Toyota 4Runner

Outside

The 4Runner is demonstrably larger than before, gaining 5 inches in overall length (194.9 inches), 2 inches in width (77.8 inches), and losing about an inch in height (70.8 inches). The ground clearance is a tall 9.2 inches. By the measuring tape, the 4Runner is the same length as a Highlander, but its roof is about 3 inches taller. That makes it a rather sizable vehicle, particularly one with short overhangs front and rear—a design that aids approach and departure angles for off-roading.

The 4Runner bears a close resemblance to the Tacoma, while preserving some proportions and styling elements long associated with the SUV. There are more design differences between the two vehicles as you study them, but at a glance, they are clearly siblings.

Among the design elements, the rear corner windows, angled C-pillar behind the rear doors, and roll-down rear glass are key nostalgic cues. An interesting design embellishment: the rear quarter windows wrap into the roof.

The body has many complex shapes, with folds, bulges, and creases that catch the light in different ways. In looking at photos of the 4Runner in the wild, on trails, one can’t help but wonder about challenges in body repair from misadventures.

Inside

The cabin mirrors the design used in the Tacoma, giving it a more rugged appearance than the current 4Runner.

We found that this layout in the Tacoma benefits from big, glove-friendly buttons, knobs, and switches. Common features are clearly labeled and easy to operate. It’s notable that every control is plainly visible, even the engine stop/start button.

Lower trims feature a 7-inch digital gauge cluster for the driver, while higher trims get a 12.3-inch screen. A head-up display is available on top trims. The center infotainment screen dominates the dash, with the vents now being lower and rather subtle.

The base touchscreen measures 8 inches, and there is an available 14-inch screen that stands out like a laptop monitor perched on the dash. These displays house the latest Toyota multimedia system that debuted on the 2022 Tundra.

It is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a wireless Qi charge pad for phones is available. There are several USB ports in the cabin as well.

There is a JBL stereo upgrade, with a portable speaker that serves as the center channel when mounted in the dash. This JBL Flex speaker can be removed and used via Bluetooth at the beach, campground, or worksite.

A digital key is available on some higher trims that allows a smartphone to unlock/lock and start the SUV. 

Access can be shared with other drivers via a phone as well. The second-row seats tumble forward to increase cargo space. On the Platinum trim, the second-row seat is heated.

Once again, a third-row seat is available. Presumably, the vehicle’s larger size this generation will bring much-needed additional space for rearmost passengers.

What Drives It

There are two turbocharged, four-cylinder engines offered, each with an eight-speed automatic transmission. (The previous 4Runner used a five-speed automatic.)

The base engine produces more horsepower and torque than the previous V6, rated at 278 hp and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, respectively. This is the power plant for the SR5, TRD Sport, and TRD Sport Premium.

Stepping up to higher trims brings the i-Force Max hybrid engine, which integrates a 48-hp electric motor into the powertrain. This combination boasts 326 hp and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, giving the SUV a maximum tow capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 4Runner can be had in two-, four-, and full-time four-wheel drive. The full-time four-wheel-drive setup is available on Limited and standard on Platinum. An electronic locking rear differential is standard on TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims.

To aid traction in challenging conditions, the driver can choose settings such as Mud, Dirt, and Sand from the Multi-Terrain Select system in either 4WD-High or 4WD-Low.

Toyota claims the latest version of its Crawl Control function—low-speed cruise control for off-roading—is quieter. (The previous rendition had so much brake noise that it might discourage some from using this handy feature.) There is also a hill descent control feature for off-roading.

Active Safety and Driver Assistance

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard on all 4Runners, bundling a full suite of active safety and convenience features. These include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are also standard.

Toyota’s Proactive Driving Assist system provides light braking and steering assistance when entering turns, and helps for reacting to other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. By monitoring driver inputs, such as engagement with steering, the truck can alert an inattentive driver or bring the vehicle to a stop, such as during a medical emergency.

To aid towing, there is a tow package available. Options are expected to be similar to the Tacoma with an available trailer brake controller, trailer backup guide, video rearview mirror, a surround view camera, and trailer assistance to aid in backing up with a trailer hitched.