Strong Off-Roader Delivers Plenty of Comfort
You could be excused for questioning whether the photos depict a 2008 4Runner or a 2003 model. Very little has changed, other than the availability of V8 power and third row seating, since 2003 when the latest generation of Toyota's highly capable sport utility was introduced.
Is change necessary?
Tough question. In many ways the 4Runner persists as a high achiever within an automotive genre dense with competition. Some key off-road attributes, such as low range gearing and body-on-frame construction, keep it from fading into the background like an aging boxer with multiple-concussion syndrome. These and numerous other off-road essentials contribute to the 4Runner's longstanding reputation for prowess in the unpaved.
Although this week's road test didn't challenge the 4Runner with much more than road decay typical of neglected city streets, I had the opportunity to "off-road" a 4Runner some time ago and can vouch for the vehicle's mountain-goat agility and tenacity when pavement ceases to exist.
While off-road worthiness suffers little from Father Time, the same can't be said for styling. This is becoming an issue with the 4Runner. It's retained the same rugged appearance since 2003. Back then I quite admired Toyota for infusing the mid-size SUV with character and attitude but I think it's reaching it's visual, 'best before' date. I wouldn't be surprised to see a significant re-penning very soon given the 5-year styling lifecycle that most manufacturers ascribe to these days.
Despite its aging exterior, more urgent redesign awaits inside the 4Runner, beginning with the cluster of HVAC (heat, ventilation, air conditioning) controls located on the centre stack. Although the design of the HVAC switchgear mimics industrial-like rotary dials, it is actually composed of an assortment of buttons arranged within three mock dials. Lining-up the tip of an index finger with a specific button while jostling about in the cab is difficult and distracting. If the HVAC controls were in fact the dials they so effectively imitate, I would applaud the setup.
You could be excused for questioning whether the photos depict a 2008 4Runner or a 2003 model. Very little has changed, other than the availability of V8 power and third row seating, since 2003 when the latest generation of Toyota's highly capable sport utility was introduced.
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| The 4Runner has been around since 1984. |
Is change necessary?
Tough question. In many ways the 4Runner persists as a high achiever within an automotive genre dense with competition. Some key off-road attributes, such as low range gearing and body-on-frame construction, keep it from fading into the background like an aging boxer with multiple-concussion syndrome. These and numerous other off-road essentials contribute to the 4Runner's longstanding reputation for prowess in the unpaved.
Although this week's road test didn't challenge the 4Runner with much more than road decay typical of neglected city streets, I had the opportunity to "off-road" a 4Runner some time ago and can vouch for the vehicle's mountain-goat agility and tenacity when pavement ceases to exist.
While off-road worthiness suffers little from Father Time, the same can't be said for styling. This is becoming an issue with the 4Runner. It's retained the same rugged appearance since 2003. Back then I quite admired Toyota for infusing the mid-size SUV with character and attitude but I think it's reaching it's visual, 'best before' date. I wouldn't be surprised to see a significant re-penning very soon given the 5-year styling lifecycle that most manufacturers ascribe to these days.
Despite its aging exterior, more urgent redesign awaits inside the 4Runner, beginning with the cluster of HVAC (heat, ventilation, air conditioning) controls located on the centre stack. Although the design of the HVAC switchgear mimics industrial-like rotary dials, it is actually composed of an assortment of buttons arranged within three mock dials. Lining-up the tip of an index finger with a specific button while jostling about in the cab is difficult and distracting. If the HVAC controls were in fact the dials they so effectively imitate, I would applaud the setup.
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| HVAC controls desperately need a makeover. |