There it is, just sitting there, quiet, smug but with impressive potential and a stance that gives onlookers a hint at what this behemoth is capable of. The 2010 4Runner has roots that run deep in the off-road and overland explorer’s history. I'll venture a guess that if you are reading this review, you know what a Land Cruiser is, what it can do and what it has done. There are clear and present family ties between the two.
In the mid-eighties, many car manufacturers were rushing to get mid-sized SUVs in their line-up. Toyota was no different. Coinciding with the total revamp of the Toyota Pickup, the 4Runner was born using everything under the sun from the Pickup plus a little extra steel and fibreglass for the rear. Given this and the fact that the Toyota Pickup was already an accomplished workhorse and off-roader, the 4Runner was well on its way to success.
Cape and crown
Now in its fifth generation, the 4Runner has left much of its rugged rustic bare-bones design for a much more opulent but never poser design. In fact, I don't think the 4Runner has ever looked beefier or more determined to prove its real worth. Sporting a mondo-sized fascia complete with snout and squared-off front fenders, the truck has never been more truck-like. But, it doesn't yell “look at me”, it just is.
The 4Runner can get away with it even in these times of “trucks-are-bad”. Specifically, it's Toyota that is off the hook as it offers numerous options including the Highlander and Venza to offset the 4Runner, if you will. Anyhow, Toyota won't sell 300 000 units so it's all good.
The 4Runner, in my book and in many others’ for that matter, has long ago carved its place in the auto landscape and has nothing to prove. This is all the more true as its cabin has never been more inviting and cosseting, especially in Limited guise. My 9-day, 2,200-km experience with the 4Runner showcased surprisingly comfortable seats, front and back, ample legroom and headroom unless you are over 6'2 (1.9 metres) in height.
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| The 2010 4Runner is all about quiet confidence, is stylish and is the first that's as competent. |
In the mid-eighties, many car manufacturers were rushing to get mid-sized SUVs in their line-up. Toyota was no different. Coinciding with the total revamp of the Toyota Pickup, the 4Runner was born using everything under the sun from the Pickup plus a little extra steel and fibreglass for the rear. Given this and the fact that the Toyota Pickup was already an accomplished workhorse and off-roader, the 4Runner was well on its way to success.
Cape and crown
Now in its fifth generation, the 4Runner has left much of its rugged rustic bare-bones design for a much more opulent but never poser design. In fact, I don't think the 4Runner has ever looked beefier or more determined to prove its real worth. Sporting a mondo-sized fascia complete with snout and squared-off front fenders, the truck has never been more truck-like. But, it doesn't yell “look at me”, it just is.
The 4Runner can get away with it even in these times of “trucks-are-bad”. Specifically, it's Toyota that is off the hook as it offers numerous options including the Highlander and Venza to offset the 4Runner, if you will. Anyhow, Toyota won't sell 300 000 units so it's all good.
The 4Runner, in my book and in many others’ for that matter, has long ago carved its place in the auto landscape and has nothing to prove. This is all the more true as its cabin has never been more inviting and cosseting, especially in Limited guise. My 9-day, 2,200-km experience with the 4Runner showcased surprisingly comfortable seats, front and back, ample legroom and headroom unless you are over 6'2 (1.9 metres) in height.
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| My 9-day, 2,200-km experience with the 4Runner showcased surprisingly comfortable seats, front and back. |