Before I start this review of the 2007 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4x4 V8, I have to disclose my bias. I am the proud owner of Moose, a 1994 4Runner. I love Moose, and that love colors my view of the new 4Runner. Some similarities attract me to the new 4Runner; some differences automatically repel me. The 2007 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4x4 V8 carries a base price of $38,385 ($44,739 as tested) with a 3 year/36,000 mile basic warranty, a 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty and an EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg city/19 mpg highway. Let's drive.
First Glance
Larger Exterior Photos: Front Rear
A little 4Runner history. 4Runner started out as an offshoot of the Toyota pickup back in 1985. In its first generation, 4Runner was pretty much a two-door SUV with a removable fiberglass roof. The second generation 4Runner (of which Moose is a member) hit in 1990, and lasted until 1995. More creature comforts were added, while still retaining the body on frame structure that made it such a capable off-roader. The third generation 4Runner ran from 1996 to 2002, offering further refinement.
My 2007 test vehicle is a fourth generation 4Runner. 4Runner has been working out, apparently. I can see Moose's basic shape in the new model, hidden under a chiseled body. 4Runner's body ripples with body-colored cladding bulging over the wheel wells and below the beltline, like a body builder who has done a few too many squats. A wide mouth of a grille is punctuated by a big chrome Toyota longhorn logo on a body-colored bar, floating over a blacked-out frame. The B-pillars (the supports between the front and rear passenger windows) are blacked-out as well, and wears a rugged nubbly texture. Bumpers are body-colored, and the only splashes of brightwork are logos and badges. The tailgate is the liftgate-type, hinged at the top, with a real, working power window.
In the looks department, I'm going to give the nod to Moose's generation -- this new 4Runner is a little too much for my taste. Too much cladding, too big, too muscular and chiseled. Sometimes less is more.
Continued below. . .
In the Driver's Seat
Moose's interior is a model of simplicity, but I have to admit that there are a few ergonomic issues I'd love to address. It's impossible to see the digital clock on the dash, and using the cup holder makes it impossible to adjust the climate controls. Little things like that. 2007 4Runner does not suffer from ergonomic mistakes -- it has a very well thought-out, simple dashboard and instrument panel that just plain works. My test vehicle was equipped with an optional ($2,420) DVD-based navigation system with voice activation, touch screen, a 4-disc CD changer, Bluetooth and an integrated backup camera -- I would definitely tick that box on the option list.
Above 4Runner's tilt and telescope steering wheel, the instrument panel consists of three round conjoined gauge housings, dominated by the analog speedometer at center. Everything's easy to read at a glance, as it should be. Every once in a while you hit a driver's seat and position that just plain fits, and 4Runner fits my frame perfectly. I'm a big-boned guy who stands 6'2" -- your fit may vary.
I wound up carrying a lot of passengers during my week in 4Runner, and everyone praised the spacious second row seating. The 60/40 folding bench seat is nicely padded. There's an available third row of seating -- my test vehicle didn't have it, and I didn't miss it. Instead, I used the 42.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row (40.6 with the double-decker luggage rack installed) and the 75.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded flat (72.4 with double-decker).
On the Road
With over 144,000 miles on the clock, Moose's 3.0 liter V6 is getting a little tired. So driving the 4.7 liter V8-equipped 4Runner was a welcome change. With 260 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque on tap, the 32-valve DOHC engine has plenty of power to motivate the 4555 lb vehicle up the steepest inclines and along the hilliest passes with ease. Somehow, that mass feels like it is very low to the ground -- 4Runner never felt tippy or unstable, even when pushed through some tight curves. Power-assisted variable gear rack-and-pinion steering gave great control and road feel, without defaulting to marshmallow cushiness. A nice, tight turning circle (37.4') makes parking a breeze, and maneuvering through tight quarters a little less harrowing. A five-speed automatic transmission is the only transmission choice on 4Runner, and it's a good one.
I didn't take this 4Runner off-roading, though I did drive some distance on dirt logging roads. With its front independent suspension and multi-link rear, 9.1" of ground clearance, 30 degree approach/26 degree departure angles and body-on-frame construction, 4Runner is set up to handle substantial off-road challenges. Add a standard locking center differential, hill descent control and hill start assist, and you've got a very capable vehicle for any surface condition. 4Runner's relative luxury, fully-upholstered and carpeted interior don't point toward off-road bias -- but I'd be confident continuing on after the pavement ends.
Journey's End
One of the great things about Moose, from my point of view, was that I only had to lay out $3,000 to buy him as a used, high-mileage vehicle. So the idea of plunking down $38,000 or $44,000 for his replacement gives me a case of hives. I might be forced to explore the SR5 trim level, which starts around $28,000, or the Sport trim level, which starts at around $30,000, and then choose my options carefully. I would also look around at the competition before settling on a 4Runner.
Nissan's Pathfinder offers a very competitive package to 4Runner. I'd also look at Ford's Explorer, Chevrolet's Trailblazer (especially the rip-snorting SS version), Jeep's Grand Cherokee, Mitsubishi's Endeavor and Kia's Sorento. I'd also check out the Honda Pilot, though it's not as rugged a vehicle, I like it as a people mover.
I suspect that I'd be drawn back to 4Runner, however. Not that I'd ever consider getting rid of Moose, mind you. I plan to keep him running long after it makes any sense. But I have to be realistic -- I may need a 2007 4Runner as a back up, just in case Moose needs to spend a little time in the stable.
