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2009 Toyota 4Runner Features Review

July 4, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

navigation system is among the best
MyRide.com

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

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

mirrors mounted on the rearmost roof pillars are handy
Automobile Magazine

Thoughtful, well-designed features abound on the 2009 Toyota 4Runner, but selecting too many of them quickly inflates the base price.

Kelley Blue Book warns that “budget-conscious buyers will probably suffer sticker shock, as even the most basic 4Runner model starts around $29,000.”

With a retail price of $30,000 for the base SR5 model, the 4Runner should come well equipped, and it does. Edmunds mentions a variety of standard features, including automatic climate control with rear vents; remote keyless entry; cruise control; and full power accessories, such as 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 Magazine also cites the standard “miniature inside mirrors mounted on the rearmost roof pillars” that “are handy for spotting tricycles while backing up.”

The midlevel Sport trim adds a telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, special seat fabric, power front seats (V-6 models), color-keyed exterior mirrors, 17-inch wheels, and the X-REAS system. 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.”

Moving up to the highest trim level, the Limited, the list of standard features grows to include satellite radio, a six-CD changer, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a 115-volt power outlet, dual-zone automatic climate control, illuminated running boards, and 18-inch wheels. “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.

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 are on the list of notable options available individually. Further stand-alone options include a navigation system, which features a touch-screen monitor, voice guidance, and Bluetooth capability, named “among the best, intuitive and relatively easy to use” by MyRide.com.

Conclusion

The 2009 Toyota 4Runner comes with a laudable list of standard features, but uplevel models and optional items add to the bottom line quickly.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:navigation system is among the bestMyRide.comX-Relative Absorber System…we like this oneCar and Driverconvert from cargo hauler to people hauler in just secondsKelley Blue Bookmirrors mounted on the rearmost roof pillars are handyAutomobile Magazine Thoughtful, well-designed features abound on the 2009 Toyota 4Runner, but selecting too many of them quickly inflates the base price. Kelley Blue Book warns that “budget-conscious buyers will probably suffer sticker shock, as even the most basic 4Runner model starts around $29,000.” With a retail price of $30,000 for the base SR5 model, the 4Runner should come well equipped, and it does. Edmunds mentions a variety of standard features, including automatic climate control with rear vents; remote keyless entry; cruise control; and full power accessories, such as 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 Magazine also cites the standard “miniature inside mirrors mounted on the rearmost roof pillars” that “are handy for spotting tricycles while backing up.” The midlevel Sport trim adds a telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, special seat fabric, power front seats (V-6 models), color-keyed exterior mirrors, 17-inch wheels, and the X-REAS system. 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.” Moving up to the highest trim level, the Limited, the list of standard features grows to include satellite radio, a six-CD changer, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a 115-volt power outlet, dual-zone automatic climate control, illuminated running boards, and 18-inch wheels. “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. 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 are on the list of notable options available individually. Further stand-alone options include a navigation system, which features a touch-screen monitor, voice guidance, and Bluetooth capability, named “among the best, intuitive and relatively easy to use” by MyRide.com. ConclusionThe 2009 Toyota 4Runner comes with a laudable list of standard features, but uplevel models and optional items add to the bottom line quickly. 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:

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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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