Enthusiastic engine
Snuggled under the hood of our tester, the SR5 V6, was, as you can probably guess, a superbly competent six-cylinder affair. Having tested the eight-cylinder version in the past, I can safely say that the V6 proved more responsive, more enthusiastic on start and absolutely satisfying for most drivers.
Though its 236 ponies may seem too few when faced with the beast’s formidable 1,950-kg girth, they are in fact thoroughly stunning in their liveliness and intensity. On start up, the 266 ft-lb of torque (available at low rpm) quickly take control of the steed and get it moving with honourable pizzazz.
Even better, the horsepower/torque combo coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission allows the machine to tow 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs), not to mention benefit from a 500-kg payload. That’s more than enough brawn to haul around your essentials for that fall hunting expedition, for example.
Off-road abilities
The 4Runner is both a creature of city and field. Thanks to a relatively small turning circle, it can zip around town easily despite its considerable girth.
But the 4Runner is really in its element on tight, steep, difficult trails. The entry-level versions like the Sport call on a Torsen centre differential backed up by an automatic disconnection system and feature a button that allows you to switch between the two- and four-wheel-drive modes on the fly.
To put in simply, it allows you to tackle the trickiest terrain and to put to good use the four-wheel drive as well as the electronic assist systems, including a downhill assist function (DAC) that limits maximum downhill speed to 8 km/h no matter the inclination.
Chock full of off-road goodies, the Toyota 4Runner proves more of a utility truck than a touring vehicle. On the down side, the high, strangely designed running boards make it difficult to climb in, the ride is a little noisy at highway speeds and the driving position isn’t always ideal for longer treks.
Despite all that, I have to say that I quite like the Toyota 4Runner, probably because it looks so tough. It’s not the ideal family hauler, but rather a truly useful compromise for whoever is looking for a little adventure.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
Snuggled under the hood of our tester, the SR5 V6, was, as you can probably guess, a superbly competent six-cylinder affair. Having tested the eight-cylinder version in the past, I can safely say that the V6 proved more responsive, more enthusiastic on start and absolutely satisfying for most drivers.
 |
| On start up, the 266 ft-lb of torque (available at low rpm) quickly take control of the steed and get it moving with honourable pizzazz. |
Though its 236 ponies may seem too few when faced with the beast’s formidable 1,950-kg girth, they are in fact thoroughly stunning in their liveliness and intensity. On start up, the 266 ft-lb of torque (available at low rpm) quickly take control of the steed and get it moving with honourable pizzazz.
Even better, the horsepower/torque combo coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission allows the machine to tow 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs), not to mention benefit from a 500-kg payload. That’s more than enough brawn to haul around your essentials for that fall hunting expedition, for example.
Off-road abilities
The 4Runner is both a creature of city and field. Thanks to a relatively small turning circle, it can zip around town easily despite its considerable girth.
But the 4Runner is really in its element on tight, steep, difficult trails. The entry-level versions like the Sport call on a Torsen centre differential backed up by an automatic disconnection system and feature a button that allows you to switch between the two- and four-wheel-drive modes on the fly.
To put in simply, it allows you to tackle the trickiest terrain and to put to good use the four-wheel drive as well as the electronic assist systems, including a downhill assist function (DAC) that limits maximum downhill speed to 8 km/h no matter the inclination.
Chock full of off-road goodies, the Toyota 4Runner proves more of a utility truck than a touring vehicle. On the down side, the high, strangely designed running boards make it difficult to climb in, the ride is a little noisy at highway speeds and the driving position isn’t always ideal for longer treks.
Despite all that, I have to say that I quite like the Toyota 4Runner, probably because it looks so tough. It’s not the ideal family hauler, but rather a truly useful compromise for whoever is looking for a little adventure.
 |
| Chock full of off-road goodies, the Toyota 4Runner proves more of a utility truck than a touring vehicle. |
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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