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2008 Toyota 4Runner Quality Review

October 30, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

below-average cargo capacity
Edmunds

quiet, mega-posh interior
Motor Trend

Among the quieter SUVs of this type
ConsumerGuide

Handsome, functional and assembled of the finest materials
Kelley Blue Book

rear doors provide a relatively narrow opening
MyRide.com

While not as versatile or as roomy as the best car-based crossovers, the 2008 Toyota 4Runner is high on comfort and capability among its full-framed peers.

ConsumerGuide considers the front seats “comfortable but fairly low to the floor,” an issue Motor Trend also explores. Some of those editors also “noted that the 4Runner's rather shallow floorpan makes you feel as if you're sitting too close to the floor.” Ergonomics and controls, aside from deeply set gauges and nonintuitive, gimmicky HVAC controls, are judged “aesthetically pleasing and functional, with most controls easy to find and use,” says Edmunds.

“The 2nd-row bench is nicely contoured but low, allowing good headroom but forcing adults to sit knees-up,” comments ConsumerGuide, who also note that “it's a squeeze for three.” MyRide.com remarks that “getting into the back seats is a little more challenging than in a sedan.” This brings up the issue of ride height; being a full-frame off-road-capable vehicle means the 4Runner is a bit tougher to climb into than a car-based SUV or a crossover, which families should consider before buying. Regarding the third row, optional on SR5 and Limited models, Edmunds calls it an “afterthought,” claiming “it provides minimal legroom even for kids and it doesn't fold flat into the floor.”

The 4Runner is “among the quieter SUVs of this type,” reports ConsumerGuide: “wind rush and tire roar evident at highway speeds, but neither is severe.” Kelley Blue Book deems the 4Runner's interior “handsome, functional and assembled of the finest materials with the tightest tolerances.”

The 4Runner doesn’t come cheap, and Kelley Blue Book warns that “budget-conscious buyers will probably suffer sticker shock, as even the most basic 4Runner model starts around $29,000.” However, the 4Runner doesn’t perform or ride cheap either, and that’s why many pay handsomely for Toyota quality.

Conclusion

The 2008 Toyota 4Runner doesn’t carry people as well as the best crossovers, but its interior is well trimmed.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:below-average cargo capacityEdmundsquiet, mega-posh interiorMotor TrendAmong the quieter SUVs of this typeConsumerGuideHandsome, functional and assembled of the finest materialsKelley Blue Bookrear doors provide a relatively narrow openingMyRide.com While not as versatile or as roomy as the best car-based crossovers, the 2008 Toyota 4Runner is high on comfort and capability among its full-framed peers. ConsumerGuide considers the front seats “comfortable but fairly low to the floor,” an issue Motor Trend also explores. Some of those editors also “noted that the 4Runner's rather shallow floorpan makes you feel as if you're sitting too close to the floor.” Ergonomics and controls, aside from deeply set gauges and nonintuitive, gimmicky HVAC controls, are judged “aesthetically pleasing and functional, with most controls easy to find and use,” says Edmunds. “The 2nd-row bench is nicely contoured but low, allowing good headroom but forcing adults to sit knees-up,” comments ConsumerGuide, who also note that “it's a squeeze for three.” MyRide.com remarks that “getting into the back seats is a little more challenging than in a sedan.” This brings up the issue of ride height; being a full-frame off-road-capable vehicle means the 4Runner is a bit tougher to climb into than a car-based SUV or a crossover, which families should consider before buying. Regarding the third row, optional on SR5 and Limited models, Edmunds calls it an “afterthought,” claiming “it provides minimal legroom even for kids and it doesn't fold flat into the floor.” The 4Runner is “among the quieter SUVs of this type,” reports ConsumerGuide: “wind rush and tire roar evident at highway speeds, but neither is severe.” Kelley Blue Book deems the 4Runner's interior “handsome, functional and assembled of the finest materials with the tightest tolerances.” The 4Runner doesn’t come cheap, and Kelley Blue Book warns that “budget-conscious buyers will probably suffer sticker shock, as even the most basic 4Runner model starts around $29,000.” However, the 4Runner doesn’t perform or ride cheap either, and that’s why many pay handsomely for Toyota quality. ConclusionThe 2008 Toyota 4Runner doesn’t carry people as well as the best crossovers, but its interior is well trimmed. 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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