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

[Thai]

But, from an off-roader's perspective, a part-time system may be preferrable...it is simpler and stronger inherently. The part-time system is a physical coupling of the front and rear driveshaft in as few parts as possible.

And on the highway, the stability control is really the most important aspect in controlling a vehicle at high speed, rather than the fulltime 4wd system. Sure, having fulltime 4wd is an additional bonus, but having 2wd + VSC is not all too bad either (kinda like the V8 vs. V6 debate!). And in winter times, the most important issue is TIRES. So, if you get proper tires, then i am sure a part-time 5th gen 4runner isn't all that bad. Plenty of people to date have survived many winters with just 2wd. 5th gen is not the 1st SUV with 2wd and ain't the last.

Now, off-road, i would and do lock my center diff 99% of the time. Why? A center differential (esp. one like the Torsen unit) is prone to being ineffective if one AXLE loses traction. So, if your rear (or front) axle is in mud (ice, etc.), you're stuck. And how long does it take to lock the center diff once you're stuck?? Ain't a good thing! In addition, why would you want to let a computer vary torque for off-road? You want to lock in the torque split while off-roading. And unlike the center differential-equipped 4runners, with the 5th gen part-time system, you can unlock your 4wd INSTANTLY to make a turn off-road and then relock it INSTANTLY. With the Torsen unit, unlocking it off-road to make a turn can take a few (if not more) tire rotations, and then relocking it again may take yet more time (and more wiggling of the steering wheel!).

So, yeah, i love the multi-mode 4wd system, but i would not care too much if the 5th gen has the part-time system. Hey, at least, i have a rear locker along with CRAWL and KDSS...what more do i want??!!

 

[GatorGreg]

JB, good chart. Thank you.:thumb3:

I agree, great job on the chart JB. But did you notice M1911 that even in JB's "center drive options" chart he uses the "L" word ("Locked") in reference to ALL the 4Runners on the chart (except the 2WD of course) including the 5th gen SR5/TE? That's precisely the simple point that I've been trying to make all along here which is that the torque split can in fact be "locked" 50/50 front/rear even on the 5th gen SR5/TE. Since you said yourself that you thought it was a "good chart" I'm glad to see that you're finally in agreement with me on this

 

[GatorGreg]

Excellent points Thai. For me if I had to choose one I would choose the factory rear locker on the new TE over the lockable torsen center diff on the Ltd. Most of us would love to be able to go back in time and buy a brand new '99 Sport Edition with optional rear locker right? Well the new '10 Trail Edition with the rear locker gives you everything the '99 SE offered plus ATRAC to control front tire traction (something the '99 could not do) not to mention all the other computer doodads like crawl control, hill descent, etc.

 

[ToyTech99]

But did you notice M1911 that even in JB's "center drive options" chart he uses the "L" word ("Locked") in reference to ALL the 4Runners on the chart (except the 2WD of course) including the 5th gen SR5/TE? That's precisely the simple point that I've been trying to make all along here which is that the torque split can in fact be "locked" 50/50 front/rear even on the 5th gen SR5/TE.

Yeah, but that's what a transfer case does....it locks the front & rear driveshafts. That's also what a locked center diff does. The difference is that the center diff can be unlocked and a transfer can only be disengaged. So when you unlock a center diff, you are still in 4wd, but when you disengage a transfer case, you are in 2wd. I think that's the argument many are making here...

 

[coldbivy]

But, from an off-roader's perspective, a part-time system may be preferrable...it is simpler and stronger inherently. The part-time system is a physical coupling of the front and rear driveshaft in as few parts as possible.

And on the highway, the stability control is really the most important aspect in controlling a vehicle at high speed, rather than the fulltime 4wd system. Sure, having fulltime 4wd is an additional bonus, but having 2wd + VSC is not all too bad either (kinda like the V8 vs. V6 debate!). And in winter times, the most important issue is TIRES. So, if you get proper tires, then i am sure a part-time 5th gen 4runner isn't all that bad. Plenty of people to date have survived many winters with just 2wd. 5th gen is not the 1st SUV with 2wd and ain't the last.

Now, off-road, i would and do lock my center diff 99% of the time. Why? A center differential (esp. one like the Torsen unit) is prone to being ineffective if one AXLE loses traction. So, if your rear (or front) axle is in mud (ice, etc.), you're stuck. And how long does it take to lock the center diff once you're stuck?? Ain't a good thing! In addition, why would you want to let a computer vary torque for off-road? You want to lock in the torque split while off-roading. And unlike the center differential-equipped 4runners, with the 5th gen part-time system, you can unlock your 4wd INSTANTLY to make a turn off-road and then relock it INSTANTLY. With the Torsen unit, unlocking it off-road to make a turn can take a few (if not more) tire rotations, and then relocking it again may take yet more time (and more wiggling of the steering wheel!).

