Launched by Toyota in 1984, the 4Runner has grown to become the ideal SUV for off-roading. With a reinforced body-on-frame construction, this vehicle has over the years shunned the enticing appeal of modern luxury and sportiness to retain its classic but rugged, purposeful, and very efficient design that makes it such a highly sought-after workhorse. Riding on these attributes, the 4Runner is probably the most reliable, yet arguably the best-looking off-roading SUV available in the market today.
Toyota Racing Development (TRD), the in-house tuning shop for Toyota, unleashed its performance tuning expertise on the 4Runner in 2014. With the TRD-specific enhancements, among others, the 4Runner has since become even more specialized at delivering unrivaled off-roading performance courtesy of a specialized model known as the 4Runner TRD Pro; the most insane trim of the 4Runner dynasty. Listed here are some of the features we love the most on the amazing Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro.
10 Powertrain
Although it’s not the most fuel-efficient around, the 4Runner TRD Pro’s powerplant, however, remains one of our favorite features on the SUV because it effectively gets the – off-roading – job done, anyway. The SUV is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine with intelligent Variable Valve Timing which helps it to an output of 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.
Furthermore, the engine is paired with a pretty efficient off-roading transmission in the five-speed automatic ECT. Notably, this powertrain has remained largely unchanged to date.
9 Part-Time 4WD
For its off-roading duties, just like other 4Runner models, the TRD Pro also comes standard with a four-wheel drive. This feature has a two-axle vehicle drivetrain that is built to simultaneously send torque to all its wheels. Furthermore, the SUV features an electronic locking rear differential for maximum traction in slippery or muddy terrains.
Completing the setup and wrapped around the TRD-specific lightweight wheels are Nitto Terra Grappler All-Terrain tires which help to put all that power down on the off-road terrains.
8 FOX Shocks & Tuned Front Springs
Due to some terrains, off-roading can be such a turbulent adventure, but with the right automobile, the effect can be very minimal. This is the case with the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. The SUV adopts FOX high-performance shocks with rear remote reservoirs which operate by using FOX’s Internal Bypass technology.
This technology controls wheel travel, giving the effect of four different shocks in one. The SUV also has TRD-tuned front springs, all combining to provide the smoothest of rides, even on the roughest of terrains.
7 CRAWL & MTS
The Crawl Control (CRAWL) and Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) systems are hands down one of the most interesting and the most useful features available on the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. Available in five different modes, the Multi-terrain Select system helps to control wheelspin by spontaneously regulating the engine throttle and brakes, for better traction.
However, the Crawl Control, by modulating the throttle and brakes on five low-speed, helps the driver to handle acceleration and braking, leaving only the steering to be controlled.
6 Driver-Assist Technology
Driving sometimes gets tedious and requires more focus and attention than a driver is probably willing or able to give, at times. However, modernization and the innovation of amazing automotive technologies have brought about a host of improvements in the way humans and automobiles interact.
One of such is the driver-assist technology which helps drivers stay at their peak operational mode while driving. Some of these technologies adopted in the 4Runner TRD Pro include adaptive cruise control, pedestrian warning, and lane-keeping assist.
5 Infotainment
It’s almost unthinkable to have a vehicle without an infotainment system. That said, the 2020 model saw the eventual introduction of a modern infotainment setup on the 4Runner TRD Pro. The SUV received an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with modern features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
It also comes standard with a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, while a 15-speaker JBL audio system and a built-in navigation system were added as well.
4 SofTex-Trimmed Seats
Ideal for off-roading and daily driving duties, the 4Runner TRD Pro also has premium and well-crafted seats for its passengers. The front section of the SUV features SofTex-trimmed, heated front seats with an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat fortified with power lumbar support and a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat.
The specially built comfy seat was also featured in the back as the second-row features a SofTex-trimmed 40/20/40 split reclining and fold-flat seat.
3 Expansive Cargo Space
The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is designed and built to be a workhorse, and it shows in its structure. Although it could accommodate a third seating row, Toyota, however, left it at two, leaving quite an expansive space of about 47.2 cu ft for cargo at the rear. With a collapsed 2nd-row, the cargo space becomes 89.7 cu ft.
Toyota also provides a cargo net as a standard accessory, while a sliding rear cargo deck with an under-floor storage compartment is optionally available.
2 Roof Rack
A roof rack on the 4Runner TRD Pro gives it a more menacing look, asides from its cargo-carrying function. Generally, roof rack has a pretty dated history as its origin can be traced as far back as the proliferation of rain gutters on automobiles.
Rain gutters, formed from flanges, provide simple and secure attachment points on both sides of an automobile for conventional roof racks. The 4Runner TRD Pro has a wide and strong roof rack that significantly increases the cargo-carrying capacity of the SUV.
1 Power Rear Liftgate Window
The power rear liftgate window is one of the coolest features of the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. It is operated through a little button located around the gear compartment, which allows users to power up or down the entire rear window – and it also comes with jam protection.
Like conventional side windows that can also be powered either up or down, a retractable rear window provides greater aeration and cross ventilation in the SUV, while on the move or parked in an off-road location, among other activities.