The mere mention of its name awakens by reflex an idea of freedom, large spaces, robustness. The 4Runner has managed to become, over the course of its career, started in 1984, a cult object in the off-road universe, a destiny shaped from one crevasse to another. A feat certainly in terms of image, but the venerable SUV is getting old. While it completes a full decade without a technical shift, is the charm still operating?
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The designs
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Most body parts are bulged, fenders passing through the hood and the bumpers feeding the image of adventurer that can not be bridled.
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One thing is certain, the 4Runner retains its solid visual identity, a skillful strategy in an industry that sometimes stumbles in the gray areas personified by crossovers. But we have to admit that the whole also suggests an idea of deja-vu. The design, as a whole, is simple, essentially seeking to comply with the technical requirements allowing it to be as good on difficult roads. Its front shield is thus placed very high and the overhang is short, to allow a better angle of attack of obstacles. Most body parts are bulged, fenders passing through the hood and the bumpers feeding the image of adventurer that can not be bridled. As with previous generation SUVs, the glass surface is generous. The livery tested was also equipped with a roof basket allowing it to strap additional food or other objects during excursions.
On board
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The presentation is also rather outdated with a juxtaposition of materials that are not very flattering to the touch.
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If, at first glance, the exterior presentation is dated, the interior also does not seek to make up this observation. You can get into it quite easily given the ground clearance to discover a sea of hard plastics. It is hardly justifiable for the asking price. The presentation is also rather outdated with a juxtaposition of materials that are not very flattering to the touch. That said, space is well taken advantage of for a ladder-frame vehicle. You can be quite comfortably seated both at the front and at the back. Rear passengers will however have to negotiate with a fairly narrow door opening. The rear cargo space is vast at 1337 L, but its loading threshold is high. Fortunately, the elongated rear bumper provides an additional fulcrum when objects are rushed into it.
Under the hood
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With a power of 270 hp and producing 278 lb-ft of torque, this large six-cylinder does an acceptable job, nothing more.
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Unlike the Tacoma, its platform cousin, which benefits from a fairly modern V6, the SUV has to fall back on the same 4 L V6 that animated it in 2010. With a power of 270 hp and producing 278 lb-ft. torque, this big six-cylinder does an acceptable job, nothing more. Admittedly, it is generally discreet, but has a fairly rough appearance at high revs and a not so harmonious sound. The five-speed automatic transmission is also aging in its handling of gear changes. The biggest gap here remains fuel consumption. On the highway, it is difficult to descend below 12 L / 100 km and it increases exponentially in the city. Many modern V8s consume less, if not as much. Of course, its undercarriage designed for rough trails has something to do with it, as is its bodywork, which offers a lot of air resistance.
Behind the wheel
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The 4Runner has a four-wheel drive system which is activated by a lever placed on the center console.
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The 4Runner defends itself fairly in terms of road behavior. The steering, although disconnected from the feeling, guides it well. The roll is acceptable and the comfort very suitable. It also has a fairly sophisticated double wishbone front suspension. However, this analysis should be read in light of its off-road mandate. Basically, the 4Runner will never behave like a crossover, especially in emergency maneuver when its muzzle practically embraces the asphalt. Braking clearly lacks modularity. But overall, it’s much more suited to everyday use than a Jeep Wrangler, for example. The 4Runner obviously has a four-wheel drive system which is activated by a lever placed on the center console. The tested version also has a system that manages the descent speed (CRAWL control), allowing the driver to focus his attention on the direction in off-road driving.
Embedded technologies
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The infotainment system, spreading out in the form of a touch screen, is easy to use and fairly responsive. It is however reduced in terms of functionality.
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Toyota has chosen to equip its 4Runner with several common technological elements. We now obtain keyless start and emergency braking assistance in addition to the adaptive cruise control. However, we must ignore other elements that should inevitably be offered in a vehicle over $ 50,000. No blind spot sensor, even less electric tailgate or diodes to enhance the visual aspect. The infotainment system, spreading out in the form of a touch screen, is easy to use and fairly responsive. It is however reduced in terms of functionality. We would have liked an off-road section presenting certain data which allow us to have an added value that we find in the competition.
The verdict
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While most buyers are looking for a crossover that feels like an SUV, the 4Runner does not compromise on positioning. It’s a real SUV.
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There is no doubt that the 4Runner is not a vehicle designed for everyone. While most buyers are looking for a crossover that feels like an SUV, the 4Runner doesn’t compromise on positioning. It’s a real SUV, no matter what that strong identity entails. The fact remains that a certain charm emanates from this idea, failing to be very accessible, including financially. The mid-range tested model commands a price of $ 57,000. At this price, many more luxurious or flashy options are offered in other segments. However, you may not be able to take the same trails or benefit from its excellent resale value or its high reliability. It all depends on priorities. Still, this 4Runner deserves a real overhaul to avoid sinking into oblivion.
Notebook
Four-wheel drive in two ways
Most versions of the 4Runner have a conventional four-wheel drive system activated by means of a lever, except for the Limited and Nightshade liveries which have an all-wheel drive which automatically modulates the distribution of torque.
Slightly less agile than the Wrangler
The 4Runner has lower off-road limits than the Wrangler due to, among other things, its lower approach angle (33 degrees compared to 41), but they have a similar ground clearance (24 cm compared to 25 cm ).
A window on the tailgate
The 4Runner has a sliding tailgate window, an element that was once fairly present in SUVs, but which has disappeared over time.
He can tow
The 4Runner can tow a load of up to 2,268 kg, which many crossovers can do.
Technical sheet
Test model: Toyota 4Runner Venture
Engine: V6 DOHC 4 L
Power: 270 hp at 5,600 rpm
Torque: 278 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Transmission (test model): 5-speed automatic with manual mode
Drive architecture: Front longitudinal engine, four-wheel drive
Consumption (EnerGuide): 13.8 L / 100 km
Price (with options, transportation and preparation): $ 57,336
Concurrent direct : Jeep Wrangler
Anything new in 2020? : No major changes
To find out more: https://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/vehicles/4runner/overview
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