by Keith Burton Toyota's all new 2010 4Runner represents the 5th generation of their popular mid-size SUV and for folks looking for a truly refined vehicle in a mid-size SUV, they are going to be more than pleased. Toyota invited us to get a short up-close and personal feel of their new 4Runner in Solvang, California in the heart of wine country. This could not be a more satisfying location to try out the 4Runner in person. The hilly terrain and the picturesque Danish-looking community of Solvang made for some great driving, even though it rained the whole time we were there. The old saying that "It doesn't rain in southern California" isn't really true. It's not that it rains much, but rain it does at times.Back to the new 4Runner. When the first Toyota 4Runner sport utility vehicle (SUV) was launched back in 1984, it was a revolutionary 
new vehicle based on the mechanics of the four-wheel-drive Toyota pickup
truck. The 4Runner combined the versatility and go-anywhere ability of
four-wheel-drive with the comfort and utility found in passenger cars.
People loved it and they have been enthusiastic about the 4Runner ever
since.Twenty-five years, four generations and more than 1.8 million sales later, the 4Runner continues to evolve while remaining close to its roots. The all-new fifth-generation 4Runner is even more rugged and athletic, packed with more power and better mileage. A completely redesigned interior and unique cargo area make the newest 4Runner smarter, more comfortable, and more versatile than ever. More rugged than the Highlander and more versatile than the FJ Cruiser, the 4Runner combines the toughness and durability of body-on-frame construction with multi-use design that excels at a wide variety of tasks. The newest 4Runner is taller, wider and longer for 2010, and is available in a variety of configurations. It will be offered in three models, top-of-the-line Limited, a well-equipped SR5, plus a Trail grade for those who require maximum off-road capability. Drivetrain configurations include rear wheel 4x2, part-time 4x4 and full-time multi-mode 4x4 with a locking center differential. All 4x4 models are equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 mated to a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission. The 4x2 models will be equipped with either a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed ECT automatic or the 4.0-liter V6 with the five-speed ECT-i automatic. Optional third-row seats allow for up to seven-person capacity. Exterior Styling The design strategy for the new 4Runner emphasizes a more rugged, powerful stance. Large diameter wheels and tires were added to not only improve off-road performance, but also enhance the 4Runner’s truck-based characteristics. In addition to its styling emphasis on ruggedness and outdoor adventure, the new design utilizes a combination of Toyota’s classic boxy form and progressive styling. All
4Runner grades feature rugged new bumpers and wider shoulders, with newly
designed head-lamp and tail-light systems, which offer a newly minted,
technical design quality and better nighttime performance. The front end’s
square fender flares meld with a muscular profile that links with a beefy,
square rear bumper and back door. Aluminum alloy wheels are 17-inches in diameter on SR5 and Trail grades and 20-inches on the Limited. A full-size spare is included. In addition to its distinctive front grille, the SR5 also adopts overfenders and mud guards to help tackle inclement weather and off-road conditions. Roof rails come standard for hauling equipment for outdoor activities. The Trail grade is designed to maximize off-road performance with superior approach and departure angles, high ground clearance, and an array of functional upgrades for the most demanding active outdoor enthusiast. It can be distinguished by a hood scoop; unique 17-inch wheels; black outer mirrors; and both front and rear bumper guards, and a dark smoke treatment on the head and tail lamps. The Limited and SR5 grades add to the muscular design with special touches that provide a premium 
appearance. The front end includes a chrome-plated front grille insert,
fog lamp bezel and front-bumper molding. Front and rear overfenders and
side skirts are color keyed. Chrome plating is also found on the side
molding, roof rack and rear bumper. Turn signals on SR5 and Limited V6 grades are now incorporated into the outside mirrors, along with puddle lamps. 4Runner is available in six exterior colors. Three new colors, Shoreline Blue Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic and Classic Silver Metallic, join carryovers Blizzard Pearl, Salsa Red Pearl and Black. New Engine Choices The 2010 4Runner is powered by a new 4.0-liter V6, which now generates 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Through the use of advanced engine management that includes dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), the new 4.0-liter engine offers the best of both worlds, adding more power while improving efficiency. For 2010, the new V6 engine produces 34 horsepower more than the prior V6 and 10 horsepower more than the discontinued V8 of the previous generation.Additional fuel-economy improvements have come from careful attention to wind flow, reducing aerodynamic drag to a Cd of 0.365. EPA-estimated mileage improves from 16 city and 21 highway to 17 city/23 highway for the 4x2, and from 16 city and 20 highway to 17 city/22 highway for 4x4 models. Both achieve an EPA-estimated 19 mpg combined, an improvement of more than five percent. With the new 4.0-liter engine, maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds*.  In
addition to the upgraded V6 engine, a proven 2.7-liter four-cylinder
engine with VVT-i is available on the 4x2 SR5 model. The gutsy DOHC,
16-valve 2.7 makes 157 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a
four-speed automatic transmission with 2.80:1 first gear and 0.753
overdrive 4th, the 2.7-liter L4 delivers 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg
combined.
