Vehicle Spotlight: 2017 Toyota 4Runner

Truck capabilities tucked into the body of a practical SUV. That’s what makes the Toyota 4Runner highly sought after by consumers around the world for three decades and counting. We’re thrilled it’s back for another impressive model year. And once again, the 4Runner is filled with features that encourage drivers to journey from highways to wilderness. Plan to cover some serious ground with the 2017 Toyota 4Runner and have all kinds of fun while doing so.

It’s no secret that Toyota is well respected in the off-road market. Even more impressive is how the company has been able to elevate ride creature comforts without compromising trail cred. And trust, the 2017 Toyota 4Runner trims are sure to please drivers both on and off road. 4Runners come standard with the Multi-Terrain Select system and Crawl Control program. This allows the vehicle to maintain a constant speed over rugged terrain so, much like its sibling 2016 Toyota Tacoma, we dare you to explore outdoor limits.

Toyota offers four other models to choose from in 2017, including the TRD Pro for serious off-road lovers. Although little has changed with this tough trim from the 2016 version, the TRD Pro features RD Bilstein ® high-performance shocks with rear remote reservoirs and TRD-tuned springs. Go on, slam the gas and hit the back roads hard. These performance upgrades will have you landing smooth on all fours.

2017 Toyota 4Runner

Under the Hood

If that’s not enough, a 4.0L 270 horsepower V6 mated to a five speed automatic transmission with a body-on-frame construction should do the trick. The 4Runner model is among the last of the great SUVs to be built this way, and it’s paying dividends.

“The 4Runner’s strength originates at its tough-as-nails body-on-frame construction featuring a 4-link rear axle and coil-spring suspension,” explained Toyota. The company has clearly created a vehicle made to withstand rough roads, thousands of miles and harsh weather conditions.

In fact, Toyota claims 90 percent of 4Runners sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today. A 2016 study by iSeeCars.com ranked it third on a list of the top 10 longest-lasting vehicles in the US. The 4Runner scored high, with 5.2 percent of vehicles touting more than 200,000 miles. Yes Jeepers, there’s more than one platform that can take a true beating. Since it’s built like a truck, delivering 278 lb-ft of torque for a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, all 2017 Toyota 4Runner models come standard with an integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness.

Tech Savvy

2017 Toyota 4Runner - Courtesy of ToyotaThough rugged, the 4Runner is teeming with technology. It’s seen in Toyota’s Entune touchscreen multimedia system, as well as in its safety features. These include vehicle stability control, traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes and electronic brake force distribution.

And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2017 Toyota 4Runner a four-star overall safety rating. That’s not too shabby for a ride purpose built to handle the various terrains of countries like Somalia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia.

Its spacious and comfortable interior blends seamlessly with a solid exterior and powerful mechanics to easily take drivers from the pavement to off the beaten path. As Toyota puts it, “For over three decades, the 4Runner has been a true do-anything, carry-everything, body-on-frame SUV that enables its drivers to explore wherever they want, when they want.”

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