2012 Toyota 4Runner: Kepts Its Toughness Intact

For 2012, the 2012 Toyota 4Runner enters its third year since a complete redesign (for 2010) that again kept its toughness intact, and placed an even greater emphasis on off-road ability. Styling remains unchanged; with that redesign, the 2012 Toyota 4Runner changes became higher, chunkier, and more rugged, with a higher beltline and more flared wheel wells.

While inheriting some of the imposing appearance from the Sequoia and Tundra full-size trucks, the 2012 Toyota 4Runner sticks to more of a conservative, traditional SUV look toward the rear, with a wide, downward-sloping C-pillar looking to past generations of the 4Runner. Overall, the 2012 Toyota 4Runner drives much better—and more athletically—than its trail-crawling appearance might suggest.

Toyota has discontinued the 4Runner’s 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, leaving only a 270-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 for the 2012 Toyota 4Runner. A 4.0-liter V-6 engine makes 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, and feels plenty quick either off the line or at highway speeds. A newly standard stereo comes in the 2012 Toyota 4Runner with satellite radio, a USB port with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth streaming audio functionality.

Toyota’s Entune multimedia system is optional, as are power running boards and a navigation system. V-6 SR5 models are offered either with rear-wheel drive or a part-time four-wheel-drive system, while the 2012 Toyota 4Runner Trail models are only offered with that 4WD system. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that’s optional in the 2012 Toyota 4Runner Trail model uses hydraulics to reduce motions on-road or increase off-road traction and riding comfort, with more wheel travel in that situation.

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner Limited models get a separate full-time four-wheel-drive system that’s more road-oriented. In 2012 Toyota 4Runner Trail grade (the off-road model), the 4Runner includes a host of electronics and systems meant to complement the sturdy off-road hardware.

Some 2012 Toyota 4Runner reviews says you won’t find the car to be quite as roomy inside as less truck-like options such as the Honda Pilot or Ford Flex, but it’s up to par in comfort for the first two rows of seating. The 2012 Toyota 4Runner front seats are wide and supportive—they look and feel great with the available perforated leather upholstery—and the driving position is excellent.

In the second row, which adjusts for rake, adult-sized occupants will also feel at home meanwhile the third row is only good for kids—and hard to get to. But as decent as the 2012 Toyota 4Runner is for passengers, it’s disappointing for cargo and overall versatility. The flip-forward folding third row is easy enough to use, but the 2012 Toyota 4Runner body is rather narrow and the cargo floor is quite high.

Competitors 2012 Toyota 4Runner

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner price start just below $30k and actually include a good level of equipment; but the off-road purists who also sometimes need to haul the family will want the 2012 Toyota 4Runner Trail model, which includes all the off-road goodies plus upgraded audio, a USB port, iPod connectivity, and Bluetooth audio streaming. Top Limited models of 2012 Toyota 4Runner step up to 15-speaker JBL premium sound, with a Party Mode that biases output to the rear tailgate speakers.

Paired with the optional pull-out rear cargo deck, it’s an instant tailgate party.And new to the Limited for 2012 (and optional on other models), the Toyota 4Runner gets redesigned audio systems, plus Toyota’s Entune services and HD Radio with iTunes tagging. Top competitors for the 2012 Toyota 4Runner are 2012 Chevrolet Traverse 2LT, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Silver 4dr 4×4, 2012 Ford Edge and the 2012 GMC Acadia SLE.

Review 2012 Toyota 4Runner

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