Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

2014 Toyota 4Runner

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2014-...photo-6063570/


I recently took the redesigned 2014 Toyota 4Runner for a muddy romp in Pennsylvania. While the mechanical bits and pieces beneath the body-on-frame SUV trudge forward into the new model year with very few tweaks, the truck "receives a rugged new exterior design and interior refinements that add comfort and convenience without sacrificing its hallmark performance capability and excellent value," says the automaker.

A quick visual scan of the 4Runner reveals a new front end with a more "aggressive" and "muscular" appearance (yes, I'm quoting Toyota) that includes new headlights, grille and hood scoop. A roof rack is now standard across all trims, too. While the SR5 has a bland color-keyed grille insert that gives the face a monochromatic appearance, the Trail (shown above and in our gallery) and range-topping Limited have brightwork on the front that gives it a bit more character.

New soft-touch surfaces within the cabin provide a more upscale environment and a bright new Optitron instrument panel improves readability and functionality. As before, the SR5 and Trail models arrive with fabric upholstery or optional Softex seats (synthetic leather). Genuine hides are reserved for the Limited trim, which is also fitted with Toyota's unique X-REAS (X-Relative Absorber System) automatic suspension system as standard equipment.

Driving Notes

• Despite (or arguably, because of) its 2014 facelift, the 4Runner is challenged in the appearance department. The styling, inside and out, is confusing to us, with odd angles and shapes that don't appear cohesive with any overall sense of design. While very little of it is pleasing to the eye, it still works ergonomically – nobody said functionality has to be pretty.
• Under the hood is Toyota's proven 4.0-liter V6, mated to an old-school five-speed automatic. Tasked to move the 4,400-pound SUV, the naturally aspirated engine has its work cut out for it. Even so, it doesn't balk at moving the truck on- or off-road – few will wish for additional power under normal driving situations – I never did. If you've still got a performance itch, TRD still offers a supercharger kit that adds nearly 70 horsepower.
• As Toyota will tell you, 4Runner loyalists are justifiably proud of their truck's go-anywhere capability and reliability (full disclosure: I owned a bulletproof third-generation SR5 with the 3.4-liter V6). During my drive, I had the opportunity to dunk, slam and bash the sturdy SUV while meandering through a challenging off-road course, and the four-door plugged along as if I was toying with it. The multi-mode 4x4 system, with a locking center differential, seemed unfazed by mud, rocks and logs (even though I slipped and fell on the surfaces twice while taking photos). If really pushed, the stock Dunlop Grandtrek tires could use upgrading – I'd consider the new Michelin LTX AT2 tires, as fitted to the 2014 Tundra half-ton with the TRD off-road package.
• Seven passengers will fit inside the 4Runner's cabin with the optional third-row seating. Keep in mind that those in the back will need to be small, and their occupancy swallows up nearly all of the cargo space aft of the raised seat - consider it useful only in a pinch. If you don't need the seats, forgo the third row for a slide-out load floor that is not only useful, but makes the floor flat when the second row is folded.
• One has to appreciate the evolution that this SUV has gone through over the years, as the Japanese automaker has tweaked, polished and refined nearly every square inch since its introduction in 1984. While I'd still choose the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon for hard-core off-pavement use and the Nissan Xterra is priced much more aggressively, the 2014 Toyota 4Runner is years more civilized and much more practical as both a people hauler and daily driver. It's not as refined or fuel-efficient as the average unibody crossover, especially when one throws the impressive Jeep Grand Cherokee into the mix, but it's the most capable for those who require a traditional body-on-frame truck to take daily abuse. Despite its polarizing appearance, the 4Runner remains a leader in this shrinking segment.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/02/2...k-spin-review/

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

Looks more aggressive.
A lot of hard plastic in that interior.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Still a 5-Speed auto. At least throwing in the 6, maybe eek out 1 more mpg.

Still much prefer the pre 2010 and it's V8

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

I love the 3rd and 4th Gen looks.
The new gen not so much.

Aron9000

I swear the same guy designed the front of the new IS350, 4Runner, and worked in costume/character design on the Predator movie. To quote Arnie . . .

"You're one ugly mother****er"

Toys4RJill

The red one looks bad but the blue one at car and driver looks good.

spwolf

it looks way too aggressive, but it will probably sell well for them... all the aggressive designs they turned out lately sell really well.

NewSpace

the 2003 sport V6 that's sitting in my garage has been a beast. it will take anything i can dish out and is still a comfortable, reliable commuter/family vehicle. amazing. might consider replacing it with the redesigned Highlander once we finally see that.

spwolf

V8's were basically Land Cruisers/GX's... pretty expensive too.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

I like those 2009 4Runner V8 Limited's and that 4.7L V8

spwolf

yeah, they had suspension from Prado, not usual 4Runner... but i think they were above 50k, thats probably why the stopped making them.

84Cressida

Not even I can like that face. The Limited looks better, but they still were on something when they made this. I hope this face doesn't last long.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

seriously ugly.

FrankReynoldsCPA

Front looks like an Outlander.

lamar411

I liked pre refresh front better, this is just ugly IMHO.