A two-wheel-drive 4Runner?

Why?

I might have asked myself the same thing if it weren’t 95-degrees of scorching sun in South Carolina today.

In places like this, the usefulness of four-wheel-drive is extremely limited.

2014 Toyota 4Runner Limited 2WD

… Is Sexy?

 

Yes, it is. Especially in this white with dark windows – the new 4Runner Limited is quite a looker.

The benefits of rear-drive for the 4Runner make it a real stand-out in the seven-seat segment — the vast majority of other crossovers are front-drive machines that can be AWD when equipped.

Standard rear-drive is a blessing for the steering feel, fuel economy, and handling eagerness of this 2014 Toyota 4Runner Limited.

It is also a bit lower to the ground, helping it be one of the sharpest new SUVs on the roads this year.

 Even Drake the Akita-Labrador really likes it. =]

 

The 2014 4Runner is all-new from Toyota, bringing a comprehensive restyle outside and a tech overhaul inside.

The best parts of the 4Runner package remain: hardy suspension and locking diff options, off-road prowess that goes beyond electronic settings, and of course that roll-down back glass.

In place of the old tailgate bench is a new slide-out parcel floor that can hold serious weight.

Most critically: a third row of seating is a $1,400 option – and money well spent. It folds out of the way when not needed, but will come in handy eventually.

The crimson Trail Premium 4Runner’s photos dominated the launch this fall, but the base SR5 and Limited are actually much newer-looking.

The SR5 is particularly clean and handsome, without much chrome in favor of a techy, short-overhang clip.

The 4Runner Limited brings significant chrome – but in all-new shapes to accent the blocky lines of the bumpers, doors and sills.

Pricing is up markedly across most trim levels, and a 4.0-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic is the only current choice – aside from 4×2 or 4×4 drive options.

As ever, the 4Runner has a locking diff control right in the console – for added off-road kudos even when cruising tarmac.

2014 Toyota 4Runner Limited

2014 Toyota 4Runner SR5

 

2014 Toyota 4Runner Limited

 

2014 Toyota 4Runner – Interiors

2014 4Runner Pricing
 

Model #	Grade	Engine	Transmission	Body Style	MSRP 2013	MSRP 2014	MSRP Chg ($)	MSRP Chg (%)
8642	SR5	V6	5AT	SUV 4X2	$31,490	$32,820	$1,330	4%
8664	SR5	V6	5AT	SUV 4X4	$33,365	$34,695	$1,330	4%
8646	SR5 Premium	V6	5AT	SUV 4X2		$35,740	NEW
8648	Limited	V6	5AT	SUV 4X2	$38,995	$41,365	$2,370	6%
8666	SR5 Premium	V6	5AT	SUV 4X4		$37,615	NEW
8670	Trail	V6	5AT	SUV 4X4	$37,155	$35,725	($1,430)	-4%
8672	Trail Premium	V6	5AT	SUV 4X4		$38,645	NEW
8668	Limited	V6	5AT	SUV 4X4	$41,030	$43,400	$2,370	6%

Toyota Announces Pricing for 2014 4Runner Mid-Size SUV and Tacoma Compact Pickup Truck

 

Currently In its fifth-generation, 4Runner continues as one of the few fully capable mid-size SUVs.  The redesigned 2014 4Runner receives a rugged new exterior design, and interior refinements that add comfort and convenience without sacrificing its hallmark performance capability and excellent value.

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.  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.

4Runner owners will have the choice of a rear wheel 4×2, part-time 4×4 or a full-time multi-mode 4×4 with a locking center differential.  All models are equipped with a powerful 4.0-liter, 270-horsepower V6 teamed to a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission and one of the few vehicles that continues offer a transfer case. 

The refreshed 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 headlights have also been changed from halogen to projector beam and the redesigned rear combination lamps now feature LED lights. 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. 

Both the SR5 and Trail grades will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with a new and unique wheel-design to 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.

The 2014 4Runner adds four new exterior colors that include: Super White; Attitude Black Metallic; Barcelona Red Metallic; and Nautical Blue Metallic.  Carryover colors include: Blizzard Pearl; Classic Silver Metallic; Magnetic Gray Metallic; and Black.

The 4Runner exterior updates are complemented by touches of refinement on the inside.  Both the SR5 and Trail grade add standard Soft Touch door trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather shift knob provide a premium feel and atmosphere.

The SR5 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.  An Eco-Driving feedback system allows the driver to monitor fuel consumption in real time. 

On 4Runner Trail, an overhead console within easy reach organizes the off-road control switches into one location.  A compass indicator and outside temperature display add functionality.  A manually controlled air conditioning system is standard on SR5 and Trail grades; the Limited features an automatic dual-zone climate-control system.

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.  

The SR5 and Trail grade come standard with comfortable fabric-trimmed seating available in Sand Beige, Graphite or Black.  Available SofTex seats offer a soft, rich feel.   New for 2014, the SR5 adds a standard eight-way power driver seat.

The Limited comes standard with a leather-trimmed interior with new ventilated driver and front passenger seats in Sand Beige, Black and a new Redwood color.  Front seats are also heated with eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function and power lumbar support and four-way power-adjustable passenger seat.   

New for 2014 on SR5 and Trail grade 4Runner models is Entune™ Audio Plus,  which includes Toyota’s Entune multimedia system,  an AM/FM/MP3 CD player with eight speakers, integrated SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio (includes 90-day trial subscription), USB port with iPod connectivity, and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and music streaming.

 

Standard on the Limited grade is the new Entune Premium JBL Audio system, which incorporates today’s most in-demand connectivity features. 

It includes the Entune multimedia system, a JBL premium sound system with navigation, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with a 90-day trial subscription), HD Radio with iTunes tagging and 15 speakers.

Entune is a collection of popular mobile applications and data services, with three years of complimentary access.  Once a smart phone is connected to the vehicle using Bluetooth wireless technology or a USB cable, Entune’s features are operated using the vehicle’s controls or, for some services, by voice recognition.  Entune offers mobile apps for Bing™, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable^®, Pandora^®, Yelp, and Facebook Places.  Entune data services include a fuel price guide, sports scores, stocks, traffic and weather.

New SR5 and Trail Premium grades are available with added standard equipment including  SofTex seats, Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite, power tilt/slide moonroof, power passenger seats, electrochromatic mirror, Homelink^® Garage Door Opener, and 120V AC in the cargo area.

Road Test Review – 2014 Toyota 4Runner Limited 2WD Is Low and Sexy

With the addition of an array of additional standard equipment, including formerly optional equipment that is now standard, 4Runner maintains its excellent value. 

The MSRP for the 4Runner Trail 4×4 is $35,725, reflecting a price decrease of $1,430, or 4.0 percent.  The new Trail Premium grade is priced at $38,645.

The MSRP for the 2014 4Runner SR5 will be $32,820 for the 4×2 model and $34,695 for the 4×4, an increase of $1,330, or 4.0 percent.  The new SR5 Premium grade will be priced at $35,740 for the 4×2 and $37,615 for the 4×4.

The 4Runner Limited will carry an MSRP of $41,365 for the 4×2 and $43,400 for the 4×4, an increase of $2,370, or 6.0 percent.