The 2012 Toyota 4Runner

When it comes to the 2012 4Runner, Toyota offers an SUV with serious off-road capabilities. The vehicle’s body-on-frame construction is something of a rarity in today’s world where more and more SUVs are becoming increasingly car-like. Toyota further bolsters the 4Runner’s ability to tackle heavy snow, mud and small bodies of water by outfitting it with a traction control system designed for off-road conditions, skid plates, a full-size spare tire, hill-descent and hill-hold assistance systems, off-road tires and locking differentials. Trail and Limited models come with a suspension system that can disconnect the front and rear stabilizer bars to handle especially tricky off-road conditions.

While the exterior of the 2012 Toyota 4Runner has a rough exterior, the interior provides a comfortable and technologically-advanced environment for the driver and passengers. Standard seating accommodates up to five occupants, while an optional third row of seating increases capacity to seven occupants. The driver enjoys Toyota’s Entune system, which displays real-time traffic alerts, nearby fuel prices and weather updates. Drivers also can use the standard cruise control, hands-free Bluetooth cell phone connectivity and the 4Runner’s eight-speaker sound system with an auxiliary jack made to connect to MP3 players. Second-row passengers get their own air vents, meaning heated and cooled air does not take as long to travel to the rear portions of the interior.     

Powering the 2012 Toyota 4Runner is a 4.0 liter V6 engine that produces a peak 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Toyota teams the engine with a five-speed automatic transmission, helping the 4Runner achieve an estimated 17 mpg in city driving and 23 mpg for highway driving. SR5 models come with a part-time four-wheel-drive system while Limited models come with a full-time system and locking center differential. Trail models come with a part-time four-wheel-drive system and a locking rear differential.

Toyota does not skimp on the 2012 4Runner’s safety features. Standard features include stability and traction control systems, antilock disc brakes and side curtain airbags that deploy when the vehicle begins to roll. The 4Runner’s seats also come with active head restraints to prevent injuries in rear-end collisions. Limited models also come with Toyota’s Safety Connect system that provides emergency response, roadside assistance and vehicle theft recovery.