2010 Toyota 4Runner Unveiled in Texas

Launching a vehicle at a state fair may not seem like the best way for automakers to spend their money, but the State Fair of Texas, like the state itself, is a totally different beast altogether. With an unspoken state motto of “bigger equals better,” pickup trucks and SUVs commonly make their debut at the fair’s auto show. Such is the case with Toyota and its all-new 2010 4Runner, which not only gains a more rugged appearance to match its capabilities, but it also grows considerably in size to allow for third-row seating. The 2010 Toyota 4Runner should hit dealership showrooms before the end of the year.

When the 4Runner first went on sale back in 1984, it competed against rugged utility vehicles such as the Jeep Cherokee, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer and the Ford Bronco II, but in recent years the market has switched from off-road SUVs to car-based crossovers. Despite this trend, the 4Runner will remain true to its roots and continue to be an excellent off-road performer thanks to a body-on-frame design and ample ground clearance. Compared to the outgoing model, the 2010 4Runner is both longer and wider, but the biggest improvements come to dimensions that improve its off-road capability such as a taller ground clearance and better approach and departure angles, especially with the new Trail trim level (pictured above).

Like its name suggests, the Trail trim level gives the 4Runner improved off-road capabilities, and it replaces the Sport Edition from 2009 sitting as the median trim level between the base SR5 luxurious, range-topping Limited. Each trim level will get distinctive styling, but all of them will build on the bold, athletic new design. The most noticeable aspects of the new design are the bulging wheel arches and the signature Toyota truck grille. The boxy, upright design portrays an aggressive, rugged nature of the SUV which is only backed up by its off-road prowess. Those looking for the menacing look of the Sport Edition will find a welcomed replacement in the 2010 4Runner Trail with its air intake and the blacked out grille wheel opening trim. The view from the rear is probably the least impressive on the new model with the triangular, vertical taillights of the current model being replaced the smaller, square-shaped lenses that just don’t seem to fit in very well. While SR5 and Trail models will get 17-inch wheels, the 4Runner Limited will now be available with 20-inch, six split-spoke alloy wheels.

To complement its new exterior design, Toyota also gave the 2010 4Runner an updated cabin that gives it more of a truck-like look and feel. The biggest improvement is the redesigned instrument panel that now includes a wider center stack trimmed in contrasting metallic-looking trim. Better yet, the awkward HVAC buttons have all been replaced by more conventional, easier to use dials rather than the clunky, large five-way buttons of the previous model. Trail and SR5 models will use a lever to engage four-wheel drive, while the Limited gets a simpler dial to choose between the drive modes.

The slight increase in size has allowed the 4Runner to accommodate more cargo (up to 89.7 cubic feet), but one of the coolest features is the optional slide deck which allows the cargo area floor to slide out for easier access (it would seem that the slide deck and third-row seat can not be equipped together). Another interesting feature incorporated into the 2010 4Runner is the Party Mode for the audio system which is perfect for tailgating as it raises the base level and transfers the system’s balance to the tailgate speakers.

On paper, replacing the 4Runner’s gas-guzzling V-8 with an inline-4 sounds like a great idea in light of the recent trend toward more fuel-efficient crossovers, but Toyota’s shakeup of engine choices for the 4Runner may actually hurt their oldest SUV rather than help it. The base 2.7-liter inline-4 is shared with the Toyota Highlander and produces 157 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Not only are these numbers lower than the Highlander’s engine, but the 4Runner also gets worse gas mileage with this engine than the Camry-based crossover. EPA fuel economy estimates for 4Runner models with the small engine are 18 miles per gallon in the city and 23 mpg on the highway (compared to 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for the Highlander and only marginally better than ). Any fuel economy gains expected from the smaller engine were probably lost with the heavier curb weight and worse aerodynamics.

Ironically, last year’s V-8-powered 4Runner had fuel economy estimates of 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway, but the biggest hit the 2010 4Runner will take without the V-8 option is a drastic reduction in towing capacity. Previously, the 4.7-liter V-8 allowed for a maximum towing capacity of 7,300 pounds, but the new 4Runner is only rated at towing 5,000 pounds with the V-6 and just 2,000 pounds with the inline-4. The only reason we could see the reason to replace V-8 with the inline-4 is for cost-saving purposes which should be more apparent when Toyota announces prices for its new 4Runner.

With the V-8 gone, the top engine option is now the 4.0-liter V-6 (previously the base engine) which has been retuned to offer more horsepower and better fuel economy than the V-8. Now producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, the V-6 puts out 10 more horsepower than the outgoing V-8. In addition to the horsepower gains, the V-6 has been retuned to get better fuel economy than the 2009 model with EPA estimates of 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, which is almost identical to the inline-4 option (again raising questions for the need of this smaller engine).

This engine carries over the five-speed automatic from the 2009 model, while the inline-four uses a four-speed automatic. Both engines will offer both two-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive, but V-6 models also add full-time four-wheel drive for better off-road performance. Already a proven off-road vehicle, the suspension setup from the previous 4Runner will carry over to the new model except for some minor changes mainly limited to larger front and rear stabilizer bars and a tighter steering ratio.