First Drives, Toyota

First Drive: 2010 Toyota 4Runner

November 30, 2009

2010 Toyota 4Runner. Click image to enlarge

Standard on Trail Edition 4Runners and a first in the segment is Kinetic Dynamic Suspension. KDSS automatically disconnects the front and rear stabilizer bars in severe off-road conditions, allowing the suspension to stretch to its maximum reach, and reconnects them on road to reduce body lean when cornering. A locking rear differential is also standard on the Trail edition.

The trail edition includes a new Multi-Terrain-Select system that helps regulate the amount of wheel spin for different off-road terrain. It varies the application of A-TRAC and engine output based on driver selected terrain conditions like mud and sand, loose rock and moguls. We never found it necessary to use the system, but novice off-roaders would appreciate the feature.

On our second pass through the course, we let the 4Runner’s new Crawl Control feature do some of the work. Crawl Control, which is standard on the Trail Edition, takes over application of the throttle and brakes to allow the driver to concentrate on steering. Vehicle speed can be set with a roof mounted dial to five speeds between one and five mph. For the rock climb shown in the photos, we set the speed at two mph and sat back and let the truck climb the hill. Again, competent off-roaders might not find it necessary, but Crawl Control is a useful tool when the going gets tough.

As well as the base SR5 and Trail Edition models, a 4Runner Limited is available. The Limited includes the Trail edition’s off-road technology but is equipped with full-time AWD. Unfortunately, time didn’t permit a run through the course with this system.

On the road the 4Runner cannot conceal its truck origins and if you are an SUV buyer that prefers a “car-like” ride, then this is probably not the vehicle for you. However, the Limited package includes X-REAS diagonal-linked relative shock absorber system that helps dampen diagonal roll and pitch motions, improving on road stability and handling.

2010 Toyota 4Runner. Click image to enlarge

A newly-updated version of the 4.0-litre V6 is now the only power option available for the 4Runner; the V8 option has been discontinued. The new 4.0-Litre produces 270 hp (more than the outgoing V8) at 5600 r.p.m. and 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4400 r.p.m. on regular fuel. Fuel consumption has been improved by five per cent over the previous V6 and 17 per cent over the V8.

The new fifth generation 4Runner goes on sale in Canada in early December. At press time, the full range of prices had not been announced, but the base SR5 will start at $36,800, the same as in 2009.

For that price, the 4Runner SR5 base will come equipped with a variety of additional equipment including tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power up and down for all windows, multi information display, trip computer, fuel economy metre and ECO drive monitor, rear seat recline adjustment, VSC cut-off switch, windshield wiper de-icer,17-inch alloy wheels with P265/70R17 tires, roof mounted spoiler and front seat knee air bags.

A party mode switch, designed for tailgate parties, enhances the sound for the outdoor environment from the eight-speaker 160-watt XM satellite-ready audio system with twin back door speakers.

Other standard features include six-way power driver’s seat and four-way power passenger seat, keyless entry, manual air conditioning, compass and outside temperature gauge, power rear hatch window with auto up and jam protection, three 12V auxiliary power outlets, clearance and back-up sensors and towing hitch.

With an optional tow package, the 4Runner can tow up to 5000 lbs (2268 kg).

2010 Toyota 4Runner. Click image to enlarge

A leather upgrade package is available that adds heated front seats, steering wheel audio controls, power moon roof, Bluetooth, auto dimming rear view mirror with integrated back-up camera, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, tonneau cover and anti-theft system.

In addition to its special off-road equipment, the Trail Edition includes all the features of the base SR5 leather upgrade, except the leather, specifying water repellant seat fabric instead. Additionally, there are two 120-volt 400-watt power outlets, Optitron instrumentation, sliding cargo tray, and exterior modifications such as a hood scoop, matte black exterior trim and unique alloy wheels.

Two Limited packages, one with navigation and one without, include the base SR5 leather upgrade, Trail Edition off-road technology and full time 4WD, X-REAS sport suspension, P245/60R20-inch tires, full size spare tire, dual zone automatic climate control, JBL audio with six-disc CD changer and 15 speakers, 3rd row seats (split 40/20/40 with one touch walk-in function), smart key with pushbutton start, chrome grille and exterior trim and body coloured fender flares.

With serious off-road vehicles fast disappearing from dealer showrooms, Toyota sees an opportunity to capture a good chunk of the available market with its body-on-frame SUVs. The new 4Runner proves that Toyota is serious about giving buyers the equipment they need to drive the road less travelled. It is both a strong and capable off-road performer and a well-equipped everyday driver.

Pages: 1 2