Pricing and Equipment
The 2016 Toyota 4Runner is offered three trim levels starting at $33,510 for the base SR5. Moving up a notch is the 4Runner Trail starting at $36,415, and then the Limited priced from $41,825. The TRD Pro, with its unique style and off-roading prowess, starts at $41,550.
At the top of mainstream 4Runner trims, the Limited adds many creature comforts and styling for an attractive package that competes with many two- and three-row crossovers, such as:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Chrome-colored body accents and door handles
- Keyless entry and ignition
- 15-speaker JBL audio system
- Leather upholstery
The 2016 Toyota 4Runner in either trim is a rather unique offering in the growing SUV market, being one of the rare body-on-frame offerings in the midsize segment. The 4Runner SR5 and Limited trims offer optional three-row seating raising the total capacity from the standard five to seat seven.
Performance Pros
The Toyota 4Runner has a 4-liter V6 with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The proven engine and transmission give the 4Runner plenty of low-end grunt to tow up to 5,000 pounds in the SR5 two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive trim, as well as in the Limited trim rear-wheel drive variant.
- On road, the 4Runner exhibits confident power, with assured and predictable acceleration to 60 mph from a standstill in 7.8 seconds.
- An available four-wheel-drive system incorporates low-range gearing, locking rear or center differential, crawl control, and selectable terrain modes.
Performance Cons
- Excessive body roll on the street when taking tight corners or sharp exit ramps at speed.
- Underwhelming EPA fuel mileage estimates at 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway for the four-wheel drive models. (17 mpg city/22 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive.)
- Exceptionally light and artificial steering feel.
Interior Pros
- Good fit and finish through clever user of molded plastics throughout the cabin conveying long-lasting durability.
- Simplistic control layout on the dashboard with user-friendly infotainment tech features.
- Plentiful seating room up front and in second-row seats.
Interior Cons
- Unwanted body motions going over bumps are transmitted into the cabin, especially in the Trail and TRD Pro trim variants.
- Abundant use of hard plastics diminishes perception of quality.
- Cramped third-row seating, which is best suited to small children.
The Most Pleasant Surprise
The 4Runner has a multi-purpose demeanor -- it excels at going off-road but still proves to be an acceptable vehicle for commutes, family trips, and utilitarian duties.
The Least Pleasant Surprise
With the growing precedence of car-like crossover utility vehicles that get exceptional fuel mileage figures, the 4Runner seems to fall quite short of being economical at the gas pump.
The Bottom Line
In a segment that has switched almost entirely to car-based crossovers, the 2016 Toyota 4Runner endures as a truck-based SUV that delivers off-road ruggedness, utility, versatility, and a history of providing reliable transportation.