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2008 Toyota 4Runner Review

October 30, 2008

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

rugged looks
Car and Driver

big and burly
MyRide.com

phony hood scoop…give[s] us pause
Automobile

stylish off-road capability
Kelley Blue Book

The 2008 Toyota 4Runner has masculine styling that most reviewers find purposeful, but a few see as overdone.

Most reviewers like the 4Runner's macho, rugged looks, finding them appropriate to its mission as a capable off-roader. Says Kelley Blue Book, “the 2008 Toyota 4Runner uses a compilation of bulging fender flares, blocky front and rear bumpers and a wide-slat grille to convey its message of stylish off-road capability.” MyRide calls it “big and burly,” and Car and Driver praises its “rugged looks.” Automobile is somewhat critical, labeling some of the 4Runner exterior elements a bit overdone: the “sport model's phony hood scoop and high-contrast cladding, and the Buick Rendezvous-esque roof pillars used on all models, give us pause.”

The interior receives praise for its typical Toyota-like quality and ergonomics, but certain details are troublesome. “Convenient controls work with precision, but their markings may be too small for some eyes,” says ConsumerGuide, which also notes that “interiors are nicely appointed with a good mix of textured plastics and soft-touch surfaces.” “The overall design of the interior,” comments Edmunds, “is aesthetically pleasing and functional, with most controls easy to find and use.” They cite “the climate controls, which look like intuitive dials but work more like joysticks” as their only major ergonomic complaint.

Conclusion

A couple of interior and exterior niggles aside, the rugged styling of the 2008 Toyota 4Runner serves it well in the body-on-frame SUV segment.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:rugged looksCar and Driverbig and burlyMyRide.comphony hood scoop…give[s] us pauseAutomobilestylish off-road capabilityKelley Blue Book The 2008 Toyota 4Runner has masculine styling that most reviewers find purposeful, but a few see as overdone. Most reviewers like the 4Runner's macho, rugged looks, finding them appropriate to its mission as a capable off-roader. Says Kelley Blue Book, “the 2008 Toyota 4Runner uses a compilation of bulging fender flares, blocky front and rear bumpers and a wide-slat grille to convey its message of stylish off-road capability.” MyRide calls it “big and burly,” and Car and Driver praises its “rugged looks.” Automobile is somewhat critical, labeling some of the 4Runner exterior elements a bit overdone: the “sport model's phony hood scoop and high-contrast cladding, and the Buick Rendezvous-esque roof pillars used on all models, give us pause.” The interior receives praise for its typical Toyota-like quality and ergonomics, but certain details are troublesome. “Convenient controls work with precision, but their markings may be too small for some eyes,” says ConsumerGuide, which also notes that “interiors are nicely appointed with a good mix of textured plastics and soft-touch surfaces.” “The overall design of the interior,” comments Edmunds, “is aesthetically pleasing and functional, with most controls easy to find and use.” They cite “the climate controls, which look like intuitive dials but work more like joysticks” as their only major ergonomic complaint. ConclusionA couple of interior and exterior niggles aside, the rugged styling of the 2008 Toyota 4Runner serves it well in the body-on-frame SUV segment. 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER STYLING | [7 out of 10] Car and Driver: “rugged looks” MyRide.com: “big and burly” Automobile: “phony hood scoop…give[s] us pause” Kelley Blue Book: “stylish off-road capability” The 2008 Toyota 4Runner has masculine styling that most reviewers find purposeful, ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Compared to the 4Runner, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer (and the nearly identical GMC Envoy) feel sorely outdated, as those models lack the refinement of the 4Runner; the 4Runner also handles much more confidently than these GM vehicles and is safer. The Durango is another potential alternative; it boasts impressive towing ability, but it’s not as off-road-focused as the 4Runner. The Ford Explorer now includes a full range of safety features, handles well, and is quite comfortable inside, but it doesn’t offer the off-road hardiness possible in the 4Runner. The Nissan Pathfinder is the closest match to the 2008 Toyota 4Runner; it has an interior that trumps the Toyota's in appearance, while coming in at a lower price. The Nissan handles well, like the 4Runner, and its base V-6 engine is especially strong, yet efficient. Against any of these vehicles, though, the 4Runner has the advantage of especially strong resale value and a long-established reputation for reliability and durability.

Next Steps:

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See the Toyota 4Runner in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (2 total)

  1. By tony #1, Posted: 10/7/2008

    Is the 4runner good for off-road?

    I want to use it for the beach in the summer days. should I buy it?

  2. By Joo #2, Posted: 11/18/2008

    good off road toy

    if you want to drive in the dessert and the sand - good car... also to go for a coffee.

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