Updated 9/25/09, 11 a.m.
Sure, we had the chance to test Toyota's new Trail Grade 4Runner to it limits, but is this really the best 4x4 system around?
In the world of serious 4x4s, the club is pretty small. Certainly, the Hummer H3 (with its front and rear locking differentials, giant aggressive tires, and V8 option), Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (with its ultra low-range transfer case, swaybar disconnects, and Dana 44 axles), Land Rover LR4 (with its Terrain Response, height adjustable suspension, and heavy-duty driveline), and the Toyota Land Cruiser (long a world player in capability-first four wheelers) are on the short list, but it looks like there may be another name to add. Here are 6 reasons why:
1) The heart of the 2010 Toyota 4Runner's Trail Grade package is the 4-position selectable Multi-Terrain System that allows the driver to choose a mode based on the type of terrain the vehicle is trying to navigate: Mud and Sand, Loose Rock, Mogul, Rock, and Overall. Each position (designated from Light to Heavy) has a unique set of computer parameters when controlling individual wheel slip, throttle response, and gear selection.
2) Crawl Control, first seen on Toyota Land Cruiser, is a separate set of the computer-controlled parameters (used separately from the Multi-Terrain system), that takes over the uphill or downhill progress of the vehicle with computer-controlled braking, throttle adjustments, and traction control. The system only works when in low range and modulates engine speed forward or in reverse over extreme terrain between one and three mph. The system allows the driver to concentrate on just steering.
Full Test: 2010 Toyota 4Runner Trail Grade
3) As with any capability-driven 4x4, the suspension is a key component to off-road success and Toyota's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) which consists of two (linked) hydraulically-controlled shock absorbers attached to each of the over-sized swaybars. The strut-link stiffens at higher speeds to keep the body-on-frame SUV cornering flat, while at slower speeds, the strut-link relaxes to allow the suspension maximum flexibility over hardcore terrain. The system was introduced on the 2003 Lexus GX 470, and it's likely to get on the FJ pretty quickly. Additionally, the X-REAS system (a set of computer-controlled shocks that stiffens and relaxes the absorbers as needed) still exists on the top-level Limited 4Runner.
4) A more traditional 4x4 technology is Toyota's continued use of the electronically controlled rear locking differential that allows the driver to control (under 25 mph) the locking for the rear axle shafts, giving the rear drive wheels maximum tractive ability.
5) Although not directly tied to the 4x4 system, numerous electronic systems work to help overall traction and control of the vehicle. To name a few, the new 4Runner offers both an uphill and downhill assist control, a very smart traction control system (called A-TRAC), a vehicle stability control, as well as an automatic limited-slip differential on 4x2 models.
6) The transfer case for the 4Runner Limited full-time 4WD system uses a Torsen limited-slip center differential that essentially locks up when in 4Hi mode when front and rear driveshafts differences exceed a prescribed limit. With a set of torque-biasing worm gear and clutches, the system is both strong and relatively smooth in its transitions from open to lock. Low-range gearing in 4Lo on both the Limited's full-time system and the SR5/Trail Grade part-time system is a respectable 2.57:1, with an overall crawl ratio (axle gears x First gear x transfer case low range) of 33.7:1, giving it excellent slow-speed control.
With all of this old and new technology, it looks like Toyota has given the Trail Grade 4Runner as much four-wheel-drive capability as anything else sold in the U.S, giving Toyota the widest and deepest range of serious 4x4s (FJ, 4Runner, Land Cruiser) in the industry. The only possible improvement, it seems, for those who might want more traction would be a more aggressive all-terrain tire (as opposed to the all-season Bridgestones that come from the factory) with a slightly taller aspect ratio. No doubt this type of 4x4 is not for everyone, but it's refreshing to see Toyota stay committed to such a traditional type of SUV.
--Mark Williams, Contributor
brn says:
09:08 AM, 09/24/09
Funny headline; "Best 4x4 Package Sold in the U.S.?" except for a bunch that are better and you even list some of them.
wrinklebump says:
09:10 AM, 09/24/09
What this means is that a comparison test between the aforementioned vehicles is in order.
firstwagon says:
09:26 AM, 09/24/09
Of the 6 items listed the only ones real off roaders will care about is the locking rear and center diffs.
