2010 Toyota 4Runner Review

The totally redesigned 2010 Toyota 4Runner enters the mid-sized SUV class ready to get down and dirty! It stands taller, braces wider and stretches longer than it ever has before. It features exterior measurements of 189.9, 75.2 and 71.5 inches in length, width and height respectively. On the inside, front passengers are treated to 39 inches of headroom, 58 inches of shoulder room, 56 inches of hip room and 41.7 inches of legroom. Standard luggage capacity has been increased up to 47.2 cubic feet, and is further expandable up to 89.7 cubic feet by folding down second row and optional third row of rear passenger seating.

The 4Runner Toyota 2010 offers genuine offroad capabilities combined with a truly comfortable, surprisingly refined cabin. Although it has not yet been rated by the NHTSA, it scored perfectly in 18 of 19 categories for safety as rated by the IIHS. Besides the excellent financing incentives that Toyota is still offering, the new 4Runner boasts standard features for safety including:

• Front, side impact, side curtain and knee airbags (12 in all);
• ABS and driveline electronic traction control;
• Occupancy sensors;
• Electronic parking assist;
• Keyless access and entry;
• 2-stage, power door locks;
• Content theft deterrent alarm;
• Rear child safety locks;
• Ignition disable;
• Panic alarm;
• Daytime running lights;
• Tire pressure monitoring and so much more!

There are six trims of the 4Runner from Toyota offered for 2010: SR5 4x2, SR5 V6 4x2, Limited V6 4x2, SR5 V6 4x4, Limited V6 4x4 and the new Trail V6 4x4. All V8 engine options and the Sport trim have been discontinued. The Trail features standard features like crawl control, a powered moonroof, rock rails and a locking rear differential. All non-Base trims feature a 4.0L DOHC 270-horse V6 engine mated to a 5-speed auto gearbox. The Base SR5 version features an able 2.7L I4 engine that generates 157 horses and 178 lb-ft of torque with the assistance of its 4-speed automatic transmission.

This year's Toyota 4Runner clears the ground by 9.0 inches and utilizes a 109.8-inch wheelbase to balance its 4295-pound curb weight very efficiently. All V6 trims are able to tow up to 5000 pounds and feature payload capacity ratings between 1500 and 1700 pounds. All trims require 18.7 feet of radius for turning and feature a 24.0-gallon fuel tank. With EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18/23 mpg city/highway for base trims, you'll travel well over 400 miles per fill up.

Competition for the 2010 Toyota 4Runner includes the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Ranger, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited in the Nissan Pathfinder to name a few. It features bulging fender wells, a wide grill and block-like rear and front bumper regions to take on a capable, yet stylish offroad look. It's also bulging with bucketloads of technology, convenience and entertainment features. Manufacturer's suggested retail pricing for the Toyota 4Runner ranges from $27,500 up to $39,800.