The vehicle market is moving towards softer crossover models to offer performance, comfort, cargo and driving dynamics all in a single vehicle. Toyota 4 Runner is one of those crossovers that is loved by American families to travel in a comfortable and convenient manner for everyday matters. For the last 28 years, the Toyota 4 Runner is there to meet the needs of the people. The 2013 Toyota 4 Runner is kept similar with very mild changes that makes its way towards success in the segment of midsize SUVs. The 4 Runner drives like a truck instead of a soft crossover or a car that is designed for durability and performance. The car is a perfect match for the adventurous journey because of its capacity of delivering best off-road performance and handling.
Exterior and Interior and Trim levels
The 2013 Toyota 4 Runner comes in three different trim levels, the base SR5, the off-road master Trail and the leader of the line Limited. The SR5 and Limited come either in Two Wheel drive or Four wheel drive whereas the Trail comes only in 4 wheel drive configuration.
The car is constructed on a rugged, higher and refined chassis making it feel like a truck instead of a conventional SUV. Its strong and rugged but composed body allows it to run on those surfaces where most of its rivals feel hesitation moving. The SUV offers two wheel choices, standard 17 inch alloy wheels for the base and Trail level and 20 inch alloy wheels for the Limited trim. Standard exterior features include fog lights, power lowering liftgate window, heated mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer, longer roofline and nice headlamps and taillights. The Trail model gets front and rear bumper guards, hood scoop, smoked headlights and taillights and black side mirrors.
The interior of the car is more appealing and sophisticated than that of its exterior. There you will get two rows or three row configuration for five or seven passengers respectively. The standard interior features of the base model SR5 are keyless entry, cloth upholstery, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, height adjustable driver seat, trip computer, eight speaker sound system with CD player, 40/20/40 split folding/reclining rear seat, air conditioning paired with second row vents, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, satellite radio, iPod/USB and auxiliary audio jack.
The Trail trim level adds sunroof, power front seats, rearview camera, upgraded gauges, water resistant cloth upholstery, two 120 volt household plugs and sliding rear cargo floor.
Additional to the features of the Trail the Limited trim level adds dual zone automatic climate control, leather wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, HD radio, heated front seats, adaptive suspension, Toyota’s Etune Smartphone integration system and a touchscreen audio display.
Lots of features that come standard on the Trail and Limited trims are available as an option for the base SR5.
Under The Hood
All the three trim levels of the 2013 Toyota 4 Runner employs a powerful 4.0 liter V6 engine that generates 270 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 278 lb ft of torque at 4,400 RPM. The engine is mated with five speed automatic transmission with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The EPA estimated fuel economy of the SUV is 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway with 2WD and 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway with 4WD. The base model SR5 accelerates from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds with 2WD and 8.2 seconds with 4WD.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes, front seat side, front knee and full length side curtain airbags, stability control, traction control and active front head restraints are standard safety features of the 2013 Toyota 4 Runner. The Safety Connect Emergency Communication system is standard only on the Limited trim level.
Pricing and Availability
The SR5 priced at $31,490, Trail at $37,155 and the Limited trim at $38,995 and is available for sale.
Competitors
Jeep Wrangler, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota FJ Cruiser and Dodge Durango are the key rivals of the 2013 Toyota 4 Runner.
Pros
- Designed for quality off-road performance
- Etune Smart phone interface
- Impressive cargo room
- Powerful V6
Cons
- Few poor interior materials
- Small third row room
The Verdict
The 2013 Toyota 4 Runner is the only SUV available in the segment that is built on the body-on-frame structure that is designed to deliverimpressive off-road performance. This is a good option to consider if you really want to enjoy ample room, high performance and composed ride.