Who knew the Toyota 4Runner could be anymore further enhanced for off-road conditions; but it seems Toyota has done it and done it very well. The 4Runner not only comes in a SR5 and Limited trim, but is now also available in a Trail edition 4x4 4.0L V6 and is more than well-equipped to take on any situation on or off the road.Sharing a few of the off-road touches of the FJ Cruiser, the 4Runner Trail has protruding taillights, and stronger, more distinct lines giving it a muscular appeal making it look fiercer than ever before. All exterior assets, such as bumpers, mirrors, door handles, mudguards, grille and utility roof rack are black adding more 4x4 appeal; let’s face it chrome or painted assets might make it a little too prissy amongst Mother Nature’s rugged animals.
The 2011 Toyota 4Runner Trail comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels and a part-time 4WD system with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) which compensates for wheel slippage and loss of traction in off-road conditions. Most off-road vehicles would be expected to have a more rugged feel and slightly rough around the edges in terms of drive and ride, however the 4Runner proved me wrong. While the interior was definitely not luxurious, but indeed was surprisingly comfortable, the 4Runner was easy to handle and drove very smooth nonetheless. Equipped with coil-spring independent double-wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar and coil-spring 4-link rear suspension with lateral rod and stabilizer bar, Toyota made sure this SUV was built for off-road conditions while providing passengers with a smoother experience.
If you want an SUV that is simple but well-equipped, the 4Runner is the one for you! While the Trail comes standard with a power sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated backup camera monitor, the technologically advanced consumer has a nice variety of optional equipment to choose from. Even fully loaded with voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system, backup camera, CD changer, XM Radio, Bluetooth and USB/auxiliary connections, Toyota kept it very basic which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Each function was easy to operate; controls were in convenient placements and not at all overwhelming to the eye. Keeping in mind that this vehicle is designed for an off-road environment, a luxurious interior design with every function controlled by a touch screen probably wouldn’t have been a good idea; limiting audio and GPS controls only to touch-screen makes sense here. Toyota did a good job of realizing that less is more in a vehicle of this stature but at the same time did not limit the possibilities either. The dashboard isn’t anything overboard and fancy, it’s pretty basic in telling the driver what they need to know. I think they could have added a cluster or message center here for a little added spunk but it doesn’t at all take away from this vehicle by not having one.
All 4x4 controls are placed above the head where the reading lights and sunroof controls are which I found a good use of the space. Considering you wouldn’t always be in 4x4 modes, it’s not entirely necessary to have the control panel in your face with other daily functions such as climate and audio. In the area of safety, the 4Runner Trail comes standard with the Stability Control System, Traction Control Brake System, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Brake Assist, Smart Stop Technology, Safety Connect and front and rear airbags. A nice safety feature includes the roll-sensing side curtain airbags with cutoff switch.This Toyota 4Runner Trail 4x4 is an exceptional vehicle, fulfilling its purpose successfully. Whether dad wants to go off-road driving with the boys or mom wants to go shopping with the kids, the Toyota 4Runner Trail is a true sports utility vehicle providing safety, versatility in driving conditions and plenty of storage space for all types of road trips.
The Toyota 4Runner starts at a base MSRP price of $29,705 for the RWD V6 SR5 and goes up to $39,835 for the 4WD V6 Limited. The Trail trim level starts at $35,955. For more information on this vehicle please visit www.NADAguides.com.