Toyota 4Runner Review

2007 Toyota 4Runner V8 SR5 4WD

2007 Toyota 4Runner V8 Sport Edition 4WD

The Toyota 4Runner is a traditional sport utility built on a rugged and proven truck frame. It is very capable in handling off-road conditions as well as being refined enough for an easy drive around town. Noted for its quality construction, durability and reliability, the 4Runner has come a long way from its beginnings in 1984. Now with a roomy and comfortable interior packed with the latest technology, the 4Runner provides all the luxury comforts of a daily driver for the outdoor enthusiast.

See also the main fact sheets for the 2006 Toyota 4Runner.

High Points

• Handles well on and off the road
• Nice interior (Autoweek)
• Durability and reliability
• Spacious interior
• Equiped with the latest off-road electronic technology (New Car Test Drive)

Low Points

• Cargo capacity is small compared to competition (Edmunds.com)

Performance and Handling

4runner V6 engine

The Toyota 4Runner's standard 4.0-liter V6 engine is responsive, and never feels lacking. This engine is packed with the latest technology, including fully variable valve timing, a linkless electronic throttle, and lightweight all-aluminum construction. It's rated at 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet. The optional 4.7-liter V8, introduced for 2005, represents a huge improvement over the V8 it replaced. It's smooth and tractable and never struggles when thrust is needed. The V8 features variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and electronic throttle control with intelligence (ETCS-i), turning it into a real performer. It's rated 260 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque, and adds about 190 pounds to the weight of the vehicle.

Both engines are paired with a sophisticated five-speed automatic transmission. More gears means better response for any given situation along with better efficiency. The transmission is equipped with Artificial Intelligence Shift control, which changes gear-shifting patterns according to driving conditions and driver intent.

The 4Runner handles very well for a truck with a live rear axle. The suspension damping is excellent. Rack-and-pinion steering gives the 4Runner quick response and good steering feel. The ride on unpaved roads is smooth, which is important on long gravel treks over washboard surfaces. The 4Runner's well-tuned damping and progressive-rate spring bumpers are to thank here. Where the 4Runner really comes into its own, however, is when the terrain gets truly gnarly. There's lots of suspension articulation for climbing over boulders and gullies, and a host of technology for handling steep, slippery grades.

A limited-slip differential, optional on many SUVs, is standard on even 2WD 4Runners. The two-wheel-drive models are impressively capable on rugged terrain; indeed, a 2WD 4Runner is more capable off road than many all-wheel-drive SUVs. For ultimate traction, however, you do need a four-wheel-drive model.

All 4WD 4Runners come with Toyota's Downhill Assist Control (DAC) system, which controls the speed when creeping down steep, slimy grades. Shift into 4WD Low, check to make sure DAC is activated, pull to the edge of the nearest precipice, take your feet off the pedals, and steer your way slowly down the trail. Once you make the leap of faith that comes with allowing the machinery to do the work for you, Downhill Assist works very well and is easy to manage. The antilock brakes make a noisy "dunk, dunk, dunk" sound as the system lowers the 4Runner safely down the slippery slope. Gently touch the gas or brake pedals to slow or speed your progress, then take your feet off the pedals again, and the system comes back on: "dunk, dunk, dunk, dunk." DAC helps keep the 4Runner pointed in the direction you steer it, using ABS to curb the tendency for the vehicle to get sideways on steep descents. The system will work continuously for three minutes (because the brakes will heat up with prolonged use), but Toyota officials say it only needs the shortest of breaks to continue. Three minutes is usually more than enough time to get to the bottom of the sort of extreme descent we're contemplating here.

All 4Runners, 2WD and 4WD, come with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), which is designed to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or slipping sideways when starting off on a steep ascent. The system uses the brakes to stop an individual wheel or all wheels, whatever it takes to keep 4Runner running forward.

The optional rear air suspension offers improved ride and performance when towing or hauling heavy loads. The air suspension automatically adjusts the ride height according to vehicle load. The driver can also manually raise the rear suspension when driving off road to increase the ground clearance and improve the rear departure angle. This latter feature is useful in the extreme conditions, but most owners will never go there.

X-REAS improves handling dynamics on the road with no compromise in off-road articulation or travel. X-REAS reduces the tendency of the vehicle to bob up and down in corners and improves handling by damping body pitch and roll. A simple system, it links the shock absorbers diagonally through hydraulic lines (e.g., the front left shock is linked to the rear right shock). A central control damper helps keep the system in balance.

Gas Mileage

According to the EPA ratings, The 2 wheel drive V6 version of the Toyota 4runner gets the best mileage at 18/22. The 2 wheel drive V8 gets 17/20 and the four wheel drive V6 gets 17/21. The worst gas mileage goes to the four wheel drive V8 with 16/19.

Safety

The Toyota 4Runner is available with the following safety features:

• Traction Control ABS & driveline
• Electronic Stability stability control
• ABS 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS)
• Front Impact Airbags driver and passenger
• Occupancy Sensor occupancy sensor
• Side Impact Bars side impact bars

Interior and Comforts

Seating Capacity 5

Front Legroom 41.8 "

Rear Legroom 34.6 "

Front Headroom 39.7 "

Rear Headroom 39.1 "

Front Hiproom 55.3 "

Rear Hiproom 55.4 "

Front Shoulder Room 58.0 "

Rear Shoulder Room 57.2 "

Passenger Volume 103 cu.ft.

Exterior

GVWR 5,330 lbs.

Payload 1,255 lbs.

Max Trailer Weight 5,000 lbs.

Interior Cargo Volume 42.1 cu.ft.

Interior Cargo Volume w/Seats Folded 75.1 cu.ft.

Styles and Options

2007 Toyota 4Runner V8 Limited 4WD

Models:

• 2006 Toyota4Runner SR5 V6 4x2
• 2006 Toyota4Runner SR5 V8 4x2
• 2006 Toyota4Runner SR5 V6 4x4
• 2006 Toyota4Runner SR5 Sport V6 4x2
• 2006 Toyota4Runner SR5 Sport V8 4x2
• 2006 Toyota4Runner SR5 V8 4x4
• 2006 Toyota4Runner SR5 Sport V6 4x4
• 2006 Toyota4Runner SR5 Sport V8 4x4
• 2006 Toyota4Runner Limited V6 4x2
• 2006 Toyota4Runner Limited V8 4x2
• 2006 Toyota4Runner Limited V6 4x4
• 2006 Toyota4Runner Limited V8 4x4

Main Competitors

• Honda Pilot - side-by-side comparison
• Volkswagen Touareg - side-by-side comparison
• Nissan Pathfinder - side-by-side comparison
• Ford Explorer - side-by-side comparison
• Chevrolet TrailBlazer - side-by-side comparison

External Links

WikiCars Contributor Favorites

Toyota Manufacturer Sites

• Toyota 4runner - Official US Site

Community Sites

• toyota-4runner.org - 4runner Forum/Bulletin Board
• off-road.com - History of the 4runner
• toyotaoffroad.com - 4Runner History
• top4runners.com - Toyota 4runner history