So, yeah, i love the multi-mode 4wd system, but i would not care too much if the 5th gen has the part-time system. Hey, at least, i have a rear locker along with CRAWL and KDSS...what more do i want??!!

The other big reason to keep it locked is that turns off the traction contol. In mud or snow, the traction control can get you stuck by killing the throttle and while you are locking the diff, you get hopelessly stuck. It has happened to me on one occasion.

That said, it was snowing today and I threw the thing into 4H because it makes me feel better and it does improve handling on slick surfaces. There really is very little comparison. I don't doubt that it isn't likely to help at highway speeds, but driving around on surface streets on icy surfaces it is far superior in every way. two years ago, we had ice on the roads for 3 months strait and driving my wife's Honda around was a trying experience while the 4runner was fun.

No doubt Toyota really messed up here. They are going to lose a lot of business for the V8 and in the snow belt they'll lose a lot of business due to the diff. If the average buyer is smart enough to understand the difference, they'll move in droves to Honda Pilots and Subaru Foresters, just like many already have due to the not-to-distant gas prices.

The full time 4WD system was the #1 upgrade in the runner over my previous S10 Blazer. I won't be happy to go back. I should go pick up a 09Trail Edition while I still can (if I still can).

 

[J.A.]

No doubt Toyota really messed up here. They are going to lose a lot of business for the V8 and in the snow belt they'll lose a lot of business due to the diff. If the average buyer is smart enough to understand the difference, they'll move in droves to Honda Pilots and Subaru Foresters, just like many already have due to the not-to-distant gas prices.

The full time 4WD system was the #1 upgrade in the runner over my previous S10 Blazer. I won't be happy to go back. I should go pick up a 09Trail Edition while I still can (if I still can).

I am in full agreement that the 5th Gen 4R really needs the Torsen Center Diff. I wont upgrade to a 5th gen until they add the feature like they have done up in Canada, where I guess they understand the need due to the weather conditions. This is of course understanding that I have have a v8 full time 4WD torsen center diff 4th gen, so why would I want to do without it.

Now as far as the general public is concerned....I think we can surmize that if there are a lot of enthusiasts on this forum actively seeking out 4Runner information, and they cannot understand how this feature works, weather their current rig has the feature, or the value of such, then I certainly dont think the common 4Runner shopper will notice the difference. Its not like a toyota salesman is going to be able to understand or articulate the difference or even care to do so. (I want to footnote the previous comment to say that at least these members are trying to learn bout their rig, and you have to start somewhere. I was confused as well when I got my first 4R and am always looking to learn new stuff.)

What we should worry about a little is the people who dont know the difference, were informed incorrectly by the dealer or a friend, and use the part time 4WD all the time on dry ground. Then they put the vehicle on the used market after a few years. Thats part of the reason I hate to and dont buy a used vehicle, you just dont know how it was used and maintained.

But like I said before I feel confident that Toyota has pre-planned a mid gen refresh strategy already and it includes things like Torsen across all models, projectors, leds, V8, etc. They have to do this to get the early adopters to keep turning over their purchase, its pre planned obsolescence...marketing 101.

 

[darknox]

http://www.trucktrend.com/roadtests/suv/163_0909_2010_toyota_4runner_trail_edition/index.html

Looks amazing! You naysayers can go home, this 4Runner looks great.

I like your photos! nice! i have also video uploaded regarding 2010 Toyota Tundra - Made for extreme heat! This is really new you should really watch this..

 

[adkinsadam1]

FLEX! KDSS... nice feature : )

 

[Synister]

First time poster though Ive been here many times before finally registering. Im curious as to why the 5th gen TE would have taken the step backwards it seems from the 2009 4th gen TE? Correct me if Im wrong but didnt the 2009 TE have the limited slip Torsen center diff with locking feature, rear locker, offroad specific shocks, "multi-mode" full time AWD option, and A-TRAC? Thats an awful lot of capability for a stock vehicle, especially for the end of a design cycle. Why not carry all those features plus the CRAWL and terrain multi mode doodads over to this new one to push it out front as the ultimate stock offroader available? And its true, I DO wish I could go back in time and pick up a '99 limited with multi mode and rear locker but I guess my '98 SR5 2wd will have to hold me over for another year while I figure out if a used 2009 TE or a 2010 TE are in the cards.

