Toyota is rolling out its 2010 4Runner to hit showroom floors on November 22, 2009. Toyota is anticipating relatively modest sales this year. With peak annual sales of approximately 100,000 units, Toyota has scaled back expectations to about 35,000 units this year. Despite modest sales, a Toyota spokesman stated, "We're not going to abandon this thing."
Originally based off of the SR5 four-wheel-drive compact pickup truck, production of the 4Runner began in mid-1984. This 5th generation 4Runner marks the 25th anniversary of production. Over 1.8 million 4Runners have been sold in that time, of which roughly 1.3 million- over 75%- are still in operation today.
The 2010 4Runner is available in three grades. The Trail version is the most rugged, intended for heavy off-road use. The SR5 is designed for adventurous families that want on-road comfort during the week. The Limited edition has added features for even greater comfort on-road. A V8 version will be available under the Lexus nameplate.
The 2010 4Runner has a reinforced body-on-frame design featuring a fully boxed frame, high-strength steel and a larger suspension. It's larger, more powerful, more fuel-efficient and more comfortable than previous generations. Toyota hopes to enhance the value of the 4Runner by keeping the price unchanged even with the model improvements.
Pricing for the four-wheel-drive V6 SR5 will carry an MSRP of $30,915. The two-wheel-drive version has an MSRP of $29,175. The two-wheel-drive 4-cylinder version will be available early in 2010 at $27,500.
The 4Runner is designed for the "Social Outdoorsman." The Highlander and Highlander Hybrid are designed for the young, suburban family. The FJ Cruiser is designed for style and off-road fun. The 4Runner's appeal lies somewhere in between. It combines true off-road functionality with a greater emphasis on comfortable on-road travel during the week.
Toyota spokesman Jeremy Neil described the 4Runner as, "the progression from the FJ Cruiser." When that adventurous FJ Cruiser driver has a family, the 4Runner will suit his new responsibilities while allowing him to continue an adventurous lifestyle on the weekends.
The 5th generation 4Runner is built and designed in conjunction with Toyota's subsidiary Hino Motors in Tahara, Japan. The V6 SR5 will account for 78% of production with 17% for the Limited, 4% for the Trail model and 2% of production for the 4-cylinder version.
Features include:
The 2010 4Runner comes with a 270 hp (at 5600 rpm) 4-liter V-6 that produces 36 more horsepower than the outgoing V-6 and 10 more horsepower than the older V-8. Fuel economy is increased by as much as 10%. The four-wheel-drive model has EPA ratings of 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. The two-wheel-drive version gets a slightly better 23 mpg highway. A 4-cylinder version with EPA ratings of 23 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined will also be available.
The new 4Runner has increased aerodynamics both above and below the vehicle. Seating is improved by raised hip points and wider positioning. Second row seating has a 40/20/40 reclining split. It also has a sliding one-touch walk-in function for vehicles with the optional third row seating. Optional third row seating has a 50/50 split and folds flat into the floor.
The sound system includes a "Party Mode" sound equalizer that allows for improved audio quality outside the rear of the vehicle when tailgating or camping. The rear cargo area also comes equipped with both 120-volt and 12-volt outlets. Instead of the third row seating, you can opt for a sliding rear cargo deck with a 440 pound capacity. Wheels are 17-inch aluminum alloy for the SR5 and Trail version; 20-inches for the Limited. All models come standard with a roof rack.
All grades include Toyota's Star Safety System with Vehicle Stability Control, Anti-Lock Brakes and Traction Control. It has eight standard airbags including knee airbags, side curtain airbags for all rows and active headrests for driver and front seat passenger.
The V6 will have a standard towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with a tongue weight of 500 pounds. The 4-cylinder will have a 2,000 pound capacity and 200 pound tongue weight. The new 4Runner is on a global Toyota SUV platform shared with Land Cruiser Prado, Lexus GX and FJ Cruiser. The 4-liter V6 engine is shared with the Tundra full-sized pickup truck, the FJ Cruiser and the Tacoma Compact Truck.
It is engineered specifically for the harsh global markets in the Middle East and Australia. The wheelbase is 109.8 inches with a 32 degree maximum climb angle and a 42 degree maximum side-slope angle. Maximum approach angle is 30 degrees (2WD) or 33 degrees (4WD) and maximum departure angle is 26 degrees (24 degrees with hitch receiver). The water fording depth (at walking speed) is 27.6 inches (roughly the top of the tires) and the minimum running ground clearance is 9 inches (2WD) or 9.6 inches (4WD). Skid plates protect the engine, transfer case and fuel tank. There are also two front tow hooks.
| Criterion | Toyota 4Runner |
2010 4Runner |
Jeep Liberty Limited |
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon |
Hummer H3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Running ground clearance | 9 | 9 - 9.6” | 9.4 | 10 | 10 |
| Approach angle (degrees) | 31 | 30° - 33° | 37 | 44 | 42 |
| Departure angle (degrees) | 24 | 26° | 31.5 | 40.4 | 37 |
| Breakover angle (degrees) | 28 | 22 | 25.4 |
 |
 |
 |