2010 Toyota 4Runner Trail: Rugged truck for off-roaders

Written by Steven Macoy
Thursday, 04 November 2010 11:51

We might have liked our 2010 Toyota 4Runner better if it didn’t beg comparisons with the Lexus GX460, an upscale vehicle built on the same platform. The Lexus, which we drove the previous week, is just as rugged and a lot nicer to drive, and its fuel economy is only a little worse.

Both SUVs are body-on-frame trucks, not to be confused with lighter-duty unibody crossovers like the Toyota Highlander. Of course, price can be an issue. The bottom line on our 2010 Lexus was $58,039, compared with $40,874 for the newly redesigned 4Runner. Major differences included a V-8 engine and third-row seat in the Lexus; the Toyota had just two rows of seats and a V-6 engine.

With a base price of $27,500 and $39,800 at the high end, the 4Runner is in a class with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Xterra and very few others that offer a high level of off-road prowess at this price point.

Our 4Runner was equipped with the 270-horsepower V-6 and the Trail package, which includes part-time 4-wheel drive, a functional hood scoop and 17-inch wheels, as well as multi-terrain selection system, crawl control and hill-start assist control. These features would be of little use to conventional drivers doing conventional things. They would very much pique the interest of serious off-roaders, which is the whole point.

Toyota has an extensive variety of SUVs, from the diminutive Matrix to the burly Land Cruiser. In all, there are seven to choose from, not counting the Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks. So if you decide in a moment of cold reflection that you don’t need all that off-road capability, your Toyota dealer will be able to put you behind the wheel of something with a more mellow personality.

We didn’t take our gray 4Runner into the backwoods, though we wanted to. It’s highly competent and reassuring on the rural roads and highways, with a quiet, comfortable ride and smooth power. It easily accommodated four adults and a child seat and delivered just short of 21 mpg, using regular unleaded. The cabin is roomy and nicely, though not elegantly, appointed.

The base price for 4Runners with the Trail package is $35,700. Optional equipment included a kinetic dynamic suspension system, $1,750; navigation system with audio upgrade and integrated backup camera, $2,420; and carpet floor mat and cargo mat. The latter slides out.

Unlike the Lexus, the 4Runner has a tailgate that is hinged at the top. The tailgate on the Lexus swings out from the passenger side. Overall, we judged the 4Runner’s design more convenient.

Toyota no longer offers a 4Runner with a V-8 engine. Major options include a third-row seat that enables the truck to accommodate seven people, and, in the Limited model, full-time all-wheel drive. Prices range from $27,500 for the 4-cylinder SR5 with rear-wheel drive, to $39,800 for the Limited with all-wheel drive. All 4Runners come with automatic transmissions.

Steven Macoy ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) is a longtime car enthusiast and full-time editor who lives in Bethel, Conn.

Price: $40,874

Engine: 4.0-liter V-6, 270 horsepower, 278 lb.-ft. torque

Transmission: 5-speed shiftable automatic

Drive: Part-time 4x4

Weight: 4,750 lb.

Suspension: Double wishbone front, solid live axle rear

Ground clearance: 9.6 inches

Wheels: 17-inch by 7.5-inch alloy

Tires: P265/70R17 all-season

Seating capacity: 5

Luggage capacity: 46.3 cu. ft.

Maximum cargo capacity: 89 cu. ft.

Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 lb.

Fuel capacity: 24 gallons

Fuel economy: 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway

Fuel type: Regular unleaded