2012 Toyota 4Runner Still Feature Few Key Elements

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner is a much more polished ride designed to better compete with the long list of SUVs and crossovers on the market. But despite all the 2012 Toyota 4Runner changes, the vehicle still features a few key elements that help it maintain its off-road reputation.

Unlike many of the crossovers on the road today, the Toyota 4Runner still employs body-on-frame construction and a live rear axle. Taller, wider and longer the Toyota 4Runner is a mid-size sport utility vehicle that combines true off-road competence with everyday driving comfort, refinement and safety.

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner angular and sharp lines befit its off-road personality. The Toyota 4Runner Trail model sports a no frills exterior with 17-inch alloy wheels, black bumpers, smoked taillights and headlights, front and rear mudguards, and skid plates for added protection on the dirt.

The range-topping Toyota 4Runner Limited model features 6-spoke, 20-inch wheels, a color-matched rear spoiler, as well as a number of chrome accents on the door handles, roof rails and front grille. For 2012, the Toyota 4Runner SR5 and Limited models get new automatic running boards, while SiriusXM is now standard on the SR5 and Trail grades.

Like several models in the 2012 Toyota SUV lineup, the cars is available with Toyota’s new Entune infotainment system, Toyota’s new infotainment system that combines smart phone, navigation, and a long list of high-tech options into one interface. Also new on the Toyota 4Runner is an optional automatic running board for SR5 and Limited models.

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner comes with one engine option, a 4.0-liter V-6 that produces 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission (the four cylinder has been dropped for 2012). Owner who want to get more power can upgrade it to Toyota 4Runner V8 2012.

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner Trail edition model increases off-road capability and traction by offering Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which electronically disengages the sway bars for increased suspension articulation and axle travel. Additional off-road tech offered on the Toyota 4Runner includes Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control.

Price Increase 2012 Toyota 4Runner

Toyota’s truck-based 2012 Toyota 4Runner gets some new features this year. Along with the new features, Toyota has also announced that the Toyota 4Runner would get a slight price increase this year. Prices for Toyota 4Runner now start at $31,900 for a rear-wheel drive SR5 V6, up $785 over last year, and top out at $41,440 for the four-wheel drive luxury-trimmed 4Runner 4WD Limited, which is a $195 increase over last year’s model.

Among the new features in the Toyota 4Runner that Toyota’s using to justify the minor price bump in the future Toyota 4Runner is standard Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, a USB port with iPod Connectivity, Bluetooth audio, steering wheel audio controls, and most importantly, a shark fin antenna. In addition to the new shark fin antenna, 2012 Toyota 4Runner Limited models also receive a new audio system which includes a 6.1-inch screen with navigation and Toyota’s new Entune infotainment system.

Test Drive And Review 2012 Toyota 4Runner