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That’s relevant to an article about the new 4Runner, because both it, the new Taco, and also the new Land Cruiser are all built on the same platform, with the same engines, axles, and suspension. To be transparent, I own and absolutely love a Toyota 200-series Land Cruiser, which is a remarkably capable vehicle for drivers who prioritize off-road durability. TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, by the way, but extends its influence beyond the track. The rugged TRD Pro is the serious off-roader in the lineup.
TRD Sport
With its legendary body-on-frame design, 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition continues to provide the sturdy and reliable support you need when your adventures go beyond where the road ends. We don't expect to see any of the bZ3 models in the U.S., certainly no time soon. Being closely developed with its Chinese partners and probably using many parts from those companies, it seems clear these are very much for the Chinese market. It revealed a pair of production-ready vehicles, the bZ3C and the bZ3X. Unfortunately, the company provided barely any details about these two, despite the fact they will be available to purchase. If you’re one of those truck buyers that prioritizes Toyota’s reputation for reliability above all other factors, you can now buy one of these trucks with notably fewer sacrifices.
Interior
This advanced system automatically modulates the throttle and brakes on five low-speed settings so you can keep your focus on navigating across difficult terrain. Experience 4Runner’s unique heritage design and bronze-colored contrast stitching with every touchpoint inside the SUV. Whether looking at the embroidered headrests or shifting into drive, you’ll be reminded that you’ve got something special.
Favorite Features
2025 Toyota 4Runner: What We Know So Far - Car and Driver
2025 Toyota 4Runner: What We Know So Far.
Posted: Wed, 09 Mar 2016 02:56:25 GMT [source]
Experience even more on the SXM App, including the best collection of podcasts, Xtra channels of music, personalized Pandora® stations, SiriusXM® video and more. No need to reach into your pocket or purse with 4Runner’s Smart Key System. Lock and unlock the front doors and open the trunk by simply carrying the Smart Key fob. Once inside, just press 4Runner’s convenient Push Button Start, and you’re ready to roll.
The dashboard might have looked up-to-the-minute 13 years ago when this generation of 4Runner launched, but interior design has moved on significantly since then. Nevertheless, it’s functional and bearable, with plenty of large controls that are simple to operate. The ride is on the soft side, the steering lacks some precision, the engine can’t be described as eager, and an automatic transmission with only five forward ratios seems like it should be in a museum.
Performance
2023 Toyota Sequoia First Drive: Powerful Hybrid Engine Shoves It Into the Present - MotorTrend
2023 Toyota Sequoia First Drive: Powerful Hybrid Engine Shoves It Into the Present.
Posted: Wed, 08 Jun 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
While it doesn’t offer three seating rows, the Ford Bronco has plenty of off-road ability, and starts at around $35K for a 4-door version. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L does bring seating for seven as well as plenty of comfort, plus a better-than-most performance away from the tarmac — but that starts closer to $42K. Or the 3-row Nissan Pathfinder might be sufficiently rugged for some, priced from about $34K. There are much newer midsize SUVs with more space for third-row passengers, greater refinement, and better fuel economy. But the Runner could still warrant a place in any adventurer’s driveway.

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Ft. of space in a cargo bay built from materials that should withstand any DIY project or camping trip. It’s a shame about those angular wheel-arch intrusions, though. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is a rugged, off-road-ready SUV, regardless of what trim you go with. Because of that, we recommend going with the TRD Off-Road trim. It comes with a lot of features that will appeal to drivers looking to go off-roading in an SUV that can hang with some of the best. Climb inside a 4Runner TRD Sport and feel its elevated vibe.
The TRD Off-Road trims include a locking rear differential, and the TRD Pro further adds Fox shocks for the highest level of off-road performance. The TRD Pro further adds Fox performance remote-reservoir shocks and skid plates. All trims can tow up to 5,000 pounds, but some rivals do better, with the Jeep Grand Cherokee able to tow 6,200 pounds.
Crawl Control is also included, a kind of slow-speed/off-road cruise control. The optional third row splits 50/50 and can also fold flat, so the cargo area is nicely practical. Space ranges from 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row to a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet. If it sounds like we have a downer on the 4Runner, it’s because it does nothing especially well while managing to disappoint in often contradictory ways.
SofTex®-trimmed seats feature TRD embroidered headrests, while accent stitching found throughout the interior lets you know it’s ready for action. All you have to do is grab hold of the TRD shift knob and drive off to your next adventure. 4Runner TRD Pro’s suspension features oversize TRD-tuned FOX® high-performance shocks—with remote reservoirs on the rear shocks—and TRD-tuned front springs to help carry you over unforgiving terrain.
Second-row leg space is the smallest at 32.9 inches, where rivals range from 38.2 to 39.6 inches, although it’s still comfortable for most in those seats. The 4Runner’s optional third-row seating is cramped at a mere 29.3 inches of legroom and 34.3 inches of headroom. The first- and second-row seats are comfortable and supportive, but the cabin is noisy, both from the engine’s growl and from road noise.
Cheaper models generally make more sense as utilitarian off-roaders, but we would suggest moving past the rather minimalist SR5 trim to mid-range TRD Off-Road. This makes the most of the 4Runner’s off-road potential by adding AWD, traction control, and a locking rear differential. Every 4Runner has an eight-inch infotainment screen with smartphone mirroring, power seats, and an extensive options list. You can have good fun customizing your car with upgrades like synthetic leather and a sunroof. The 4Runner may be an old SUV, but it comes well-equipped with safety features.
Before we dive into the minor differences between the new mid-size Toyota trucks, it’s important to first establish one thing. Versus lighter, more efficient unibody passenger cars which are designed to move people, trucks are built using the heavier, body-on-frame configuration because it’s the job of a truck to move weight. Beyond shiny paint jobs, confusing badges, or snazzy touchscreen infotainment systems, we quantify the capability of a truck through the amount of weight it’s designed to carry. All versions of the new Land Cruiser are only available as hybrids.
Find the one with enough payload for your needs, then choose which traction features are appropriate for the conditions in which you plan to drive, then buy the cheapest vehicle with that spec. People looking to buy the Runner will have the option of purchasing a vehicle with a hybrid engine, Toyota announced in a release Tuesday. The newest model of the vehicle will also have options to add new "Platinum" and "Trailhunter" high-end trims. Powered tailgate windowInstead of opening the entire tailgate just to throw something minor into the luggage area, this rear window can open — an unusual feature among midsize SUVs.