2018 Toyota 4Runner is the Diehard, Rugged SUV with a Comfortable Side

•New Wilderness Package and TRD Enhancement Package

•Full-capability SUV with Body-On-Frame Construction

•TRD Off-Road and Off-Road Premium Grades for Added Capability

•270-hp V6 and 5,000-lb. Towing Capacity

•Available Toyota Entune Multimedia Systems

October 10, 2017 Hard to believe, but it's been 34 years since the first Toyota 4Runner roamed the earth. And many of the classics are still roaming the globe. Through the decades, the 4Runner has grown in both toughness and comfort. Two new upgrades for 2018, the Wilderness Package and TRD Enhancement Package, reinforce the 4Runner's reputation as the vehicular equivalent of a multi-tool.

The Wilderness Package – available for the SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium grades – equips 4Runner with roof rack crossbars, all-weather floor liners and a cargo tray. The TRD Enhancement Package, available for the TRD grades, adds TRD 17-inch matte gray alloy wheels and a TRD-stamped aluminum front skid plate.

Regardless of how it's equipped, the 4Runner can be just about anything its owner needs it to be, from a boat-towing, trail-blazing, hill-climbing sport-utility with room for seven passengers to a comfortable, safe, and tech-filled family vehicle that's right at home atop tight, pothole-riddled city streets.

The 2018 4Runner is available as the popular, well-equipped SR5; the SR5 Premium with additional amenities; TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and the luxurious Limited.

Destination Anywhere

Whether the destination is a secluded trailhead, local boat ramp, or traffic-clogged school drop-off zone, the 4Runner delivers with everyday comfort, versatility, and proven Toyota reliability. The 4Runner's strength originates at its tough-as-nails body-on-frame construction featuring a 4-link rear axle and coil-spring suspension. But that tough chassis is also the source of 4Runner's comfortable ride. You don't sacrifice one to get the other.

The 4Runner offers the choice of 2WD, part-time 4WD with a 2-speed transfer case, or, in the Limited, full-time multi-mode 4WD with a 2-speed transfer case and locking center differential. All four-wheel-drive models offer a generous 9.6 inches of ground clearance.

The Toyota 4Runner can look ruggedly sinister covered in mud, but clean it up and it looks ready for a relaxing night out. All 4Runners are equipped with projector beam headlights and LED rear combination lamps. The SR5 and TRD models ride on 17-inch alloy wheels that are available in three designs: 6-spoke (SR5, SR5 Premium), 7-spoke (TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium), or a TRD alloy painted matte black (TRD Pro). The TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium are distinguished by their color-keyed bumpers and overfenders, hood scoop, and silver painted front and rear bumper accents. 'TRD Off-Road' badges adorn the C-pillars.

The top-of-line Limited is the only 4Runner with a chrome-plated grille insert and exterior trim, and its 20-inch machine-finished wheels and P245/60R20 tires are exclusive to the model. All 4Runner models come with a full-size spare tire.

It's Got Guts

The 4Runner's gutsy 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 routes its stout 278 lb.-ft. of torque through a 5-speed ECT-i automatic transmission with sequential shift mode. Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) optimizes torque across the engine's entire operating range. There's plenty of torque for towing, hence the inclusion of a standard integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness on all grades. All 4Runner models can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds, with a maximum 500-pound tongue weight.

The 2WD models feature a standard Automatic Limited Slip Differential (Auto LSD). This function of the traction control (TRAC) system allows some wheel slippage to help the vehicle dig out from sand or snow, for example. The available part-time 4WD system uses Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and bolsters off-road capability with a two-speed transfer case with selectable low-range. By distributing drive force to any one wheel in contact with the ground, A-TRAC can help make terrain irregularities and slippery patches virtually transparent to the driver.

Exclusive to the 4Runner Limited, the full-time 4WD system uses a Torsen center differential with locking feature and a three-mode, center console-mounted switch. The system uses a 40:60 torque split in most driving situations and alters that in response to slippage. If the front wheels are slipping while the vehicle is turning, the Torsen differential changes the split to 30:70. If the rear wheels slip while the vehicle is turning, the differential changes to a 53:47 split.

