2010 Toyota 4Runner to get four-cylinder model, third row option for 2010
2010 Toyota 4Runner teaser - Click above to expand and enlarge
Thanks to a reader tip, Autoblog has obtained documentation confirming rumors that the nearly-here 2010 Toyota 4Runner will get both a four-cylinder model and an optional third row for added utility.
The long-serving body-on-frame SUV finally gets a much-needed replacement for the 2010 model year, and the addition of a four-cylinder model (available only in two-wheel drive) should give Toyota marketers a valuable price and mileage leader, with the latter making friends among consumers and Corporate Average Fuel Economy calculators alike. The displacement of the quad-banger isn't disclosed, but given that its horsepower is quoted as 161 (torque figures were not listed) we assume it's the company's 2.4-liter powerplant. That's a solid little motor, but it will likely have its hands full propelling the body-on-frame 4Runner, which perhaps explains why it will only be available in two-wheel drive form. The V6 model will get 268 horsepower, presumably supplied by the 3.5-liter engine seen in the Camry sedan.
The 2010 4Runner will be available in three model levels: SR5, Trail, and Limited, with the I-4 model only being available in SR5 form. Click through to the jump to see how the specifications for each trim level breaks out.
SR5 models will feature 16- or 17-inch wheels, a dozen airbags (front, side, curtain, and knee), as well as a standard backup and clearance sensor, an eight-speaker stereo with a special tailgate mode, and a telescoping steering wheel. Options will include leather, power seats, the aforementioned third row seating, a power moonroof, as well as audio upgrades, a 400-watt outlet, and Safety Connect (think: Toyota OnStar). The I-4 model will be outfitted like an SR5 V6, albeit without the option for leather seating surfaces and with the inclusion of black fender trim.
Stepping up to the Trail spec will yield consumers some useful off-roading kit, including Crawl Control, protective rock rails, Adaptive Terrain Management System (A-TMS), and a locking rear differential. Other bits include a standard moonroof, sport seats with waterproof fabric, Optitron gauges, an electrochromatic rearview mirror with backup camera, a hood scoop, and a roof rack. Trail buyers will also be able to get such connectivity niceties as a USB iPod interface, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and so on. A navigation system, Safety Connect, and the 400-watt outlet remain optional.
That leaves the full-house Limited model, which doesn't exactly skimp on content. The Limited gets full-time four-wheel drive and Toyota's novel X-REAS suspension system (the purely mechanical system helps to counterbalance vehicle motions like roll and dive). On top of that, the Limited gets 20-inch wheels, a color-matched body kit, dressier aluminum roof rails, turn-signal mirrors, and a moonroof. Inside, the range-topping model also gets leather seating, keyless entry with push-button start, and a JBL audio system.
Upon receiving the 4Runner documentation, we reached out to Toyota for comment, and PR head Curt McCallister gave Autoblog what amounts to a 'no comment' – "Other than the teaser that ran yesterday over PR Newswire, no technical specs have been released on this vehicle yet." Similarly, we have no word yet on pricing, but the 2010 4Runner is scheduled to be revealed at the annual State Fair of Texas late next month, so we should know more soon enough. Thanks for the hot tip, Sprtxkyle!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Adam H. 1:34PM (8/28/2009)
Um, what about the 2.7L from the Highlander?
Reply
Luis 1:39PM (8/28/2009)
This engine would make much more sense. The rest of the packages sound decent, except for the tacky hood scoop. Who are they kidding?
MarcT 2:10PM (8/28/2009)
Let's see if this works this time. I'm havin a hell of a time with my posts here today.
Adam H, the Highlander engine would not work, it is a car engine. The 4Runner will use the 2.7L engine from the Tacoma.
Bob-omb 2:32PM (8/28/2009)
Exactly. Why would autoblog think they'd put the old 2.4L in the 4Runner? Not only is it a car engine, but it's oudated -- hence why the updated Camry and Rav-4 use the new 2.5L. But that's neither here nor there. The 4Runner will come with the Tacoma's 2.7L.
Tourian 3:18PM (8/28/2009)
Why do people keep saying "it's a car engine" when referring to the Highlander's 2.7L? Don't you people realize they use the same engine, but change the timing maps and cams to favor low end grunt, use an Im with different runners, match it with a transmission with cogs that do the same and stick long ways under the hood instead of sideways and voila, its a truck engine? Even if the block is a different casting because of the longitudinal mounting and the different blelhousing for the trans, its not like its a clean sheet redesign from their "car engine" program, even if it does have a different code.
MarcT 4:00PM (8/28/2009)
Tourian,
It's a completely different engine family. Wikipedia breaks it down nicely.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_TR_engine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_AR_engine
2.5 and 2.7 ARs (plus the 2.4 stragglers) are for cars and CUVs
2.7 TRs are for trucks. Different hp and torque ratings.
the4thheat 6:02PM (8/28/2009)
Yeah Autoblog is making a pretty bad guess here, but it makes a LOT more sense that they'd be using the 2.7L seen in the Venza and Highlander instead of putting in the older (and in a 4Runner, underpowered) 2.4L.
RamblinReck89 1:37PM (8/28/2009)
I still stick by my "Meh" comment from yesterday.
Reply
Osprey 6:52PM (8/28/2009)
..and you're going to get neg-repped just like yesterday.
RamblinReck89 11:51PM (8/28/2009)
I'm kinda impressed by my half star.
dub 12:30PM (8/29/2009)
i dunno, the Trail edition sounds like its right up my ally. i have 97 that's been "Trail'd" out for Colorado backcountry use and is getting fairly up there in miles (215,000)...
kinda makes me a bit nervous for my Grand Staircase/Escalante trip in October...
RamblinReck89 12:58PM (8/29/2009)
When there's one I can actually see, I may be more impressed. Until then, I just can't really get too excited about it, especially considering Toyota's reputation for suburb-stormers.
Azael 1:39PM (8/28/2009)
A 161 hp from a 2.4 liter engine for a big, fat SUV?
Expect to lose a drag race with a 35 hp Tata Nano!
Reply
Jared 2:34PM (8/28/2009)
Yes, the 4-cylinder will be hopelessly underpowered and will not sell.
Dan 2:45PM (8/28/2009)
The I4 is for women to look adventurous while sitting behind someone's brake lights on the way to the mall. It'll do just fine for that.
paul34 3:28PM (8/28/2009)
Doesn't seem particularly fuel efficient either. Put too underpowered of a motor in a big vehicle, and it's going to be heaving and puffing just to get moving. This is the type of case where a bigger motor will actually be more fuel efficient.
This also includes tiny motors that are super boosted - unless the turbos spool, it's still struggling just to move. And once they do kick in, you're burning a lot of fuel anyway.
Rich 5:55PM (8/28/2009)
@Dan. That's all I see trucks used for here in Tucson. Except for one in a couple of hundred that might have a clod of dirt in the back.
When people want to move furniture, they sell their truck and get a Toyota Cressida or a Ford Tempo and try to hold mattresses on the roof with their left hand.
Tourian 1:41PM (8/28/2009)
So I'm guessing they're dropping the V8 option?
I refer to them as MallRunners now, as the off road capabilities will be wasted on their buyers.
Reply
Jared 2:35PM (8/28/2009)
Yes, they've dropped the V8, unfortunately. I like my V8 Limited, and I do take it offroad.
Rich 5:57PM (8/28/2009)
Jared, next time, can you keep it there, thanks? Make the roads a bit safer...