Despite the onslaught of car-based crossovers during the past half-dozen years appealing to a 'tamer' crowd, some folks yearn for the next level of excitement. For those daring to get dirty traversing roads less traveled, Toyota is still in the game with the body-on-frame, truck-based 4Runner.
Many one-time sport utility vehicles, including Ford's Explorer, have traded in their rugged underpinnings opting instead for a softer, lighter, car-based crossover architecture. While niche automakers including Land Rover continue catering to off-road enthusiasts, their boutique bottom lines remain out of bounds for many mainstream budgets. Toyota's 4Runner rates as one of the few mid-size sport utilities with a truck-based structure from a mainstream automaker. And with Toyota's own compact FJ Cruiser 4 x 4 exiting into retirement, 4Runner takes over as Toyota's entry into SUV off-road excitement.
Not that Toyota's turning its back on the crossover crowd. In fact, its impressive crossover portfolio includes more gas-electric hybrid offerings than most competitors. For those seeking a car-based five-door mid-size crossover, the totally redesigned 2014 Toyota Highlander fits the bill with a myriad of engine selections.
When first debuting in the 1985 model year, 4Runner ran on a smaller, compact truck frame lacking the sophistication and technology found in the current fifth-generation effort. During the third-generation effort in 2004, 4Runner grew to its current mid-size status, offering an optional third row.
Since the arrival of the rather weighty fifth-generation 4Runner in 2010, it's evolved into a capable, off-roader with surprisingly mature on-road behavior. In the 2014 model year, three returning trims include base SR5, off-road specialized Trail Grade with higher ground clearance and top-line Limited. Only SR5 and Limited offer the third-row, seven-passenger option. The sole powertrain in all trims, a 4.0-liter, 24-valve V-6 engine generating 270 horses, is connected to a five-speed automatic transmission. Regular, 87-octane is the fuel of choice. Towing capacity checks in at 4,700 pounds in both two-wheel and four-wheel editions. No gas-electric hybrid or diesel-engine versions are available.
During the 2014 model year, 4Runner underwent a mid-cycle upgrade after a rather uneventful 2013 in which the most notable interior upgrade included relocating USB plug-in ports from the glove box outbound to the center console area. Several 12-volt power outlets are available including adjacent to USB ports, inside the flip-top storage bin and behind this same structure for those traveling in row two.
All 2014 trim grades now include roof racks and rear back-up camera center council feed standard. In addition, the front grille gets retweaked with a down-to-earth, rugged appearance and protruding center nose. The up-level Limited trim now boasts chrome-plated grille inserts and chrome bumper. A new premium package is available in SR5 and Trail Grade with a power moon roof and side-view mirrors with blinker bands. Base SR5 now includes an eight-way power driver's seat standard while Limited's leather seating surfaces include ventilated driver and front passenger nuances.
In row two, knee and leg room gently increase thanks to front bucket backs contoured inward. Mid-size dimensions allow three adult riders in row two. Headroom remains excellent. Our SR5 tester was minus the optional third row, opening a bit more cargo options.
Pricing starts at $32,820 for a two-wheel, rear-drive SR5. Our tester, a 4 x 4 SR5 Premium started at $37,615. Stand-alone options included recommended side running boards ($345) along with carpeted floor mats ($225) for a bottom line of $39,045 with $860 delivery fee. The most opulent edition, a Limited 4 x 4 checks in at $43,400.
Calendar year 2013 4Runner U.S. sales totaled 51,625 units, a 5.9 percent increase from the previous year. By comparison, the mid-sized, car-based Toyota Highlander generated 127,572 units for the same period.
All models come standard with hill start assist control, holding the vehicle stationary before starting on a steep incline or slippery surface. The rear hatch, hinged at the top, opens from the bottom up as one unit, with plenty of head room for those 6-feet, five-inches and shorter.
One significant and welcome driver-friendly nuance includes large, industrial-sized twist dials for temperature and audio controls. Power window and lock buttons for all four side doors are high atop a flat platform alongside the bottom of the driver's door window. A power outside mirror push tile is located at the far left end of the dashboard. The relatively flat instrument panel includes two large analog gauges, two small gauges (fuel, temperature) and center digital info window with toggle controls on the four-spoke steering wheel. Bold, brushed aluminum accents frame the center console while adorning large grab bars on the doors. Push-button start is not available as a traditional key finds its home in the steering column ignition cylinder.
With noticeably tame highway manors compared with the full-size Toyota Sequoia sport utility, 4Runner provides a pleasant cabin experience. High seating positions provide excellent road visibility in all directions. Our SR5 tester and Trail trims feature a two-speed, part-time four-wheel drive system with an electronic twist dial near the transmission shifter used when switching from two-wheel high, ideal for dry pavement, to four-wheel high, if snow or rain covers the road below. When off-roading at lower speeds, a four-low option awaits intrepid explorers. Limited trims include a full-time four-wheel drive system with center locking differential with three-mode, center council-mounted switch.
2014 Toyota 4 Runner
Price as tested: $39,045
Engine: 4.0-liter V-6
Horsepower: 270
Wheelbase: 109.8 inches
Overall Length: 191.3 inches
Overall height: 71.5inches
Fuel Economy: 17mpg city/ 21 mpg highway
Curb weight: 4,805 pounds
Powertrain warranty: Five year/60,000 miles
Built: Tahara, Japan
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