Specifications of Toyota 4Runner V (facelift 2013) 4.0 V6 24V (270 HP) 4x4 Automatic
General characteristics of Toyota 4Runner V (facelift 2013) 4.0 V6 24V (270 HP) 4x4 Automatic
The Toyota 4Runner has respectable dimensions for a midsize SUV, measuring between 190.2 and 191.3 inches long depending on the trim. The wheelbase is the same regardless, though, at 109.8 inches. Combined with a ground clearance of nine inches on the RWD and 9.6 inches on the 4WD, this gives it approach and departure angles of 30/26 degrees and 33/26 degrees, respectively. Even the shortest trim stands a proud 71.5 inches tall, ensuring an excellent view of the road or over any rocky terrain blocking your path. Models equipped with roof rails or the large roof rack can stand as high as 79.1 inches tall. Width is standard at 75.8 inches, while curb weight ranges between 4,400 pounds and 4,805 lbs.
The power plant in the 4Runner is not underpowered, but its performance is nothing special either. Developing 270 hp and 278 lb-ft, it offers a choice between 2WD or 4WD configurations on all but the TRD models. Despite its mediocre outputs and unrefined five-speed automatic transmission, the Toyota is able to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a fair 7.5 seconds with the 4x4 drivetrain, according to independent tests. Top speed is set at 115 mph.
The excess of torque proves that the 4Runner is designed for lugging ability rather than speed, and its 4x4 limited-slip differential and available Kinetic Dynamic Suspension mean that it has perfect control over its strength. Properly equipped, its towing capacity maxes out at 5,000 pounds, trouncing competitors like the Ford Edge or Hyundai Santa Fe.
But it's only once you take the Toyota off-road that you see its true potential. Rugged and sure-footed, it has up to 9.6 inches of ground clearance and respectable angles of approach and departure to handle just about anything mother nature can throw at it.
Though you may get the choice of nine trims, you get no choice at all when it comes to the engine. Every 4Runner is powered by the same 4.0-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. This setup develops 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, which is directed to the rear wheels as standard, though four-wheel-drive is available to every trim and standard on the more off-road focused variants.
Even for a ponderous vehicle, this is enough power to get it moving- but it certainly isn't enough to do so with any degree of haste. The automatic gearbox is unrefined and struggles to find the right gear at times. Despite all of this, the burly Toyota serves quite well as a workhorse or when venturing out into the wild. For the former, the 2WD setup is ideal and reduces the overall weight of the SUV. But the 4WD system is essential if you plan to venture off the beaten path.
Each Toyota 4Runner model is powered by the same engine, and although buyers are given a choice between a 2WD or 4WD system, mileage figures remain constant. According to the EPA, the SUV returns 16/19/17 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles. This is pretty abysmal when compared to all the turbocharged and hybrid competitors on the market. It does get a pretty large fuel tank, though. With 23 gallons of regular gasoline, the Toyota can traverse up to 391 miles with mixed driving. The EPA does not rate vehicles for off-road fuel economy, but be sure to fill up, because your gas won't get you as far as you think.
Depending on how you spec your interior, there is either loads of head- and legroom, or just enough. The standard setup is two bucket seats up front and a bench in the back. This supplies the most room for each of the five passengers to spread out and enjoy long drives in comfort, or as much comfort as the lower-quality materials allow. If you really need to haul seven people regularly, a second bench can be installed on any non-off-road trim, increasing capacity by two. However, passengers in these seats will not be glad for the decision, as legroom is severely limited, and second-row passengers have to make sacrifices, too. Regardless of these factors, the driver has a commanding seating position and power-adjustability is factory-installed even at the base level.
While many SUVs stray from the practicality that first inspired the body style, the 4Runner is just as old-fashioned as it is in other areas. In its standard five-seater configuration, it supplies an impressive 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. This is more than enough to stow a week's worth of groceries as well as the kid's school bags and mom's yoga mat. If you want to maximize passenger space, a third row can be installed, but this severely reduces how much trunk space is available, with only nine cubes behind the third row. Naturally, this is barely enough for even a few grocery bags. But, both the second row and optional third row of seats can be folded down to increase cargo capacity. As much as 89.7 cubic feet can be made available in a pinch for models with two rows of seats. Three-row trims have a maximum of 88.8 cu. ft.
The cabin is filled with nooks and crannies in which to store loose items. The console offers a number of bins, both big and small, while the side door pockets are spacious enough for water bottles and more. The glove compartment and armrest cubby accommodate larger items with ease, and there is an overhead console for sunglasses. This is not even mentioning the ten cupholders spread throughout the cabin (with two more added on three-row models).
