In 1985, when the rage of hardcore 4x4 was in its infancy, Toyota unveiled its 4Runner destined to play in the beds of the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Bronco and Jeep Cherokee. The first two are no longer while the Jeep has become more refined to the point that today a reference, both in terms of the sophistication of off-road capabilities. In 2010, Toyota unveiled a new 4Runner. Instead of playing the card of refinement, we have been rather for robustness.
Many people have still not made in style for less beefy 4Runner.This follows the logic of giving Toyota 4x4 all the look very macho.Think of the FJ Cruiser, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra and Lexus GX460 and LX570. Note that the running boards, available in standard equipment, add style while being very helpful ... the summer. In winter, when frozen, they can become more dangerous than anything else if you have the misfortune not to set foot securely.
Far from the virility of Occupation Double ...
In the cockpit as it was done in the "big". The dashboard is massive, the gauges are impressive, the various buttons prove large enough to be handled with gloves and winter storage spaces are plentiful and generous size will be appreciated by all traîneux.To further enhance the robust style of the 4Runner, Toyota has equipped with a mechanical lever to actuate the transfer case of the 4x4 wheel. All manufacturers, or almost, are now using a button connected to an electric motor. It's as reliable, if not more, but a manly handle lever has a stubborn little something that appeals to fans inevitably 4x4.
The seats are showing comfort and can accommodate most of the templates. The interior is vast and people taking place at the back are really not to be pitied. Even the records bow a lot, promoting "little money"! The tailgate opens wide to a chest high threshold but not more than most other SUVs of the same ilk. When records are lowered, the bottom is nearly flat. However, the fact of raising the front seat cushions to lower the records, which are also equipped with a spring so hard that you almost use both hands to do this more disturbing. Also in the field of force, note that the tailgate of at least one of the 4Runner had a tailgate tried very hard to close.
Versions, three trim levels
The marketing department of Toyota was not too broken in the case of coconut 4Runner. So we do not find a version or the SR5.However, it is possible to add a few groups of options, among others, the Trail Edition and Group Limited. The latter is intended, as its name implies, the most luxurious: JBL audio system, gauges backlit Optitron (shared with the Trail), leather seats, third row of seats (hard to access and uncomfortable, by the way) and dual-zone air conditioner. Trail version is distinguished by its load platform can support up to 200 pounds. All variants come automatically with eight airbags and Party Mode. This mode consists of loudspeakers placed in the tailgate which, when raised, becomes a small nightclub.
Oust the V8!
If the style of the 4Runner SUV recalls the hard-line, the mechanical, cons, follows a trend very contemporary. Thus, we can not find but one of V8 V6. This 4.0-liter 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, which is not too much, especially when it comes time to pull a load. This probably explains that this vehicle can tow 5000 pounds that (2268 kg), less than most other vehicles in the same category. The transmission is a five-speed automatic only, which seems in a world of chick boxes six, seven or even eight reports have become commonplace. However, transmission of the 4Runner will be able to "turn" the engine at 1700 revolutions / minute to 100 km / h, with a particularly long fifth report. Toyota advance consumption of 12.6 liters per hundred kilometers in the city and 9.2 on the road. Our average consumption during our test week summer was 11.8 and that for about 80% of driving on roads and highways. Notice that there are only five years before technological advances have been applied, would have been obtained, with such power and such a weight (2111 pounds) a consumption rating of at least 14 l/100 km .
True to its origins, the 4Runner is still a formidable fighter fields, especially in hard Trail, through, inter alia, to its all-wheel drive that offers a low range (4 Low). When this mode is selected, the torque is multiplied but not as much as a Jeep Wrangler. Trail version adds a kinetic KDSS suspension and skid plates under the engine, transfer case and fuel tank. The angle is 33 degrees while the pay is 34 degrees. The ramp angle is 24 degrees, data advantageous compared to the new Grand Cherokee. And as the publicity puts it, there's more! The Multi-Field, based on that already offer by Land Rover, for example, can choose the type of terrain on which you drive, optimizing the operation of the lateral stability system, ABS, engine management and transmission.
Sport Utility Vehicle not sport
On the road, all understand that the 4Runner is not a paragon of sportsmanship. Management is not very strong nor very communicative and less curve taken at high speed shows a significant roll. The suspension is soft but at the same time, they are hard to feel the holes and bumps. After all, the frame of our flagship vehicle is a truck ... and it feels!
Strange as it may seem, and despite the automotive journalists Quebecers who bellowed to say that the crossover, 4x4 who missed their life, Kings and reign as masters, true 4x4 are far from having said its last word. He must believe because Jeep has to review its Grand Cherokee, Ford recently unveiled its new Explorer and Nissan will launch, next year or in 2012, a new generation of Pathfinder. And the Jeep Commander that has murdered over the last three years is still available!
4Runner prices range from $ 36 820 to 49 665 USD. It's not cheap but in any case, much more affordable than a Nissan Pathfinder whose prices start at about $ 38 000 and is returned at the end of its useful life. The real competition comes from Jeep Grand Cherokee, also is available to almost $ 38 000, but is brand new and infinitely more refined than the other two. Its history of reliability, for against, could tip the balance toward the Toyota ...
