It's a blast from the past with relevance for today's roads, paved or not.
During the tail end of the Twentieth Century, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) were just what the name suggests, utilitarian; built from sturdy body-on-frame truck designs. These heavy builds provided durability through rough terrain, but all-too-often sacrificed a comfy highway glide and fuel economy.
Enter the 'crossover,' a five-door body design with SUV exterior looks, but car-like underpinnings, providing versatility, smoother handling and better miles per gallon. Some name plates once built from truck designs (i.e. Ford's popular Explorer) quietly made the switch to uni-body, car-type underpinnings.
Toyota's durable mid-size 4Runner may resemble a five-door crossover, but underneath, the sturdy, body-on-frame design means business on or off road. It's one of a handful of remaining mid-sized, body-on-frame SUVs enhancing off-road travels.
Another benefit provided by truck-based underpinnings: pumped-up towing capacity. All 4Runner trims include a standard integrated tow hitch capable of towing an impressive 5,000 pounds.
The sole engine, a 4.0-liter V-6 cranking out 270 horses, is available in all trims: SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro (the best choice for ultimate off-roading) and luxury-appointed Limited.
All trims, sans Limited, come with the choice of rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. Limited includes a full-time, multi-mode four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case and locking rear differential. This system utilizes a 40/60 front-rear torque split in most on-road situations while seamlessly altering the spilt automatically with no driver input. A five-speed automatic transmission adorns all mix-and-match opportunities.
Our Limited's floor-mounted electronic two-speed transfer case got an unplanned call to action during an eerie Friday the 13th reminder winter still has some kick left. Unexpected snow-and ice covered side roads and wind chills hovering in the teens greeted Duchess the aging Schnauzer and this disappointed, wanna-be golfer during the opening weekend of the Boe family's South-Central Wisconsin seasonal abode. Four-low was summoned, providing a boost, both emotionally and mechanically through tricky terrain. Woods, irons and the usually dependable putter never left the comfort of 4Runner's cargo region.
In the 2017 calendar year, 4Runner generated a healthy 128,296 unit sales, up 15 percent from the previous year. The 4Runner debuted in 1984. The current 2018 effort is built off a fifth-generation design introduced in the 2010 model year. Expect a sixth-generation effort within a couple years.
Ground clearance measures in at 9.6 inches, great if trolling through tall grass, but necessitating a jump up into rather than a sit down when entering. The next-generation redo should add an inside 'A' pillar grab handle for driver's benefit, matching the already existing handle for shot gun riders. Once inside, head and leg room remain ample. Generous ground clearance coupled with large side and hatchback windows provide better-than-average road perspectives.
Changes for 2018 remain largely cosmetic. A 'Wilderness Option Package' is available in most trims sans the top-market Limited, adding roof rack crossbars and a cargo tray. A 'TRD Enhancement Package' available in TRD offerings, adds TRD stamped front skid plates and 17-inch matte gray alloy wheels.
While a majority of 4Runner sales come from two row configurations, Limited and SR5 trims offer an optional 50-50-split third row (folding flat into the floor when not in use). If opting for seven seats, be aware row three is best left for preteens spry enough to maneuver into the cozy environ.
Our Limited 4 x 4 trim checked in at $44,760 minus $1,000 for a 'special savings' discount. Sole factory options included $1,500 automatic side running boards and a $393 special white exterior paint. Carpeted floor mats added another $224 for a $46,874 bottom line including a $995 destination fee. The lowest-priced 2018 4Runner, a two-wheel-drive SR5, starts at $34,610.
Seeking off-road capability in a full-size sport utility vehicle? Toyota markets the long-running, three-row Land Cruiser with a full-size $84,315 price tag.
The Limited test trim included a chrome-plated grille insert, chrome strap-like door handles and large, 20-inch machine-finished wheels.
As with most Toyotas, a relatively small rectangular appendix at 5 o'clock on the steering wheel operates cruise control functions. Unlike recently revamped Toyota's, 4Runner's static cruise control has yet to include radar enhancements, allowing automatic speed ups or slowdowns based on the distance of the vehicle ahead. Look for this update during 4Runners impending redesign not far down the road. Same goes for the manually-operated rear hatch in our top-trim limited tester, which should graduate to a power lift.
The thick, tactile, two-speed transfer case dial is sizeable and easily grab-able as are workman-like dashboard dials controlling duo front temperature zones and a couple of sound system brushed-aluminum dials. Two audio-function dials flank a comparatively small (6.1 inches) multi-function, color in-dash touch screen. The dual-zone dials flank an assortment of large, well-marked push-panel buttons summoning fan direction and temperature. Below the ventilation system, plug-in USB and auxiliary ports welcoming portable electronics.
The flat instrument panel includes four analog dials, two prominently sized circles (left-side tachometer, right-side speedometer) with diminutive half-gauges crowning each. The center digital window includes several panel selections (miles to empty, average fuel economy) summoned from the four-spoke steering wheel's right side. The center dash tops off with a blue-hued digital clock atop horizontal air
vents. An electronic push-button start button resides on the lower dash right of the steering column with secondary audio controls on the wheel faces left side.
Regular, 87-octane fuel fills the sizeable 23 gallon tank. Four by four trims include fuel estimates of 17 miles per gallon city and 21 mpg highway. Add one mile highway with 4 x 2 builds. All trims come with a standard sized spare tire.
No plug-in electric or hybrid electric version of 4Runner exists, although Toyota offers a multitude of alternative-powered vehicles if one needs to veer that direction. For those seeking a mid-size crossover with a uni-body, car like construction donning a Toyota badge, check out the five-door Highlander.
The five-door, multi-terrain 4Runner's closest rival most likely is Jeep's Wrangler Unlimited, an elongated, four-door version of the go-anywhere two-door Wrangler. Both can tackle off-the-beaten paths but of the two, 4Runner includes a larger dose of standard safety nuances along with a bit more on-road friendly etiquette.
2018 Toyota 4 Runner
Price as tested: $46,874
Engine: 4.0-liter V-6
Horsepower: 270
Wheelbase: 109.8 inches
Overall Length: 191.3 inches
Overall height: 71.5 inches
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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