The 2008 Toyota 4Runner works as a solid and rugged SUV, but the attempt to tech it up with an integrated portable navigation device is a kludge. The idea isn't bad, though, and we would like to see the next version of this system.
Toyota's 4Runner, the younger brother to the Land Cruiser, is a rugged off-roader, available with two different engines, four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive, and three different trim levels. This one is the Sport trim level.
The 4Runner has an aggressive-looking hood scoop, similar to the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, not a surprise as these vehicles share the same platform. The 4Runner has skid plates to protect its underside in off-road conditions.
Our test vehicle came with the 4-liter V-6, which provided plenty of power to move the 4Runner around. Those looking to use the towing capabilities might want to consider the 4.7-liter V-8 option.
To smooth out the ride, Toyota offers suspension technology called X-REAS, which links the shocks diagonally, adjusting pressure on the right front when the left rear is compressed, for example. This reduces body roll and leads to a fairly comfortable ride for normal road driving.
The low redline, at 5,500 rpm, shows that this engine is tuned for torque. The trip display on the speedometer is minimal, but there is a larger display on the instrument panel.
The key element of the Urban Runner Package is this head unit, which provides a dock for a TomTom GPS device. The head unit feels cheap, with flimsy plastic and its own virtually unreadable display.
The 4Runner uses a limited slip center differential that can be locked at the push of a button. When locked, it puts 40 percent of torque to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear.
The TomTom unit works reasonably well for navigation, but it suffers from a small screen. It is also an older TomTom that doesn't have niceties like text-to-speech.
The current track from an MP3 CD shows on the TomTom, but you can control the CD with the touchscreen. Instead, you can only move through one track at a time with the head unit controls.
With a USB drive plugged into the head unit, you get very good control over your music. The TomTom lets you select music by artist, album, playlist, and genre with its touchscreen.
