2016 Toyota 4Runner in San Diego, CA - $28,971

Currently in its fifth-generation, the Toyota 4Runner continues as one of the few fully capable mid-size SUVs, receiving a rugged new exterior design and interior refinements for 2014 that add comfort and convenience. The 2014 4Runner is available in three grades: a well-equipped, value-driven SR5; top-of-the-line Limited, and a Trail grade for those who want maximum off-road capability. Optional third-row seats on SR5 and Limited allow for up to seven-person capacity.

The new 4Runner features a redesigned front fascia that conveys a more rugged and aggressive appearance. This includes a muscular front grille, and edgier smoked headlamps for a more forceful look. The SR5 and Trail grades feature a color-keyed grille insert and front bumper that is surrounded by fog lamps set in sharply cut inlays that extend from the headlamps down to the bumper.

The Trail grade features new color-keyed bumpers and overfenders, and it continues to be distinguished by an aggressive hood scoop and silver painted front and rear bumper accents. All grades are now standard with a roof rack.

In addition to the distinctive new grille, the premium Limited's front design stands apart with a chrome-plated grille insert and chrome front bumper that extends to the fog-lamp bezels. The side molding, roof rack and rear bumper are also chrome trimmed. The headlamps have also changed from halogen to projector beam, with both the headlamps and redesigned rear combination lamps on all 4Runner grades now featuring LED lamps.

Both the SR5 and Trail grades ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with a new wheel-design for both, while the Limited continues to ride on 20-inch alloy wheels, which are now painted black prior to machining to add contrast. All grades continue to come standard with a full-size spare.

Standard power is generated by a powerful 4.0L V6 engine joined to a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission. The 4Runner offers drivers a choice of rear wheel 4x2, part-time 4x4 or a full-time multi-mode 4x4 drive with a locking center differential.

The 4Runner combines rugged body-on-frame construction with comprehensive suspension technology that yields optimal off-road capability with a smooth ride and comfort more often associated with crossovers.

Control hardware for the 4Runner consists of a double-wishbone independent front suspension combined with variable-flow rack-and-pinion steering. Coil springs over gas shocks are used at all four wheels for a comfortable ride and controlled handling. The four-link rear suspension maximizes off-road axle articulation, while providing a smooth ride for rear-seat passengers on and off pavement.

The Limited grade comes standard with an X-REAS suspension system that further improves performance, comfort and control. With X-REAS, 4Runner corners flatter, smoother, and handles choppy pavement more easily. X-REAS automatically adjusts the damping force of shocks when driving over bumpy surfaces or when cornering. The system uses a center control absorber to cross-link shocks on opposite corners of the vehicle, substantially reducing pitch and yaw by offsetting opposing inputs.

Inside the passenger cabin, both the SR5 and Trail add standard Soft Touch door trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather shift knob provide a premium feel and atmosphere. The SR5 also receives a new bright and highly visible Optitron instrument panel that houses speedometer, tachometer, voltage, fuel and coolant temperature gauges, plus a multi-information display that offers multiple functions.

For second-row passengers, a sculpted front seat-back shape provides additional knee space. The second-row seats, which include a center armrest, individually recline up to 16 degrees in four steps for relaxing passenger comfort. The 40/20/40 second-row seat configuration also has a one-touch walk-in function, making access to the third row easier. Third-row seating is available on SR5 and Limited grades and features a roomy, supportive seating area.

Fold-flat second-row seats provide a level load floor in the 4Runner, and it is not necessary to remove the headrests to fold the seats flat. The available third-row seat is split 50/50 and folds flat. The seats can be folded from the side or at the rear, using separate one-touch levers. With this arrangement, more cargo space is available without removing seats, and longer items can be conveniently carried.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 109.8; overall length: 190.2*; width: 75.8; height: 70.1

*Overall length is 190.7 for Trail and 191.3 for Limited.

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 4.0L V6 – 270 hp at 5,600 rpm and 278 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm

Transmission: five-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 17 city/23 highway (4x2); 17 city/22 highway (4x4)

Cargo capacity: 89.7 cubic feet

Payload capacity: 1,700 lbs.

Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, dual front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual roll-sensing side-curtain airbags, dual front seat knee airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, Smart Stop Technology, traction control, vehicle stability control, automatic limited-slip differential, hill start assist control, automatic door locks, HomeLink universal transceiver, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, rear back-up camera, side-impact door beams, tire pressure monitoring system, daytime running lights, Safety Connect communications system, engine immobilizer, anti-theft alarm, automatic headlamps, front fog lamps, remote keyless entry and full-size spare tire. 4x4 adds downhill assist control. Trail adds locking rear differential, multi-terrain select and crawl control. Limited adds Smart Key System with push-button start. Limited 4x4 adds Torsen center locking differential.

Optional safety feature includes navigation system.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Comprehensive

Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited

Roadside Assistance: 2-year/25,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2014 Toyota 4Runner SUV starts from $32,820 for the SR5 4x2 upto $43,400 for the Limited 4x4. Destination charges add $860.