2011 Toyota 4Runner

Review

The Toyota 4Runner has long been a favorite for people who want a truck but also want an SUV. Still rugged and sporty, the 4Runner offers people the opposite of a crossover: This is a truck, drives like a truck and is for people who like trucks.

Specifications

For a starting MSRP that's right around $30K, the 2011 Toyota 4Runner boasts a whole lot of features. While only one engine is available - a 4.0-liter V6 - the 4Runner does offer rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Furthermore, a 5-speed automatic transmission manages to make gear shifts relatively smooth and seamless. The real excitement, though, lies in the 4Runner's off-road capabilities. For drivers who want to hit the real dirt, the 2011 4Runner is an affordable and comfortable option.

On the Road

In terms of getting around town, the 2011 Toyota 4Runner isn't going to impress too many people. Despite its relatively powerful V6 engine, the SUV still manages to produce a rather sluggish and unresponsive driving experience. Unlike today's crossovers, the 4Runner has a decidedly truck-like feel. That said, it's also surprisingly smooth and handles with decent precision. If you aren't taking it off-road, though, you will probably be a bit disappointed. If you're into off-roading, you're sure to be tickled pink.

Improvements from the 2010 Toyota 4Runner

Toyota changed plenty in the 2010 4Runner, so there’s little that’s going to change for the 2011 model year.

Performance

There is only one engine to choose from: the base V6 engine. The previous base was a four-cylinder, 2.7-liter that got 157 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque but was discontinued for the 2011 model.

• Car pricing: Rumors indicate that the base model is priced from $28,700.
• Engine: Six-cylinder, 4.0-liter engine that gets 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque.
• Transmission: Four-speed automatic.

Exterior Features

While the 4Runner used to be full of rounded corners and other soft features, it got significantly more angular and boxy in 2010. The same will be true for 2011. It features a boxy-looking, truck-like SUV construction, which is very old school. This isn’t a crossover. It’s an SUV, which means it’s more truck than car. Choose from three trims: the base SR5, the Trail and the Limited.

Interior Features

As with previous models, the 2011 Toyota 4Runner boasts seating for five or seven people. The available third row, however, can be quite cramped - even for kids. The inside of the 4Runner is brawny; you won't find delicate switches and knobs here. Materials quality is so-so, but it kind of goes along with the tough theme of the SUV. Still, its big, bold knobs are well placed, making for an intuitive driving experience. As long as you're not expecting luxury, you should be happy with the 2011 4Runner.

Among the standard features that come with the 4Runner are remote keyless entry, power doors and locks, air conditioning, power tailgate window, tilt steering and, wait for it...10 cup holders. Satellite radio is a surprising standard feature. If you upgrade to the Trail or Limited trims, you’ll get steering wheel controls, Bluetooth connectivity and other convenience features.

Under the Hood

The 2011 Toyota 4Runner has only one engine available, a 4.0-liter V6 that gets 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This is a good thing, though, since the option 4-cylinder engine simply couldn't handle the SUV's bulk. A new brake override system helps ward off unintentional braking, making for a less jerking ride. Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available, providing a little bit of something for everyone, and the 5-speed automatic is adequate.

Upgrade Options

Among some upgrades you can choose are leather seating, power seats, rear obstacle detection, navigation and sunroof.

Pros

The biggest plus-sides of the 2011 Toyota 4Runner only apply if you're actually planning on taking it off-roads. This SUV really doesn't shine in the city; off the beaten path is where it will truly excite you. Despite its heft, the 4Runner manages to chug along at a decent pace. Fuel economy is fairly decent, too, allowing you to save a little money in the long run. There are no complaints to be had about the V6, either, and the interior is spacious enough for most people.

Cons

If you're looking for an SUV or crossover to use mostly in the city, the 2011 Toyota 4Runner just isn't right for you. This vehicle only truly excels in an off-roads environment; on city streets, it is sluggish and unimpressive. The interior, while competently designed, isn't going to wow you with its style or flair. Indeed, the 2011 4Runner is truck-like and tough. If that's what you're after, you should be happy; if you're looking for a more refined driving experience, look elsewhere.

How the Toyota 4Runner Compares to Other SUVs

If you’re looking for a car or a crossover, you might want to look at the Honda CR-V or other crossover-like SUVs. But if you want a serious SUV, you could look at the 4Runner’s big sister, the Toyota Highlander. The 4Runner is a SUV for people who like trucks, and thus is a pretty limited member of its segment.

Conclusion: Is the 2011 Toyota 4Runner a Smart Buy?

For the nearly $30,000 price tag for its base model, the Toyota 4Runner offers plenty of features and performance. But that doesn’t mean its perfect. If you want a smaller profile SUV, you might want to look at Honda or Ford. If you want more space, you could look at the Highlander or another larger-scale SUV. But if you want a truck (but want to seat more than a couple people), the 4Runner could be the car for you.