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2009 Toyota 4Runner Review

July 4, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

aesthetically pleasing and functional
Edmunds

stylish off-road capability
Kelley Blue Book

phony hood scoop…give[s] us pause
Automobile Magazine

big and burly
MyRide.com

A couple of interior and exterior niggles aside, the rugged styling of the 2009 Toyota 4Runner serves it well in the body-on-frame SUV segment.

Automobile Magazine is critical of the 4Runner’s styling, 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.” However, 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 2009 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.”

“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. 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.”

Conclusion

The 2009 Toyota 4Runner has masculine styling that most reviewers find purposeful, but a few see as overdone.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:aesthetically pleasing and functionalEdmundsstylish off-road capabilityKelley Blue Bookphony hood scoop…give[s] us pauseAutomobile Magazinebig and burlyMyRide.com A couple of interior and exterior niggles aside, the rugged styling of the 2009 Toyota 4Runner serves it well in the body-on-frame SUV segment. Automobile Magazine is critical of the 4Runner’s styling, 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.” However, 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 2009 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.” “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. 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.” ConclusionThe 2009 Toyota 4Runner has masculine styling that most reviewers find purposeful, but a few see as overdone. 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: “aesthetically pleasing and functional” Kelley Blue Book: “stylish off-road capability” Automobile Magazine: “phony hood scoop…give[s] us pause” MyRide.com: “big and burly” A couple of interior and exterior niggles aside, the ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The Nissan Pathfinder is the closest match to the 2009 Toyota 4Runner; its interior 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. 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 Durango is another potential alternative; it boasts impressive towing ability, but it’s not as off-road-focused as the 4Runner. 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 4Runner's long-held reputation for reliability is an advantage it holds over these models.

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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 (3 total)

  1. By Kristin #1, Posted: 8/12/2009

    I own a 2008 Toyota 4Runner LTD V8, with XREAS suspension and 18 inch rims. I cannot tow an empty car carrier from U-haul and I cannot put off road tires on my vehicle, in other words, I cant go camping, tow my trailer or use the vehicle for what I intended it for and as it is advertised. I paid $38,000. for this? A glorified soccer mom SUV. The owners manual clearly states it is rated for 7,000 lbs of towing. I am sure the engine would tow this but the vehicle won't the way they have it set up. This is my third new 4Runner in the last seven years. Toyota told me the car is "AS-IS." IM going to call the attorney general and the Inspector or the DMV.

  2. By mike allen #2, Posted: 10/29/2009

    That's funny. I have a 2007 with the V-6 and it tow's a car trailer just fine. You're a drama queen.

  3. By John #3, Posted: 10/29/2009

    Mike, you're right! She must be crazy. The V-6 in my 2008 tows a car and boat no problem. Drama Queen!!!

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