Toyota is one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of quality SUV models. From city-friendly crossovers to brawny full-size family haulers, Toyota has a utility vehicle for all kinds of drivers near South Burlington and Colchester.
One of the stalwarts of the Toyota SUV lineup is the Toyota 4Runner. Tracing its lineage to the 1980s, the 4Runner has remained one of the most trusted SUV nameplates on the market for decades. It occupies a distinct space among new Toyota SUVs as a midsize model that’s built for more rugged capability.
Construction: Most of the current Toyota SUV models are built on car-based or “unibody” platforms. While unibody designs improve ride comfort and reduce weight, they typically lack the durability that more adventurous drivers are looking for. The 4Runner, on the other hand, is built on a body-on-frame platform. This is the same construction technique used for trucks, used primarily for its superior strength and durability in towing and off-road situations. The only other body-on-frame SUVs in the Toyota lineup are the Sequoia and Land Cruiser.
Engine: The 4Runner gets a unique engine option. While some Toyota SUVs come with a standard four-cylinder engine, the 4Runner goes right for a 4.0-liter V6. This sturdy powertrain offers 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The 4Runner is currently the only Toyota available with the 4.0-liter V6.
Design and Technology: The 4Runner is a great SUV for drivers who want a more analog, old-school driving experience. It sticks to analog gauges and tactile button controls in the center stack. Other Toyota SUVs are moving toward more touchscreen and digital functions.
Drivetrain: The 2019 4Runner is one of the few Toyota SUVs that comes with standard rear-wheel drive. Popular models like the RAV4, Highlander, and C-HR come with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. The 4runner has standard rear-wheel drive architecture with a legitimate four-wheel drive system and locking rear differential available. The Land Cruiser and Sequoia also come with standard rear-wheel drive.
You can test drive the new 2019 4Runner here at Handy Toyota near St. Albans and Burlington. It could be the perfect SUV for your New England adventures.