The Added Attraction of Added Traction

The 4Runner is fortified by a supporting array of technologies that enhance the capability provided by the high-strength chassis and 4WD. Standard Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) provides additional control when accelerating from a stop on a steep incline by helping to hold the vehicle stationary for approximately 5 seconds while the driver transitions from the brake pedal to the accelerator. Limited and SR5 models equipped with 4WD also feature standard Downhill Assist Control (DAC). This feature augments low-speed descending controllability by helping to maintain a constant slow speed and prevent wheel lockup, allowing the driver to concentrate primarily on steering.

The 4Runner TRD Off-Road, Off-Road Premium, and TRD Pro models add the capability of an electronic-locking rear differential and Toyota's Crawl Control (CRAWL) feature. The latter helps maintain a constant speed in slow-speed off-road situations, enhancing vehicle control when driving up, over or down obstacles. With the transfer case shifted into low range, CRAWL regulates engine speed and braking force to propel the vehicle forward or in reverse at one of the five driver-selectable low-speed settings. The driver can focus on steering without having to also modulate the throttle or brake pedal.

As conditions on the trail change, the 4Runner TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and TRD Pro driver can adapt the vehicle with the Multi-Terrain Select system. A dial is used to select the mode that matches prevailing terrain and conditions, adjusting wheel slip accordingly. For example, on loose terrain such as mud and sand, more-than-normal wheel slip is permitted, allowing wheel-spin to work in the vehicle's favor. The Mogul setting is for any extremely uneven terrain, such as V-ditches, slopes, and ridges -- uphill or down. In this mode, wheel slip is minimized and the system acts more like a limited slip differential. On 4Runner TRD Off-Road models, an overhead console groups the off-road control switches into one location.

Suspension Upgrades

The 4Runner TRD Off-Road models can be outfitted with Toyota's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that allows extended wheel travel at slow speeds for greater off-road capability and control. On pavement, KDSS provides a nimble sporty handling feel by reducing body lean when cornering.

The 4Runner Limited, though certainly off-road capable, places extra focus on everyday comfort and pavement handling with an exclusive Cross Linked Relative Absorber System (X-REAS) suspension, which automatically adjusts the damping force of shock absorbers when driving over bumpy surfaces or when cornering. A center control absorber cross-links the shock absorbers on opposite corners of the vehicle, reducing pitch and yaw by offsetting opposing inputs.

TRD Pro Series: Built to be Ready

Taking the 4Runner's suspension setup a step further is the TRD Pro Series that comes ready to hit the trail with unique TRD-tuned front springs, TRD Bilstein high-performance shocks with rear remote reservoirs, Nitto Terra Grappler tires, and a TRD front skid plate.

The TRD Pro Series looks the tough part, too, with 17-inch black TRD alloy wheels, unique front grille, black bumper accents, TRD Shift Knob, and special badges. The TRD Pro Series colors for 2018 are Super White, Midnight Black and the exclusive Cavalry Blue.

Room for Adventure

The Toyota 4Runner is a Sherpa among SUVs. With the second-row seats in use, the cargo area offers up to 47.2 cu. ft. of carrying space. If it's just two people hitting the road or trail for an extended getaway, folding the second row opens up a cavernous 89.7 cu. ft. cargo area. Fold-flat second-row seats provide a level load floor, and it's not necessary to remove the headrests to fold the seats flat. The available pull-out cargo deck can carry up to 440 pounds to make loading and unloading heavy items easier, and it also provides seating for tailgating and campsite relaxation. For power on the go, the 4Runner offers a standard 120V outlet and two 12V outlets.

Third-row seating is available on SR5 and Limited grades, with a split 50/50 seat that folds flat. When so equipped, the 40/20/40 second-row seat has a one-touch walk-in function to provide easy access to the third row. The seats can be folded from the side or at the rear, using separate one-touch levers. Even when 'roughing it' there's no need to give up comfort; the second-row seats, which include a center armrest, individually recline up to 16 degrees in four steps.

Air conditioning with rear seat vents and pollen filter, power-sliding liftgate window, and a backup camera are among the standard features that make the 4Runner SR5 an outstanding value. The standard Optitron instrument panel adds a touch of high-tech elegance for all grades, and a multi-information display provides readouts for numerous vehicle functions and fuel economy.

The SR5 Premium provides a significant comfort upgrade with SofTex-trimmed seats, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and more. The Off-Road Premium receives the same features, and the Limited gets an added dose of refinement with leather-trimmed heated and ventilated 8-way power adjustable driver's seat (with memory) and 4-way power adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control and the Smart Key system with push button start. The Limited also adds the convenience of a standard front and rear clearance sonar system.

