The Last Of The Traditional SUVs

The Toyota 4Runner is one of those last SUVs left with a frame construction on body and traditional work ethics on the outdoors. Some of the distinct features of the 2012 4Runner have been listed below.

Options, Trim Levels and Body Styles

The standard set of features on the 4Runner SR5 includes skid plates, hill descent control, foglights, heated mirrors, cruise control, powered accessories, tilting and telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, satellite radio with auxiliary jack and USB port. The Trail Level includes special features such as locking rear differential and crawl control. You also have a sliding cargo deck on the rear and a sunroof among other features. The Limited version provides leather upholstery and powered lumbar support along with scads of other prominent features.

Powertrains and Performance

The standard 2012 4Runner comes with a 4 liter capacity V6 engine that generates 270hp and a torque of 278 lb ft. There is a five speed automatic transmission available. The SR5 model makes use of the part time dual range and the Limited Version utilizes a completely full time system, along with a central differential that’s lockable. The Trail version is made available in part time dual range 4WD coupled with electronic systems that are terrain sensitive and selectable. The towing capacity for the 4Runner is almost 5,000 pounds. According to the EPA estimates, the 4Runners delivers 17 mpg for the city and 23mpg for the highway. So, the combined mileage is close to 19mpg.

Safety Features

Standardized safety features include traction and stability control, antilock brakes, head restraints in the front, knee airbags in the front, side air bags through the full length and side curtain airbags that are roll sensing. The Safety Connect, which is Toyota’s official emergency assistance system, is provided in the Limited 4Runner edition. The 4Runner has been awarded a rating of “good” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and is considered quite at par with its competitors when it comes to safety.

Special Features and Interior Design

The 4Runner has been endowed with geometric features that support the rugged image of the SUV. Hard plastics have been used abundantly through the cabin. The knobs provided for climate control are sort of wobbly. A notable feature in the 2012 version is the Entune Smartphone Integration System that helps in utilizing several famed applications like OpenTable and Pandora.

The Toyota 4Runner offers a spacious seating for five passengers. The second row offers a split of 40/20/40 offering high degree of cargo space flexibility. The third row seating increases the seating capacity to 7. When all seats are folded flat, you can avail of a maximum cargo capacity of 90 cubic feet. Partygoers would also appreciate the optional Party Mode that has made available. There is also an optional sliding cargo deck which supports up to 440 pounds.

The Toyota 4Runner—Last Impressions

The 4Runner is highly comfortable and smooth. There is very little bounciness and the grunt should prove to be suitable for just about anyone seeking driving pleasures. However, the 4Runner does have a few downsides in the form of low handling limits and uncommunicative pavement drives. Merry Leon writes for www.occardealers.com. She is a freelance content contributor and likes to write about various spheres like Social Media, technology trends and her secret favorite – cars and automobiles. She is a keen observer and contributor for various auto forums and the online auto space.