4x4 Capability Designed-In To enhance grip, the A-TRAC system is now standard equipment on all 4x4 models. The system can distribute driving force to any one wheel in contact with the ground, making terrain irregularities and slippery patches transparent to the driver. An electronic-locking rear differential is standard on the Trail grade. Axles house 3.73 gears, or 4.56:1 with the 2.7-liter engine, and the differential housings have improved seals for better resistance to mud and water. An array of
advanced features, formerly only available in the Land Cruiser, further
boosts off-highway Toyota’s Crawl Control (CRAWL) feature is standard on the Trail grade. CRAWL is an adjustable electro-mechanical system that can be tuned to match the terrain by selecting any of five speed levels. The system maintains an appropriate speed that keeps the vehicle under control and minimizes the load on drivetrain and suspension components. The CRAWL feature helps make traversing difficult terrain easier and safer. With the transfer case shifted into low range, Crawl Control regulates engine speed and output (along with braking force), to propel the vehicle forward or in reverse at one of the five low-speed settings. This allows the driver to maintain focus while steering over very rough level ground or steep grades, without having to also modulate the throttle or brake pedals. The Trail grade also features a Multi-Terrain Select system, which allows the 4x4 operator to dial in wheel slip control to match the terrain. In loose terrain such as mud and sand, more-than-normal wheel slip is permitted, allowing wheel-spin to work in the vehicle’s favor. On bumpy moguls, or solid rock, wheel slip is minimized and the system acts more like a limited slip. The Mogul setting is for any extremely uneven terrain, such as V-ditches, slopes, and ridges, uphill or down. All 4Runner 4x4 models are standard-equipped with Downhill Assist Control (DAC), which is designed to augment the low-speed ascending ability of low-range by holding the vehicle to a target speed with no driver intervention. All V6 4Runner models come standard with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), which provides additional control for off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle stationary while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface.
The new 4Runner may be a truck-based SUV, but it offers the kind of drivability and riding comfort more often associated with car-based platforms. Coil springs over gas shocks are used at all four corners for a comfortable ride and controlled handling. A double-wishbone independent front suspension, combined with new, variable-flow rack and pinion steering, makes for precise control on demanding roadways. The four-link rear suspension minimizes rear axle hop and assures a smooth ride for back seat passengers.We found that the new 4Runner in all models possess a truly refined on-road ride, which was quite unexpected in a mid-size SUV. Road imperfections and sharp corners could be handled with remarkable pose and stability. It seemed almost impossible to get this vehicle into a situation that it could not smoothly address. This was especially true of the 4Runner Limited model, which had tires oriented more for street use. The Limited grade comes standard with an X-REAS suspension system that further improves performance, comfort and control. X-REAS automatically adjusts the damping force of shocks when driving over bumpy surfaces or when cornering. The system uses a center control absorber to cross-link shocks on opposite corners of the vehicle, substantially reducing pitch and yaw by offsetting opposing inputs. With X-REAS the new 4Runner corners flatter, smoother, and handles choppy pavement more easily. Every Safety Precaution ConsideredOn-road vehicle dynamics are further enhanced by a suite of high-performance, state-of-the-art safety systems. Standard on 4Runner is Toyota’s Star Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC), an Anti-Lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) helps to ensure stability by compensating for oversteer or understeer. The system uses selective braking and modulated engine output to keep the vehicle in line with the driver’s intended course. On 4x2 vehicles, the Auto LSD (Limited Slip Differential) system allows for better traction on slippery sections of roadway. The four-wheel ABS with EBD provides the 4Runner anti-lock stopping control with optimal brake proportioning, whether the vehicle is loaded or unloaded. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), standard on all 4x4 models and the 4x2 V6, suppresses backward roll when switching from brake to accelerator. All 2010 4Runners have active headrests for driver and front passenger, three-point seat belts for all seats, an energy-absorbing body structure and an energy-absorbing hood to help protect pedestrians. A system of eight standard airbags includes
front, side-mounted and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger,
and side curtain airbags for all three rows.
