By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(May 8, 2013) As one of the few body-on-frame mid-size SUVs remaining in the world (just about everything else in this space has gone monocoque), Toyota’s 4Runner is a bit of an anomaly. Four years into what is expected to be a seven-year lifecycle, the fifth-generation 4Runner has been given a mid-cycle exterior and interior upgrade designed to make it look more rugged and feel more refined.

The three trim levels carry over. SR5 is the base, and the Limited the top-of-the-line, while the Trail is designed for maximum off–road ability. A third row is available in the SR5 and Limited but not on the Trail, and all come powered by a 270-hp/278 lb-ft 4.0-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Only the SR5 and Limited are available in rear-drive 4x2 form. Move up to a 4x4 configuration, and you get two-speed, part-time 4x4 on the SR5 and Trail and full-time, multi-mode 4x4 with a locking differential on the Limited.

Maximum towing capacity for all models is 5,000 lb, and each features a standard integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness. Fuel economy is another surprise with 4x2 models rated at 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway, and 4x4s at 17/22.

Both the SR5 and Trail ride on redesigned 17-in alloys, while the Limited gets 20-in wheels and tires. And all models are available with a roll-out cargo deck capable of carrying 440 lb. However, it is the styling which marks the biggest change in the 2014 4Runner.

Toyota says the new front fascia is meant to express a more rugged and aggressive nature. And on the SR5 and Trail, the color-keyed grille insert and front bumper do just that. Limited versions, on the other hand, get a chrome-plated grille insert, front bumper, side molding, roof rack and rear bumper. It also swaps halogen headlights for projector beam units. In addition, all 4Runners are fitted with LED front and rear lighting elements and roof racks. Pretty it’s not. Then again, it wasn’t meant to be.



However, from some angles the front end of the 2014 4Runner looks like Toyota’s take on the last generation Mitsubishi Raider pickup. (See pictures above)

Inside, the SR5 and Trail add soft-touch door trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather shift knob. The SR5 also receives a new gauge cluster with information display, and an Eco-Driving feedback system that lets the driver monitor fuel consumption in real time. The Trail, meanwhile, is fitted with a standard overhead console that places the off-road controls in a single location. All models also get standard air conditioning.

SR5 and Trail models are fitted with an upgraded audio system. This features Toyota’s Entune multimedia system, and AM /FM/MP3 CD player with eight speakers, SiriusXM with a 90-day trial subscription, USB port with iPod connectivity, and Bluetooth. Limited models feature Toyota’s new Entune Premium JBL Audio system, with a JBL premium sound system with navigation, SiriusXM with a 90-day trial subscription, HD Radio with iTunes tagging and 15 speakers. The navigation system also includes a large seven-inch monitor. Standard on all audio systems is a “party mode” setting that raises bass response and shifts sound balance to the rear of the vehicle, blasting more sound through the liftgate-mounted speakers.

The Virtual Driver