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2008 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Sport Road Test

The wind, the snow, the cold, the reduced visibility, the snow... did I mention

As you can see, having no plowed roads does not pose a problem for the 4Runnner. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

the snow? Contrary to our Northwest office, which has seen above seasonal temperatures and is currently having a Green Christmas, we here in the Midwest most certainly aren't. Old Man Winter is out in full force, and it's been quite some time since I've seen a storm like this. Well, to be honest, it wasn't that long ago - last week - that the weather was this frightful, but it's never a worry when you're in something as sturdy, as capable and as dead reliable as Toyota's 4Runner.

4Runners are hearty machines, tough, well-built and well-engineered. Little has changed conceptually since they first hit the market in the mid '80s, which might have a little something to do with this fact. So, the two-door body style isn't around anymore (it's been absent since '92, and there aren't any plans to bring it back), but the body-on-frame structure has lasted (it's significantly more modern though, with frame rails that are fully boxed for improved rigidity), and has its proper four wheel drive system, transfer case and solid rear axle. This latest 4Runner shares its underpinnings with a great number of different SUVs and pickup trucks, ranging from the Lexus GX / Land Cruiser Prado to the FJ Cruiser, some of the best off-

Mind you, having decent tires and one of these helps. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

roading vehicles in the world. In fact, when you're at the far stretches of the earth, the vehicles you're most likely to see are Toyotas, and relatives of the 4Runner no less.

This year, Toyota has consolidated the range for 4Runners into fewer models. Both the V6 and V8 are available in SR5, Sport and Limited guises. V6 models outfitted with the Sport package are well worth the extra $4,585. It's much more than an appearance package which is the case for most Toyota products, as it includes bigger wheels and tires, a front skid plate, bigger brakes and a host of little features, but most importantly it includes the wonderful X-REAS suspension system. Unfortunately, it also features a really dorky fake hood scoop. Just about the only thing missing from the 4Runner is the availability of a heated seat on the cloth-trimmed buckets. Mind you, with cloth, the seats don't get as cold to begin with, so Toyota's reasoning for excluding them is understandable.

Dead reliable, handy in the dead of winter. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

Most body on frame SUVs require an eight cylinder engine for decent levels of performance, but the 4Runner is fine with just six. The base V6 engine measures in at 4.0 liters, making it fairly large by class standards. And while it produces a conservative-sounding 236 horsepower rating, it's the torque that makes it quick on its toes. Incidentally, stepping up to the 4.7-liter V8 only adds 24 extra horsepower and 40 lb-ft of torque, a difference which we're not sure is worth the money – unless you frequently tow. And with fuel prices always a concern, the V6 has another advantage in that it's a lot more efficient. Our weekly average was 21 mpg, a figure more likely to be found in a regular V6-powered car than with a body on frame truck. There isn't much choice when it comes to transmissions – the only one offered is a five-speed automatic.

The most striking thing about the 4Runner is that it is quite possibly one of the smoothest vehicles with a live rear axle I've ever driven. I mean, yes, there's a bit of back end shudder when going over bumps, but the faintest possible amount. This

The interior is fairly straightforward, and is made of high-quality materials. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

isn't to say that the 4Runner is an antique, especially not if it's equipped with the X-REAS suspension upgrade. With this system the shock fluid medium is linked diagonally across the vehicle, which helps to balance the vehicle out when cornering. 4Runner's equipped with X-REAS feel solid and stable around corners, where other SUVs in the class start to lean uncomfortably, an advantage and a positive surprise for those used to having to handle their off-road vehicles gingerly when on pavement.

When snow covers the ground, it's usually playtime when it comes to vehicles - but not for the 4Runner. To it, slippery stuff is serious business. Under these conditions, it's easy to see the advantage of four wheel drive, where it helps the truck to accelerate and keep it in a straight line while doing so, and it also helps prevent the back end from slipping out easily even when rounding slight corners. With the exception of when the vehicle is in low-range settings, VSC stability control will always remain on. Even with traction control disengaged, VSC will kick in and prevent the tires from slipping, getting it out of slippery situations.

To make long, arcing powerslides and giant rooster tails of snow, your dash should look like this. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

While VSC (similar to Lexus' VDIM) has been harangued as being a killjoy, it really is a useful feature, especially with a truck like this. Just cruising down a slushy street in 2WD shows how active and furthermore how many times it can really save your hide in treacherous conditions. While physics can still get the best of the system (there's only so much speed it can scrub off before the snow bank rears its ugly head), there's no question about how effective it is at keeping the 4Runner on course.

So far we're only at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to describing the 4Runner's four wheel drive system. Besides featuring a proper low-range, it also has a Torsen limited slip center differential, Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), so you don't look like a HACK when you're out off-roading. Furthermore, you know the seriousness of a machine's off-roading capabilities if it's got a button to deactivate the rollover detecting sensors for the side curtain airbags.

Contrary to what you might think, the 4Runner has a bit of an unusual interior. The controls are pretty much straight forward, and everything is

Non-digital blind spot monitoring system works quite well. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

where you'd expect it to be, plus the fit and finish is plenty good, but what strikes me as odd is the driving position. Although the 4Runner is a tall vehicle with a high vantage point over the rest of the cars on the road, the driver's seat feels like it is right against the floor. You sit low in it, surrounded by the dash and console. It's not really a matter of raising the seat as it doesn't exactly overcompensate with headroom either. I'm also not exactly sure about the 4Runner's funky climate control interface. They might look like rotary knobs, but they're push-button activated. And, with really big buttons that are easy to hit, it's possible to operate the HVAC with your gloves on. I just find them weird to look at. Cargo space is plentiful with the 4Runner, but it isn't as accommodating as some of its newer rivals. Still, it makes up for it with a floor that can be raised to create a second shelf. Toyota's take on a separate opening rear window is one that actually slides down into the tailgate. It can be operated by remote too, but it only goes down.

As an interesting aside, the 4Runner also features a

The 4Runner is an accomplished SUV... SUV, not crossover. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

very cool physical blind spot detection system. No expensive cameras or radar is involved, just a pair of convex mirrors mounted on the insides of the D-pillars. They point out the opposing rear side windows adjacent to the cargo area, allowing you to see what's right outside via your rear view mirror.

To a certain degree, the 4Runner is a dying breed. These days, the relevance of four wheel drive versus all wheel drive, and the necessity of a live rear axle for articulation and load bearing purposes can't compete with most peoples' desires for car-like ride and handling as well as fuel economy concerns. Manufacturers are building to suit, ditching body on frame platforms for lighter alternatives to save fuel and to cut back on CO2 emissions. Solid rear axles also make it difficult to accommodate the cargo and seating demands expected. It's one of the reasons why, when you compare the 4Runner to other midsize SUVs, it's one of the few that doesn't have a third row seat, and it has a rather high cargo floor. For such reasons, and the minivan's decline, crossover fever has taken over, and indeed Toyota has stepped forward with some mighty good products in this new category, like the RAV4 and the Highlander. Even the next generation Sequoia, the big, people-moving brute that it is, will feature a fully independent rear suspension, a swap made for extra comfort and space optimization. The 4Runner, mind you, manages to get most things right despite these handicaps, and we certainly hope that it gets updated and carries on with full off-road capabilities intact.

For the time well being, as it stands, the 4Runner is a fantastic SUV. While change may be inevitable, there is something to be said for tried and tested techniques and equipment. Importantly, Toyota has built its name building tough as nails vehicles like this one. So don't let its classic suspension and tough physical demeanor get in your way of your consideration, as this is a seriously good SUV.

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