Melody Toyota

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Walk Around

The 2010 4Runner is lightly larger overall than the prior generation, but with the same wheelbase. Because the A-pillar has been moved forward slightly, the new 4Runner has a slightly more upright appearance. Still, the exterior is sleek enough to allow for a reduction in the coefficient of drag to 0.365 Cd.

There are three distinct appearance packages for the 2010 4Runner, matched to the model. All share a boxy form with a wide stance, with wide fenders to suggest muscularity. The wheelwells are squared off and generously sized for larger tires, like the FJ Cruiser. New bumpers add a sense of heft. Roof rails are standard on all models, emphasizing the 4Runner's potential as a recreational gear transporter.

Improved-performance projection-beam head- and tail lamps lend a technical appearance, distinguished by unusually conspicuous lens bulges. The effect is contemporary, advanced, and yet in keeping with 4Runner's five-generation tradition of body-on-frame construction.

The Trail Edition is styled to project rugged good looks, a sense of mystery, and a sporting nature. It has a sporty hood scoop, blacked-out mirrors and bumpers, and a dark smoke treatment on the head and tail lamps.

Both the Trail Edition and SR5 have similarly styled overfenders and mud guards, and both have 17-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment, although each grade has its own distinctive wheel. On the SR5, there is greater use of chrome accents, and the roof rack is silver with black end caps. Heated exterior mirrors have turn signal indicators and puddle lamps.

The Limited comes on lower-profile P245/60 tires mounted on 20-inch alloy wheels. All models come with a full-size spare, and the Limited has a matching alloy spare. Like the SR5 and Trail Edition, the Limited has a rear spoiler that houses the rear wiper, keeping it tucked away when not in use.

Interior

2010 Toyota 4Runner

The 4Runner interior has been upgraded with an eye toward practicality, comfort, and utility. There is more rear headroom, more shoulder room, more hip room and quite a bit more leg room for third row passengers.

The cabin uses large dials and bright instrumentation. The standard three-gauge cluster combines orange-numeral speedometer and tachometer with temperature and fuel meters; on Trail and Limited, white-numeral Optitron gauges are used. All grades share an accessory meter that displays time, average fuel consumption, range, compass direction, and outside temperature.

An automatic dual-zone climate controlled AC system is standard on the Limited; SR5 and Trail Edition have manual climate control.

Wood-grained trim has been deleted in favor of textured materials with silver trim accents, creating a more modern, high-tech environment. A larger armrest has been created in the doors by moving the power window and door controls higher, to the top of the door.

Three 12-volt outlets are located in the glove box, the center console sack, and the cargo area. Optional 120-volt AC outlets, useful for charging batteries or running appliances at the campsite, are located in the center console box and cargo area.

On the Trail Edition, there is an overhead panel with two dials that house the Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select System. The Trail Edition also gets water-resistant seat fabric in a charcoal gray color.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with a longer slide for greater adjustability. The standard SR5 cloth seat adjusts six ways manually; Trail and Limited models get eight-way power adjustments. Limited also offers flawless leather, heated seats. Active headrests are standard for all front seats.

Second-row seats fold completely flat to maximize interior cargo area. With everything folded flat, cargo volume is just short of 90 cubic feet, or 88.8 cubic feet on models with third-row seating.

Third-row seating has been improved to make the seats more functional on an everyday basis. First, the seats are larger and better padded. Second, access has been made easier by splitting the second row seats into a 40/20/40 configuration, so it's possible to enter the third row from either side using a one-touch walk-in feature. And last, legroom has been increased by 5.2 inches.

The rear hatch has a power window that can be controlled from an interior switch, or at the rear door using the key. By lowering the window, efficient flow-through ventilation becomes possible. Not many vehicles have this feature these days.

There are three audio systems available, all of which are compatible with MP3 and WMA files via an AUX jack in the center console. The mid-grade system includes satellite radio and antenna, and Bluetooth connectivity. An iPod USB port in the glove box allows for controlling an iPod through the steering wheel and audio head unit switches. Both systems have eight speakers.

The premium audio setup is a 15-speaker JBL system that can be integrated with the Toyota navigation system, now in its sixth generation. The newest Navi system has improved voice command with simpler voice menus and recognizes commands in English, French and Spanish.

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