Toyota 4Runner

On the inside too, the Toyota 4Runner definitely looks a generation old, with overall dashboard design and panels reminding you of an SUV from the past. While it is not a bare-bones cabin, it lacks the modernity one expects from an SUV of this price.

Having an almost vertical design for the dashboard and centre console, the four-spoke steering wheel with dated looking audio and Bluetooth buttons look plain and old. However, the instrument console has an appealing design. The heavy contrasting silver finish for the centre console and surrounds for the touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control levers, and floor console adds a premium touch to the cabin, and so does the tan-colored seats and faux wood finish on the dashboard.

However, with features like heated, ventilated and powered front seats, leather upholstery, push-button start with keyless entry, powered tailgate, touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, reverse camera and a 15-speaker JBL audio system, the Toyota 4Runner doesn’t feel as dated and old as it looks.

Maintaining the big and old school appeal of the SUVs from the previous generation, the Toyota 4Runner still continues to have that old world charm. However, in profile and for current generation buyers, the Toyota 4Runner lacks the charm and visual appeal making it look dated.

The front fascia of the Toyota 4Runner somehow tries to look individualistic, with a very wide and inverted hollow themed grille, angular headlamps and vertical recesses for fog lamps. The high raised bonnet and ground clearance do give it an intimidating stance and an appeal of a large car.

The side profile of the Toyota 4Runner tries to catch your attention with squared wheel arches, however, the large and almost squared windows and bland looking doors make it look a bit old. Even the designs for alloy wheel and roof rails look bland and unappealing.

The windshield at the rear is almost rectangular, while the license plate housing mimics the design of the front grille. The clear lens tail lamps, somehow, look nice on the otherwise very simple looking rear profile.

While the Toyota 4Runner might not appeal to you visually, but where it really shines and sweeps you off your feet is with its sturdy suspension and other mechanicals. Built on a ladder on frame chassis, the Toyota 4Runner comes with an independent double-wishbone with a stabilizer bar at the front and coil spring 4-link with a stabilizer bar at the rear. While it is not a dynamic SUV to drive on flats and corners, it surely surprises with its abilities off the road, with an impeccable four-wheel-drive system on board.

The sole engine and gearbox combination which works under the hood of the Toyota 4Runner is a 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine coupled to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. The engine is capable of producing a maximum power output of 273 PS and a peak torque output of 377 Nm. While the engine feels decent enough for the propelling of this large SUV, the gearbox is not impressive to use with lethargic gear shifts.

The Toyota 4Runner might not have a very rich list of comfort and convenience features, but it surely has went the Toyota way of making it one of the safest vehicles on this planet. The SUV is equipped with features like front, side, curtain and knee airbags, ABS with EBD, Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with sway warning system, automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control and tire pressure monitoring system.

The buyers of the new generation will not find the Toyota 4Runner, for its dated visual appeal in and out as well as limited creature comforts on board. However, for the traditional SUV aficionados and purists, the Toyota 4Runner simply manages to blow one away with its amazing off-road abilities and strong mechanicals