Overview Off-road-worthy edition of an aging mid-sized SUV
Pros Comfortable, off-road capability, towing ability
Cons Not particularly attractive, dated interior
Value for money Fair
What would I change? Wait for a new, hopefully better looking version
How would I spec it? 4Runner SR5 V6 ($39,060)
Whenever I start feeling nostalgic about the “good old days,” when sport-utility vehicles were more utility than sport, I can always count on Toyota’s 4Runner to satisfy my need for a blast from the past. With the vast majority of today’s SUVs and crossovers little more than glorified station wagons with all-wheel drivetrains to get them through a snowy winter, a genuine body-on-frame SUV with a part-time four-wheel-drive system that actually requires tugging on a shift lever to engage is a rare beast, a reminder of simpler times as well as an indicator of how far the SUV segment has morphed from its roots.
2015 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition
Brian Harper, Driving
Interestingly, while the first two generations of 4Runner were built on a pickup platform, the last three have been built on the Land Cruiser Prado platform; an SUV not sold in North America. Even more interesting, the Prado platform also underpins the far more luxurious Lexus GX.
Yet, luxurious is not a word that will be found in the vicinity of the 4Runner. Toyota Canada uses the word “truck,” along with adjectives such as “rugged” and “go anywhere.” Just for comparison sake, the milder Highlander gets “well-mannered” and “easy driving experience.” This is a pretty good clue the 4Runner is no suburban dilettante. Actually, when I last drove one a couple of years ago, I suggested it would be on the shortlist of vehicles ideal for escaping a zombie apocalypse, especially if it’s the tougher-looking Trail Edition.
Toyota obviously intends the Trail to be able to tackle paths less taken, adding technologies and systems designed to maximize off-road prowess. These include the previously mentioned lever-type 4WD selector, plus four-wheel crawl control, multi-terrain select system and ABS, automatic disconnecting differential and “kinetic dynamic” suspension system. Of those features, the multi-terrain select system — the knob is located in a ceiling panel above the rear-view mirror — is the most driver interactive, allowing wheel slip to be tailored to better handle specific off-road conditions through four settings: “mud and sand,” “loose rock,” “mogul” and “rock.”
Though bashing through the boonies is within the 4Runner’s capabilities, it’s more likely use will include hauling duties. All models come with a standard tow package — including heavy-duty tow-hitch receiver, 4+7 pin wiring harness, trailer brake controller pre-wire, supplemental transmission cooler and transmission fluid temperature gauge. Towing capability is 2,268 kilograms.
All of the above might suggest the 4Runner Trail Edition is some knuckle-dragging Neanderthal. It’s not, though it ain’t pretty by any means, with a face only a mother could love (it reminds me of a bulldog) and a totally unnecessary hood scoop. The same applies to the interior, which appears to have been designed by someone who played with those big plastic building blocks as a child. Hop into the driver’s seat and one is presented with a big chunky steering wheel, a big blocky centre stack and big, well-marked knobs and buttons for the assorted functions and conveniences, plus a chunky shift lever protruding from the slotted gates in the centre console. It’s a look that, though completely functional, is also very dated (the fifth generation 4Runner has been on the market since 2010).
2015 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition
Brian Harper, Driving
That said, there’s an excellent view of the road ahead from the front seats, which are broad and comfortable. And there is the requisite number of modern conveniences appropriate to the Trail’s $45,475 sticker price. The Trail Edition comes with unique black seats with red stitching, plus such exclusive exterior styling cues as black roof rails, dark silver brushed metallic trim, tonneau cover, sliding cargo-area tray and more.
However, although I appreciate simplicity, especially when it comes to interiors, I admit I’m starting to expect certain features on this price and class of SUV. The fact there is no standard push-button start, automatic headlights or power liftgate on the Trail does it no favours against the competition.
The back seat area (the normally five-passenger SUV is available with a third-row option) will accommodate six-footers as long as the front seats aren’t all the way back in their tracks. Behind those rear seats is 1,336 litres of cargo room, a commodious 2,540 L with those seats folded flat.
2015 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition
Brian Harper, Driving
The heavy-duty and heavy (2,111 kilograms for the Trail Edition) 4Runner is no muscle-bound ogre that needs to be tamed. It’s quite easy to drive, though not exactly scintillating. Under the hood is a 4.0-litre DOHC V6 that’s mated to a five-speed automatic. It pumps out a decent 270 horsepower and a robust 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. But the truck pushes a lot of air and wind noise is noticeable. Foot to the floor, it responds with a lot of induction noise and a reasonable launch to 100 kilometres an hour of just under nine seconds. Passing power isn’t bad, either — 6.6 seconds to hit 120 from 80. In traffic, though, the 4Runner feels its weight, and is somewhat lethargic to move.
As for fuel economy, I averaged 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres, respectable for a mid-sized gas-powered SUV.
The ride is surprisingly compliant for a rig set up for heavier-duty work. It kind of galumphs over potholes and other tarmac nasties when it’s not weighed down with people or cargo. Steering is a little slow, though less so than with the bigger 20-inch tires that come with the Limited model (P265/70R17s is the spec size for the Trail).
The 4Runner is not one of those vehicles that inspire lust (if you own) or envy (if you want). It’s a functional, though aging, sport-ute with a solid rep and a small but steady clientele (a little more than 4,000 were sold last year in Canada; it’s better received in the U.S.). And, until there’s a major redesign to this hauler, I wouldn’t expect much to change.
2015 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition
Brian Harper, Driving
The Specs
Type of vehicle Four-wheel-drive mid-sized SUV
Engine 4.0L DOHC V6
Power 270 hp @ 5,600 rpm, 278 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm
Transmission Five-speed automatic
Brakes Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires P265/70R17 all-season
Price (base/as tested) $39,060/$45,475
Destination charge $1,690
Natural Resources Canada fuel economy (L/100 km) 14.2 city, 11.1 highway
Standard features 6.1-inch display audio system with eight speakers, USB audio input, Bluetooth capability, integrated XM satellite radio, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, premium cloth seats, power-adjustable driver seat, 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats, power door locks with keyless entry, illuminated entry, power windows with auto up/down function, power sliding rear window with auto up function and jam protection, tilt/telescopic steering column, multi-information display, digital compass, trip computer, Eco drive monitor, cruise control, backup camera, five 12-volt accessory power outlets, aluminum alloy wheels with locks, dual power adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, running boards, roof rails, colour-keyed fender flares, front and rear splash guards, rear spoiler
Options Trail Edition ($6,415) includes lever-type 4WD selector, four-wheel crawl control, multi-terrain select, rear differential lock, automatic disconnecting differential, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, off-road-style aluminum alloy wheels, multi-terrain ABS, integrated SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, SMS-to-speech and email-to-speech, advanced voice recognition, power-adjustable front seats, SofTex leather seat surfaces, heated front seats, black seats with red stitching, Optitron instrumentation gauges, power sunroof, hood scoop, black roof rails, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, dark silver brushed metallic trim, cargo area tonneau cover, sliding cargo area tray, theft deterrent system, rear door courtesy lamp, delete third-row seat
