2010 Toyota 4Runner to get four-cylinder model, third row option for 2010

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!