Auto Review: 2010 Toyota 4Runner

By Lyndon Conrad Bell

2010 Toyota 4Runner

Toyota’s aptly named 4Runner was the company’s first SUV. And while that first 4Runner (introduced in 1984), was essentially a pickup truck with a camper shell, today’s all-new fifth-generation 2010 4Runner is a careful blend of capability, comfort, and convenience. With five SUVs in its lineup, Toyota can afford to slice the segment pretty thin. That’s why 4Runner is a true body on frame offroad capable SUV.

2010 Toyota 4Runner, off road

Toyota offers two engines for the 4Runner and a four-speed automatic transmission. The all-new 4.0-liter V6 makes 270 horsepower and 278 ft-lbs of torque. Remarkably, it produces 10 more horsepower than the V8 it replaced and makes 4Runner capable of towing 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner’s 2.7-liter four-cylinder makes 157 horsepower and 178 ft-lbs of torque. The choice for fuel-conscious drivers, with this engine, 4Runner returns 18 mpg in the city and 23 highway.

Sharing a platform with the rugged FJ Cruiser, 4Runner has the goods to tackle nearly any offroad situation with relative ease. Entry-level SR5 and Trail models use a lever to switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive operation. The Limited offers full-time four-wheel drive with a locking center differential.

2010 Toyota 4Runner at Rubicon

Tech adapted from the almighty Land Cruiser includes Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which enables the 4Runner’s driver to deactivate the stabilizer bars for increased suspension travel and articulation. Toyota’s Crawl Control is adjustable for five speed levels and can best be thought of as cruise control for offroad situations. You select the speed you want the vehicle to maintain, say on an extremely steep decline, and CRAWL makes sure the 4Runner does just that.

2010 Toyota 4Runner, steering controls

On the street, 4Runner offers a comfortable ride, nice steering feel, reassuring brakes, remarkably flat cornering, and good maneuverability. The V6 provides ample power, as does the four in most situations. Heavily laden with a lot of uphill travel though, the four will leave you wondering from time to time.

2010 Toyota 4Runner, interior

As for comfort and convenience, 4Runner offers an optional 50/50 split, fold-flat third-row seat, a rich leather interior (if you spring for the bucks-up Limited), and water resistant fabric seats on the Trail models. All the modern touches like Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, Smart Key, a pull out cargo deck and an ultra-phat audio system with a ”party” mode (equalized specifically for tailgating) are offered as well.

2010 Toyota 4Runner, folding seat

Pricing for the 2010 Toyota 4Runner starts at $27,500, nearly $1000 less than the comparable 2009 model.

Lyndon Conrad Bell is editor-in-chief at Decisive Media. Read more of his car reviews Decisive Magazine website.

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