2013 Toyota 4Runner Review and Prices

Styling: The 2013 Toyota 4Runner could get a couple of new color choices and maybe some tweaked trim. But its basic broad-shouldered size and shape won’t be altered. It’ll remain proudly square-rigged, tall-riding, and bulging-fendered -- a throwback to the dawn of the SUV age.

Some other midsize SUVs mimic this look – the 2013 Ford Explorer and 2013 GMC Terrain come to mind. But virtually all of them are crossovers. That is, they’re built like cars, with body and frame essentially a single unit. By contrast, the 2013 4Runner has a separate frame with body attached. This type of construction is well suited to severe off-road duty but generally is heavier and less space-efficient than a “unibody” crossover design.

Full-size SUVs such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition are commonly body-on-frame. But holdouts in the midsize-SUV class are few. 4Runner is by far the best seller and with the future of the Nissan Xterra and Toyota’s own FJ Cruiser uncertain at the time of this review, it’s the only non premium-class entry sure to be on sale for model-year 2013.

Among the tiny number of premium-priced body-on-frame midsize SUVs with a solid future is the Lexus GX460, and it’s essentially a fancied-up 4Runner from Toyota’s upscale division. The Toyota Highlander, meanwhile, will return for model-year 2013 as a seven-passenger midsize crossover with minivan-like styling and no off-road pretensions.

The 2013 4Runner will continue as a four-door wagon with a liftgate that boasts the novelty of a power-down rear window. Two front bucket seats and a three-passenger fold-down second-row bench are standard. A child-sized fold-down third-row bench should again be optional.

Expect the 2013 4Runner lineup to again consist of three models. The base version will likely keep its SR5 label. The midrange 2013 4Runner Trail model ought to return visually distinguished by front and rear bumpers contoured to more easily clear off-road obstacles. Remaining atop the line should be the 2013 4Runner Limited model with chrome grillework and 20-inch alloy wheels versus 17s on the other models.

Mechanical: The 2012 Toyota 4Runner is likely to be mechanically unchanged, though it could use more power and a more modern transmission. The carryover powertrain would consist of a 4.0-liter V-6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. Expect horsepower to remain 270 and torque 278 pound-feet. (Think of torque as the prime force behind acceleration and particularly important in a heavy vehicle such as the 4Runner.)

This V-6 should again provide the 2013 4Runner adequate acceleration. But this heavy SUV’s passing response and highway-merging ability would benefit greatly from more power and the efficiency of an automatic transmission with at least six speeds. Ample evidence of this is on hand in the Lexus GX460. It has a V-8 with 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, a six-speed automatic, and performance that leaves the 4Runner feeling anemic. Among the 2013 4Runner’s direct competitors only the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a V-8, and it can tow 7,400 pounds versus the 2013 4Runner’s expected 5,000 pounds.

Like most off-road-capable body-on-frame SUVs, the 2013 4Runner won’t be ideally suited to on-road handling. Its weight, tall-sidewall tires, long suspension travel, and slow steering likely will again combine to dull responses and promote body lean in changes of direction. The 4Runner’s bricky body shape leaves it susceptible to wander in strong crosswinds, too. To Toyota’s credit, however, ride comfort should remain competitive with many more carlike crossover SUVs.

Crossovers typically are based on front-wheel-drive engineering and have light-duty all-wheel-drive systems. By contrast, the 4Runner is based on a genuine-SUV rear-wheel drive (2wd) design and employs four-wheel drive (4wd) to share power with the front wheels.

Expect 4wd to remain optional on the 2013 4Runner SR5 and Limited models and standard on the Trail version. The SR5 and Trail probably will retain a basic 4wd system in which the front wheels engage after a driver pulls a floor lever. It’s a “part-time” 4wd setup for use off-road or in extremely slippery conditions. Expect “full-time” 4wd to remain reserved for the 2013 4Runner Limited model. This more sophisticated system can remain engaged on any surface and is activated by a center-console switch.

Both 2013 4Runner 4wd systems will again be suited for serious off-roading thanks to standard low-range gearing and Toyota’s Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) system. A-TRAC is designed to maintain progress on irregular or slippery terrain by distributing driving force to any wheel in contact with the ground. And all 2013 4wd 4Runners will continue with a generous 9.6 inches of ground clearance, downhill assist, and a fuel-tank skid plate.

The 2013 4Runner Trail model will again defend its hard-core credentials with an electronic-locking rear differential and Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select. The latter automatically provides an appropriate degree of wheel slip to sustain progress in sand or mud, over dry rock, or on other challenging surfaces. Also standard on 2013 Trail models will be Toyota’s Crawl Control. This is in effect off-road cruise control with five driver-selectable speeds. It automatically maintains slow, constant progress to minimize suspension and drivetrain loads. As a final touch, expect the 2013 Trail model to again be available with Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. It disconnects 4Runner’s stabilizer bars for more axle travel and better suspension articulation.

Features: Toyota isn’t apt to add significantly to the 2013 4Runner’s available features after important connectivity upgrades brought the 2012 model in step with the expectations of today’s tech-savvy buyers.

Every 2013 4Runner will return with such basics as steering-wheel audio controls, USB interface for iPods, and Bluetooth phone and music-streaming connectivity. Toyota also introduced its Entune infotainment system as standard on the 2012 Limited and optional on SR5 and Trail models. Entune will return for model-year 2013 as a smartphone-enabled link to such Internet apps as Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, and Pandora. The option also includes a voice-activated navigation system with a 7-inch dashboard touchscreen and can convert incoming text and email messages to speech.

Also returning to take some strain out of climbing into and out of this tall-riding wagon will be running boards that automatically slide in and out from under the bodysides. They were options on the 2012 SR5 and Limited models but unavailable on the rock-bashing Trail version; that distribution ought to repeat for the 2013 runner.  

Expect the 2013 4Runner’s standard-equipment list to again include air conditioning, a tilt/telescope steering wheel, power locks, and power windows – including the power tailgate window. Cruise control, remote keyless entry, and 10 beverage holders also will be standard. Also returning to support outdoor entertaining will be a standard “Party Mode” audio setting that feeds tailgate-mounted speakers and a slide-out cargo-floor tray that supports up to 440 pounds.

Every 2013 4Runner will return with a 40/20/40 split/folding second-row bench seat with a reclining backrest. Expect a 50/50 split/folding third-row bench to be an option exclusive to the SR5 and Limited models. It’ll provide seven-passenger capacity, albeit with rearmost seating with only enough space for children. Leather upholstery with heated power front seats will likely be standard on the Limited and optional on the SR5; the Trail model should continue with water-resistant fabric upholstery.

Other equipment standard or optional depending on model will again include a power tilt/slide moonroof and a rear-view monitor that displays on the inside mirror. Expect the 2013 4Runner Limited’s standard equipment to again include keyless entry and pushbutton start and Toyota’s X-REAS suspension that automatically adjusts shock-absorber damping over bumps or when cornering.

Standard equipment on all 2013 4Runners will again include antilock four-wheel disc brakes and traction and antiskid systems for better control in stops, take-offs, and sharp turns. Front passengers will again have knee airbags, and all three seating rows will have head-protecting side curtain airbags. Toyota’s Safety Connect with automatic collision notification and stolen-vehicle locator services will again be available by subscription.