While scanning my way through the vast array of buttons I stumbled across two things that simply warmed my heart. First of all, Toyota decided not to do away with the nearly useless roll-down rear tailgate window, which has been a 4Runner staple for ages. I still struggle to find a real practical application for it unless you’ve overloaded the rear cargo area, but it’s still kind of neat.
The second little surprise I spotted was this peculiar little switch labeled “Party Mode”. This little gem shifts additional audio output to the rear cargo and tailgate speakers, and to quote Toyota’s press documentation, is great for “cranking up the bass and getting the party started.” Upon reading this I immediately flicked the switch and glanced around for the approaching BBQ, coolers full of beer, go-go dancers and any other signs of an impending tailgate party – which sadly never materialized.
    2013 Toyota 4Runner Limited. Click image to enlarge |
Bombing around town with the 4Runner before the weekend rolls around, I’m very quickly faced with the fact that this thing is still a proper truck. Built in a traditional body-on-frame configuration, every aspect of the 4Runner’s chassis dynamics reminds you that this thing is not based on a passenger car platform. The funny thing is, even with its rolling and bobbing around it’s still not half bad to drive. Because of its tall stature I’m never overly motivated to push its limits when braking or cornering, however every chance I get to climb a curb for ease of access into a parking spot I get a little giddy. The 4Runner’s one real saving grace in an urban environment is its overall visibility. Given its sheer size I was expecting to be fighting with blind spots constantly, but that wasn’t the case. Even when passing a little low-slung Scion FR-S I managed to keep tabs on it, if only by the top of its roof.
Aside from doubting the purpose of the 4Runner in an urban environment, the week has blown by without a hitch and I’m still oddly enamored with the big bad 4×4. Cargo space proved to be more than adequate for the monthly Costco run, and even with my 6’1” frame at the wheel, rear seat passengers had no complaints regarding rear legroom.
When I finally crawl on the highway en route to my favourite logging roads, my first real pet peeve about the 4Runner becomes all too obvious. Why on earth is Toyota still using a five-speed automatic? With so many car makers switching their focus to the use of six, seven, and even eight-speed automatic gearboxes (and Chrysler’s nine-speed isn’t far from arriving in the 2014 Jeep Cherokee), the five-cog unit simply makes no sense. I don’t expect Toyota to be right at the bleeding edge of technology, but I do expect them to at least try and keep up. My only fear with them changing gearboxes would be moving to a CVT unit, which has absolutely no place in a dirt-friendly SUV.
