2016 Toyota 4Runner

Outdoors enthusiasts have turned to the Toyota 4Runner for three decades as the go-to, go-anywhere SUV that also excels as an everyday driver. The current-generation model is the roomiest and most capable in its history and sacrifices none of its rugged function to deliver everyday comfort and versatility. The 2016 Toyota 4Runner really is the do-it-all SUV. Available third-row seats allow up to seven-passengers to experience great outdoor adventures.

The 4Runner offers the choice of 2WD, part-time 4WD with a 2-speed transfer case or full-time multi-mode 4WD with a 2-speed transfer case and locking center differential. In all cases, a 4.0-liter, 270-horsepower V6 teamed to a 5-speed ECT-i automatic transmission provides powerful motivation.

 

The TRD Pro Series comes ready to hit the trail with TRD front springs, TRD Bilstein high-performance shocks with rear remote reservoirs, Nitto Terra Grappler tires and a TRD front skid plate. The TRD Pro Series looks the tough part, too, with 17-inch black TRD alloy wheels, unique front grille, black bumper accents and special badges. In addition to black or white, the TRD Pro Series is available in a new exclusive color for 2016, Quicksand, which replaces Inferno.

Rugged looks alone won't get you down the trail, but they're sure a nice bonus. All 4Runners come equipped with projector beam headlights and LED rear combination lamps. The SR5, Trail and TRD Pro ride on 17-inch alloy wheels and, all 4Runner models come with a full-size spare tire. The Trail model takes muscular design to a higher plateau with color-keyed bumpers and overfenders, aggressive looking hood scoop and silver painted front and rear bumper accents.

 

On any Toyota, the Limited grade stands apart with upscale trim, and that's also the case for the 4Runner. It's the only 4Runner with a chrome-plated grille insert, and its chrome front bumper trim extends to the foglamp bezels. The side molding and rear bumper are also chrome trimmed. The 20-inch machine-finished wheels are another Limited-exclusive feature.

 

The 4Runner's 4.0-liter V6 cranks out 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm, so it'll move this roomy SUV with authority. Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) optimizes torque across the engine's operating range. There's plenty of grunt for towing, and Toyota makes the task easier by equipping the 4Runner with a standard integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness. The 4Runner can tow a trailer up to 5,000 pounds, with a 470-pound tongue weight.

The tough chassis and 4WD get help from a full supporting cast of technologies. Standard Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) provides additional control when accelerating from a stop up a steep incline by helping to hold the vehicle stationary while the driver transitions from the brake pedal to the accelerator. The 4WD models also feature standard Downhill Assist Control (DAC). This feature augments low-speed descending controllability by helping to maintain a constant slow speed and preventing wheel lockup, allowing the driver to concentrate primarily on steering.

The 4Runner Trail grade (and TRD Pro) lives up to its name by adding the capability of an electronic-locking rear differential and Toyota's Crawl Control (CRAWL) feature. The latter helps maintain a constant speed, enhancing vehicle control when driving up and over obstacles in challenging off-road situations. With the transfer case shifted into low range, CRAWL regulates both engine speed and braking force to propel the vehicle forward or in reverse at one of the five driver-selectable low-speed settings. The driver can thus focus on steering over obstacles without having to also modulate the throttle or brake pedal.

As conditions on the trail change, the 4Runner Trail grade driver can adapt the vehicle with the Multi-Terrain Select system. A dial is used to select the mode that matches prevailing terrain and conditions, adjusting wheel slip accordingly. For example, on loose terrain such as mud and sand, more-than-normal wheel slip is permitted, allowing wheel-spin to work in the vehicle's favor. The Mogul setting is for any extremely uneven terrain, such as V-ditches, slopes, and ridges -- uphill or down. In this mode, wheel slip is minimized and the system acts more like a limited slip differential. On the 4Runner Trail, an overhead console groups the off-road control switches into one location.

 

The Toyota 4Runner is the Sherpa of SUVs. With the second-row seats in use, the cargo area offers up to 47.2 cu. ft. of carrying space. If it's just two people hitting the road or trail for an extended getaway, folding the second row opens up a cavernous 89.7 cu. ft. cargo area. Fold-flat second-row seats provide a level load floor, and it's not necessary to remove the headrests to fold the seats flat. The available pull-out cargo deck can carry up to 440 pounds to make loading and unloading heavy items easier, and it also provides seating for tailgating and campsite relaxation. For power on the go, the 4Runner offers a standard 120V outlet and two 12V outlets.

Third-row seating is available on SR5 and Limited grades, with a split 50/50 seat that folds flat. When so equipped, the 40/20/40 second-row seat has a one-touch walk-in function to provide easy access to the third row. The seats can be folded from the side or at the rear, using separate one-touch levers. Even when "roughing it" there's no need to give up comfort; the second-row seats, which include a center armrest, individually recline up to 16 degrees in four steps.

The SR5 Premium provides a significant comfort upgrade with SofTex-trimmed seats, heated front seats, power moonroof, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and more. The Trail Premium receives the same features, and the Limited gets luxurious with leather-trimmed heated and ventilated 8-way power driver's seat (with memory) and 4-way power front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control and the Smart Key system with push button start. The Limited also adds the convenience of a standard front and rear clearance sonar system.

The SR5 and Trail grade models feature Entune Audio Plus, which includes an AM/FM/MP3 CD player with eight speakers, integrated SiriusXM® All-Access Satellite Radio (with 3-month trial subscription), a USB port with iPod® connectivity, and Bluetooth® hands-free phone capability and music streaming.  The Limited Grade's Entune Premium JBL® Audio system incorporates a JBL®premium sound system with 15 speakers, plus navigation with a seven-inch display, SiriusXM All-Access Satellite Radio (with 3-month trial subscription), HD Radio and iTunes® tagging. 

Entune is a collection of popular mobile apps and data services.  Once a smart phone is connected to the vehicle using Bluetooth® or a USB cable, Entune's features are operated using the vehicle's controls or, for some services, by voice recognition. Entune offers mobile apps for iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable®, and Pandora® and others. Entune data services include a fuel price guide, sports scores, stocks, traffic and weather.

The 4Runner features Toyota's standard Star Safety System™ that includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC, or A-TRAC with 4WD), an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST) brake-override system.

Eight standard airbags include front, seat-mounted side airbags, knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, and side-curtain airbags for the second and third rows (when so equipped). The Safety Connect™ system available for the 4Runner Limited (one-year trial subscription included) offers Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Roadside Assistance.