Toyota 4Runner (2012), modern car for family?

In the Nineties and even earlier last decade, the Toyota 4Runner occupied an area within the market that was greatly mainstream. however as most families shoppers moved over to safer, softer, and a lot of economical car-based styles (like Toyota's own Highlander), Toyota kept the 4Runner powerful and really abundant a truck—relegating it to niche standing.

For 2012, the 4Runner enters its third year since an entire redesign (for 2010) that once more kept its toughness intact, and placed an excellent larger stress on off-road ability. Styling remains unchanged; with that redesign, the 4Runner became higher, chunkier, and a lot of rugged, with a better beltline and a lot of flared wheel wells. whereas inheriting a number of the imposing look from the Sequoia and Tundra full-size trucks, the 4Runner sticks to a lot of of a conservative, ancient SUV look toward the rear, with a large, downward-sloping C-pillar trying to past generations of the 4Runner.

Overall, the 2012 Toyota 4Runner drives abundant better—and a lot of athletically—than its trail-crawling look may counsel. Steering feel and maneuverability are sudden delights within the 4Runner; at low speeds particularly, the 4Runner handles with higher precision and management than you may expect from such a giant, significant model, and visibility is not dangerous. however you will be reminded you are during a tall vehicle with soft sidewalls and a secure suspension calibration if you attack corners too quickly.

A 4.0-liter V-6 engine, makes 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, and feels lots fast either off the road or at highway speeds. V-6 SR5 models are offered either with rear-wheel drive or a part-time four-wheel-drive system, whereas path models are solely offered with that 4 wheel drive system. restricted models get a separate full-time four-wheel-drive system that is a lot of road-oriented.

In path grade (the off-road model), the 4Runner includes a number of electronics and systems meant to enhance the durable off-road hardware. Base models may be to a small degree pitchy on rough pavement, however restricted models get yet one more setup: a so-called X-REAS system with electronically adjusting dampers, geared for flatter cornering and pavement surfaces. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that is optional within the path model uses hydraulics to scale back motions on-road or increase off-road traction and riding comfort, with a lot of wheel travel in that scenario.

You won't notice the 4Runner to be quite as roomy within as less trucklike choices like the Honda Pilot or Ford Flex, however it's up to par in comfort for the primary 2 rows of seating. Front seats are wide and supportive—they look and feel nice with the obtainable perforated leather upholstery—and the driving position is superb. within the second row, that adjusts for rake, adult-sized occupants also will feel at home. The third row is merely sensible for kids—and arduous to induce to.

But as tight because the 4Runner is for passengers, it's disappointing for cargo and overall versatility. The flip-forward folding third row is simple enough to use, however the body is quite slender and therefore the cargo floor is kind of high.

The means the 4Runner's controls are arranged—and the texture of them—is a highlight of its interior. Off-road-focused controls are located in an overhead console, keeping the middle stack of controls easy and accessible, with giant buttons and knobs that have a good tactile feel. A secondary show sits atop the middle stack, and redundant steering wheel controls access audio and Bluetooth functions. The instrument panel and door trim build on the basics seen within the Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV, however with higher attention to detail. It's macho and utilitarian, however the chunky center stack and easy-to-read gauge cluster highlight a macho, utilitarian look and common sense simplicity.

All 4Runners additionally go along with eight commonplace airbags, together with front aspect luggage, side-curtain luggage for the second and third rows, and front knee luggage for the driving force and passenger. Some embody alittle screen engineered into the rearview mirror that gives a fish-eye camera read backward for parking help. Safety Connect, a system that is just like General Motors' OnStar, is out there. concerning {the solely|the sole} safety blemish is an only 'acceptable' IIHS roof strength score.

Base 4Runner SR5 models begin just under $30k and really embody a decent level of equipment; however the off-road purists who additionally typically have to be compelled to haul the family can wish the path model, which incorporates all the off-road goodies and upgraded audio, a USB port, iPod connectivity, and Bluetooth audio streaming. prime restricted models accelerate to 15-speaker JBL premium sound, with a celebration Mode that biases output to the rear tailgate speakers. Paired with the optional pull-out rear cargo deck, it's a moment tailgate party.

New to the restricted for 2012 (and optional on different models), the 4Runner gets redesigned audio systems, and Toyota's Entune services and HD Radio with iTunes tagging.