Hands-On: The 2010 Toyota 4Runner

Acquire Mag puts Toyota's new 2010 4Runner SUV to the test.

Toyota isn’t going to let fluctuating gas prices and a growing general consensus against anything and everything SUV-related stop them from introducing an entirely new 4Runner. And its not like they made it smaller or more taut either, the 2010 4Runner is a much bigger brute than the previous generation and its presence was very much felt when we were handed the keys to one last week. More from our review after the jump.

The 4Runner lost a bit of its identity with last generation’s model and for 2010 they’ve gone back to their roots to create a 4Runner worthy of its pioneering, off-road heritage. We took the 4Runners right into the Nevada desert where its off-road capabilities were put to the test against the best dirt-laden trails the Silver State had to offer.

Features like Downhill Assist Control (standard on all 4×4 models) carefully and easily aided the car down steep grades and “Crawl Control” offered some much needed help to inexperienced off-road drivers like ourselves to help us clear difficult terrain, practically driving itself when the trail proved to be beyond our limited off-road skill set.

On the street the 4Runner turns into quite the impressive street cruiser with its smooth ride and quiet interior. In our tester the 4Runner was loaded up with all the latest toys from Navigation to rear view cameras to 120v power outlets and even a “Party Mode” feature that sets the equalizer to optimize outdoor audio performance via the backdoor speakers when the trunk lid is open.

Now the 4Runner isn’t aimed squarely at the soccer mom set nor is it going to win any awards in the fuel efficiency department. If that’s what you’re looking for, Toyota will be more than happy to sell you a Sienna or Prius. This is a true off-roader worthy of its 1984 counterpart, but bigger, bolder, and even more rugged. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. From $29,175 – Toyota.com

Showing 7 comments

GC79 at 8:00pm 22nd July 2010 Sorry Jon M., you must not be the target audience. The new 4runner is Bad-a$$. You're just outdated, deal with it.
19994Runner at 4:26am 2nd February 2010 The exterior is very impressive. It's hard to find any model that has such a strong looks. Anyway, it would be better if it has the 2WD mode for normal road drive to save gas.
19994Runner at 4:26am 2nd February 2010 The exterior is very impressive. It's hard to find any model that has such a strong looks. Anyway, it would be better if it has the 2WD mode for normal road drive to save gas.
19994Runner at 4:26am 2nd February 2010 The exterior is very impressive. It's hard to find any model that has such a strong looks. Anyway, it would be better if it has the 2WD mode for normal road drive to save gas.
Jon R. at 3:46pm 12th January 2010 I completely disagree with Jon M. Best 4Runner ever, and that is saying a lot.
Jon R. at 3:46pm 12th January 2010 I completely disagree with Jon M. Best 4Runner ever, and that is saying a lot.
Jon M. at 8:13am 18th November 2009 This new exterior design leaves a lot to be desired. I think it is probably the ugliest vehicle I have ever seen. The bulging taillights are ridiculous. Toyota should not be taking their design clues from the FJ Cruiser, a vehicle that was so unsuccessful. The functionality is also a giant leap backwards. For the 4th generation, all models got the Torsen center differential. Now Torsen is only offered on the Limited version. And all 5th generation models come with that silly "party mode" button. Why would anyone spend upwards of $40K to get a leather interior only to have a button that says "party mode"? Toyota really blew it on the marketing research this time. The party mode feature, which transfers sound to the back speakers, could have been part of the sound system. We don't need a separate button!! I also don't like the placement of the 4WD nob on the center console of the limited version. In the 4th generation, this nob was on the dashboard. Why move it to the center console? I would rather have any extra cup holder or a place to put my cell phone. Again, what is Toyota thinking??