That would be insulting to the 4Runner’s skid-plates, low-range transfer case, solid rear axle, and truck-based frame. There’s no wimpy uni-body car structure or All Wheel Drive (AWD) system here. In fact, there’s even a set of tow-hooks, in case drivers (or one of their mud-buddies) wind up stuck.
Traction control, the off-road Advanced TRACtion control system (A-TRAC), and rear differential lock can all be toggled via an overhead control console after engaging 4-low with an old-school manual lever. The selected four-wheel drive mode and other engaged systems are displayed in the instrument cluster for easy reference.
Driver-assistance electronics for the mud
Two overhead dials also activate the 4Runner’s optional Crawl Control and Multi Terrain select systems, which work the brakes, throttle and stability control systems to maintain a pre-set speed or optimize power delivery on various surfaces, respectively.
Crawl Control works throttle and brakes to maintain a 'barely-walking' pace regardless of traction, grade or surface. It's like cruise control, but for the dirt.
The sound effects during its operation take some getting used to, but set to its lowest speed, Crawl Control creeps the 4Runners heft along about an inch at a time. It’s like a 4,650-pound teenager sneaking into the house after curfew.
The Multi Terrain Select system works independently of the Crawl Control system, letting drivers advise the vehicle of the upcoming terrain. When called upon, it optimizes throttle sensitivity, braking, traction control and shifting as appropriate for the situation at hand.
Even faced intentionally with some worst-case scenarios, 4Runner managed to find its way out of most any situation-- even on fairly mild, highway-oriented tires. These situations included pulling out of deep mud or up a steep, sandy hill from a full stop. With a winch and some tires, there’d be almost no stopping this machine.
Throughout a weekend of playing in the dirt, I noted no issue with ground clearance or approach and departure angles, either. Additionally, all electronic assist systems can be fully disengaged for do-it-yourself off-roading, if that’s more your cup of tea.
Traction control, the off-road Advanced TRACtion control system (A-TRAC), and rear differential lock can all be toggled via an overhead control console after engaging 4-low with an old-school manual lever. The selected four-wheel drive mode and other engaged systems are displayed in the instrument cluster for easy reference.
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| In fact, there’s even a set of tow-hooks, in case drivers (or one of their mud-buddies) wind up stuck. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
Driver-assistance electronics for the mud
Two overhead dials also activate the 4Runner’s optional Crawl Control and Multi Terrain select systems, which work the brakes, throttle and stability control systems to maintain a pre-set speed or optimize power delivery on various surfaces, respectively.
Crawl Control works throttle and brakes to maintain a 'barely-walking' pace regardless of traction, grade or surface. It's like cruise control, but for the dirt.
The sound effects during its operation take some getting used to, but set to its lowest speed, Crawl Control creeps the 4Runners heft along about an inch at a time. It’s like a 4,650-pound teenager sneaking into the house after curfew.
The Multi Terrain Select system works independently of the Crawl Control system, letting drivers advise the vehicle of the upcoming terrain. When called upon, it optimizes throttle sensitivity, braking, traction control and shifting as appropriate for the situation at hand.
Even faced intentionally with some worst-case scenarios, 4Runner managed to find its way out of most any situation-- even on fairly mild, highway-oriented tires. These situations included pulling out of deep mud or up a steep, sandy hill from a full stop. With a winch and some tires, there’d be almost no stopping this machine.
Throughout a weekend of playing in the dirt, I noted no issue with ground clearance or approach and departure angles, either. Additionally, all electronic assist systems can be fully disengaged for do-it-yourself off-roading, if that’s more your cup of tea.
 |
| These situations included pulling out of deep mud or up a steep, sandy hill from a full stop. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |