locking rear differential. The 4Runner offers a part-time, shift-on-the-fly
4WD system, as distinct from full-time all-wheel drive. With the optional
locking rear differential the driver has the choice of positively locking
both rear wheels and one of the fronts together, meaning at least three
tires will be clawing their way through muck and/or slush.
Our subject vehicle was an SR5. Standard equipment, for the base price
of $24,678, includes driver and passenger airbags, four-wheel antilock
brakes (ABS), AM/FM/cassette stereo, power door locks, power tailgate window,
rear window defroster, 15 x 7-inch steel wheels with P225/75R-15 tires,
tachometer, carpeting, and a variety of other comfort, convenience and
appearance features.
As you can see from the SR5's base price, Toyota isn't exactly giving
these things away, but at least there's a lot of stuff there for your money.
In addition, our tester had the premium sound system, air conditioning,
power windows and antenna, power moonroof, floor mats, a towing receiver
hitch and the very comprehensive sport package, which includes 16 x 7-inch
aluminum alloy wheels with P265/70R-16 tires, bigger front brakes, sport
seats, sport trim, fender flares, leather steering wheel and shift knob,
and a lower axle ratio. (With the optional locking rear differential, for
$325, the ratio drops even more.) Thus equipped our SR5 4Runner came to
$31,594, including Toyota's $420 destination charge.
Obiously, prices vary widely from that, based upon trim and options.
For a base four-cylinder 2WD model with no options the beginning price
is $20,308. Go for the top-of-the-line Limited and you'll be over $34,000.
Aside from the expected Toyota attention to detail, which is faultless
and comprehensive, one of the nicest features is the 3.4-liter V6 engine.
Though it lacks the stump-pulling grunt of the V8s available in some of
the competition, it's exceptionally high in smoothness and driving pleasure,
with excellent throttle response and a silky feel throughout its wide rev
range. And there's more than enough power to deal with a full load of passengers,
luggage and a medium-sized trailer. Next Page