Updated, 9/25/09 3:30 p.m. PDT
We couldn't cover all the options and technologies that are a part of the 2010 Toyota 4Runner in our full test. Here are a few that deserve a quick tip-of-the-hat. 
Party Mode: There's a small button on the dash with a symbol of a high-volume speaker. We had no idea what it was, but we knew we wanted to push it, and push it often. Turns out it resets the stereo equalizer to send most of the music to the tailgate-mounted speakers so any parties happening back there have enough volume.
SOS: This subscription-based option provides a wide range of advanced roadside assistance, as well as automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, and more. The first year of service is included with the purchase of the vehicle.
3rd-row seat: (Yes, we goofed here; the third-row seat folds flat this year. Our pre-production test vehicle did not have this option, and apparently, we took down incorrect information in our notes. Thank you for understanding that sometimes mistakes do happen. -- The Editor) Although the 3rd-row seat option still hinges to the outer wall, thus restricting some of the cargo area, the new chassis and body allows more headroom and legroom to 3rd-row passengers.
Full Test: 2010 Toyota 4Runner Trail Grade
8 standard airbags: Front passengers get front, side, and knee airbags, while second and third row passengers get full-length side curtain airbags. 
Reclining 2nd row: Rear passenger seats are now 40/20/40 split seats and include a large center armrest. Likewise, when optioned with the 3rd-row seat, 2nd-row seats include a separate walk-in folding mechanism for easier access. Second-row seats individually recline up to 16 degrees. 
Pull-out cargo deck: A good fit with the "Party Mode," this sturdy three-position sliding cargo floor option is available as an option.
Rated to hold up to 440 pounds, the slideout tailgate gives people a place to sit when the rear door is open. Cargo space lost is negligible since it sits only one inch off the load floor. Additionally, when you order the sliding cargo deck option, you also get a small storage box behind the 2nd-row seats.
--Mark Williams, Contributor
subaru123 says:
06:11 PM, 09/24/09
Full test is a DEAD link.
eriches says:
07:38 PM, 09/24/09
Fixing links now. --E. Riches
billt9 says:
08:12 PM, 09/24/09
2nd row is Reclining and sliding, from what i can see in the pics.
It's becoming a standard for most vehicles. Even the CR-V has both functions.
rvictor says:
12:23 AM, 09/25/09
Didn't like the old one. Not much different. Still ugly and underperforming. I hope they fixed the electrical gremlins and early rusting out probelms that haunted it for many many years. I wouldn't consider any Toyota after they were found hiding rollover defects. I think this would be one of the worst offenders of that lawsuit cover up. It even looks "tippy".
mopar424 says:
01:05 AM, 09/25/09
Why does Toyota have to make all their new models so friggin ugly? The rear doors look like they were dented in by another car, then painted over. And that slide out cargo floor? Stolen right from the Dodge Nitro, even has the exact same load capacity.. 440lbs. It was kind of gimmicky in the Nitro, but still, how blatent Toyota!
1487 says:
05:52 AM, 09/25/09
How many PR pieces are we going to see for this? Its not like this is a new hybrid or something. its a rock crawler with limited appeal.
After all the flak Onstar has taken from the press and GM bashers how ironic is it that Toyota is launching its own version 13 years later. I guess its not as useless as we thought.
notabigdeal says:
06:31 AM, 09/25/09
Party Mode is Awsome. This is almost the perfect tool machine. You can lure the woman in with party mode and the pull out cargo deck. As your car will be loaded with beer you and your car will look better and better as time passes. Afterwards be a tool!@#!
billt9 says:
06:52 AM, 09/25/09
this truck is just so awesome i think it needs a 4th post.
Can we have a suspension walkaround on the PR vehicle?
brn says:
07:06 AM, 09/25/09
Where's kissel when you need him?
altimadude00 says:
08:29 AM, 09/25/09
Does it have a manure button?
1487 says:
08:32 AM, 09/25/09
Still no shout out to the 4 speed auto. Was that even mentioned in the First Drive test? I may have missed it. Even Hyundai is rolling out vehicles with standard 6 speed autos.
rsholland says:
08:59 AM, 09/25/09
1487
Agreed, more gears would be better. Unfortunately Toyota only offers a 6-speed automatic with their V8 trucks/SUVs; so it's not just a 4-Runner issue. Hopefully they'll reconsider. At least the V6 has a 5-speed automatic. I doubt the 4-speed I4, 2WD will draw many buyers—even if it had a 6-speed automatic.
Actually I'm hoping Toyota will offer at some point their all-new 4.6 V8, which is found on the 2010 Tundra and Sequoia. It has the the 6-speed automatic.
billt9 says:
10:45 AM, 09/25/09
why do you want a 6 speed automatic?
I've experienced 6-speed confusion and it is evil.
The more gears, the more for the computer to not know which gear to use, and the more gears it has to shift through to do something right.
jsc4321 says:
11:08 AM, 09/25/09
Mark,
The 3rd row seats are NOT hinged to the outer walls. I just saw a picture of it in cars.com and it shows that it's a flat folding 3rd row. You guys need to check your facts.
jsc4321 says:
11:10 AM, 09/25/09
Mark,
The 3rd row seats are NOT hinged to the outer walls. I just saw a picture of it in cars.com and it shows that it's a flat folding 3rd row. You guys need to check your facts.
makakio says:
11:33 AM, 09/25/09
I've loved my '01 for 145k miles. I cannot wait to get into a new one of these. With Party Mode, of course.
rdryder says:
11:43 AM, 09/25/09
Boring.
Then again what would you expect from Toyota. They really need some help in the Styling department. What happend to Toyota?
dougtheeng says:
11:49 AM, 09/25/09
Its nice to read about something other then the Hennessy (sp) Camaro. Keep the articles coming.
camz7 says:
12:09 PM, 09/25/09
jsc4321 is right, the 3rd row seats are acually stowed in the floor on this new 4Runner.
desmolicious says:
01:01 PM, 09/25/09
So with the Party mode, what we are saying is the Toyota 4 Runner, with business up front, party in the back, is the ultimate mullet truck.
billt9 says:
01:14 PM, 09/25/09
ya Edmunds you lie!
Page 6 of this album demonstrates the 3rd row seat, stowing in the floor like any good crossover.
http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/photo.aspx?id=16241&ncid=11092
billt9 says:
01:16 PM, 09/25/09
It's so square it's '80s and mullety.
billt9 says:
04:21 AM, 09/28/09
here's another example of the evils of 6-speed auto:
"•Transmission's not housebroken. Yeah, it's a six-speed in a segment populated by four- and five-speed automatics, and you have to give GM credit for that.
But in the four-cylinder Equinox, it shimmied and shuddered on some shifts, delayed grossly before downshifting in medium-speed, medium-throttle circumstances. Good snappy shifts if you floored the pedal, but most people don't drive that way."
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2009-09-03-2010-chevrolet-equinox_N.htm
Aside from fuel economy gains, I don't think there's a positive to 6-speed auto. They're just sluggish because it's one too many useless gears to shift through. Better on fuel, drives like crap.