Sport utility vehicles are concentrating more on more the word “utility” than the word “sport” these days. In fact, most SUVs are now derived from cars to which a bigger body has simply been added, in the interest of increasing available space.
But in most cases, true sport capacities are few and far between. In short, small SUVs and even their larger counterparts don’t really fit the description any longer. But that is not the case of the Toyota 4Runner, one of the last truly versatile SUVs of its class alongside the Nissan XTerra and various Jeeps. With its ladder chassis and solid architecture, the 4Runner is in a field all its own, but it gets the job done.
A question of style
You have to admit, however, that the Toyota 4Runner isn’t exactly the most alluring of models. It may have been steeped in machismo, its overall look seems a little dated. True, it’s not easy to transform a practically square figure into a decidedly modern and attractive silhouette.
Kudos to the prominent and very nice grille though, which is perfectly integrated into the design. As for the back end, it very similar to most of the other SUVs out there and remains slightly anonymous.
The Toyota 4Runner’s ground clearance is high, an important detail that translates to the vehicle’s profile. The 4Runner conveys an impression of great size, but it looks bigger than it actually is because of its high stance.
As for the cabin, it is vast, spacious and filled with handy storage spaces, but unfortunately suffers from questionable ergonomics and design. I found it impossible, for instance, to get used to the HVAC system’s controls.
You have to divine the correct combination of commands by pressing various parts of large buttons divided into quarters, which is not at all intuitive – or fun. As for the rest of the dash board, it is so sober that it is quickly forgotten, an advantage in this type of vehicle.
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| The 4Runner is both a creature of city and field. |
But in most cases, true sport capacities are few and far between. In short, small SUVs and even their larger counterparts don’t really fit the description any longer. But that is not the case of the Toyota 4Runner, one of the last truly versatile SUVs of its class alongside the Nissan XTerra and various Jeeps. With its ladder chassis and solid architecture, the 4Runner is in a field all its own, but it gets the job done.
A question of style
You have to admit, however, that the Toyota 4Runner isn’t exactly the most alluring of models. It may have been steeped in machismo, its overall look seems a little dated. True, it’s not easy to transform a practically square figure into a decidedly modern and attractive silhouette.
Kudos to the prominent and very nice grille though, which is perfectly integrated into the design. As for the back end, it very similar to most of the other SUVs out there and remains slightly anonymous.
The Toyota 4Runner’s ground clearance is high, an important detail that translates to the vehicle’s profile. The 4Runner conveys an impression of great size, but it looks bigger than it actually is because of its high stance.
As for the cabin, it is vast, spacious and filled with handy storage spaces, but unfortunately suffers from questionable ergonomics and design. I found it impossible, for instance, to get used to the HVAC system’s controls.
You have to divine the correct combination of commands by pressing various parts of large buttons divided into quarters, which is not at all intuitive – or fun. As for the rest of the dash board, it is so sober that it is quickly forgotten, an advantage in this type of vehicle.
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| As for the cabin, it is vast, spacious and filled with handy storage spaces. |