 

[tenguns]

I've just now looked at it. Think it looks pretty good. I dont' care for the fender flares if that's what they are and will have to see if it comes in black or a gun metal grey (without the blue tint). But at least they've fixed the rear bumper... looks like they lightened it up from the heavy plastic wraparound found on my 09. Important when building armor for one or a new tire carrier. I like the limited and agree - they could have had a homerun for those that like the body if they put all the trail goodies of the 09 - locker on up into the limited.

I'll wait to read again this thread and pull from it what's needed to figure out the torsion / cent diff issue and get an understanding of the other systems. Looks like cutting up the front to mount a solid winch bumper will be interesting. Hopefully I can convince the wife this is the truck of her dreams and beg for hand me downs when the 09 gets a little sloppy?

Wondering if they improved the headroom / legroom? Have to wait and see.

 

[coldbivy]

First time poster though Ive been here many times before finally registering. Im curious as to why the 5th gen TE would have taken the step backwards it seems from the 2009 4th gen TE? Correct me if Im wrong but didnt the 2009 TE have the limited slip Torsen center diff with locking feature, rear locker, offroad specific shocks, "multi-mode" full time AWD option, and A-TRAC? Thats an awful lot of capability for a stock vehicle, especially for the end of a design cycle. Why not carry all those features plus the CRAWL and terrain multi mode doodads over to this new one to push it out front as the ultimate stock offroader available? And its true, I DO wish I could go back in time and pick up a '99 limited with multi mode and rear locker but I guess my '98 SR5 2wd will have to hold me over for another year while I figure out if a used 2009 TE or a 2010 TE are in the cards.

The answer, I think, is pretty simple. Toyota's "back to its roots" goal is marketing speak for cheapening it up. The Yen is way up vs the dollar so Toyota needed to cut some manufacturing cost out of the vehicle in order keep MSRP reasonable. They probably did a focus group and found out that people didn't understand the Torsen diff anyway.

 

[M1911]

Yeah, but that's what a transfer case does....it locks the front & rear driveshafts. That's also what a locked center diff does. The difference is that the center diff can be unlocked and a transfer can only be disengaged. So when you unlock a center diff, you are still in 4wd, but when you disengage a transfer case, you are in 2wd. I think that's the argument many are making here...

Yes, that's the argument I was trying to make.

 

[Synister]

Cost saving suggestions:

Manual Tranny
Black powdercoated steel wheels
Lose the sunroof or make it an option
Keeping features around for more than 1 model year (ala 2009 TE)


Should knock a couple grand off the sticker, bet those black powdercoat wheels would look sweet wrapped in some nice M/T's with the money you saved!

 

[Fadiddy]

LOL...it looks like a Honda Element on steroids! Seriously, Toyota has outdone itself this time. By far the worst T4R design yet....it looks very cheap for some reason. Looks like a lot of plastic is being used and Toyota seriously needs to do away with this headlight-tailight-bulging-out design that is plaguing all there cars. The interior looks like a b@st@rd child of a Tundra and Kia Sorento. Wow, im really beginning to see the effects of the economy on this "once great" car company. Just as easy as Toyota made it to the top, is how easy they will fall. I can't wait to read-up on the new design flaws included. Da...da...daaaa....Another one bites the dustttt-tah! :guitar3:

 

[Fro-Runner]

I'm not a fan of the 2010 5th gen edition as of yet.

Reasons:

1- Prices are too high for a vehicle that gets the same gas mileage as my 2004 V6 model.
2- The interior plastics do look cheap and will marred easily as stated early.
3- It appears Toyota skimmed some rear seat leg room in order to get 88 cubic ft of cargo space behind front seat to match Ford Exploder and Chevy SUVs.
4- Where are the freaking LED tail lamps and why can't you get the turn signals inside of the heated mirrors?
5- I also would have LOVED to have the new 4.6L engine. It should have better MPG than the V8 in the 4th gen series. The 4.0L in the 4th gen does bog down a little when gassing it to pass on the interstate.
6- Why not offered bigger, more serious off road tires (285/65 or 285/70) on the TE? I mean you (Toyota) is promoting the thing mostly for the Trails......huh?
7- Roof line is still a bit too low for the American male (the cotton picking thing is only 71 inches high).
8- Where's the diesel option or why not offer the plain/jane SR5 model with the hybrid engine to raise your CAFE ratings.
9- These fake, plastic fender moldings are getting old and don't look so hot anymore.
10- Still sits on the 109.0 inch frame.......offer me the 112 inch please with less over hang.
11- I gotta have my SIRIUS radio......screw XM and yes, I know they are one company now.
12- Put a thicker UV/UB coating on these frickin windows. My arm almost melts in the sun when driving. Forget about pulling back the sunshade on the moon roof as your scalp will burn and scorch.
13- Come on already with the mpg of 17/23. Heck, my 2004 model four speed automatic part time mode got 17/21. Where's the upgrade in your (Toyota's) tranny's fuel efficiency? Like a 6 speed would be more in the order to help out the V6!

