Three 4Runner trims are available for 2012: the base SR5, Trail and Limited.
The base engine on all trims is a 4.0L V6 making an impressive 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission is a 5-speed automatic. The SR5 and Limited can get either rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive (part-time on the SR5, full-time on the Limited). The Pathfinder's maximum tow rating is 5,000 pounds.
Standard safety features include antilock 4-wheel disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, anti-skid system, active front head restraints, front knee airbags, front-seat side airbags and full-length roll-sensing side curtain airbags.
Toyota's A-TRAC system is standard on all 4-wheel drive trims, which can distribute driving force to any one wheel in contact with the ground, making rough driving much smoother. Four-wheel drive trims also get standard Downhill Assist Control. Trail trims also get Toyota's Crawl Control, which regulates the vehicle's speed in severe off-road conditions and Toyota's Multi-Terrain Select system, which allows drivers to manually adjust the 4-wheel drive hardware to suit their needs.
All 4Runner trims come with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), which provides additional control by keeping the vehicle stationary while starting on a steep incline or unstable surface. The Limited trim comes standard with an X-REAS suspension system that automatically adjusts the damping force of shocks when driving over uneven surfaces or cornering. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) is available as an option, which can disconnect the front and rear stabilizer bars at speeds below 40 mph for greater wheel articulation. A system designed to prevent accidental acceleration by cutting throttle when both the accelerator and brake are pressed simultaneously is standard across the all trims.
Standard equipment on the SR5 includes 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, trip computer and audio system with an auxiliary audio jack. SR5 trims with 4-wheel drive also get heated side mirrors with turn indicators and puddle lights, chrome roof rails and grille and a tow hitch receiver.
The Trail trim adds a hood scoop, a locking rear differential, Crawl Control, off-road tires, smoked head- and taillights, back-up camera, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, water-resistant upholstery, power front seats, a sliding rear cargo deck and an upgraded audio system with satellite radio, a USB port and iPod connectivity.
The Limited trim adds 20-inch alloy wheels, Toyota's X-REAS adaptive suspension dampers, keyless entry and ignition, automatic headlights, dual climate control, an upgraded audio system with a navigation, a 6-inch touchscreen display and backup camera. Also included: a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated front seats and driver's seat power-adjustable lumbar support.
Great Combination Of Truck-like Performance And Car-like Agility
Smooth And Comfortable Ride
Incredible Off-road Handling And Capability
Durability And Strength
The 4Runner didn't change much going into 2012, but a few options were revised. The SR5's Convenience package gains power-adjustable front seats, and the Limited's standard stereo has been upgraded to include navigation and HD radio. The Limited also gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The Toyota 4Runner debuted in the U.S. more than 25 years ago. Now in its fifth generation, this midsized SUV uses the same platform as the FJ Cruiser and maintains its truck-like body-on-frame construction. A third row of seats is available and both the second and third rows fold completely flat without having to remove the headrests, providing a cavernous 90 cubic feet of cargo space. The optional sliding rear cargo deck can support up to 440 pounds.
