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2009 Toyota 4Runner Performance Review

July 4, 2009

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

ample, ready power
ConsumerGuide

The 2009 Toyota 4Runner has a supple ride and good handling for such a capable off-roader. 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.

The 4.7-liter i-Force V-8 turns the Toyota 4Runner into 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.” Displacing 4.0 liters and equipped with variable valve timing, the V-6 engine produces 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of readily accessible torque. Automobile Magazine remarks that it gives “an ambitious charge when you leg the throttle,” and ConsumerGuide attests “the V6 is more than adequate for most needs.” The base V-6 feels more enthusiastic than some SUVs' optional V-8 engines.

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

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.” 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.

X-REAS, a system that diagonally ties front and rear shock absorption on opposing sides of the vehicle with a center nitrogen damper, is an option that helps reduce pitch and body roll, and it's a good choice for those who need their 4Runner for both off-roading and highway use. Standard on the mid-level sport trim and optional on the Limited, the X-REAS system improves the road manners of the already responsive platform, impressing most reviewers.

Conclusion

Enthusiastic engines and an extremely versatile suspension make the 2009 Toyota 4Runner an endearing performer both off-road and on.

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 Trendample, ready powerConsumerGuide The 2009 Toyota 4Runner has a supple ride and good handling for such a capable off-roader. 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. The 4.7-liter i-Force V-8 turns the Toyota 4Runner into 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.” Displacing 4.0 liters and equipped with variable valve timing, the V-6 engine produces 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of readily accessible torque. Automobile Magazine remarks that it gives “an ambitious charge when you leg the throttle,” and ConsumerGuide attests “the V6 is more than adequate for most needs.” The base V-6 feels more enthusiastic than some SUVs' optional V-8 engines. ConsumerGuide also considers the five-speed automatic transmission a “smooth, responsive transmission,” and Car and Driver reports that it “shifted smoothly and elegantly in every situation.” Both engines utilize this transmission that provides well-spaced ratios and smooth shifting. 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.” 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. X-REAS, a system that diagonally ties front and rear shock absorption on opposing sides of the vehicle with a center nitrogen damper, is an option that helps reduce pitch and body roll, and it's a good choice for those who need their 4Runner for both off-roading and highway use. Standard on the mid-level sport trim and optional on the Limited, the X-REAS system improves the road manners of the already responsive platform, impressing most reviewers. ConclusionEnthusiastic engines and an extremely versatile suspension make the 2009 Toyota 4Runner an endearing performer both off-road and on. 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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