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Acceleration
"V6 more than adequate for most needs. V8 has ample, ready power. Both abetted
by smooth, responsive transmission. Kudos for standard traction-control and hill-ascent
features. Towing capacity is 5000 lb."
Value
"Some like-priced rivals offer a smoother ride and sharper on-road handling,
but 4Runner is tough to beat for refinement, off-road ability, and overall execution.
Few direct competitors match its array of traction enhancers. Toyota's reputation
for reliability and high resale value clinch our Recommended ribbon."
Ride
"Copes well with small bumps, but rough surfaces cause bounce and aftershock-jiggle
typical of truck-based SUVs. Sport suspension only a tad stiffer. Load-leveling
setup doesn't affect comfort."
Economy
No opportunity to measure with V6. Test AWD V8 Sport averaged 17.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. Toyota recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.
Noise
"Among the quieter SUVs of this type. Wind rush, tire roar evident at highway
speeds, but neither is severe. Both engines quiet in normal operation. V8 emits
a muted whine under full throttle; V6 is scarcely louder."
Comfort - Front
"Seats comfortable, but fairly low to floor. Driving position easily tailored
with available tilt/telescope steering wheel, height-adjustable seat, power lumbar
adjustment. Large door mirrors contribute to fine all-around visibility. Models
without upgraded audio get novel wide-angle mirrors inside rear roof pillars
that expose some blind spots when backing up. Standard running boards partly
offset lofty step-in height, but reduce ground clearance off-road."
Comfort - Rear
"Second-row seat nicely contoured but set low, allowing good head room but forcing
adults to sit knees-up. And it's a squeeze for three-across travel. Toe space
poor without front seats elevated. Third-row suits only children. Note that rear
DVD entertainment unavailable with 3rd-row seat--a family-unfriendly omission.
As in front, tall step-in hampers entry/exit. "
Controls
"Gauges deeply recessed, can be tough to read. Convenient controls work with
typical Toyota slickness, but markings may be too small for some eyes. Standard
automatic climate system simple, versatile. All trim levels nicely appointed
inside. No opportunity yet to test with navigation system, which incorporates
some radio functions."
Cargo Room
"Split rear seat folds without removing headrests. Handy bag holder folds from
rear of console. Cargo area has tie-downs, nets, cubbies. Useful double-deck
cargo shelf folds from floor; it's standard or available depending on model.
Power liftgate window a novel asset. "
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