2010 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition: Review and Pics (TruckTrend)

[Uneek]

Autoblog makes a good point:

Buyers can choose between rear-wheel-drive 4x2, part-time 4x4 and a full-time 4x4 system with a locking center differential. All 4x4 models get a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque and achieving 17 city/22 highway mpg. V6-powered models with 4x2 do slightly better with 17 city/23 highway. The new 2.7-liter four-cylinder is only available on the 4x2 SR5 model and produces 157 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque while returning 18 city/23 highway mpg. Considering the marginal difference in fuel economy, we recommend the V6 and question why Toyota is even offering a four-cylinder option besides a lower starting price.

v6 it is for me.

For more info an photos: http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/2010-toyota-4runner-debuts-with-four-cylinder-trail-grade-model

That's exactly what reviews said about the RAV4, why bother with the 4-banger. It's also one the reasons why the RAV4 gotten high praises in reviews in the cute-ute segment, because Toyota offers a V6 when others are just 4-cyl.

I guess Toyota's thinking is backwards in this case by being the only one to offer a 4-banger in a mid-size SUV. The 2.7 in the Tacoma is weak and the Taco is lighter than a 4R, though that 2.7 makes less power. I see NO reason to buy a 4-cyl 4Runner. A more powerful V6 can be had with the same mileage and efficiency. I'll always get the more powerful engine if it gets the same or better mileage as well, like my Camry's 3.3 V6 over the 3.0 V6.

 

[M1911]

I guess Toyota's thinking is backwards in this case by being the only one to offer a 4-banger in a mid-size SUV. The 2.7 in the Tacoma is weak and the Taco is lighter than a 4R, though that 2.7 makes less power. I see NO reason to buy a 4-cyl 4Runner. A more powerful V6 can be had with the same mileage and efficiency. I'll always get the more powerful engine if it gets the same or better mileage as well, like my Camry's 3.3 V6 over the 3.0 V6.

My guess is that Toyota doesn't expect many people, if any, to buy the 4-cylinder. Instead, it just allows Toyota and its dealers to advertise a low starting MSRP to get people onto the lot. Then they will upsell them into a V6.

 

[Uneek]

My guess is that Toyota doesn't expect many people, if any, to buy the 4-cylinder. Instead, it just allows Toyota and its dealers to advertise a low starting MSRP to get people onto the lot. Then they will upsell them into a V6.

Yeah, there'll probably be one on the lot that's a 4-cyl for people to test drive. They'll realize how weak and pathetic it is. They'll then leave with a V6.

If people are saying the 3.4 V6 in the 3rd gen making 183hp/217ft-lb. being underpowered, it is almost certain no one is going willing to bite for a 4-cyl in much heavier 5th. Given the 3.4 V6 ratings were done under the old SAE testing and the new 2.7 4-cyl is with new SAE procedures, I don't imagine the 3.4 V6 to making any less power than the new 4-cyl. My guess is the 4-cyl will probably be a special order.

 

[dcon]

I'm not sure if I missed it in any of the threads or online reviews, is the trim on the door panel made of soft touch material? What about the dash? Also, I noticed in one of the pictures that the hood is no longer insulated for noise suppression.

 

[sven]

Also, I noticed in one of the pictures that the hood is no longer insulated for noise suppression.

I read in one of the reviews that Toyota put high-tech sound insulation in the plastic engine cover that greatly suppressed engine noise.

 

[4-Legged-Runner]

lol man there's no way I'd be seen in the soccer mom looking thing...

Yeah, that thing is WAY too blingy and soccer mom-ish with those big-ass 20's on them, right Fo???

eace:

 

[JB.]

That's exactly what makes it all that more impressive. They updated the 4.0L V6 to produce more HP and torque, then put that updated engine is a more boxy and heavier vehicle, yet it still gets significantly better fuel economy than the current 4.0L V6 and much better fuel economy than the outgoing V8. Gotta give them props for pulling that off, even if you're a 5th gen hater. I would have never expected more power in a heavier and less aerodynamic vehicle to net better fuel economy.

Apparently is wasn't just about the engine.

"Additional mileage improvements have come from careful attention to wind flow, reducing aerodynamic drag to a Cd of 0.365."

 

[Carbon Blue]

lol man there's no way I'd be seen in the soccer mom looking thing...

says the guy with 22's:keyboard:

Im lovin the 5th gen so far, does anyone know if the sr5 or trail edition will have the same multi mode/center locking diff 4wd the 4th gens had?

 

[M1911]

If people are saying the 3.4 V6 in the 3rd gen making 183hp/217ft-lb. being underpowered, it is almost certain no one is going willing to bite for a 4-cyl in much heavier 5th.

Yup. The 3.4 in a 1000 lb lighter truck was underpowered. The 2.7 in the 2010 will be a slug.

 

[Krazynative]

I think this 5th gen marks the end of the FJ Cruiser for sure. Seriously, this thing looks exactly what I would expect if you crossed a 4Runner with an FJ.

Or with a Sequoia and a Boxer! Not feeling it either. At first look I thought it was a doctored image from someone with a sense of humor.

 

[4RTonka]

Almost there

Looks good, but has no V8 option - A simple volume vs. cost decision on Toyota's part.

I just purchased an 08 Black V8 Limited on 9/22 and now feel even better about my decision.

 

[M1911]

says the guy with 22's:keyboard:

Im lovin the 5th gen so far, does anyone know if the sr5 or trail edition will have the same multi mode/center locking diff 4wd the 4th gens had?

From the best I can determine, in the USA no, in Canada yes.

 

[94Beast4Runner]

its a lifted subaru forrester! :repuke:

thats the first thing i thought too. need pics in different coulors. the silver i think makes it look like a forrester.

 

[Scoobs]

That's exactly what reviews said about the RAV4, why bother with the 4-banger. It's also one the reasons why the RAV4 gotten high praises in reviews in the cute-ute segment, because Toyota offers a V6 when others are just 4-cyl.

I guess Toyota's thinking is backwards in this case by being the only one to offer a 4-banger in a mid-size SUV. The 2.7 in the Tacoma is weak and the Taco is lighter than a 4R, though that 2.7 makes less power. I see NO reason to buy a 4-cyl 4Runner. A more powerful V6 can be had with the same mileage and efficiency. I'll always get the more powerful engine if it gets the same or better mileage as well, like my Camry's 3.3 V6 over the 3.0 V6.

Except in the case of the 4Runner the 4 cylinder will be underpowered and the V6 just right. In the case of the RAV4 the 4 cylinder is probably just right whereas the V6 is probably too much.

 

[neliconcept]

33s and a mild lift and im set with this thing. needs a roof rack, approach angle looks good though

 

[BenSD]

I'm liking the look of the Trail version. I think it would look much better in white though. I have no need for a new 4Runner, but if something ever happens to mine, it would be a tough decision between FJ, 4Runner and Tacoma. All are great.

 

[SHOFUR]

Looks like www.toyota.com finally has all the 2010 4Runner info/pricing available.

Time to build my own...

:tongue:

 

[Fo_SheeZy]

says the guy with 22's:keyboard:

Damn right.

 

[JAC]

I'm liking the look of the Trail version. I think it would look much better in white though.

Agree....

2 bad they dont offer the TE in white...gonna have to stick with the opposite "Black"...that thing look badass!....but like I am not buying one until 2011 I hope by then they come up with the trail edition in white....

 

[4runner06]

Wow....