2010 Toyota 4Runner

Front end

Blocky headlights

Rear end

4-liter V-6

Five-speed automatic transmission

4Runner SR5

Basic stereo rig

Rearview camera

Party mode

SR5 instrumentation

Third-row seating

Fold flat seats

Fold flat seats

Limited trim

Standard features

X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension

Limited cabin tech

EL gauges

GPS navigation

4WD model

Back up camera redux

Push-button start

Trail trim level

Looking the part

Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System

Multi-information display

Roof console

Full-time 4WD

  • 1
    of 29
  • 2
    of 29
  • 3
    of 29
  • 4
    of 29
  • 5
    of 29
  • 6
    of 29
  • 7
    of 29
  • 8
    of 29
  • 9
    of 29
  • 10
    of 29
  • 11
    of 29
  • 12
    of 29
  • 13
    of 29
  • 14
    of 29
  • 15
    of 29
  • 16
    of 29
  • 17
    of 29
  • 18
    of 29
  • 19
    of 29
  • 20
    of 29
  • 21
    of 29
  • 22
    of 29
  • 23
    of 29
  • 24
    of 29
  • 25
    of 29
  • 26
    of 29
  • 27
    of 29
  • 28
    of 29
  • 29
    of 29
The Toyota 4Runner is back and this time Toyota is taking a three-pronged approach with a basic SR5 model, a road capable Limited model, and a rugged Trail model.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
While the new 4Runner is a beefier-looking vehicle overall, it's most obvious when looking a the front end: larger headlamps and an industrial-looking grill.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
Helping to fill out the new front end are these blocky headlamps that feature turn indicators that bulge out from the vehicle's body.
Caption by / Photo by Antuan Goodwin/CNET
The 4Runner is a beefy machine. Even the nameplate looks like it's machined from a block of metal.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
The Toyota 4Runner is powered by a single option 270-horsepower V-6 engine that puts 278 pound-feet of torque to either the rear pair or all four wheels.

We're told that a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine will be available on the 2WD SR5, but it's hard to get excited about less power.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
The only transmission option is a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Users can exercise a small degree of control using the sequential shift mode.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
The SR5 is the most basic of the 4Runner trim levels.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
In SR5 trim, the best stereo that you can get is this single-disc MP3 CD player with eight speakers. The system features integrated XM Satellite Radio, a USB port with iPod connectivity, and Bluetooth hands-free calling and music streaming.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
Although there is no in-dash LCD screen, the 4Runner SR5 can still be equipped with a backup camera. A tiny LCD is hidden in the rearview mirror.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
We've already confessed our love for the gimmicky feature known as party mode. This oddly named feature automatically adjusts the balance to the rear and boosts the bass levels for optimal listening with the rear hatch open.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
The SR5 trim level features a simple three-gauge instrument cluster with orange illumination and an odd faux-carbon-fiber texture.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
The 4Runner is once again available with optional third-row seating.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
The optional third-row seats and the permanent second row all fold flat to create a huge rear storage space.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
Here's a closer look at how the second-row seats fold flat.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
The Limited trim level ups the luxury considerably over the SR5.
Caption by / Photo by Antuan Goodwin/CNET
Many of the features that are optional on the SR5 are standard on the Limited model. Other features such as standard 20-inch wheels or optional navigation aren't even available until this trim level.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
Standard and available only on the Limited trim level is the X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension, which acts as a pneumatic sway bar of sorts linking each front wheel with the the rear wheel on the opposite side of the body for a more stable and car-like on-road handling.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
Inside of the Limited model, we find that the cabin tech has been improved dramatically over the SR5 trim.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
Starting with the instrument cluster, the SR5's chintzy gauges have been replaced with these more grown-up electroluminescent models.
Caption by / Photo by Antuan Goodwin/CNET
The 4Runner's navigation system features voice activation, XM Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic, and iPod and Bluetooth connectivity. Unfortunately, the system is still DVD-based. It's 2010, Toyota. Where's the hard drive?
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
The Limited 4WD model is the only 4Runner that features full-time all-wheel drive and a locking center differential. All models feature Active Traction Control. While SR5 model and Trail trims switch modes with a lever, the Limited trim gets this classy mode select dial.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
When equipped with the DVD Navigation system, the rearview camera's video feed is piped through the larger LCD touch screen.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
At the Limited trim level, push-button start is available.
Caption by / Photo by Antuan Goodwin/CNET
Taking the 4Runner in a different direction is the Trail trim level. Rather than add more luxury, the Trail model strips back and adds ruggedness.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
The Trail model features black trim where the SR5 and Limited feature color-matched parts. Toyota has also decided to omit the rocker panels on the Trail model, which should increase ground clearance.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
Optional only on the Trail model is the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which allows the front and rear sway bars to be pneumatically decoupled to allow more wheel articulation for off-roading and rock-crawling.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
This single line monochromatic multi-information display alternates between displaying time, compass, temperature, and terrain data.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
The roof console features dials for the crawl control--which is a low-speed (below 3 mph) off-road cruise control)--and the terrain select dial.
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
Trail and SR5 4WD trim 4Runners feature part-time 4WD systems that change modes with a lever instead of a button or a dial. How beefy is that?
Caption by / Photo by Toyota
1 of 29
|

2010 Toyota 4Runner preview

Updated:
Up Next
Six generations of the Ford Mustang...
20

Latest Stories

Is Ford's new F-150 diesel worth the price of admission?

Is Ford's new F-150 diesel worth the price of admission?

by
From 356s to 911s, Carrera GTs and more: The Porsche Effect at the Petersen Automotive Museum

From 356s to 911s, Carrera GTs and more: The Porsche Effect at the Petersen Automotive Museum

by
BMW teases iX3 EV concept for Auto China in Beijing

BMW teases iX3 EV concept for Auto China in Beijing

by
Porsche powertrain development chief arrested for diesel cheating

Porsche powertrain development chief arrested for diesel cheating

by
Subaru's first PHEV probably packs Prius Prime parts

Subaru's first PHEV probably packs Prius Prime parts

by
Let McLaren's new titanium exhaust sing you the song of its people

Let McLaren's new titanium exhaust sing you the song of its people

by