2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Review - Base Price $27,495
Revised V8 brings more power.
Introduction
The Toyota 4Runner is a thoroughly modern but traditional sport utility. It excels at off-road capability. If your weekend involves driving over rugged terrain, this is an excellent choice. Yet it's smooth and quiet and highly sophisticated in terms of technology and features.
The 2005 Toyota 4Runner models offer more responsive performance than last year's models, whether you get the standard V6 or optional V8. The V8 benefits from a more sophisticated variable-valve setup with drive-by-wire, boosting its output to 270 horsepower, substantially more than last year's 235. Last year, the only good reason to opt for the V8 was to pull a trailer, but this year's V8 is a much more compelling upgrade, delivering strong, responsive acceleration performance out on the highway. With its 330 pound-feet of torque 4Runner 4x4 V8 is rated to tow up to 7,000 pounds.
The V6 gets enhanced response from a five-speed automatic transmission that replaces last year's four-speed automatic. (The V8 continues to come with the five-speed automatic as well.) More gears means better response for any given situation. Last year's model performed very well with the V6 and four-speed automatic, and it was our preference, but the new five-speed is a better match and offers smooth shifting and sophisticated features, including Artificial Intelligence.
The 4Runner is the real deal, ready to tackle truly rugged terrain. This is no car-based crossover station wagon deal. It's built on a rugged ladder frame with a solid rear axle. While some consider this design dated when compared to the latest SUVs with unibody construction and independent rear suspensions, Toyota believes the traditional package offers better recreational capability and long-term durability in working-truck conditions. Still, it doesn't ride like a buckboard wagon. Toyota engineers went to great pains to prove that this durable, adventurous configuration need not compromise everyday comfort and convenience. The 4Runner is quite comfortable around town and on the highway with a nice ride quality. But hit the dirt, and it's loaded with the latest off-road electronic technology, including Hill Start Assist and Downhill Assist Control. An optional linked shock-absorber system improves handling on the highway. Completely redesigned for 2003, the 4Runner represents Toyota's best effort at delivering outstanding off-road capability with high levels of comfort and convenience for everyday use.
Inside it's roomy and comfortable. An optional third-row seat expands the passenger capacity to seven, but the seat can be folded over or removed for cargo space. The 4Runner comes standard with running boards and more upscale body-colored bumpers and lower body cladding. The optional GPS navigation system includes a rear-mounted video camera, useful for checking behind the vehicle before backing up.
While the 4Runner may seem old school to people who want an all-weather sport touring vehicle, it's the hot ticket for outdoor enthusiasts for its ability to deal with primitive roads, beat-up two-tracks or serious mud or sand. Yet it won't punish its owner in everyday use.
Interior
The 4Runner cabin looks like traditional SUV, in spite of some high-zoot features. It's functional if not beautiful. More important, it's roomy and comfortable. And the quality of materials and they way they fit together is good.
The standard cloth interior is nice, and the cloth seats in the SR5 and Sport models are comfortable, with side bolsters to keep the driver in place when cornering or driving off road. All seats offer adjustable headrests and three-point seatbelts, and the driver's seat adjusts eight ways. The driver and front passenger sit up high, as one expects in an SUV, but with its low roof and high floor, it seems you're sitting flatter on the floor, as in some low cars like a Ford Mustang. The driver's legs stretch out, rather than down, toward the pedals.
A two-tone dashboard houses the instruments. Gauges illuminate orange, set in three deep binnacles that prevent the front-seat passenger from reading them. The fuel gauge uses an inclinometer for accurate readouts when the 4Runner is tilted on an incline. Automatic climate control is standard on all models, while the Limited comes with his-and-hers dual-zone temperature controls. The stereo buttons, and particularly the fan, airflow and temperature controls, are big and easy to locate. A display located just above the climate controls reveals time, ambient temperature, and trip data. An optional 115-volt AC power outlet ($100) means you can bring all the electrical conveniences of home with you. It's a truly useful feature, especially if you're inclined to spend a lot time in the great outdoors.
