2014 Toyota 4Runner: New design, same praises

The redesigned 2014 Toyota 4Runner, a long-established favorite among off-road sport utility vehicle enthusiasts, features a rugged new exterior and interior updates that offer increased comfort and convenience.

Previewed in a mid-August manufacturer’s media presentation in Cle Elum, Wa., the fifth generation 4Runner is available in three grades: a value-driven SR5; top-of-the-line Limited, and a Trail grade for maximum off-road capability. With the optional third-row seat in the SR5 and Limited editions, the 4Runner seats as many seven occupants.

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Versatility is a 4Runner strong suit. New model year owner have choices: a rear wheel 4×2, part-time 4×4 or a full-time multi-mode 4×4 with a locking center differential. All models are equipped with a 4.0-liter, 270-horsepower V6 teamed to a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission.

The refreshed 4Runner interior features a redesigned, more aggressive front fascia with a muscular front grille and edgier smoked headlamps. The SR5 and Limited grades feature a color-keyed grille insert and front bumper surrounded by fog lamps set in sharply cut inlays that extend from the headlamps to the bumper.

The Trail grade features new color-keyed bumpers and overfenders, and is distinguished by a hood scoop and silver painted front and rear bumper accents. All grades are now standard with a roof rack.

The SR5 and Trail grades include 17-inch alloy wheels with a new wheel-design for both; The Limited continues to ride on 20-inch alloy wheels, now painted black prior to machining to add contrast. The 4Runner SR5 and Trail 4×4 models have a two-speed, part-time four- wheel-drive system with neutral position, maximizing fuel efficiency when a 4×4 configuration isn’t needed.

The 4Runner Limited is equipped with a full-time, four-wheel-drive system with a locking center differential and a three-mode, center console-mounted switch. All models come standard with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), which provides additional control for off-road driving by helping to hold the vehicle stationary before starting on a steep incline or slippery surface.

All 4Runner 4×4 models feature standard Downhill Assist Control (DAC).  This feature augments the low-speed ascending ability of low-range by helping to hold the vehicle, allowing time for the driver to a target speed with no driver intervention. The 2014 4Runner is versatile. The fold-flat second-row seats provide a level load floor in the 4Runner, and it is not necessary to remove the headrests to fold the seats flat. The available third-row seat is split 50/50 and folds flat.

The seats can be folded from the side or at the rear, using separate one-touch levers. With this arrangement, more cargo space is available without removing seats, and longer items can be conveniently carried. New for 2014 on SR5 and Trail grade 4Runner models is Entune™ Audio Plus, which includes Toyota’s Entune multimedia system, an AM/FM/MP3 CD player with eight speakers, integrated SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio (includes 90-day trial subscription), USB port with iPod connectivity, and Bluetooth® hands-free phone capability and music streaming. Standard on the Limited grade is the new Entune Premium JBL Audio system, which incorporates today’s most in-demand connectivity features.

It includes the Entune multimedia system, a JBL® premium sound system with navigation, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with a 90-day trial subscription), HD Radio with iTunes® tagging and 15 speakers. The navigation system includes a seven-inch monitor. Entune is a collection of popular mobile applications and data services, with three years of complimentary access. The 2014 Toyota 4Runner has the manufacturer’s standard warranty: Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/60,000 miles; Roadside assistance, 2 years/25,000 miles.

Here’s a video showing the ruggedness of the 2014 Toyota 4Runner, produced by Bruce Aldrich, editor and publisher of www.tahoetruckeeoutdoor.com.

 

Source: Toyota Motor Corporation