Standard Entune Multimedia

Like all 2018 Toyota models, the 4Runner line offers an array of Entune Multimedia system choices:

•SR5 and TRD Off-Road: Entune Audio Plus with Connected Navigation App – includes Entune Multimedia Bundle (6.1 in. high-resolution touchscreen display, AM/FM CD player, MP3/WMA playback capability, 8 speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control, advanced voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology), Connected Navigation Scout GPS Link App, Siri Eyes Free, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 3-month complimentary All Access Trial, and Gracenote album cover art, HD Radio, HD Radio traffic and weather in major metro areas, and integrated backup camera display with projected path.

•SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road Premium, and TRD Pro: Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite - includes Entune Multimedia Bundle (6.1 in. high-resolution touchscreen with split screen display, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, 8 speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control, advanced voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology), Siri Eyes Free, Entune App Suite, HD Radio, HD Radio predictive traffic and Doppler weather overlay, AM/FM cache radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 3-month complimentary All Access Trial, and Gracenote album cover art, HD Radio, HD Radio traffic and weather in major metro areas, and integrated backup camera display with projected path.

•Limited: Entune Premium JBL Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite - includes Entune Multimedia Bundle (6.1 in. high-resolution touchscreen with split screen display, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, 15 JBL GreenEdge speakers in nine locations including subwoofer amplifier, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control, advanced voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology), Siri Eyes Free, Entune App Suite, HD Radio, HD Radio predictive traffic and Doppler weather overlay, AM/FM cache radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 3-month complimentary All Access Trial, and Gracenote album cover art, HD Radio, HD Radio traffic and weather in major metro areas, and integrated backup camera display with projected path.

Entune App Suite is a collection of popular mobile apps and data services. Once a smart phone is connected to the vehicle using Bluetooth or a USB cable, Entune's features are operated using the vehicle's controls or, for some services, by voice recognition. Entune offers mobile apps for iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, Pandora and others. Entune data services include a fuel price guide, sports scores, stocks, traffic and weather.

Star Safety System and Safety Connect

The 4Runner features Toyota's standard Star Safety System that includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC, or A-TRAC with 4WD), an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST) brake-override system.

Eight standard airbags include driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, TAP (thorax, abdomen, pelvis) front seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags and all-row Roll-sensing Side Curtain Airbags (RSCA). The Safety Connect system available for the 4Runner Limited (one-year trial subscription included) offers Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Roadside Assistance.

Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare

Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. The 4Runner also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

by Toyota

Toyota's fun-to-drive off-road vehicle, the 4Runner combined 4-wheel drive and off-road Runner to form an incredible vehicle. All 4Runners were constructed at the Tahara Plant in Tahara, Aichi, Japan or at Hino Motors' Hamura, Japan plant. Sold in countries such as the U.S., Canada, Panama, Saudi Arabia, Chili and Australia from 1984 until the present, the Toyota 4Runner is a SUV manufactured by Toyota. The Toyota 4 Runner is also sold in other markets such as Pakistan as the Toyota Hilux Surf.

The first of Toyota's comfort-driven SUVs, the Toyota 4Runner was designed around the rugged frame of the truck, though a slight bit more comfortable, unlike the Land Cruiser. While many other automakers were introducing mid-size SUVs in the mid 1980s like the Ford Bronco II and the Chevy S-10 Blazer, Toyota was feeling the pressure to develop a competing model. Introduced in 1984 for the 1985 model year, Toyota introduced the revolutionary new 4Runner, a vehicle that combined the versatility and ruggedness of the 4WD with the comfort and utility that was found in regular passenger vehicles. Open-air driving was easily accessibly by removing the fiberglass top that was covering the cargo area. Indistinguishable from the Toyota pickups from the dashboard forward, the first generation 4Runners had two doors. Mostly all of the changes were to the bottom half of the body, basically because the rear springs were not upgraded to cope with the additional weight of the rear seats and fiberglass top. Unfortunately these early models tend to suffer from sagging rear suspensions.

Originally available in two models, the 4Runner featured one model that was barely more than a pickup truck with a covered car area with an emphasis on utility. The first model featured seats on the front only while the rear area was meant purely for cargo. The second model was designed to encompass up to five passengers and included a rear seat that could be folded flat for additional storage space. This model was available in the SR5 grade and included a larger fuel tank along with more luxurious interior features. Both of these models were powered by the carbureted 2.4L 22R four-cylinder engine that was joined to a five speed manual transmission with two speed transfer case. All had manual locking front hubs.