An unusual feature is a pair of small convex mirrors at the rear corners of the interior, designed to help the driver see approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space. The mirrors work on the same principal as those big convex mirrors mounted at a corner in an underground parking garage. They may prove helpful when backing up in a busy parking lot because they help the driver pick up on movement. Using them effectively takes some practice, however, and it's hard to distinguish details. Better than the convex mirrors is the optional navigation system.
The navigation system includes a rearview video camera hidden in the rear bumper that projects images on the seven-inch navigation screen when the 4Runner is in reverse. The pictures are sharp, even in complete darkness, and cover the area directly behind and a couple of feet on either side of the car. The extreme fish-eye view of the lens makes distances difficult to judge, at least initially. Like the lower tech convex mirrors, the electronic system takes some getting used. We don't recommend using it for maneuvering, but it adds safety by giving the driver a good view of what's immediately behind the vehicle, whether it's a short metal pole or a child on a tricycle.
Getting into the back seats is a little more challenging than in a sedan. The doors offer a relatively narrow opening to get into the rear seats and you have to duck your head to get in and out. Once in, however, the second-row bench seat is roomy. It's best for two. The seat is raised slightly in the center position, so the middle passenger sits on this uncomfortable hump. The second row features a wide center armrest that folds down to provide two cup holders and a tray for French fries or whatever. An unusual feature, but perhaps a good idea, is a small trash bag holder for rear passengers. The rear ventilation ducts that bring comfort in the form of warm or cool air are more easily appreciated.
The 4Runner's optional third-row seat adds an element of flexibility. It's actually two separate seats that fold up to the sides of the cargo compartment, parallel to the rear side windows. These seats are easy to stow, and access from the curbside rear door, via a spring-loaded sliding mechanism on the second seat, isn't too difficult. But even large children, like a healthy 11-year-old, will sit in these rear seats with knees pressed up toward the chest and hair brushing the headliner. Those who need to seat seven on a regular basis should check out the Sienna minivan or the minivan-based Highlander or the full-size Sequoia. Also, the third-row seats take up cargo space even when folded. For maximum cargo volume, they must be removed from the truck, which is not too difficult.
The cargo space is designed well. The second-row seats can be folded down with the headrests in place, though we sometimes found it easier to pull them off before flipping the seat bottoms up and the seatbacks down. The second-row seat folds nearly flat, flatter than a Ford Explorer's, and the seatbacks are reinforced to support heavy loads. The cargo area includes structurally attached steel tie-down hooks on the floor, with additional hooks on the sides. A clever double-decker rear storage shelf ($125) helps organize cargo in two levels. Using just one hand, the collapsible shelf can be folded flat or lifted up easily. When deployed, it's rated at a sturdy 66 pounds. A large storage box is provided on the right side of the cargo compartment. Storage bins are provided in all four doors, and every seat gets a cup holder. After all, this is America.
The rear hatch comes standard with a power rear window that can be operated from the key fob. If it senses a small hand in the way, the window will reverse directions and open. The hatch itself also has a power opener, which is great during nasty weather. An electric power-close function sucks the hatch shut and ensures secure sealing without slamming.
An overriding impression when we climbed out of the 4Runner was its quietude. Rugged it may be, but the lack of road, driveline or ambient noise in the cabin is impressive, given its off-road capability. Wind noise is all you'll hear if you turn the stereo off.
Walk-Around
The Toyota 4Runner is not a small vehicle. It's substantially larger than pre-2003 models. The 4Runner is easily recognized by its familiar low roof and high floor. The look is muscular, if not distinguished, and conveys ruggedness. A wide, rounded front end features an aggressive horizontal grille and wide headlamps. Chunky overfenders and cladding on the rocker panels suggest the 4Runner is ready to hit the dusty trail. Backing up that contention are skid plates for the engine, transfer case and fuel tank, all of which come standard. The rear is trimmed with big tail lamps and a clunky-looking rear spoiler.
