Unlike a lot of modern crossovers and SUVs, the Toyota 4Runner is part of a dying breed of vehicles that can go anywhere. With its body-on-frame construction, the 4Runner shares many of the same features, construction, and driving characteristics of a pickup truck, making it a force to be reckoned with when there's snow on the ground or a steep hill to climb. Regardless of what's in the SUV's way, the 2018 Toyota 4Runner is one of the few vehicles on the road that can get through a serious challenge.
What's New for 2018
Not much has changed for the 2018 4Runner. There are two new packages for the old-school SUV: the Wilderness Package and the TRD Enhancement Package.
The Wilderness Package, which adds roof rack crossbars, all-weather floor liners, and a cargo tray, is available on all of the 4Runner trims, except for the range-topping Limited. The TRD Enhancement Package, which is only available on off-road-focused TRD trims, brings 17-inch TRD matte gray alloy wheels and a TRD-branded aluminum front skid plate – to keep all of the SUV's parts safe when off-roading.
Lastly, two new colors have been added to the lineup: Cavalry Blue and Midnight Black Metallic. While not a new color, Super White is now available on the entire 4Runner lineup, instead of being a bespoke color for the TRD Pro trims.
Choosing Your Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner has a lot to offer those that are willing to trade some comfort for off-roading capability. Power for the SUV comes from a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired to a five-speed automatic transmission that has a sequential shift mode. All 4Runner trims, when properly equipped, are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
As an off-roading-friendly SUV, the 4Runner comes with a lot of performance-oriented goodies. Two-wheel-drive models feature an automatic limited-slip differential function on the traction control (TRAC) system. The function allows some wheel slippage to let the SUV dig out of tricky situations. Getting the available part-time four-wheel-drive system also adds Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and improves the SUV's off-roading prowess thanks to a two-speed transfer case with low-range.
The range-topping 4Runner Limited trim takes off-roading to a new level thanks to a full-time four-wheel-drive system that utilizes a Torsen center differential that has a locking feature that drivers can access via a center console-mounted switch. For most driving situations, the system splits the engine's power 40:60, front to back. The system, though, is smart and adapts to changing conditions. If the system senses that the SUV's front wheels are slipping in a turn, it sends more power to the back, going with a 30:70 split. If the rear wheels are slipping in a corner, the differential sends more power to the front (53:47 split).
With the 4Runner, it's important to accept the fact that it's a little more rugged and a little rougher around the edges than the majority of other SUVS on the road. The TRD Off-Road Premium trim strikes the right balance of being able to tackle any type of terrain, while being enjoyable for everyday use. While expensive, the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System is a must-have for enthusiasts that want excellent off-roading characteristics.