For the 1986 model year, Toyota added the Hi-Trac independent front suspension which now gave the 4Runner more ground clearance along with more improved ride quality. Also, now available on SR5 models, Toyota gave the 4Runner an injection of power with a turbocharged engine.

The Toyota 4Runner was introduced in 1987 with the SR5 trim available on all models, both truck and passenger. The turbo engine was still only confined to passenger models. For this year slight changes were also made to the grille, headlights, and striping.

Toyota introduced the 3.0L V6 engine to the 4Runner for 1988 as power seemed to be the topic on consumer's minds. The turbo model was discontinued as the V6 model was more suited to the off-road environment that the 4Runner was originally designed for. Now the V6 and four-cylinder engines were all that remained at the end of the 1988 year.

A whole new breed of 4Runner was introduced by Toyota in 1989. This brand was based on the newly redesigned line up pickup trucks. Aggressive looking and muscular, the new 4Runner was still quite capable of delivering the same off-road performance that Toyota's four-wheel drive trucks were known for.

Muscular and aggressive, a brand new breed of 4Runner was introduced by Toyota in the spring of 1989. Resembling the line of pickup trucks, the new 4Runner was still capable of delivering the off-road performance that Toyota's four-wheel trucks were famous for. Now the 4Runner was available as either a two or four door vehicle and came with either two or four wheel drive. Due to the new styling, the fiberglass top had to go, but now the 4runner was quieter and more weather tight.

J.D. Power & Associates awarded the 1990 4Runner with the 'Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality' title along with being among the Consumers Digest 'Best Buys' report. The following year the Toyota 4Runner won two more awards, once again the 'Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality' by J.D. Power along with 'Best Compact SUV in Customer Satisfaction' also by J.D. Power for 1991.

For 1992 the Toyota 4Runner underwent a few minor revisions in styling that included flush headlamps and new grille along with new molding treatments. Optional now on the 4Runner were leather seats. For this year the Toyota 4Runner once again was awarded the same awards from J.D. Power and Associates. For the following year J.D. Power named the 4Runner 'Best Compact Sport Utility'.

For the 1994 model year, safety was emphasized and the Toyota 4Runner received side impact protections, a new center brake light and the option of four-wheel anti-lock brakes on all V6 models. The price of the 4Runner was now close to $30,000 and now featured a CD-player, either speaker stereo, leather seats, sunroof and anti-lock brakes. Fortunately though, the 4Runner hadn't forgotten its off-road heritage and remained as strong as a back-woods performer as ever. Once again, the 4Runner was awarded the ‘Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality' award by J.D. Power.

2 years later the 4Runner underwent a complete redesign that included the installation of all new engines, chassis, interior and exterior styling. The 1996 Toyota 4Runner also received newly enhanced safety equipment and added utility. This third generation of 4Runners was the first 4Runner that didn't share wither body panels for a frame with Toyota's compact pickup trucks. Now the 4Runner was available in either 2 or 4 wheel drive, in base, SR5 and Limited trim. There was now a 4Runner for every consumer with two engine choices, a 2.7L 4 cylinder or a 3.4L V6, both with twin cam, multi-valve designs.

The new chassis for the 1996 4Runner was stiffer for more improved steering feel and more precise suspension travel, and was now two inches longer to increase wheelbase and provide for a more stable ride. Replacing the previous Hi-Trac system was a front suspension with a coil spring with double wishbone design which now resulted in greater wheel travel and ride comfort.

The '96 4Runner also featured a one piece lift up tailgate with power windows, much larger exterior mirrors, a lot more interior volume with greater head and legroom along with a lowered step-in and cargo loading height. Dual airbags were now included along with four-wheel ABS for safety, along with side door impact beams and ALR/ELR seatbelts both in the front and rear. Four Wheeler magazine awarded the 1996 model with a runner-up for the Compact 4-door along with the ‘Most Appealing Compact SUV' by J.D. Power.

For the 1997 model year, the Toyota 4Runner only underwent minor changes that included the addition of a 2WD Limited model, newly revised seat fabric in SR5 models, 2 new Preferred Equipment Packages and the ability to order 16-inch alloy wheels on 2WD models. The 4Runner won even more awards this year that included '1997 Top Three Vehicles in Intial Quality – Compact SUV' by J.D. Power, 'Best SUV' by Consumer Reports Magazine', 'Top 10 Trucks overall Resale Value After Three Years of Ownership' – ADP Autosource Suvey, and '1997 Total Quality Award – Medium SUV Segment' by Strategic Vision, Inc.