The non-functional hood scoop on the Sport Edition does not, in our opinion, enhance the 4Runner's look. We think it has the opposite effect.
4Runner's windshield, side windows, and side mirrors are made of hydrophilic glass and repel water like a waxed car or a window that has been treated with Rain-X. The glass causes water to form large drops, which are quickly shed by gravity or wind. The side mirrors are angled out to increase the driver's field of view. The available moonroof includes a two-stage wind deflector designed to reduce wind noise when traveling above 55 mph.
Impressions
The Toyota 4Runner handles very well for a truck with a live rear axle. We drove all the models over twisting back roads along the Oregon coast and found it easy to drive at a quick clip, and we drove a 2005 4Runner Limited 4x4 with the new V8 around Los Angeles. The suspension damping is excellent. When the road got bumpy we could tell it had a solid rear axle rather than an independent rear suspension, but the 4Runner handles more confidently than, say, a Chevy TrailBlazer, which also uses a live rear axle. Rack-and-pinion steering gives the 4Runner quick steering response and good steering feel.
The 4Runner has a nice, smooth ride on unpaved roads, too. That's important when venturing afield because you often end up driving over washboard surfaces and rough roads. The 4Runner's well-tuned damping and progressive-rate spring bumpers are to thank here. Where the 4Runner really comes into its own, however, is when the terrain gets truly gnarly. There's lots of suspension articulation for climbing over boulders and gullies, and a host of technology for handling steep, slippery grades.
The standard V6 engine is so good that, until the 2005 models were introduced, we couldn't see a reason to get the V8 unless its strong low-rpm torque was needed for frequent towing. Toyota's 4.0-liter V6 is responsive and we never felt short-changed. It was brand-new in 2003, and it's packed with the latest technology, including fully variable valve timing, a new linkless electronic throttle control system and lightweight all-aluminum construction. The V6 is rated at 245 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy has been improved and the V6 4x4 model gets a credible 17/21 mpg city/highway, according to the EPA (18/21 for 2WD models). The V6 is paired with the new five-speed automatic transmission.
For 2005, the optional 4.7-liter V8 features variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and an electronic throttle control system with intelligence (ETCS-i), which increases the output to 270 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 330 pound-feet of torque at 3400 rpm. The V8 models weigh about 125 pounds more than V6 4Runners, and the V8 delivers 16/20 mpg in 4x2s, and 15/19 in 4x4s.
Both engines feature a cranking system that keeps the starter engaged until complete combustion is achieved, freeing the driver from holding the key until the engine turns over. This is a feature usually associated with expensive luxury sedans.
We found the two-wheel-drive 4Runner impressively capable off road; indeed, it's more capable than some so-called SUVs equipped with all-wheel-drive. Yet ultimate traction comes from the four-wheel-drive models. It seems to us, that if you don't need four-wheel drive, then perhaps you should be looking at a different vehicle. The 4WD 4Runners are equipped with a two-speed transfer case, giving the driver a set of low-range gears for creeping over rugged terrain.
V6 4WD 4Runners are equipped with Toyota's Multi-Mode shift-on-the-fly system with a Torsen-type limited-slip center differential. The driver can shift between 2WD, 4WD High, and 4WD Low. The Torsen center differential is open in 2WD mode. It applies a rear bias in 4WD High, splitting torque 40/60 front-to-rear in normal driving conditions, providing the driver with a traditional feel and better stability when accelerating. The 4WD mode may be used in all types of driving conditions on all types of roads, from dry pavement to wet or snow-covered roads. The system gives the 4Runner a sure-footed feel because power is applied to all four wheels, improving traction. When the front wheels slip, up to 70 percent of the power goes to the rear wheels. When the rear wheels slip, up to 53 percent of the power goes to the front wheels.
The five-speed automatic transmission enhances the responsiveness and efficiency of the engine. The transmission is equipped with Artificial Intelligence Shift control, which changes gear-shifting patterns according to driving conditions and driver intent. It works well and seems to understand when you want to cruise and when you want to get with the program.