Reasons that I like the 5th gen:
1- Hmmm, let me think of one or two while I'm out :fishing:

 

[ToyTech99]

Reasons:

1- Prices are too high for a vehicle that gets the same gas mileage as my 2004 V6 model.

13- Come on already with the mpg of 17/23. Heck, my 2004 model four speed automatic part time mode got 17/21. Where's the upgrade in your (Toyota's) tranny's fuel efficiency? Like a 6 speed would be more in the order to help out the V6!

A couple of things you have to realize.... First, your 2004 was rated at 17/21, but that was using the "old" EPA test standards. Under the new standards, your 2004 is EPA rated at 15/19. And of course the 2010 4Runner is rated under the new test standards, so a fair comparison puts the numbers like this:

2010 4Runner V6 4WD: 17/22
2004 4Runner V6 4WD: 15/19

So yes, the new V6 does get better fuel economy. But even more importantly, it gets better fuel economy while making a lot more power. Any time you get more power AND better fuel economy, well, that's a bonus in my book.

You can look up the fuel economy ratings of any vehicle by going here:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/sbs.htm

 

[Thai]

Reasons:
2- The interior plastics do look cheap and will marred easily as stated early.
3- It appears Toyota skimmed some rear seat leg room in order to get 88 cubic ft of cargo space behind front seat to match Ford Exploder and Chevy SUVs.
6- Why not offered bigger, more serious off road tires (285/65 or 285/70) on the TE? I mean you (Toyota) is promoting the thing mostly for the Trails......huh?
8- Where's the diesel option or why not offer the plain/jane SR5 model with the hybrid engine to raise your CAFE ratings.
10- Still sits on the 109.0 inch frame.......offer me the 112 inch please with less over hang.
12- Put a thicker UV/UB coating on these frickin windows. My arm almost melts in the sun when driving. Forget about pulling back the sunshade on the moon roof as your scalp will burn and scorch.

2. Agree...but i have not seen one up close to confirm the quality of the plastics.

3. Ahhh...the age of marketing...Toyota (and other manufacturers) are known to fudge data to make them look good.

6. Bigger tires = worst fuel economy, worst handling, and worst acceleration. Considering that you complained about the V6's bogging down on highway passings, i find it strange that you want bigger tires. Everything has a compromise...personally, i don't mind 32" tires (stock for TE).

8. Hybrid engine would suck on a towing SUV or off-roading SUV. It runs out of breath easily with towing or off-roading. Now, a diesel would be cool! :thumb3:

10. Longer wheelbase will DECREASE breakover angle, which IMHO, is just as important as approach/departure angles, if not more so. Remember, the big overhangs are likely due to crash test requirements (crush zones for example). So, you're kinda stuck with the overhangs.

12. As far as i know, 3rd & 4th gen 4runners have UV-reducing window glass. So, your arm burning up is likely from you being too cheap to get window tints! Toyota/Lexus has actually been generous because most other manufacturers do not offer UV-reducing glass...not even in my Mercedes G500! So, it is likely that the 5th gen will continue with these UV glass. In addition, Toyota/Lexus is the only that i know of that uses hydrophobic side window glass in the front. So, i think that Toyota is a leader in this regard.

 

[M1911]

8. Hybrid engine would suck on a towing SUV or off-roading SUV. It runs out of breath easily with towing or off-roading. Now, a diesel would be cool! :thumb3:

I agree. I'd love a diesel and would choose it over a hybrid.

 

[BROOKLYN]

I agree. I'd love a diesel and would choose it over a hybrid.

u should seriously look into vw, they make killer diesel
as for toyota making a diesel we have a better shot of winning the lotto

 

[Thai]

u should seriously look into vw, they make killer diesel

Yeah, but unfortunately, the rest of the VW is pure crap!