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2008 Toyota 4Runner Features Review

October 30, 2008

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

mirrors mounted on the rearmost roof pillars are handy
Automobile

convert from cargo hauler to people hauler in just seconds
Kelley Blue Book

X-Relative Absorber System…we like this one
Car and Driver

navigation system is among the best
MyRide.com

The 2008 Toyota 4Runner comes with a laudable list of standard features, but uplevel models and optional items add to the bottom line quickly.

In base SR5 trim, the 4Runner comes well equipped. But at nearly $30,000, some would argue that it should. Among standard features of note, Edmunds mentions automatic climate control with rear vents; remote keyless entry; cruise control; and full power accessories, including a power rear window, tilt steering wheel, power front seats (V-8 models), a trip computer, and a CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary audio jack. Automobile also cites the standard “miniature inside mirrors mounted on the rearmost roof pillars” that “are handy for spotting tricycles while backing up.”

Moving up to the Sport, the midlevel trim, adds 17-inch wheels, the X-REAS system, color-keyed exterior mirrors, power front seats (V-6 models), special seat fabric, and a telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. Nearly everyone is wowed by the X-REAS system, which Car and Driver likens to “the diagonal jacking systems found in CART race cars” and says helps the 4Runner steer “into bends with a discernible lack of roll motions.”

The Limited is the third and highest trim level, and to the aforementioned list of equipment, it adds illuminated running boards, 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 115-volt power outlet, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a six-CD changer, and satellite radio. “X-REAS can be coupled with an optional rear air suspension (available only on V-8 Limited 4Runners) that replaces the steel coils with reinforced air bladders,” mentions Car and Driver.

Stand-alone options include a navigation system, which features a touch-screen monitor, voice guidance, and Bluetooth capability, which is named “among the best, intuitive and relatively easy to use” by MyRide.com. A premium 360-watt JBL Synthesis setup with 10 speakers, a third-row seat, four-wheel drive with a limited slip center differential, and a rear backup camera round out the list of notable options available individually.

Conclusion

Thoughtful, well-designed features abound on the 2008 Toyota 4Runner, but selecting too many of them quickly inflates the base price.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:mirrors mounted on the rearmost roof pillars are handyAutomobileconvert from cargo hauler to people hauler in just secondsKelley Blue BookX-Relative Absorber System…we like this oneCar and Drivernavigation system is among the bestMyRide.com The 2008 Toyota 4Runner comes with a laudable list of standard features, but uplevel models and optional items add to the bottom line quickly. In base SR5 trim, the 4Runner comes well equipped. But at nearly $30,000, some would argue that it should. Among standard features of note, Edmunds mentions automatic climate control with rear vents; remote keyless entry; cruise control; and full power accessories, including a power rear window, tilt steering wheel, power front seats (V-8 models), a trip computer, and a CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary audio jack. Automobile also cites the standard “miniature inside mirrors mounted on the rearmost roof pillars” that “are handy for spotting tricycles while backing up.” Moving up to the Sport, the midlevel trim, adds 17-inch wheels, the X-REAS system, color-keyed exterior mirrors, power front seats (V-6 models), special seat fabric, and a telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. Nearly everyone is wowed by the X-REAS system, which Car and Driver likens to “the diagonal jacking systems found in CART race cars” and says helps the 4Runner steer “into bends with a discernible lack of roll motions.” The Limited is the third and highest trim level, and to the aforementioned list of equipment, it adds illuminated running boards, 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 115-volt power outlet, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a six-CD changer, and satellite radio. “X-REAS can be coupled with an optional rear air suspension (available only on V-8 Limited 4Runners) that replaces the steel coils with reinforced air bladders,” mentions Car and Driver. Stand-alone options include a navigation system, which features a touch-screen monitor, voice guidance, and Bluetooth capability, which is named “among the best, intuitive and relatively easy to use” by MyRide.com. A premium 360-watt JBL Synthesis setup with 10 speakers, a third-row seat, four-wheel drive with a limited slip center differential, and a rear backup camera round out the list of notable options available individually. ConclusionThoughtful, well-designed features abound on the 2008 Toyota 4Runner, but selecting too many of them quickly inflates the base price. 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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