The latest addition to Toyota’s extensive range of sport utility vehicles in the United States is a new 4Runner. This car is for those looking for a simple, honest SUV that is rugged and well-equipped. It comes with one engine, choice of two- or four-wheel–drive, and three trim levels.
The engine powering the entire 4Runner range is a 4.0-liter V6 teamed to a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission. Developing 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque, this unit is rated at 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway for 4×2 models, and 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway for 4×4. Towing capability is 5,000 lbs.
The 2014 4Runner, like its predecessors, is setup for off-road action. While the base models rely on some clever multi-link affairs to deal with the rough ground, Limited grade benefits from the X-REAS suspension system and its automatically adjustable dampers that further improves performance, comfort and control.
A-TRAC traction, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) are standard on all models, but only Trail and Limited get the CRAWL hill descent and Multi-Terrain Select system.
The 4Runner’s rugged and rather utilitarian exterior updates are complemented by touches of refinement on the inside. The Limited models are specially fine in this aspect, as it comes standard with a leather-trimmed interior with new ventilated driver and front passenger seats in Sand Beige, Black and a new Redwood color. You also get Toyota’s smart seating system with 40/20/40 second-row seat configuration with one-touch walk-in function. Third-row seating is available on SR5 and Limited grades.
New for the 4Runner is an audio system with Entune multimedia system, an AM/FM/MP3 CD player with eight speakers, integrated SiriusXM, Bluetooth and USD. Higher trim levels get the new Entune Premium JBL Audio system.
Safety-wise, the 2014 4Runner is fully packed with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST) brake-override system, as well as eight airbags.
