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2008 Toyota 4Runner Performance Review

October 30, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

impressive 7300-pound towing capacity
Car and Driver

none of us hesitates to tackle serious off-road trails with the 4Runner
Motor Trend

Highly capable suspension
MyRide.com

stout, no-nonsense sport-utility vehicle
Edmunds

Enthusiastic engines and an extremely versatile suspension make the 2008 Toyota 4Runner an endearing performer both off-road and on.

The base V-6 feels more enthusiastic than some SUVs' optional V-8 engines. Displacing 4.0 liters and equipped with variable valve timing, it produces 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of readily accessible torque. Automobile remarks that it gives “an ambitious charge when you leg the throttle,” and ConsumerGuide attests “the V6 is more than adequate for most needs.” Moving up to the 4.7-liter i-Force V-8 brings you to a powerful vehicle that won’t break a sweat while towing. This engine, recently enhanced by Toyota’s variable valve timing, nets 260 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque. ConsumerGuide praises the V8’s “ample, ready power.”

Both engines are backed by a five-speed automatic transmission that provides well-spaced ratios and smooth shifting. ConsumerGuide considers it a “smooth, responsive transmission,” and Car and Driver reports that it “shifted smoothly and elegantly in every situation.”

Beware that fuel economy is significantly lower with the V-8; it’s rated at 14 mpg city, 17 mpg highway with 4WD; the V-6 with 2WD rates 16/21 mpg for thriftier off-road fans.

Brake feel is criticized by a few, and some find that simply replacing the factory pads on mechanically similar Tacoma pickups dramatically increases pedal feel. But the handling and agility of this SUV are universally praised, as it delivers a nimbleness and responsiveness very unusual for a truck-based body-on-frame SUV. “This largish SUV steers precisely,” says Car and Driver. “Handling around turns is surprisingly tight and responsive,” reports Edmunds, and Motor Trend is “impressed with the vehicle's overall athletic nimbleness that makes it easier to hustle down the road.”

Of note is the X-REAS system, which diagonally ties front and rear shock absorption on opposing sides of the vehicle with a center nitrogen damper, helping to reduce pitch and body roll. Standard on the mid-level sport trim and optional on the Limited, this feature improves the road manners of the already responsive platform, impressing most reviewers.

Hill Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Assist Control (DAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and even a limited slip center differential on 4WD models help give the 4Runner “true off-road capability of a stout, no-nonsense sport-utility vehicle,” according to Edmunds. However, the inability to completely defeat some systems such as VSC seriously limits the fun that can be had with the extremely capable chassis.

Conclusion

The 2008 Toyota 4Runner has a supple ride and a good handling for such a capable off-roader—if that’s what you really need.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:impressive 7300-pound towing capacityCar and Drivernone of us hesitates to tackle serious off-road trails with the 4RunnerMotor TrendHighly capable suspensionMyRide.comstout, no-nonsense sport-utility vehicleEdmunds Enthusiastic engines and an extremely versatile suspension make the 2008 Toyota 4Runner an endearing performer both off-road and on. The base V-6 feels more enthusiastic than some SUVs' optional V-8 engines. Displacing 4.0 liters and equipped with variable valve timing, it produces 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of readily accessible torque. Automobile remarks that it gives “an ambitious charge when you leg the throttle,” and ConsumerGuide attests “the V6 is more than adequate for most needs.” Moving up to the 4.7-liter i-Force V-8 brings you to a powerful vehicle that won’t break a sweat while towing. This engine, recently enhanced by Toyota’s variable valve timing, nets 260 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque. ConsumerGuide praises the V8’s “ample, ready power.” Both engines are backed by a five-speed automatic transmission that provides well-spaced ratios and smooth shifting. ConsumerGuide considers it a “smooth, responsive transmission,” and Car and Driver reports that it “shifted smoothly and elegantly in every situation.” Beware that fuel economy is significantly lower with the V-8; it’s rated at 14 mpg city, 17 mpg highway with 4WD; the V-6 with 2WD rates 16/21 mpg for thriftier off-road fans. Brake feel is criticized by a few, and some find that simply replacing the factory pads on mechanically similar Tacoma pickups dramatically increases pedal feel. But the handling and agility of this SUV are universally praised, as it delivers a nimbleness and responsiveness very unusual for a truck-based body-on-frame SUV. “This largish SUV steers precisely,” says Car and Driver. “Handling around turns is surprisingly tight and responsive,” reports Edmunds, and Motor Trend is “impressed with the vehicle's overall athletic nimbleness that makes it easier to hustle down the road.” Of note is the X-REAS system, which diagonally ties front and rear shock absorption on opposing sides of the vehicle with a center nitrogen damper, helping to reduce pitch and body roll. Standard on the mid-level sport trim and optional on the Limited, this feature improves the road manners of the already responsive platform, impressing most reviewers. Hill Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Assist Control (DAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and even a limited slip center differential on 4WD models help give the 4Runner “true off-road capability of a stout, no-nonsense sport-utility vehicle,” according to Edmunds. However, the inability to completely defeat some systems such as VSC seriously limits the fun that can be had with the extremely capable chassis. ConclusionThe 2008 Toyota 4Runner has a supple ride and a good handling for such a capable off-roader—if that’s what you really need. 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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