Electronics are considered annoying nannies that only get in your way. They serve to impress magazine writers.
Think of them the way racers looks at stability controls on sports cars. The 1st thing they do is switch them off.
rsholland says:
11:03 AM, 09/24/09
A ton of photos and info here.
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/2010-toyota-4runner-debuts-with-four-cylinder-trail-grade-model/
unimogs says:
11:08 AM, 09/24/09
wow...even Truck Trend gave it a good review
bodyblue says:
12:12 PM, 09/24/09
When I looked at the pics I almost lost my lunch. Good Lord Japanese trucks are ugly! Barf!
mlh says:
12:29 PM, 09/24/09
"In the world of serious 4x4s, the club is pretty small."
I guess I can see leaving the G-wagen off the list considering who buys them in the U.S. Still...
cruiserhead1 says:
12:32 PM, 09/24/09
dead link to the full road test
desmolicious says:
12:50 PM, 09/24/09
I much prefer this to the FJ Cruiser as it seems you can actually see out of it.
rsholland says:
01:19 PM, 09/24/09
I really like the Trail trim level; and really don't care for the Limited trim level, as it just looks odd with the extra lower body cladding and the low-profile tires. The SR5 is okay, but it's the Trail that's got my attention. Wonder if you can get steelies with it?
Also of note is it appears that NAVI is available on not just the top-of-the-line Limited, but also on the off-road-oriented Trail, which is much appreciated; not sure if you can get it on the SR5.
zoomzoomn says:
01:34 PM, 09/24/09
Um, how about the Nissan Xterra?
robs249 says:
05:55 PM, 09/24/09
This shall be giving the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee a run for its money...Would deff. love to see a comparison test once the Jeep arrives.
nedzel says:
04:25 AM, 09/25/09
Unfortunately, Mr. Williams is incorrect about the Torsen center diff. Only the Limited edition gets the Torsen center diff, as can be seen in Toyota's specifications document here: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/document/2010_4Runner_Product_Info.pdf?ncid=11092
As a result, only the Limited can be driven on pavement in 4WD. That is a big drawback for us here in the Northeast. In the winter, when the roads go from dry, to wet, to snow covered, and back in just a few hundred yards, full-time 4WD is greatly preferable to part-time 4WD.
ljs8510 says:
05:55 AM, 09/25/09
The 4Runner should be compared against the Grand Cherokee not the Wrangler. Many if not all of the new 4Runner features listed are already standard on the 2008 Grand Cherokee.
thammer62 says:
06:31 AM, 09/25/09
nedzel
Are you saying the SR5 and the Trail Grade can't be in 4wd driving down the street? So a 4x4 truck can't be switched into 4wd when snow and other foul weather arise on streets? This makes no sense. I hope I just don't understand and that is not how it really is.
nedzel says:
06:56 AM, 09/25/09
thammer62, that is my understanding. The SR5 and Trail Grade have a part-time 4WD system that can't be used on dry pavement. If the road is snow covered, you can use it, but it will effectively be like a locked center diff -- the front and rear driveshafts will turn at the same speed -- so in any corner you will be getting some slip.
When you turn a corner, the rear end takes a shorter path than the front end. This is why all-wheel-drive vehicles have a center differential, to allow the front and rear driveshafts to turn at a different rate.
thundera says:
08:06 AM, 09/25/09
The 2010 4Runner may or may not be the best 4x4 package in the US without a full on comparison, but the Trail Grade will definitely represent one of the best values for what is included. Hard to make an arguement against Land Rover's terrain response system.
stateofmaine says:
12:04 PM, 09/26/09
i'm with nedzel: current owner of a full-time 4WD 4runner and want to know what's up with the lack of on-road 4WD capability from the new SR5 and Trail Editions... that's a step BACKWARDS!
Jim1947 says:
02:06 AM, 12/19/10
I think Nedzel works for the GM propganda dept, this artical is about the trail grade package, he is taking a small point and twisting it into something else, and switching over on how a different option other than the trail grade would not work for his part of the country based on something he actually knows nothng about.