Once again the Toyota 4Runner underwent only minor changes for the 1998 model year. The only improvements were new 4 spoke steering wheel, rotary style HVAC controls and revised audio head units.

The 4th year for the 3rd generation of Toyota 4Runners, 1999 introduced many more standard features and options that made this model even more equipped than previous ones. A newly redesigned front bumper, valence cover and grille with multi-reflector headlamps with an auto-off function along with a new center console with dual cupholders, and much more were offered for the 1999 model year. Other options included an overhead console with both garage door and sunglass holder, two power outlets in the center cluster and an LCD odometer with digital duel trip meters.

A new multi-mode 4WD system was placed in the 1999 4Runner Limited model as standard. A full-time all-wheel-drive system with 2WD capability, the new multi-mode features can be used in normal driving conditions on all types of roads. The '99 4Runner once again received the ‘Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality' by J.D. Power along with the 'Best Compact SUV Segment', also by J.D. Power.

Standard equipment for the 2001 4Runner model was now the 3.4 liter V7 engine an automatic transmission, along with Vehicle Skid Control with traction control, multi-mode 4WD and a 2WD/4WD selector switch along with a pre-wired trailer hitch harness. The rear differential lock has now been discontinued for '01 while the brake booster was changed to hydraulic assisted. New interior additions and three new exterior colors were also features for 2001.

Serious changes were incorporated to the chassis and body of the fourth-generation Toyota 4Runner, though targeted at approximately the same demographics as the third generation. Looking very different than the previous 4Runners, the updated 4Runner was based on the Land Cruiser Prado 120 series, though it was still targeted as a mid-size quasi-luxury SUV. Currently the SR5, Sport Edition, and the Limited were the available trims. Standard on the current 4Runner was an all-new 4.0 L 1GR-FE while a V8 became available for the first time for the fourth generation models. An available option for the fourth generation, the same 4.7 L 2UZ-FE V8 that was found in the Land Cruiser, Sequoia and Tundra that produced 260 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque was in the 4Runner.

The SR5 and Sport Edition models were first introduced in 2003 and used gray cladding and bumpers. Early on in the year, Toyota added an optional Appearance Package for the SR5 that included color-keyed cladding, liftgate trim and bumpers. The Appearance Package, along with the early optional fog lamps, running boards, and 16-inch aluminum wheels were made standard on the SR5 in April of 2003. Replacing the grey cladding and silver-painted grille, door handles and liftgate trim, the Sport Edition also added black running boards and color-keyed trim.

Standard equipment including a tire pressure warning system in the 2004 Toyota 4Runner. Both the SR5 and Limited models received a 3rd row seat as optional equipment.

For 2005, new enhancements and updates were brought to the optional V8 engine, and made a 5-speed automatic standard on the V6 model. Minor changes were made to the exterior of the '05 4Runner that included color-keyed bumper trim on the SR5 and Limited. A chrome grille was placed on the SR5 while a black roof-rack and running boards replaced the silver ones on the Limited along with a redesigned rear spoiler. Available on all trim levels, a Salsa Red Pearl Scheme was introduced, though a similar color scheme had been available for third generation models.

The fourth generation's mid-cycle refresh marked the 2006 model year with changes that included revised front and rear bumpers, a new projector-beam headlamps, LED tail lamps, a reworked grille, additional chrome trim on the SR5 model, step bars on the Sport Edition and a smoked-chrome grille with tubular roof-rack. The turn-signals were relocated to the headlamp assembly while the front bumper was revised and now features circular fog lights. The rear bumper reflectors were eliminated by the addition of the redesigned bumper. All audio systems added an MP3 playback capability along with an auxiliary input jack. The Limited model was now further set apart from the other trim levels with the new addition of unique 18' wheels and a seat memory system.

The Toyota 4Runner was basically unchanged in 2007 except the new gray-colored option, Shadow Mica. The following year the 4Runner received standard side air bags, slightly modified front grille design, a switch to disable Vehicle Stability Control, refinements in the Tire Pressure Monitoring System along with a few changes in the seatbelt warning system warning system and brake system control.

by Jessican Donaldson