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2009 Toyota 4Runner Quality Review

July 4, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

getting into the back seats is a little more challenging than in a sedan.
MyRide.com

budget-conscious buyers will probably suffer sticker shock
Kelley Blue Book

Among the quieter SUVs of this type
ConsumerGuide

quiet, mega-posh interior
Motor Trend

The 2009 Toyota 4Runner doesn’t carry people as well as the best crossovers, but its interior is well trimmed.

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; families should consider this point 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.” MyRide.com remarks that “getting into the back seats is a little more challenging than in a sedan.” “The 2nd-row bench is nicely contoured but low, allowing good headroom but forcing adults to sit knees-up,” comments ConsumerGuide, who also warn that “it's a squeeze for three.”

Some editors “noted that the 4Runner's rather shallow floorpan makes you feel as if you're sitting too close to the floor.” ConsumerGuide considers the front seats “comfortable but fairly low to the floor,” an issue Motor Trend also explores.

Kelley Blue Book deems the 4Runner's interior “handsome, functional and assembled of the finest materials with the tightest tolerances.” Ergonomics and controls, aside from deeply set gauges and non-intuitive, gimmicky HVAC controls, are judged “aesthetically pleasing and functional, with most controls easy to find and use,” says Edmunds.

“Wind rush and tire roar evident at highway speeds, but neither is severe,” asserts ConsumerGuide, adding that the 4Runner is “among the quieter SUVs of this type.”

Conclusion

The 2009 Toyota 4Runner is not as versatile or as roomy as the best car-based crossovers, but it ranks high compared to its full-framed peers.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:getting into the back seats is a little more challenging than in a sedan.MyRide.combudget-conscious buyers will probably suffer sticker shockKelley Blue BookAmong the quieter SUVs of this typeConsumerGuidequiet, mega-posh interiorMotor Trend The 2009 Toyota 4Runner doesn’t carry people as well as the best crossovers, but its interior is well trimmed. 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; families should consider this point 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.” MyRide.com remarks that “getting into the back seats is a little more challenging than in a sedan.” “The 2nd-row bench is nicely contoured but low, allowing good headroom but forcing adults to sit knees-up,” comments ConsumerGuide, who also warn that “it's a squeeze for three.” Some editors “noted that the 4Runner's rather shallow floorpan makes you feel as if you're sitting too close to the floor.” ConsumerGuide considers the front seats “comfortable but fairly low to the floor,” an issue Motor Trend also explores. Kelley Blue Book deems the 4Runner's interior “handsome, functional and assembled of the finest materials with the tightest tolerances.” Ergonomics and controls, aside from deeply set gauges and non-intuitive, gimmicky HVAC controls, are judged “aesthetically pleasing and functional, with most controls easy to find and use,” says Edmunds. “Wind rush and tire roar evident at highway speeds, but neither is severe,” asserts ConsumerGuide, adding that the 4Runner is “among the quieter SUVs of this type.” ConclusionThe 2009 Toyota 4Runner is not as versatile or as roomy as the best car-based crossovers, but it ranks high compared to its full-framed peers. 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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