Available by subscription, with or without the optional navigation system, Safety Connect offers four safety and security features: Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Roadside Assistance. In case of either airbag deployment or severe rear-end collision, Automatic Collision Notification is designed to automatically call a response center. If a response agent cannot communicate with the occupants, the agent can contact the nearest emergency-services provider to dispatch assistance. Pushing the in-vehicle “SOS” button allows drivers to reach the response center to request help in an emergency as well as for a wide range of roadside assistance needs. If a 4Runner equipped with Safety Connect is stolen, after a police report is filed and the driver contacts the response center, agents can work with local authorities to help locate and recover the vehicle. Safety Connect is standard, factory-installed hardware on the 4Runner Limited and available via an active subscription. An included one year trial subscription will be offered on equipped new vehicle purchases. A rear-view monitor system is standard on Limited and Trail grades and optional on the SR5. The system displays in the rear-view mirror, helping to keep track of hard-to-see objects to the rear of the vehicle. A rear clearance sonar system is standard on the SR5. Everyday Convenience and Utility The all-new 4Runner has been thoughtfully equipped with features and systems to create a comfortable travel space, allowing for convenient operation in everyday use. The larger interior has been completely redesigned with comfort and utility in mind. The front seats have a greater range of adjustment, both vertically and front to rear. A bright, highly visible dash houses speedometer, tachometer, voltage, fuel and temp gauges, plus a combination meter that offers multiple functions. An Eco-Driving feedback system allows the driver to manage fuel consumption in real time. Within easy reach of the driver on the Trail grade is an overhead console that organizes the off-road control switches into one location. Features in the center dash like a compass indicator and outside temperature display add functionality in outdoor settings. A manual climate-control air-conditioning system is standard on SR5 and Trail grades. An automatic dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning system is standard on the Limited. The system features driver and passenger independent temperature controls, providing separate comfort levels. For second-row passengers, a newly sculpted front seat-back shape provides additional knee space. A center armrest has been added, and the second-row seats now individually recline up to 16 degrees in four steps. Third-row seating has been enhanced with a larger, more supportive seating area. Access to the third row has been improved by splitting the second-row seats into a 40/20/40 configuration and adopting a one-touch walk-in function. A rich leather interior is standard on the Limited grade and optional on SR5. The interior sports newly designed interior color schemes, using Black (Limited only), and Sand Beige. Graphite and Sand Beige fabric is standard on SR5 and Trail. Water-resistant fabric seats are standard equipment of Trail models. Cargo-Carrying Versatility The cargo area has been re-engineered to be
more versatile than any SUV on the market.
A Smart Key System featuring keyless entry with push-button start is standard on the Limited grade. The system allows the driver to unlock or start the vehicle by carrying the keyless remote. The back door window has jam control, like the moonroof and power side windows. Another convenience feature is an available pull-out cargo deck that is capable of carrying up to 440 pounds. The cargo deck slides out to make loading heavy items easier, and it features two pre-set locking positions. When extended, the sturdy cargo deck can also be used to provide seating, sheltered by the hatch, for tailgating and campsite relaxation. For models with the sliding deck, a 6.4-liter capacity storage box has been installed behind the rear seat, for handy storage of tools or other items. Audio with “Party Mode” The SR5 base audio system has an AM/FM/CD player with eight speakers, providing quality sound throughout the cabin; and it is XM Satellite Radio capable with a SDARS tuner. Standard audio on the Trail grade and
optional on SR5 is an AM/FM/MP3 CD player with eight speakers, integrated
XM Satellite Radio (includes 90-day trial subscription), USB port with
iPod connectivity, Bluetooth® hands-free phone capability, and music
streaming via Bluetooth Wireless Technology, and steering wheel audio
controls.
A “party mode” setting raises the bass and transfers the equalization to the rear of the vehicle to provide excellent outside audio for tailgating or camping. Party mode benefits from rear hatch-mounted speakers and is actuated by a switch, installed in the instrument panel to the right of the driver’s seat (rear hatch speakers function with or without party mode). Pricing Prices for the all-new fifth-generation
4Runner will range from $27,500 for the SR5 grade 4x2 with a four-cylinder
engine to $39,800 for the Limited grade 4x4 V6. The pricing represents an
excellent value as 4Runner starts with a price point more than $1,000 less
than the current generation’s lowest price model. The MSRP of the most
popular selling 4Runner, the SR5 4x4 V6, will remain the same as the
previous generation at $30,915 even though it receives more than $1,700 in
added equipment. Value is further enhanced on all 4Runner grades with an
array of performance, safety and convenience upgrades.
Impressions While our visit with the new 4Runner was limited, what we did see is that Toyota has chosen to compete in the world of refinement and finesse with their new SUV. Driving it is more upscale than you would expect for the price, a true value this 5th generation 4Runner is. It is easy to imagine you are in a premium SUV of the likes of the company's expensive Land Cruiser, or even in a BMW or Mercedes mid-size. Especially if you get it equipped with a leather interior. It is very quiet on the road, has outstanding structural integrity and most of all, it is fun to drive. If there is a quibble, it is one common with its previous iterations. Step in height is a reach, so we expect running boards will be popular option. Pricing
2010 Toyota Specifications - .pdf file
|
New
Refinement from Toyota
capabilities. The Trail grade offers Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension
System (KDSS) as an option. KDSS radically improves terrain-following
ability by disconnecting stabilizer bars to allow for more axle travel,
and better suspension articulation in slow, difficult terrain. 
On-Road
Driving Dynamics 
More cargo space is available due to the
fold-flat second-row rear seats, which do not require removal of the
headrest for rearrangement. For models with three rows of seats, the third
row is split 50/50, and they readily fold flat to allow the seatback to
become the floor of the luggage compartment. They also can be folded from
the side or at the rear using separate one-touch mechanisms. With this new
arrangement, more cargo space is available without removing seats, and
longer items can be conveniently stored. 
