2010 Toyota 4Runner debuts with four-cylinder, Trail grade model
Turns out the Texas State Fair has more to offer us today besides the 2011 Ford Super Duty. Toyota has also chosen the state shindig to debut its all-new 2010 4Runner SUV. Besides the all-new exterior and interior, the big news is the addition of a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and a new Trail grade model for hard core off-roaders. Of course, we'd be remiss not to also mention the sound system's new Party Mode that raises bass and transfers equalization to the rear of the vehicle where hatch-mounted speakers await to please the tailgating crowd.
Both wider and longer than the previous 4Runner, the new model offers an optional third-row seat and is available in three trims: the top-of-the-line Limited, SR5 and new Trail grade. Buyers can choose between rear-wheel-drive 4x2, part-time 4x4 and a full-time 4x4 system with a locking center differential. All 4x4 models get a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque and achieving 17 city/22 highway mpg. V6-powered models with 4x2 do slightly better with 17 city/23 highway. The new 2.7-liter four-cylinder is only available on the 4x2 SR5 model and produces 157 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque while returning 18 city/23 highway mpg. Considering the marginal difference in fuel economy, we recommend the V6 and question why Toyota is even offering a four-cylinder option besides a lower starting price.
Toyota describes the 4Runner SUV as more rugged than the Highlander CUV and more versatile than the two-door FJ Cruiser. The question remains how large a market still exists for four-door, mid-size SUVs. The Ford Explorer, which defined the segment in the '90s, will be switching to a unibody platform soon and become more CUV-like. Nevertheless, Toyota still believes there's demand for a rugged, go-anywhere SUV in today's penny-pinching, gas price-fearing market.
Check out pics of the Limited model below and make the jump to see galleries of the SR5 and Trail models, a video of the new 4Runner in action and Toyota's official press release
Source
Autoblog
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/2010-toyota-4runner-debuts-with-four-cylinder-trail-grade-model/
