As nice as the world looks from behind the glass of the 4Runner, it
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| While this version was the most radical departure in the 4Runner's lifespan, the nameplate has mostly evolved methodically over time. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press) |
was equally enjoyable stepping outside this medium-sized SUV and appreciating its bold, rugged flavour. The new headlamps, bumpers, tail lamps and grille (updated for 2006) didn't blow me away due to any radical departure from the previous model year, like the all-new
Camry did for instance, but they tidy up some loose ends that designers like to pick at during mid-cycle upgrades. Then again, the 4Runner's progression to the top of the midsize off-road capable SUV pack was never achieved by leaps and bounds, but rather by contemporary updates on the classic two-box form (rounded out around the edges) with a host of subtle details that fill out the look; fender flares getting less pronounced and then growing again, and chrome getting added and removed to suit the trends.
The latest
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| Gorgeous interior is highlighted with motorcycle-like intruments. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press) |
edition sees the body cladding become slightly less obtrusive, but the truck on the whole retains a distinct chunky, industrial look, a fine meld of the classic 4Runner design cues and modern styling. My favourite element of the updates is by far the new headlight assembly, which includes projector lamps ringed by detailed bezels instead of the old-fashioned bulbs. Despite the flashy new headlights, nothing drastic is going on here, and you still get one of Toyota's most rugged SUVs with barrels of power to get you over parking lot curbs or, if you're not afraid of the mud, stumps and ruts that would confuse and no doubt hang up lesser, city-bred utes.
No matter how dirty you get the outside, try not to track any mud inside, because the light grey carpeting and leather are at least the equal of many luxury
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| These wheels are too nice to get dirty. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press) |
vehicles (as was the driver's 8-way power-adjustable throne - with memory settings no less), which is fair to expect (but not always the case) in this over-$50K truck. Also fair for the price was the optional 10-speqaker 340-watt JBL stereo with AM/FM/MP3 and in-dash 6-CD player; way beyond adequate, it had the power to drown out even the most ardent requests to change my Best of Death Row Records CD.
While the interior isn't groundbreaking, materials are all comfortable and pleasing, and small details like the HVAC's snowflake layout and the 4x4 differential's industrial knob were so appropriate to this classy yet never-far-from-functional vehicle that I became a big fan of the interior. And for those that tend to stash lots of odds and ends around their vehicle, the 4Runner had enough pockets and bins to please a parent of triplets, especially the centre armrest bin that nicely fit a whole pile of CDs. However, one conspicuous absence is any type of DVD upgrade, although I'm guessing you could find a cheaper unit at Canadian Tire anyway, if you're not set on having it pop down from the roof.
