Surprising on-road comfort
I expected my SR5 tester to abuse my aging anatomy with a punishing ride; quite the opposite was true. This is a remarkably smooth riding SUV when appreciation is given to its off-road DNA. The vehicle's structure feels rock solid. No rattles or annoying suspension thump accompanies a tour over broken and potted pavement. Suspension calibration is mild and forgiving for this sort of vehicle; the unintended consequence of which, is sluggish handling characteristics.
Occupant comfort extends to more than just a pleasing ride. My SR5 tester was equipped with leather upholstery, heated front seats, moon roof, tilt/telescopic steering, premium JBL audio and dual-zone climate control to name but a few of its amenities. In addition to comfort-related stock, all 2008 4Runners come equipped with a full suite of airbags to protect front and rear passengers.
Ah, but comfort, security and strong off-road performance come at a price. The 4Runner SR5 starts at $40,580. Moving up to the richly equipped SR5 Limited increases the invoice to $49,950 while a V8-powered Limited starts at a whopping $52,585.
4Runner overall
The 4Runner skillfully combines off-road suitability with on-road livability. Despite entering its sixth year without major modifications or restyling, it continues to hold its own among a group of more recently revamped competitors such as the Nissan Pathfinder and Jeep Cherokee. Toyota's reputation for reliability is worth factoring into the equation as well.
Strong off-road performance
Solid body structure
Smooth ride
Toyota reliability
Poorly designed HVAC controls
Poorly positioned power window switches
In its sixth year without major reworking
photo:Rob Rothwell
I expected my SR5 tester to abuse my aging anatomy with a punishing ride; quite the opposite was true. This is a remarkably smooth riding SUV when appreciation is given to its off-road DNA. The vehicle's structure feels rock solid. No rattles or annoying suspension thump accompanies a tour over broken and potted pavement. Suspension calibration is mild and forgiving for this sort of vehicle; the unintended consequence of which, is sluggish handling characteristics.
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| The cabin is comfortable and well assembled. |
Occupant comfort extends to more than just a pleasing ride. My SR5 tester was equipped with leather upholstery, heated front seats, moon roof, tilt/telescopic steering, premium JBL audio and dual-zone climate control to name but a few of its amenities. In addition to comfort-related stock, all 2008 4Runners come equipped with a full suite of airbags to protect front and rear passengers.
Ah, but comfort, security and strong off-road performance come at a price. The 4Runner SR5 starts at $40,580. Moving up to the richly equipped SR5 Limited increases the invoice to $49,950 while a V8-powered Limited starts at a whopping $52,585.
4Runner overall
The 4Runner skillfully combines off-road suitability with on-road livability. Despite entering its sixth year without major modifications or restyling, it continues to hold its own among a group of more recently revamped competitors such as the Nissan Pathfinder and Jeep Cherokee. Toyota's reputation for reliability is worth factoring into the equation as well.
 |
Solid body structure
Smooth ride
Toyota reliability
 |
Poorly designed HVAC controls
Poorly positioned power window switches
 |
In its sixth year without major reworking
photo:Rob Rothwell
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