2016 Toyota 4Runner

The 2016 Toyota 4Runner is available in a total of six different trims just like its predecessor; SR5, SR5 Premium, Trail, Trail Premium, TRD Pro, Limited. The standard features include a 6.1-inch touch screen, voice recognition, a GPS Link app, a 120-volt power outlet, Entune Audio Plus infotainment system, a standard rearview camera, and an eight-speaker sound system. Off-road-specific features such as Multi-Terrain Select are also offered as standard. Only the base SR5, SR5 Premium, and Limited trims are offered with a four-wheel-drive system which costs $2500 extra. 

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All trims are tailored keeping the specific needs that a customer requires in mind. Thus, the base SR5 trim certainly offers the best bang for your buck. However, for most buyers, we would recommend upgrading to the SR5 Premium trim which adds a Sunroof/Moonroof, Universal garage door opener, heated front seats, Navigation, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The Toyota 4Runner comes with one powertrain option and two drivetrain options. It is powered by a 4.0 L V-6 engine that generates 270-horsepower and 278 lb. ft of torque. As mentioned before there are two drivetrains on offer, rear-wheel drive, and a four-wheel-drive which depend on the trims you opt for. Being an off-road-centric vehicle, it gets the terrain response modes that can help you get out of tricky situations. 

Within the city, the engine provides enough torque to deal with slow city traffic however once over the highway, it gets pretty loud and feels unrefined. The 5-speed automatic transmission works best only at a slow and steady pace. Overall the powertrain feels a bit lethargic and the slow responding throttle does not help the cause.

In comparison, the 4Runner gets the least powerful engine and the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets the most powerful one. This reflects in the zero to 60 mph timings as well. The Jeep is the quickest while the Dodge is the slowest of the lot. Thus, if performance is what you want, it does not get better than the Grand Cherokee.

This is where the 4Runner disappoints the most. Being a big and bulky SUV, the 4Runner does not focus much on efficiency. It can take you off the beaten path for sure, however, it is not as friendly to your pocket as some of its rivals. It manages to offer 17 mpg in the city, 21 mpg over the highway which combines to give an mpg figure of 18.8. With a fuel tank capacity of 23 gallons, it covers the least distance on a full tank of fuel.

The Jeep deserves all applause here as it offers the best-in-class fuel economy along with best-in-class performance as well. It is followed by the Dodge Durango which offers similar fuel economy numbers. The 4runner on the other hand gets the smallest fuel tank here which translates into the shortest range.

The Toyota 4Runner’s cabin feels outdated as well as old-school by all means. It is focused on providing a rugged appeal and a functional interior. The abundant use of hard plastics makes you feel that the interior is built to a budget. Entering the cabin is easy thanks to the wide-opening doors and high ground clearance. Once inside the cabin, you get a good view of the surroundings, thanks to the high seating position.

The front seats offer excellent support and comfort with adequate bolstering as well as cushioning. Taking long-haul trips is rather an easy affair and the seats hold you well in your place. The second-row seats provide good legroom as well as headroom to stretch out. The third row is optional and we would recommend not to opt for it unless you have a large family. It is meant for small kids rather than adults. Removing or folding down the third row liberates a good amount of space to carry your luggage or even household items. 

The cabin offers ample storage space to store your knick-knacks but the glove box is on the smaller side. In comparison, the Dodge Durango offers a bit more space in the second row as well as the third row. However, the 4Runner provides the best space and support in the front row. Major interior features include-

• Steering wheel controls
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Cruise control
• Heated/Ventilated Front Bucket Seats
• Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
• Entune Selective Service Internet Access
• 5 12V DC Power Outlets
• Proximity Key For Doors And Push Button Start
• Valet Function
• Cruise Control w/Steering Wheel Controls
• Locking Glove Box
• Driver Foot Rest
• Day-Night Rearview Mirror
• Cargo Net
• Cargo Space Lights

How intuitive is the 2016 Toyota 4Runner’s infotainment unit?

The 2016 Toyota 4Runner gets a 6.1-inch infotainment system which feels a bit small for its size. It features voice recognition as well as navigation through the GPS link app. The interface feels outdated and is slow to respond to the physical touch. It remains bright under direct sunlight but does not get Android Auto or Apple CarPlay compatibility. A six-speaker audio system is standard and sounds good at medium to low volumes. Some other salient infotainment features include:

• USB connection
• Speed sensitive volume control
• CD Player
• Bluetooth
• Auxiliary audio jack
• Satellite radio
• HD Radio
• Available eight-speaker audio system

With the 2016 model year of the 4Runner, Toyota has done no changes or updates to the design. The SUV looks rugged and it is easy to judge that it is a ladder-on frame SUV rather than a monocoque. The front and the rear both get a functional skid plate to tackle the off-road conditions. Its boxy design looks a bit outdated but bold at the same time. At the front, the chunky headlight and a high bonnet line enhance the rugged look while the looks a bit plain and are clearly inspired by the Prado SUV.

In comparison, the Dodge Durango is the longest SUV in the segment at 192.5 inches and has a total wheelbase that stands at 109.8 inches. The Toyota 4Runner, though shorter in width than the Jeep, has better ground clearance at 9 inches as compared to the Grand Cherokee’s 8.6 inches. The curb weight in ascending order starts with the Dodge Durango, followed by the Toyota 4Runner, and ends with the heaviest car, the Jeep Grand Cherokee that has a curb weight of 4,677 lbs. Few major exterior features include-

• Rear-view backup camera
• Wheels: 20" x 7.5" Unique Dual 6-Spoke Alloy
• Clearcoat Paint
• Power Tilt & Slide Moonroof w/Sunshade
• Power Side Mirrors w/Manual Folding and Turn Signal Indicator
• Deep Tinted Glass
• Variable Intermittent Wipers w/Heated Wiper Park
• Fully Galvanized Steel Panels
• Tailgate/Rear Door Lock Included w/Power Door Locks
• Roof Rack Rails 
• Front Fog Lamps
• Perimeter/Approach Lights
• LED Brakelights

The Toyota 4Runner lacks even basic driver aid features especially if you opt for the base trim. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given the SUV an overall safety rating of four out of five stars. On the other hand, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 4Runner the highest rating of Good in multiple crash tests. Thus, while it is not the best in terms of safety, it comes standard with a rearview camera while front and rear parking sensors are optional. Other salient safety features include:

• Driver and passenger airbags
• Electronic stability control
• Child safety locks
• Traction control
• Emergency trunk release
• LATCH child-seat connectors

The Toyota 4Runner is an old player in the game. While it offers a fuss-free and reliable ownership experience, it lacks behind its rivals in terms of refinement. It might look like a very practical SUV, but due to its low fuel economy, harsh ride, and low-rent cabin, it is not the best to be used as a daily driver. However, if you want a rugged SUV that can handle the off-road stuff, the 4Runner can take a lot of beating. Thus, its truck-based attributes are best suited for people who live in tricky terrains.