shape is far from aerodynamic.

Cargo

Behind the second row, there is 47.2 cu. ft. of space for cargo. Upon folding the seats down, 88.8 cu. ft. of space is useable for loading cargo.