The Toyota 4Runner mid-size sport utility vehicle adds an important safety feature for 2008, standard roll-sensing side curtain airbags. This addition complements the already impressive array of safety technology in the full-capability 4Runner.
The fourth-generation Toyota 4Runner combines true off-road competence with supremely high standards for everyday driving comfort, refinement and safety. The 4Runner packages these qualities in a design that is aspirational, youthful, sporty, and most of all, genuine.
Like all Toyota SUVs, the 4Runner comes standard with the advanced STAR SAFETY SYSTEM, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist. (See page 4 for details.)
"The Toyota 4Runner is the rare full-capability SUV that is also easy and comfortable to drive every day, an excellent family vehicle as well as a rugged all-activity vehicle," said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor Sales executive vice president.
The 4Runner is offered in three grade levels: the SR5, the Sport Edition that features a distinct appearance and enhanced handling performance, and the Limited grade with additional comfort amenities. The 4Runner seats up to seven with an available third-row seat option on SR5 and Limited models. The seat can fold over or be removed when additional cargo space is needed.
The most popular 4Runner model, the SR5, is distinguished by a chrome grille, door handles and rear license plate garnish. The SR5 is also equipped with standard fog lamps, black running boards, and six-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels with P265/70R16 tires - including a full-size spare tire with alloy wheel. The 4Runner Sport Edition projects a performance image with a hood scoop, smoked chrome grille and headlight bezels, tubular roof rack and side steps, and six-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with P265/65R17 raised white letter tires.
The 4Runner Limited is distinguished by a color-keyed grille and heated power mirrors, black roof rack, black illuminated running boards, and six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels.
Powerful Engines, Sophisticated Four-Wheel Drive
The 2008 4Runner is available with a choice of V6 or V8 engines, in 2WD and 4WD models. The standard 4.0-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC) V6 engine produces 236 horsepower, with 266 lb-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The available 4.7-liter i-Force DOHC V8 produces 260 horsepower, with 306 lb-ft. of torque at 3,400 rpm. In both engines, variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps provide substantial low-end and mid-range torque.
The 4Runner's standard five-speed automatic transmission adapts gear-shifting patterns according to driving conditions and driver input. Shift logic holds gears on inclines for power and on descents for increased engine braking, which can be helpful when towing.
An automatic Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) is standard on 2WD models for improved traction in slippery conditions. Four-wheel drive 4Runner models employ a TORSEN torque-sensing type limited-slip center differential with locking feature. The main difference between the V6 and V8 4WD systems is that the V6 uses a Multi-Mode selectable system, and the V8's 4WD is strictly a full-time system. In addition, both models are equipped with a two-speed transfer case with low range for handling steep off-highway inclines.
In both systems, the TORSEN differential distributes 60 percent of available power to the rear wheels under most conditions and changes the ratio as needed based on steering input and wheel slip. Automatically shifting to a 29:71 power distribution in the event of front wheel spin ratio during steering maneuvers helps to enhance vehicle tracking through curves. The center differential can change the ratio to 53:47 when it encounters rear wheel spinto help control rear wheel slippage. The TORSEN differential makes the 4Runner less prone to slippage caused by sudden changes in road conditions.
On 4WD Models, Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is designed to augment the low-speed descending ability of low-range by helping to hold the vehicle to a target speed with no intervention from the driver. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), standard on all models, provides additional control for off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle stationary while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface.
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