2008 Toyota 4Runner Review

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner midsized SUV is available in 3 trims: SR5, Trail and Limited. The SR5 and Limited trims are available with 2WD or 4WD, with the Trail available only in 4WD. The 4Runner is equipped with a 4.0 liter V6 rated at 270hp and 278lb-ft of torque, with a 5 speed automatic transmission and maximum towing capacity is rated at 5000lbs. Just a few of the many standard features on the base SR5 trim include hill start assist/hill decent control, heated mirrors, full power accessories, trip computer, Bluetooth and a lot more.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

If your lifestyle requires serious, all terrain abilities without sacrificing creature comforts and amenities the 2012 Toyota 4Runner should be a top consideration.

What’s New For 2012:

In 2012 the Toyota 4Runner received a new stereo system features that include Toyota’s Entune connectivity system. A new option for the SR5 and Limited trims are automatic deploying running boards.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

In an initial quality study conducted by J.D. Power and Associates based upon owner reported issues, the Toyota 4Runner received an overall initial quality score of 3 out of a possible 5. The 4Runner received a 4.5 for body and interior design quality, a 4 for features and accessories mechanical quality and a 3.5 for powertrain mechanical quality. In a separate survey of current Toyota 4Runner owners an impressive 72% said they would definitely buy their 2WD 4Runner if they could do it all over again.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

In safety testing by IIHS the 4Runner received a high score of “Good” for frontal and side crashes, with a second to the highest score of “Acceptable” for roof strength tests. In government testing the NHTSA awarded the 4Runner an overall safety score of 4 Stars out of a possible 5, with 5 full stars in side crash testing. Safety features on the 4Runner include front-seat side airbags and full-length airbages, antilock disc brakes, roll-sensing side curtain airbags and more.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Exceptional off-road capabilities
+ Powerful V6 Engine
+ Smooth and comfortable ride

Cons
– While V6 is capable for most, no V8 engine options
– Optional 3rd-row suitable only for small adults/kids
– Steering can feel disconnected on pavement

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Toyota 4Runner has a substantially lower starting price than the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition, along with a better fuel economy rating of 17MPG city/23MPG highway; compared to the Tahoe with 15/21MPG and the Expedition’s rating of 14/20MPG. The 4Runner has max payload capacities of 1700lbs compared to the Tahoe’s slightly lower with 1652lbs and the Expedition at 1630lbs. Max towing capabilities for the 4Runner are rated at 5000lbs, behind the Tahoe with max capabilities of 8500lbs and the Expedition at 9200lbs.

What Others Are Saying:

"There’s no doubt that the Toyota 4Runner is a rough-and-ready four-by-four that’s ready to hit the trail whenever you are. That’s part of its appeal: It’s one of the best SUVs for a backwoods adventure." – US News

"It’s a perfect outdoor-activity vehicle with lots of cargo room, comfy seats and off-road capability to get to a campsite or ski resort up in the mountains." – AutoWeek

"The Toyota 4Runner is the perfect SUV if you have a jungle to conquer, but if your most severe drive is taking the kids to school in a rainstorm, it might be overkill." – VroomGirls

Read more about the 2012 Toyota 4Runner, at the Toyota manufacturer site.