• Third-row seat takes up cargo space even when folded.
• X-REAS Sport Enhanced Suspension.
• Car like feel.
• Stability control available.
• Comfortable, upscale cabin.
Overview
Powerful, refined, and fun to drive
Toyota’s fifth generation 4Runner has earned a reputation as a rugged SUV with brawny good looks and great off-road capability. Toyota completely redesigned the 4Runner for the model year 2003 and emphasized the midsize SUV's all-terrain capability as a selling point over other vehicles. The 4Runner's strong chassis makes it an ideal auto for handling rocky terrain, while a fine tuned suspension enables it to take on city traffic as well.
The 2007 4Runner gets the same grille, fenders, headlamps, and lower cladding as the 2006; the windshield and front window wear thickened glass for reduced wind noise. The Sport and SR5 V8 get power seats with memory as well as an auxiliary audio jack. The Limited adds a six-disc CD changer and new 18-inch alloy wheels.
The 2007 Toyota 4Runner comes in three trim levels: SR5, Sport, and Limited. Each model is available with the V6 or V8 engine and with two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) options.
Top competitors to the Toyota 4Runner include the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Land Rover LR3, Lexus GX 470, Dodge Durango, and Nissan Pathfinder. The 4Runner compares favorably in terms of its trunk capacity of 42.1 cu. ft. and a maximum driving range of 506 miles.
The 4Runner comes with a basic vehicle warranty of 36 months or 36,000 miles.
Engine and Performance
Powerful V8 engine
All trims for the 4Runner are equipped with a 4.0-liter (L) DOHC V6 VVT-i engine that generates 236 horsepower (hp) and 266 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque.
The optional 4.7L DOHC V8 VVT-i engine generates 260 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque.
A 5-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive is a standard transmission for all trims on both engine options.
The towing capacity of the 4Runner is 7,300 pounds on the V8 models and 5,000 pounds on the V6 models.
Walk-around
Muscular, rugged and aggressive looks
The front fascia features a wide, rounded, aggressive horizontal grille, and wide headlamps. Rugged looks with over fenders and cladding on the rocker panels hint of the 4Runner’s reputation for off-road driving. The rear is fitted with large tail lamps and a rear spoiler.
The SR5 comes standard with remote keyless entry, skid plates to protect the underbody, integrated fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, black running boards, chrome grille, and body-colored bumpers, fender flares and lower cladding.
The Sport Edition adds power heated outside mirrors, X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension, bigger brake rotors, and 17-inch alloy wheels. A hood scoop, headlight bezels, a smoked-chrome grille, graphite-painted roof rails with black crossrails, and tubular side steps mark the Sport Edition.
The Limited comes with an engine immobilizer, automatic headlamps, a cargo-handling system, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The signature grille is color-keyed and the running boards are illuminated. Limited models have standard suspension, but are available with the X-REAS suspension (sport enhancement suspension). V8 models can opt for pneumatic self-leveling.
A power moonroof is available for all models. Stand-alone options for the SR5 and the Sport Edition include some luxuries from the Limited model.
Comfort, Controls & Convenience
Comfortable cabin, excellent fit and finish
Behind the wheel, the cockpit is snazzy, roomy, and comfortable. The high-tech look upgrades even further in the Limited trim level by the use of dash accents that look like polished granite. A two-tone dashboard houses the instruments. The power seats are supportive, rear seat comfortably holds three abreast, but a third row seat is not available.
The SR5 comes standard with automatic climate control, cruise control, and a six-speaker AM/FM/casette/CD/MP3 stereo. The 4WD V8 option adds power adjustable front seats to this trim.
The Sport Edition and 4WD add exclusive cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt-telescope steering wheel with integrated cruise and audio controls, and a leather-wrapped shift knob. The Sport Edition V8 2WD and 4WD have the same level of equipment.
The Limited V6 2WD and 4WD get leather upholstery, heat and memory functions for the front seats, black wood-grain-style interior trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, premium stereo with six-CD changer, HomeLink, and an auto-dimming inside mirror. Limited V8 2WD and 4WD have the same standard amenities. A third-row seat is available for the 4Runner in a limited number of package combinations.
A new rear-seat DVD player with wireless headphones and a GPS navigation system with a rearview video camera are optional on all 2007 models.
Driving Impressions
A true off-road vehicle with sedan-like comfort and drive
The V8 is a better choice for serious towing. However, you will be happy with the less expensive and more fuel-efficient V6 if all you want to do is drive and travel light.
The 4Runner delivers a smooth and balanced ride. Handling on corners is tight and responsive, considering the large size of the SUV. Off-road is where this vehicle is in its element, perfectly at home climbing mountains or braving rough roads, as it is on the highways and byways.
Safety
Five Star rating for side impact crash tests
In IIHS frontal-offset testing, the 4Runner received a "Good" rating. In government crash testing, the 4Runner earned “four stars” in the frontal-impact category and a perfect “five stars” for side impacts.
All 4Runner versions come with standard stability control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and 4-wheel antilock disc brakes with Brake Assist.
Front-seat-mounted side airbags and overhead side curtain airbags for first-row and second-row passengers are optional on all models.
