Photos: 2008 Toyota 4Runner Urban Runner Package
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.
The 4Runner shows pronounced fender flares and a hood that dips down towards the grille. It seats five, with plenty of cargo space.
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.
With the Urban Runner package, the interior gets this gray-and-black two-tone interior treatment.
The steering wheel gets audio controls along the left side, which work reasonably well with the integrated TomTom GPS unit.
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 4Runner uses a five-speed automatic transmission with drive mode and three lower ranges, marked 4, 3, and 2.
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.
This drive mode selector lets you choose from 2 High, 4 High, or 4 Low.
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.
We were impressed that the TomTom served as a display for radio stations, and even had preset buttons.
The CD slot is hidden behind the head unit, accessible by pushing the tilt button.
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.
More Galleries
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?