2013 TOYOTA 4RUNNER: Off-road original

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This article was published 19/07/2013 (4552 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The 4Runner is one of the founding vehicles of the SUV segment. Since its emergence in the mid-1980s, its body-on-frame construction has endured, despite a growing trend toward unibody construction in the segment.

Now in its fifth generation, the robust 4Runner continues to be one of the few remaining SUVs with true off-road capability.

While many SUV owners seldom use their vehicles for off-road excursions, yours truly included, the 4Runner is engineered for those whose outdoor recreation is more than a stroll through Eddie Bauer. That’s underpinned with full-time or part-time four-wheel drive with low-range gearing, a locking rear differential, downhill assist control, hill-start assist control, active traction control and crawl control.

My chart-topping Limited tester was equipped with full-time four-wheel drive, controlled electronically through a rotary knob enabling the selection of central differentials. Though considered a mid-size rig, the 4Runner is a relatively large vehicle with a curb weight of 2,111 kilograms. This sort of mass requires some serious grunt to mobilize, especially if the 4Runner’s maximum tow rating of 2,268 kg is to be tapped.

Toyota puts the run in 4Runner with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Its DOHC power plant displaces 4.0 litres while utilizing dual variable valve timing with intelligence to combine performance with efficiency, achieving reasonable fuel-economy ratings of 12.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.4L/100 highway. A five-speed automatic transmission delivers predictable, well focused gear changes.

A sport mode allows the driver full cog-swapping control, which off-roaders no doubt appreciate. They’ll also appreciate what Toyota has done with the interior real estate.

I wouldn’t describe the cabin architecture of the 2013 4Runner as any sort of design breakthrough. It’s fine, but not esthetically inspiring.

It does, however, merit praise for simplicity, functionality and logic with switchgear, controls and icons that are realistically sized for clumsy fingers. Small, hard-to-operate buttons have no business in a vehicle, especially one that’s likely to be bouncing its way to a paradise secluded.

Another crowd-pleaser for the recreationalist is a power-operated window in the tailgate. It can be lowered, allowing long items to extend out the rear of the vehicle. Such a feature, which seems to have gone the way of vent windows and eight-tracks, can be exceptionally handy. On the negative side, the ability to lower the window negates the presence of a rear wiper to cut through grime. And that brings us to life behind the wheel.

The 4Runner is available with third-row seating to increase its occupancy from five to seven. My tester was a five-seater, which meant maximum cargo room and an expansive flat load floor.

With gear easily stowed, the 4Runner five are in for a surprisingly smooth ride given its serious off-road persona. With large wheels and ample suspension travel, the 4Runner’s underpinnings deliver an absorbent ride that jiggles more than jostles its occupants.

Power production from the V-6 mill is progressive and easily modulated. When needed, the 4Runner can get up and go with notable authority, although the engine sounds a little less refined doing so than it should. Otherwise, Toyota’s off-roader provides a quiet, relaxing lodging from which to explore the countryside.

Full-frame SUVs aren’t lauded for their ability to scorch through corners, and the 4Runner is no exception. Steering response is somewhat lazy and truck-like, though not unreasonably so. Overall though, driving the 4Runner is a pleasant experience, especially on the highway where its comfort and quietness can be most enjoyed.

The 2013 4Runner is an exceptionally capable SUV that starts at a reasonable $37,990. Choose the Limited package, which includes full-time four-wheel drive, leather, navigation, rear-view camera, keyless entry and start, plus numerous other accoutrements, and the 4Runner’s price tag eclipses $50,000.

My tester rocked to the tune of $51,110, which is brow-furrowing for a Toyota, but not so egregious when one stops to consider the 4Runner’s off-road competency, comfort and practicality, and of course, its ability to tow over 2,000 kilograms of recreation into the vastness of this great land.

— Postmedia News