All 4WD 4Runners come with Toyota's Downhill Assist Control (DAC) system. It works similarly to Land Rover's Hill Descent Control to control the speed and progress of the vehicle down steep grades. Shift into 4WD low-range, check to make sure Downhill Assist is activated, pull to the edge of the nearest precipice, take your feet off the pedals, and steer your way slowly down the trail. Once you make the leap of faith that comes with allowing the machinery to do the work for you, Downhill Assist works very well and is easy to control. The ABS makes a noisy "dunk, dunk, dunk" sound as it lowers the 4Runner safely down the slippery slope. Gently touch the gas or brake pedals to slow or speed your progress, then take your feet off the pedals again, and the system comes back on: "dunk, dunk, dunk, dunk." Downhill Assist helps keep the 4Runner pointed in the direction you steer it, using the ABS to curb the tendency for the vehicle to get sideways on steep descents. The system will work continuously for three minutes (because the brakes will heat up with prolonged use), but Toyota officials say it only needs the shortest of breaks to continue. Three minutes is usually more than enough time to get to the bottom of the sort of uncomfortably steep descent we're contemplating here.
All 4Runners also come with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), which is designed to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or slipping sideways when starting off on a steep ascent. The system controls the brakes to stop an individual wheel or all wheels, preventing the vehicle from rolling backward or slipping sideways.
The Toyota 4Runner is a truck, not a car. Rather than using a unibody like the Toyota Highlander or RAV4, the 4Runner is built on a ladder frame that features full-length boxed section frame rails. Toyota steered away from using an independent rear suspension like the one on the ladder-frame Ford Explorer and many cars. Independent rear suspension offers better ride quality and allows for a roomier interior, but Toyota responds that the 4Runner's off-road capability was a high priority and that its live rear axle offers more suspension travel.
V8 Limited models offer an optional rear air suspension for improved ride and performance when towing or hauling heavy loads. The air suspension automatically adjusts the ride height according to vehicle load. The driver can raise the rear suspension when driving off road to increase the ground clearance and improve the rear departure angle. This latter feature is extremely useful in the extreme conditions where it's needed, but most owners will never go there.
A system called X-REAS (standard on Sport, optional on Limited models) improves handling dynamics on the road with no compromise in off-road articulation or suspension travel. X-REAS reduces the tendency of the vehicle to bob up and down in corners and improves handling by damping body pitch and roll. A simple system, it links the shocks diagonally through hydraulic lines (e.g., the front left shock is linked to the rear right shock). A central control absorber helps balance shock damping.
Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) come standard on all 4Runners. The four-channel ABS prevents the wheels from locking under severe braking, improving driver control. The 4Runner's ABS has an off-road algorithm to improve stopping performance in slippery conditions, a great feature. EBD automatically balances the braking force front to rear for shorter stopping distances. Brake Assist helps a driver who may not be pressing the brake pedal hard enough during an emergency stopping situation by generating additional brake force to assist the driver. We found the brakes worked well. They felt a bit sensitive on the 2005 4Runner V8 we drove, but we quickly adjusted to them.
The 4Runner's fuel tank was specifically designed for off-road use. The tank is plastic, offering better protection against corrosion, rust-through and connection leaks. Yet the plastic tank is armored by a steel case for protection against debris kicked up by the tires, or rocks off-highway enthusiasts might encounter.
Summary
The 2005 Toyota 4Runner is a highly capable trail vehicle. It will get you over the rocks and through the muck, but it won't make you regret its durable construction when you're cruising the Interstate. It's smooth and quiet on the road and there's plenty of room for family and friends. The V6 is a great choice, but the V8 delivers excellent response. If you want serious recreational capability with Toyota quality, and the company's reputation for durability and reliability, the 4Runner is an excellent choice. Nonetheless, if you rarely venture onto unimproved trails, then you'll find the Toyota Highlander and other unibody, independently suspended SUVs smoother and more comfortable.
New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough reports from Southern California.
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