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| Looking right at home in the wilderness, Toyota's totally revised 2010 4Runner is one of few true SUVs left. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
At a time when most automakers seem to be dropping their body-on-frame models for new unibody designs, Toyota has invested heavily in its classic 25-year-old SUV resulting in an all-new 2010 4Runner.
With the new fifth-generation 4Runner, Toyota answers the one criticism most buyers had about the outgoing model, styling. While the outgoing model joined the Tacoma in introducing the truck division's upside-down smile, or rather frowning grille, a design element that carries forward in the new model, it was generally thought of as more refined looking than rugged. Personally, I loved the old truck, but seeing it on the road now that I've spent time with the new one leaves me a bit flat. The new 4Runner is simply more masculine, which should help it appeal to the mostly male clientele that true 4x4-capable SUVs attract.
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| Pulling a few cues from the FJ Cruiser and more from its own history, the new 4Runner is one tough looking customer. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
The new 2010 4Runner is more than just tougher looking. It's tougher overall. It now rides on an all-new platform, although that doesn't mean it's no longer based on the ultra-rugged Land Rover Prado that comes here as the tarted up Lexus GX 460 next year. This new platform architecture results in a stronger body structure made with a high-strength steel cage, plus the best standard ground clearance in the segment at 244 mm (9.6 inches) and an all-new V6 engine that replaces both outgoing engines with more power than the old top-line V8 and better fuel-economy than the previous entry-level V6 at an estimated 12.6L/100km in the city and 9.2L/100km on the highway, best in class by the way, and a 5% improvement over the outgoing V6 plus 17% over the V8, helped out by a 10% decrease in drag for a Cd of 0.36. A bonus is the ability to go farther into the wilderness without the need to refuel as often.
