2018 Toyota 4Runner: Old-School SUV Is Great At The Basics

The Toyota 4Runner was Toyota’s first SUV when it was introduced for the 1984 ½ model year. It was originally based closely on Toyota’s popular compact Hi-Lux pickup truck. By the time that the 4Runner reached its third generation for the 1996 model year, it had received its own unique body and chassis. It had also grown in size to become a mid-size SUV. Toyota brought out the compact RAV4 at around the same time, to fill the spot that the now-larger 4Runner had left in the lineup.

The 2018 Toyota 4Runner has been around for a while. It is the ninth model year of the fifth generation 4Runner, which was unveiled for the 2010 model year. It is a solid, proven, old-school SUV for those who value off-road ability, reliability, and quality over trendiness.

2018 Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels And Pricing

The 2018 Toyota 4Runner is available in these trim levels: SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and the luxury-focused Limited. Pricing for the 2018 4Runner starts at $34,410 for the 4Runner SR5 4x2, and goes up to $44,760 for the 4Runner Limited 4x4.

What’s New On The 2018 Toyota 4Runner

There are two new exterior color options on the 2018 4Runner: Cavalry Blue, and Midnight Black Metallic. Super White is now available on all 4Runners, not just on specific trims.

A new Wilderness Package is available for the SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium grades. It has roof rack crossbars, all-weather floor liners and a cargo tray. The new TRD Enhancement Package, available for the TRD grades, adds TRD 17” matte gray alloy wheels and a TRD aluminum front skid plate.

Plenty Of Power For Off-Road Excursions

The standard and only engine available in the 2018 4Runner is a 4.0L V6 with 270 horsepower. It features Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence, which optimizes torque at all speeds. Towing is not a problem, which is why every 2018 4Runner comes with a standard integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness. All 2018 Toyota 4Runner models can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds, with a maximum 500-pound tongue weight.

The 2018 4Runner’s V6 engine is mated to a five-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission. Drive systems include 4x2 or 4x4 options, depending on the specific model you choose.

Lots Of Space Inside The 2018 4Runner

When it’s time to hit the road in your 2018 Toyota 4Runner, you can take your friends and all their stuff. The cargo area behind the rear seats has up to 47.2 cu. ft. of carrying space. If you need to carry the maximum amount of cargo, you will have a whopping 89.7 cu. ft. behind the front seats! The second-row seats fold flat without removing the headrests, too.

There’s an available pull-out cargo deck that can carry up to 440 pounds to make loading and unloading heavy items easier. It also provides seating for tailgating and other uses. And if you need third-row seating, it is available on the SR5 and the Limited.

Well-Equipped For Safety

The 2018 4Runner features the following safety systems as standard equipment:

• Vehicle Stability Control with traction control

• Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution

• Brake Assist and Smart Stop Technology brake-override system

• Eight standard airbags

The Limited adds a standard front and rear clearance sonar system.

The 2018 Toyota 4Runner Is The Real Deal

If you are in search of a mid-size SUV that is long on the qualities that distinguish such a vehicle when it leaves the civilized world behind, then the 2018 Toyota 4Runner may be just right for you. It will take you back to those times when off-road performance was why you bought an SUV – not to make a fashion statement.