2016 Toyota 4Runner

NEW FOR 2016:

- Increased level of standard equipment for SR5.

For 2016, Toyota has pared down its offerings for the 4Runner, making last year’s Upgrade Package standard equipment. That means by default the 4Runner has a standard third-row seat, heated leatherette-upholstered front seats, plus navigation amongst other features.

The 4Runner is something of a glimpse back through time when sport utility vehicles were rugged, burly machines riding on truck platforms. While most companies have opted for lighter unibody structures that offer improved comfort and handling, it’s nice to know that Toyota hasn’t abandoned this classic layout. With the demise of the Nissan XTerra and Toyota’s own FJ, there are few new vehicles we can think of other than a Jeep Wrangler, Cherokee, or Grand Cherokee that’ll take you further off the beaten path for less money.

All 4Runners are powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine that develops 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque; all have a five-speed automatic transmission.

The 4Runner is available in three different trims: SR5, Trail Edition, and Limited.

Features on the SR5 include part-time one-touch 4WD, 17-inch aluminum wheels, eight-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio with 6.1-inch touch panel display, satellite radio, navigation, USB port, auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, backup camera, power sunroof, steering wheel mounted phone and audio controls, LCD multi-information display, air conditioning, power locks, power windows with auto-up/down, outside temperature gauge, fuel economy meter, compass, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, alarm, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, garage door opener, carpeted and all-season floor mats, cruise control, map lights, three 12-volt power outlets, one 120-volt power outlet in cargo area, keyless entry with rear door release, eight-way driver/four-way passenger power bucket seats, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, 40/20/40 split rear seats with slide/recline/fold-down seat back, flat-folding 50/50 split third-row seating, rear courtesy door lamps, rear privacy glass, heated power mirrors with integrated turn signals, body colour bumpers/mirrors/door handles/rear spoiler/fender flares, silver painted roof rails, front and rear splash guards, heavy duty tow hitch receiver, four-pin/seven-pin trailer wire harness, electronic trailer brake control prewire, running boards, auto headlight cancel function, fog lights, rear clearance sonar, reflector style headlights, smoked headlight and taillight surrounds, engine immobilizer, and tire pressure monitoring.

Trail Edition adds Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, Multi-Terrain ABS, rear differential lock, hood scoop, unique alloy wheels, black roof rails, sliding cargo area tray, cargo net, tonneau cover, Optitron gauges, lever type 4WD selector, and black seat with red stitching; removes 3rd row seating.

Limited builds on the SR5 and adds full-time 4WD system, 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, full size spare tire with alloy wheel, push button start, smart key system, sport suspension, 15-speaker JBL audio system with subwoofer, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating surfaces, ventilated front seats, automatic headlights, chrome front grille/fog lamp surround/bodyside mouldings/door handles/rear trunk trim/roof rails, unique running boards, and front and rear clearance sensors.

A third-row of seats is optional.