4Runner
Take the high road, the low road…any road!
The 4Runner delivers reasonably tight and responsive handling. 4Runners can overcome steep obstacles and navigate wilderness trails with relative ease. Whether you choose the V6 or the optional V8, power is plentiful more than enough to satisfy heavy-footed drivers.
If substantial towing capability is required, opting for the V8 is a wise choice; otherwise, the more-fuel-efficient V6 will easily manage any other situation.
The 2009 Toyota 4Runner exhibits a very civilized, smooth and controlled ride.!
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV that is offered in three trim levels: SR5, Sport Edition and Limited. The base model features 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control with rear ventilation, remote keyless entry, cruise control, full power accessories with a power rear window, a tilt steering wheel, a power driver seat (on V8 models) and a CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary audio jack.
The Sport Edition adds 17-inch wheels and Toyota’s X-REAS suspension that dampens body roll and pitch, enhancing on-road handling. Also included are power front seats (V6 models) and a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with cruise and audio controls.
The decidedly upscale Limited trim level goes a step further by adding illuminated running boards, 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a household-style power outlet, a leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats, driver seat memory and a six-CD changer.
Powertrains and Performance
The Toyota 4Runner is offered with a standard 4.0-liter V6 engine or a 4.7-liter V8 engine. Both are available with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The V6 produces 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, while the V8 churns out 260 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque. In any configuration, the power is routed through a five-speed automatic transmission.
Towing capacity for V6 models is 5,000 pounds, while the rear-wheel-drive V8 manages 7,300 pounds when properly equipped (the four-wheel-drive V8 maxes out at 7,000 pounds).EPA fuel economy estimates place the rear-wheel-drive 4Runner V6 at 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. A V8 version has a
15/19/17 mpg rating.
Safety
Fostering occupant safety, all Toyota 4Runners come equipped with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for the front seats and second-row seats.
Interior Design and Special Features
The standard Toyota 4Runner offers spacious seating for five passengers, with the ability to seat two additional passengers in the optional third-row seats.
On the whole, the 4Runner’s interior is handsomely designed with quality materials.