There are plenty of seven-passenger crossovers on the market, but only a few midsize SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner. What's the difference? The 4Runner remains atop a truck platform and can easily take you through the deepest snow and potholes on your way to work, or on a true off-road adventure if that's your thing.
The new TRD Pro Series model offers enhanced off-road capability.
Every 4Runner gets a 4-liter V6 with 270 horsepower and a five-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive with low-ranging gearing is either standard or available on all trim levels. Owing to the 4Runner's truck roots, all examples come with a tow hitch, underbody protective plates, and hill start and descent assists. The third row available on some models boosts seating capacity to seven.
Toyota offers the 4Runner in six trim levels to suit almost every need:
Comes generously equipped for an entry-level model with a rearview camera, heated mirrors, a power liftgate window, a windshield wiper de-icer, a power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio, and an eight-speaker sound system with integrated smartphone apps and satellite radio. Four-wheel drive is optional, as is a third row.
Adds leather-like vinyl seating (in place of the SR5's cloth) with heat in front and passenger power, a sunroof, and a navigation system with additional apps and voice-to-text capability.
Comes standard with a four-wheel drive system that's specially tuned for off-roading, plus all-terrain tires, mudguards and body-color exterior trim. The optional Kinetic Suspension System (KDSS) automatically disconnects the stabilizer bars when to needed to overcome off-road obstacles like deep ruts and boulders. All other equipment is similar to the SR5 with one exception: the third now is not available.
Combines the Trail's off-road features with the extra comforts of the SR5 Premium.
Ups the luxury quotient with leather upholstery, a ventilated driver seat, keyless ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 15-speaker JBL audio system with HD radio, and adaptive shock absorbers for a smoother ride. The Limited rolls on 20-inch wheels, and four-wheel drive is optional. The available power-operated running boards are exclusive to this trim level. As with the SR5, you can add a third row for seven-passenger capacity.
Designed for serious off-roading, the TRD (Toyota Racing Development) comes with a beefier suspension system, high-performance shocks, Nitto Terra Grappler tires and a thicker front skid plate. Four-wheel drive is of course standard, as are special styling touches throughout. Other equipment is similar to the Premium lines.
The SR5 and Limited are geared toward active families that want a go-anywhere vehicle with room for everyone. The Trail is the choice for drivers who regularly leave the road for recreation, while the TRD Pro (which is actually a tad more expensive than the Limited), is best suited for dedicated off-road enthusiasts and competitors.
