I didn’t want to love the 2011 Toyota 4Runner. It’s not that I have anything against these rugged sport utility vehicles, but with such a packed crowd of them in the marketplace, I find their individual highlights easy to forget. From what I remembered about my experience with previous-generation 4Runners, they were no better or worse than their competitors.
It just shows how wrong you can be, especially if you don’t keep up with the times. The fifth-generation 4Runner just oozes confidence, competence and coolness — think of it as the automotive equivalent of the Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger.
Like Jagger, this V-6, 270-horsepower 4Runner (that also comes in a V-8 model) has received a plethora of awards. The latest is a thumbs-up on dependability from J.D. Power & Associates.
| 2011 Toyota 4Runner |
| » Engine: 4-liter, dual overhead cam, 24-valve V-6; 270 horsepower; 278 foot-pounds torque |
| » Transmission: 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission |
| » Fuel economy: 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway |
| » MSRP: From $29,705 |
Lucky me, I tested the 4Runner Trail 4×4. As an avid outdoor enthusiast, the upside was experiencing the vehicle’s tremendous performance. The downside, of course, is that it was only mine for a short while for testing.
But I digress.
The 2011 Toyota 4Runner, the second year of this fifth-generation model, has a bold, powerful look with rugged, square-shaped bumpers, wide fender flares, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and oversized headlamps. The standard roof rack is ideal for those that want to haul kayaks, luggage or their latest Ikea purchase.
The Trail model I drove had high ground clearance, black side mirrors, and sophisticated smoked headlights and taillamps. Nothing like looking good while getting there.
Although the model I tested didn’t experience any off-road action with me, the ride was ultra-smooth and quiet. Toyota credits that to the vehicle’s body-on-frame construction and new suspension technology.
Mirroring its look, 4 Runner has a brazen, energetic performance, cruising by Beltway traffic, powering up icy roads and more. Although I’m a fan of the FJ Cruiser, which has the same platform as the 4Runner, serious off-roaders and those regularly lugging cargo will want to check out the 4Runner.
This generation Trail-grade 4Runner has some features the automaker formerly offered exclusively on the Land Cruiser. Those systems smooth the ride and keep the midsize SUV under control and stable on bumpy terrain.
What I liked most about the 4Runner is that it had a pretty and playful side, too. The interior features leather and other high-grade materials with all kinds of user-friendly gadgetry including a compass, off-road control switches, comfy seats (front and back), a 40/20/40 second-row seat configuration, and a killer audio system with eight speakers, XM, iPod and hands-free phone connectivity, and plenty more where that came from.
Tailgater alert: There’s a standard “party mode” audio setting that raises bass and shifts the sound to the rear of the vehicle. Plus, the navigation system was one of the most intuitive I’ve ever used.
Safety systems and warranties abound.
If you want to get around town and country with plenty of ease, you owe it to yourself to check out the 2011 Toyota 4 Runner.
