Perhaps the Acronym development team needed a year off. As it is, the venerable Toyota 4Runner soldiers, with few changes after a comprehensive update last year with a whole suite of electronic driving aids, including Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Anti lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Force Distribution (EFD) and Brake Assist. Introduced as little brother to the Land Cruiser way back in 1985, the body on frame 4Runner now finds itself smack in the middle of a range of no less than five distinct SUV platforms from Toyota. Well, into its third generation, the Tahara, Japan built 4Runner has become more refined and focused over the intervening years. Gone are the 4 cylinder engine and 5 speed manual transmission that were part of its original truckish persona. These days, the 4Runner’s sole powertrain consists of a 3.4 liter dohc V6 producing 183 bhp at 4800 rpm, teamed with an electronically controlled 4 speed automatic. In 2 wheel drive from the resulting EPA city/ highway fuel economy rating are 17/20 mpg, while 4 wheel drive versions drop just a bit to 16/19 mpg.
Those 4 wheel drive models get Toyota’s Multi Mode 4wd system, utilization a 2 speed transfer case and an open centre differential with locking capability. The system can be operated in 2wd mode, but is sufficiently sophisticated to permit 4wd operation in all road conditions from hard, dry surfaces, to wet or snow covered. The push of a button switches between modes at any speed below 62 mph.
