2010 Toyota 4Runner
- 2009 Toyota 4Runner
- Used Toyota 4Runner
Based on analysis of 19 4Runner reviews and test drives.
Toyota 4Runner - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Toyota 4Runner ranks 13 out of 27 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 19 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota 4Runner, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Since its 2003 introduction, the Toyota 4Runner has been a capable off-road vehicle with poor fuel economy and a sub-par highway ride. Changes for 2010, however, have made it an even more accomplished off-road runner as well as a more fuel efficient daily driver.
While most automakers are converting their truck-based SUVs into smooth-riding crossovers, Toyota is taking a stand with the 2010 4Runner. Redesigned for this year, it stays true to its truck roots (it's based on the Tundra pickup). Surprisingly, nearly every reviewer applauds this move. As it turns out, today's market is full of cookie-cutter crossover SUVs but offers few rugged off-roaders.
Truck Trend calls the new 4Runner "the most capable vehicle to come along since the current-generation Wrangler, and there's much to be applauded in an off-roading legend that's remained true to itself." For 2010, the 4Runner gets a new Trail model that boasts great off-road features including part-time four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control. In addition, the 4Runner's exterior is even boxier and tougher looking than before. You may be thinking, that's great for off-road enthusiasts, but what about everyone else?
Luckily, Toyota hasn't forgotten about families or couples who just want a rugged daily driver. They've dropped the fuel-thirsty V8 engine option and upgraded the four-cylinder base engine to a V6 with more power than the V8 (though less torque) and much better fuel economy. In addition, the interior gets a new gauge layout and Limited models get an ‘ECO' meter that shows exactly how fuel-efficient your driving is. With these changes and its optional third-row seat, the 4Runner is a tour de force -- a more practical four-door alternative to the Toyota FJ Cruiser or Jeep Wrangler.
Still, if you don't need rugged off-road ability, there are better options available. The Toyota Highlander retains the 4Runner's tough styling but costs about $1,000 less and offers better fuel economy and a more comfortable highway ride. Though it costs nearly $3,000 more than the 4Runner, the GMC Acadia is a much more comfortable family runabout. It still has a masculine look, but boasts minivan-like attributes such as 17/24 mpg fuel economy and seating for seven or eight.
Since the 4Runner has changed for 2010, the new model may be worth buying just for the fuel economy boost alone. The 4Runner comes in three trims: the base SR5, the luxurious Limited and the new off-road-ready Trail. Be sure to check for current Toyota deals that may be available on a new 4Runner.
- "Crossovers and cute utes may be...all the rage these days, but some people still have uses for a beefy SUV that can hold its own off-road. Fortunately, Toyota's all-new 2010 4Runner holds true to its roots, and remains an honest, tough midsize SUV." -- Automobile Magazine
- "Some rivals offer a smoother ride and sharper on-road handling, but 4Runner is tough to beat for refinement, off-road ability, and overall execution." -- Consumer Guide
- "There just aren't that many serious 4x4 SUVs being made anymore, really. But keeping a body-on-frame model for people who want real utility as well as real off-road capability makes sense to us." -- Edmunds
- "The Trail Edition would be the most mechanically specialized 4Runner, trading on-road comfort for maximum off-road capability. Even so, we can vouch that the 4Runner is a comfortable cruiser and daily driver. In one day we logged 13 hours on the highway without feeling the least bit deprived." -- Cars.com
4Runner Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 4Runner's smooth ride quality both on- and off-road is one of its strongest traits -- allowing it to function well, even as a daily driver. "The 2010 Toyota 4Runner's behavior is so good on dirt that we thought we were riding on underinflated tires, while it handled highway expansion joints every bit as good (and in some cases much better) than the current crop of unibody midsize crossovers," says Edmunds. For 2010, the 4Runner becomes more practical with the addition of a more powerful engine with much-improved fuel economy. Read More
4Runner Exterior - NA
Reviewers love that Toyota has not only retained the 4Runner's boxy styling, but has made it even more masculine for 2010 with cues from another well-loved Toyota SUV. "Based on the Land Cruiser Prado sold in other world markets, the made-in-Japan 4Runner wears boxier -- retro, if you will -- sheetmetal that more closely resembles that on the FJ Cruiser," explains Truck Trend. "Headlamp and taillamp lenses extrude from the body, the grille is bold and in your face..." Read More
4Runner Interior - NA
The 2010 Toyota 4Runner's interior has always been considered comfortable with good build quality, but this year it's been upgraded to include a new gauge layout. "The 4Runner's interior looks great and employs some of the highest-grade materials found in any midsize SUV," says Automobile Magazine. "Seats are comfortable -- even for six-footers -- in both cloth and leather trim and provide adequate support, though we'd like more lateral bolstering." While reviewers are a bit disappointed with the 4Runner's rear cargo area, there's no denying that it's especially useful compared to what other off-road SUVs offer. Read More
4Runner Safety - NA
The 4Runner features a long list of safety aids, though some of its crash test scores fall short of many SUVs. Automobile Magazine says, "Toyota has set the 4Runner apart from the rest of the pack with its safety features." Read More
4Runner Reliability - NA
The 4Runner comes with Toyota's basic 36-month/36,000-mile warranty. Read More
