The New Toyota 4Runner

The 2009 Toyota 4Runner full-capability sport-utility vehicle adds an optional Trail Edition package. Available exclusively for the 4Runner SR5 with V6 and 4WD, the Trail Edition package combines enhanced off-road capability with unique design.

For better off-road performance, the package adds a locking rear differential, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Bilstein shock absorbers and unique 16-inch alloy wheels with 265/70R16 tires. Externally, the Trail Edition package distinguishes the Toyota 4Runner with color-keyed grille, door handles, rear license plate garnish and "Trail Edition" badging, as well as black tubular side steps and tubular roof rack. The Trail Edition package is available in three exterior colors: Titanium Metallic, Natural White and Shadow Mica.

The Trail Edition package also features seats covered in water-resistant material and charcoal fabric bolsters. A perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel integrates controls for the unique AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and a detachable TomTom® personal navigation unit. The system offers WMA/MP3 CD capability, Bluetooth® wireless connectivity, satellite radio capability and available iPod® connectivity.

The Toyota 4Runner is offered in three grade levels: the SR5, the Sport Edition that features a distinct appearance and enhanced handling performance, and the Limited grade with additional upscale comfort amenities.

Handling and Ride

The 4Runner's rugged body-on-frame construction utilizes full-length boxed section frame rails that employ large-diameter body mounts for high torsional rigidity and excellent cabin noise isolation. On V8 models, a standard tow hitch receiver bolts directly to the rear frame crossmember (optional on V6 models). A draw bar, a high-capacity seven-pin electrical connector for trailer wiring, and pre-wiring for an electric trailer brake controller are also standard equipment.

Suspension is controlled by double wishbones in front and a four-link rigid axle in the rear, both systems using coil springs over gas shock absorbers. The Toyota 4Runner Limited V8 4WD model can be equipped with auto-leveling rear air suspension for improved ride and performance when towing or carrying heavy loads. This option is teamed with the unique X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension that is standard on the Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition.

The X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension diagonally links the compression chambers of the shock absorbers (front left shock linked to rear right and front right linked to rear left) by a center control absorber. The system helps improve on-road handling and dampens body roll and pitch by passing small body motions from front-to-rear to increase overall vertical shock damping.

Towing capacity is 5,000 lbs. for V6 models, 7,000 lbs. for V8 4WD models and 7,300 lbs. for V8 2WD models. All Toyota 4Runner models are equipped with skid plates for the engine and fuel tank, and 4WD models add one for the transfer case, as well.

Safety

Like all Toyota SUVs, the 4Runner comes standard with the advanced STAR Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist.

Four-channel, four-sensor ABS helps to preserve steering control by preventing the wheels from locking during severe braking situations, while EBD distributes proper brake force between the front and rear wheels according to driving conditions. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the (ABS), the system supplements the applied braking power.

The VSC system helps keep the Toyota 4Runner going on the driver's intended course by detecting front-wheel slide and rear-wheel slide during cornering and attempts to control either condition with torque intervention and/or by braking individual wheels. A VSC-off switch allows the driver to disengage the system, which can be useful in certain driving conditions.

The TRAC feature helps reduce tire slippage during acceleration. Toyota 4Runner 4WD models use an additional yaw sensor, a deceleration sensor, and control algorithms to deliver smoother torque on any surface, including low-range and locked center differential conditions.

Driver and front passenger advanced front airbags inflate according to impact severity. A front passenger seat sensor verifies if a certain amount of weight in the seat is present, determines whether the airbag should inflate, then selects correct inflation power. The standard front and second row roll-sensing side curtain airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags are equipped with a cutoff switch. Cargo-area mirrors located on the D-pillars help enhance visibility when reversing.

Comfort and Convenience

An automatic climate-control system is standard on all Toyota 4Runner models, with the Limited grade adding dual-zone temperature control in front. A multi-information display, located just above the climate control panel, shows the climate control status as well as a clock, outside temperature, fuel range meter, average speed, and average fuel consumption. Standard equipment for the 4Runner SR5 model includes cruise control, power door locks and windows (including rear gate window) with driver's auto up/down function, three 12-volt power outlets, remote keyless entry with rear hatch window power-down operation, and illuminated entry.

The Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition adds a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, high-contrast fabric-trimmed seats and trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped shift knob. The V8 SR5 and the Sport Edition also come equipped with standard power-adjustable front seats, which are optional for the SR5 V6 models.

The Toyota 4Runner Limited steps up the luxury factor with black wood grain-style interior trim, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a seat memory system, anti-theft system with engine immobilizer, HomeLink® universal garage door opener, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass. The available power moonroof with jam protection features a two-stage automatic wind deflector to help minimize wind noise. The deflector lowers to an intermediate height when the 4Runner is traveling over 55 mph and rises to full height again when vehicle speed drops below 45 mph and the roof is fully open.

A Deluxe AM/FM/CD system with six speakers is standard on SR5 and Sport models and includes a universal mini-jack port to connect most portable music players. All standard and optional audio systems are MP3 and WMA-media compatible.

Standard on the Toyota 4Runner Limited is a Deluxe AM/FM/six-disc in-dash system with six speakers and satellite radio capability.

Urban Runner Package

Adding a new dimension in style, value, and upscale luxury, the Sport Edition is also available in an Urban Runner Package. Standard exterior features include 18-inch six-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, unique rear spoiler, color-keyed grille, Urban Runner badging, XREAS Sport Enhanced Suspension badging, chrome exhaust tip, and black-painted tubular side steps and tubular roof rack with crossbars. The 4Runner Urban Runner is available in only three exterior colors, Black, Titanium Metallic and, new to Toyota 4Runner, Blizzard Pearl.

Inside, the Urban Runner features an AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and a detachable TomTom® personal navigation unit. The system offers WMA/MP3 CD capability, Bluetooth® wireless connectivity, satellite radio capability and available iPod® connectivity. Additional standard interior enhancements include stone Alcantara® fabric seat inserts and dark charcoal bolsters with eight-way power driver seat and four-way power passenger seats, leather-trimmed shift knob, perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, chrome door handles, and black wood-grain-style interior trim.

Optional Urban Runner equipment includes a sunroof, V6 towing package, anti-theft alarm system, daytime running lights, a double deck cargo system with net, HomeLink® universal transceiver, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, and a 115-volt AC power outlet.

Options

Available on all grades is a 360-watt JBL Synthesis AM/FM 6-disc in-dash sound system with 10 speakers. The system is satellite-ready, and the option also adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls and cruise control. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is also available with the Deluxe 3-in-1 audio as a stand-alone option. An available factory-installed DVD rear seat entertainment system uses a wide-format nine-inch LCD screen and includes two sets of wireless headphones.

A DVD navigation system is available for all Toyota 4Runner models and is paired with an eight-speaker JBL AM/FM/four-disc in-dash audio system with satellite-ready capability. The system features a touch-screen monitor, Bluetooth® wireless and voice guidance capability which includes more than five million verified data points. The optional navigation system integrates a rear backup camera that automatically projects an image of what its lens can detect behind the vehicle onto the system's seven-inch LCD screen when reverse gear is engaged.

Bluetooth® provides a hands-free communication system when using a compatible cell phone. Calls can be dialed by using the navigation screen's keypad, and calls can be received and ended by pushing a button on the steering wheel. The stereo is automatically muted when a call is received, and the stereo speakers act as the phone receiver and transmitter.

Exterior Design

The most popular Toyota 4Runner model, the SR5, is distinguished by a chrome grille, door handles and rear license plate garnish. The SR5 is also equipped with standard fog lamps, black running boards, and six-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels with P265/70 R16 tires - including a full-size spare tire with alloy wheel.

The Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition projects a performance image with a hood scoop, smoked chrome grille and headlight bezels, tubular roof rack and side steps, and six-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with P265/65 R17 raised white letter tires. The Toyota 4Runner Limited is distinguished by a color-keyed grille and heated power mirrors, black roof rack, black illuminated running boards, and six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels.

Interior Design

Sporty design and extensive convenience features highlight the 4Runner's spacious and versatile interior. The two-tone dashboard houses a three-pod instrument cluster with orange illumination. A vehicle level sensor detects when the Toyota 4Runner is on an incline and compensates the fuel gauge reading. Exterior glass shields 94 percent or more of UV rays, and water-repellent glass is used for the windshield, side windows, and side mirrors.

The Toyota 4Runner seats up to seven with an available third-row seat option on SR5 and Limited models. The seat can fold over or be removed when additional cargo space is needed. The 60/40-split fold-down rear seatbacks fold flat easily with no need to remove the headrests. An extra-wide fold-down rear seat center armrest integrates a pull-out convenience tray with two cup holders. Interior storage includes large bins in all doors.

When Toyota 4Runner is equipped with the available third row, the middle row tumbles forward for easy third row access. The rear gate's standard power window includes jam protection, as well as an electric power close function to ensure it is not left partially ajar.

The large rear cargo area provides tie-down hooks on the floor and additional storage hooks on the sidewalls. A "double-decker" cargo system with cargo net is standard on Toyota 4Runner Limited and optional for others. The cargo shelf can lie flat or be lifted up easily with one hand and locked in place to accommodate larger items (up to 66 pounds).