2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road — driving, review | Automotive news

• Auto123 tests the 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road.

We’re not telling you anything, the Toyota 4Runner is a classic. But the current model will be replaced next year, and its brother, the Tacoma, has received all kinds of new technology (including a new engine and transmission). Are buyers likely to have remorse if they opt for the current model instead of waiting for its replacement? Will they regret doing the opposite? It was at the wheel of a TRD Off-Road version that we went to see what this old truck is all about.

Design of the 2024 Toyota 4Runner – 9.0/10

A rating of 9/10 might seem high to you, but there’s something so seductive about the 4Runner’s curves; the aggressive surround of the fog lights, the air intake on the hood (only for aesthetics, but still), the lower bumper in a contrasting color and the roof spoiler.

This SUV is old school. It is well proportioned and detailed. We understand why the style has not changed, or almost, since 2010.

Interior of the 2024 Toyota 4Runner – 7.5/10

It’s rare to see the interior of a new vehicle as unmodern as this one. Everywhere, there are large panels, flared surfaces and large controls, from the steering wheel and its enormous hub to the enormous gear selector knob. The same goes for the climate control knobs, which are large enough to adjust with work gloves.

The air vents are integrated into the dash wherever the designers and engineers were able to place them, and you can forget about digitalization when it comes to the gauges. This vehicle is equipped with four old-style analog gauges, and a small digital display screen that doesn’t offer nicer graphics than my old Gameboy.

And you know what ? I adore. It’s so refreshing to be able to enter a vehicle as simple as this, free of distracting lights and digital displays that burn your retinas. Everything is in its place. Even the way the window controls are placed on the windowsill is well thought out. That’s not something you can always say, even in the off-road SUV segment in which the 4Runner competes.

So why this average rating? Well, it’s because of space. There just aren’t many of them, especially in the rear seats. You might think there’s plenty of headroom, but that’s not really the case. A large part of the running gear eats up part of the passenger compartment so that we can benefit from the good ride height for this type of vehicle, so that the seating position is high, and even higher at the rear .

There is also a three-row version. Our test model did not offer this possibility, but having already tested a model so equipped, my advice is this: if you want a Toyota utility vehicle with three rows of seats, buy a Highlander.

The rear cargo area may not be very deep, but the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats are very useful because you don’t have to sacrifice an outboard seat to drop longer items .

2024 Toyota 4Runner Technology – 7.0/10

In terms of technology, there is a little. That’s really the bare minimum for 2024. We mentioned the small center screen, but that’s not as distracting as the fact that the 4Runner is equipped with Toyota’s old operating system, with dull graphics and a less responsive touch screen. And there are USB-C ports on the front and back! We also benefit from the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto applications, but after trying Toyota’s latest system, it will be welcome with the next generation.

Driving the 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road – 8.0/10

This is where, on paper, everything should start to go wrong for the 4Runner. After all, its 4.0-liter V6 makes 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, which is good, but it’s mated to a five-speed automatic transmission worthy of an old tractor. Needless to say, it’s not the most modern box out there. It does, however, have a manual mode, a two-speed transfer case and a locking rear differential with the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro versions.

But even its handling is, well, agricultural, which is one of the many things people like about the 4Runner. You should not have any illusions: the SUV takes charge and seems practically unstoppable, even if the level crossings are not crossed smoothly.

It feels like snow, mud, sand or even climbing trails won’t pose much of a problem. It has multiple driving modes and even low-speed cruise control to make things easier when the terrain gets muddier, slipperier, or steeper. It’s so robust that you wonder why the Pro version exists. That said, many people appreciate the added features of this version, such as underbody skid plates, more durable tires, etc.

For the everyday user, however, what is offered here with the TRD Off-Road version is quite suitable. Well wedged in the seat, you have the impression of always being in the right place, at the right time, looking at this big domed hood and these plump fenders. Unless you’re tall, and sitting in a back seat.

Some of your questions about the 2024 Toyota 4Runner

Does the 2024 4Runner offer any other engine or transmission choices?
Unfortunately no. The 4.0-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic transmission is your only choice.

What is the towing capacity of the 2024 Toyota 4Runner?
You can tow up to 2267 kg (5000 lb) depending on specifications.

The final word
There will be sadness in the air when the new 4Runner arrives, equipped with a hybrid option, all sorts of highly advanced technology and electronic gadgets. While it will be nice to enjoy Toyota’s new multimedia system, it’s a bit of a shame to lose the analog feel of the presentation that makes the current model so refreshing. It will certainly be a great vehicle, but also a more mainstream model. Damage.

Competitors of the 2024 Toyota 4Runner

• – Ford Bronco (four-door)
• –Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
• –Land Rover Defender