The new dash provides for an ergonomic and modern layout of all controls, a far cry from the previous truck. Fit and finish are very good. Storage spots are adequate in number and came in handy on a long road trip to Detroit. Although the trunk offers plenty of cargo volume, access is difficult as the load floor is recessed further behind the bumper and hatch width; this guarantees you will get dirty if you lean in.
A new V6 sceptre
Along with the thorough revision of the 4Runner for 2010, Toyota decided to drop the hefty V8 from its list of available powerplants. At first, I wasn't certain that this was a good idea but once I got to sample the reconfigured 4.0L V6, all my worries were put to bed. The addition of dual VVT-i increases output to 270 hp (34 more hp than old 4.0L and 10 more than V8) and 278 lb-ft of torque.
Following the well-established industry trend, the new more powerful V6 consumes less fuel than previously. Actually, my combined average of 14L per 100 km is downright impressive. Past V6s and V8s models guzzled significantly more.
Mated to the only transmission available, a 5-speed automatic, the 4Runner lacks for nothing in passing power or all-out acceleration. The 80-120 km/h move, even when loaded with 3 adults and 3 days worth of gear, is brisk and immediate. All I can say is: “Thank God as we all know what it's like on the 401 in spots.”
His Highness has road manners? Really?
Standard with the Limited package, the X-REAS sport suspension certainly stiffens up the ride which is appreciable as the 4Runner remains fairly stable at high speeds (sensitive to crosswinds as expected) and weight transfers are well controlled in curves. The 20” wheels, also part of Limited, also play a part in the surprising road manners.
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| The addition of dual VVT-i increases output to 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. |
A new V6 sceptre
Along with the thorough revision of the 4Runner for 2010, Toyota decided to drop the hefty V8 from its list of available powerplants. At first, I wasn't certain that this was a good idea but once I got to sample the reconfigured 4.0L V6, all my worries were put to bed. The addition of dual VVT-i increases output to 270 hp (34 more hp than old 4.0L and 10 more than V8) and 278 lb-ft of torque.
Following the well-established industry trend, the new more powerful V6 consumes less fuel than previously. Actually, my combined average of 14L per 100 km is downright impressive. Past V6s and V8s models guzzled significantly more.
Mated to the only transmission available, a 5-speed automatic, the 4Runner lacks for nothing in passing power or all-out acceleration. The 80-120 km/h move, even when loaded with 3 adults and 3 days worth of gear, is brisk and immediate. All I can say is: “Thank God as we all know what it's like on the 401 in spots.”
His Highness has road manners? Really?
Standard with the Limited package, the X-REAS sport suspension certainly stiffens up the ride which is appreciable as the 4Runner remains fairly stable at high speeds (sensitive to crosswinds as expected) and weight transfers are well controlled in curves. The 20” wheels, also part of Limited, also play a part in the surprising road manners.
 |
| Standard with the Limited package, the X-REAS sport suspension certainly stiffens up the ride which is appreciable. |