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The venerable Toyota 4Runner remains true to its roots as an rugged vehicle well-suited for those late summer or early autumn adventures.
With room for up to seven, the fifth-generation 4Runner offers body-on-frame construction featuring a four-link rear axle and coil-spring suspension. The robust chassis is also the source of 2021 4Runner’s comfortable ride quality.
The 2021 4Runner exudes a rugged look in all grades yet maintains a timeless SUV style all its own. The SR5 and TRD models ride on 17-inch alloy wheels that are available in three designs: 6-spoke for SR5 models; 7-spoke for TRD Off-Road models, and new flow-form matte black alloy wheels for TRD Pro.
Under the Hood
The 2021 4Runner offers the choice of 2WD, part-time 4WD with a 2-speed transfer case. The Limited edition offers full-time Multi-Mode 4WD with a 2-speed transfer case and locking center differential. With either system, all 4WD 4Runners provide a generous 9.6 inches of ground clearance, and all 4Runner models come with a full-size spare tire.
4Runner is powered by a 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine. The powerplant’s 278 lb.-ft. of peak torque gives it plenty of get-up-and-go, and Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) optimizes torque across the engine’s operating range.
The smooth-shifting five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission includes a sequential shift mode for manually shifting when more control is desired, such as on inclines. As a result, 4Runner serves as an excellent tow vehicle.
All models include a standard integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness. They also can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds, with a maximum 500-pound tongue weight.
The 4Runner 2WD models feature standard Automatic Limited Slip Differential, a function of the traction control that allows some wheel slippage to help the vehicle dig out from sand or snow, for example. The available part-time 4WD system uses Active Traction Control and bolsters off-road capability with a 2-speed transfer case with selectable low-range.
By distributing drive force to any one wheel in contact with the ground, A-TRAC can help maintain traction when it senses wheel slippage occurring on terrain irregularities and slippery patches. The full-time 4WD system that’s exclusive to the 4Runner Limited uses a Torsen center differential with locking feature and a three-mode, center console-mounted switch.
The system employs a 40:60 torque split in most driving situations and alters that in response to slippage. In addition, if the front wheels are slipping while the vehicle is turning, the Torsen differential changes the split to 30:70, and if the rear wheels slip while the vehicle is turning, the split changes to 53:47.
Comfort & Convenience
With the second-row seats in use, the cargo area offers up to 47.2 cu. ft. of carrying space. By folding the second row, 4Runner opens into a cavernous 89.7 cu.-ft. cargo area. The second-row seats fold flat without having to remove the headrests.
The 4Runner SR5 and Limited grades offer available third-row seating, with a split 50:50 seat that folds flat. Seats can be folded from the side or at the rear, using separate one-touch levers. The second-row seats include a center armrest and recline up to 16 degrees.
In addition to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility, the 4Runner’s multimedia systems are packed with in-demand features. The SR5 and TRD Off-Road grades include an 8-in. touchscreen display; USB media port; hands-free phone capability, advanced voice recognition and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology, and SiriusXM with 3-month All Access trial. Connected Services include Safety Connect with 1-year trial and Wi-Fi Connect with up to 2 GB within a 3-month trial.
Safety
All 2021 4Runner models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P, an advanced suite of driver-assist technologies that includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System, Automatic High Beams, and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
Eight standard airbags include driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System; front seat-mounted side airbags; driver and front passenger knee airbags, and all-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags.
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