The 2009 Toyota 4Runner full-capability sport-utility vehicle addsrnan optional Trail Edition package. Available exclusively for thern4Runner SR5 with V6 and 4WD, the Trail Edition package combinesrnenhanced off-road capability with unique design.
For betterrnoff-road performance, the package adds a locking rear differential,rnActive Traction Control (A-TRAC), Bilstein shock absorbers and uniquern16-inch alloy wheels with 265/70R16 tires. Externally, the TrailrnEdition package distinguishes the Toyota 4Runner with color-keyedrngrille, door handles, rear license plate garnish and "Trail Edition"rnbadging, as well as black tubular side steps and tubular roof rack. ThernTrail Edition package is available in three exterior colors: TitaniumrnMetallic, Natural White and Shadow Mica.
The Trail Editionrnpackage also features seats covered in water-resistant material andrncharcoal fabric bolsters. A perforated leather-wrapped steering wheelrnintegrates controls for the unique AM/FM/CD audio system with sixrnspeakers and a detachable TomTom® personal navigation unit. Thernsystem offers WMA/MP3 CD capability, Bluetooth® wirelessrnconnectivity, satellite radio capability and available iPod®rnconnectivity.
The Toyota 4Runner is offered in three gradernlevels: the SR5, the Sport Edition that features a distinct appearancernand enhanced handling performance, and the Limited grade withrnadditional upscale comfort amenities.
Performance
ThernToyota 4Runner is available with a choice of V6 or V8 engines, in bothrn2WD and 4WD models. The standard 4.0-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC) V6rnengine produces 236 horsepower, with 266 lb-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.rnThe available 4.7-liter i-Force DOHC V8 produces 260 horsepower, withrn306 lb-ft. of torque at 3,400 rpm. Both engines include variable valverntiming with intelligence (VVT-i) which helps provide strong low-end andrnmid-range torque.
The 4Runner's standard five-speed automaticrntransmission adapts gear-shifting patterns according to drivingrnconditions and driver input. Shift logic holds gears on inclines forrnmore power and on descents for increased engine braking, which can bernhelpful when towing.
An automatic Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)rnis standard on 2WD models for improved traction in slippery conditions.rnFour-wheel drive Toyota 4Runner models employ a TORSEN®rntorque-sensing type limited-slip center differential with lockingrnfeature. The distinguishing feature between the V6 and V8 4WD systemsrnis the Multi-Mode selectable system on the V6, while the V8's 4WD isrnstrictly a full-time system. Both are equipped with a two-speedrntransfer case with low range for handling steep off-highway inclines.
Inrnboth systems, the TORSEN® differential distributes 60 percent ofrnavailable power to the rear wheels under most conditions and changesrnthe ratio as needed based on steering input and wheel slip. In thernevent of front wheel spin during steering maneuvers, the vehicle willrnautomatically shift to a 29:71 power distribution ratio to enhancernvehicle tracking through curves. The center differential can change thernratio to 53:47 when it encounters rear wheel spin to help control rearrnwheel slippage. The TORSEN® differential makes the Toyota 4Runnerrnless prone to slippage caused by sudden changes in road conditions.
Onrn4WD models, Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is designed to augment thernlow-speed descending ability of low-range by helping the vehicle hold arntarget speed with no intervention from the driver. Hill-start AssistrnControl (HAC), standard on all models, provides additional control forrnoff-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle stationary whenrnstarting on a steep incline or slippery surface.
Handling and Ride
Thern4Runner's rugged body-on-frame construction utilizes full-length boxedrnsection frame rails that employ large-diameter body mounts for highrntorsional rigidity and excellent cabin noise isolation. On V8 models, arnstandard tow hitch receiver bolts directly to the rear framerncrossmember (optional on V6 models). A draw bar, a high-capacityrnseven-pin electrical connector for trailer wiring, and pre-wiring forrnan electric trailer brake controller are also standard equipment.
Suspensionrnis controlled by double wishbones in front and a four-link rigid axlernin the rear, both systems using coil springs over gas shock absorbers.rnThe Toyota 4Runner Limited V8 4WD model can be equipped withrnauto-leveling rear air suspension for improved ride and performancernwhen towing or carrying heavy loads. This option is teamed with thernunique X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension that is standard on thernToyota 4Runner Sport Edition.
The X-REAS Sport EnhancementrnSuspension diagonally links the compression chambers of the shockrnabsorbers (front left shock linked to rear right and front right linkedrnto rear left) by a center control absorber. The system helps improvernon-road handling and dampens body roll and pitch by passing small bodyrnmotions from front-to-rear to increase overall vertical shock damping.
Towingrncapacity is 5,000 lbs. for V6 models, 7,000 lbs. for V8 4WD models andrn7,300 lbs. for V8 2WD models. All Toyota 4Runner models are equippedrnwith skid plates for the engine and fuel tank, and 4WD models add onernfor the transfer case, as well.
Safety
Likernall Toyota SUVs, the 4Runner comes standard with the advanced STARrnSafety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)rnand Traction Control (TRAC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) withrnElectronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist.
Four-channel,rnfour-sensor ABS helps to preserve steering control by preventing thernwheels from locking during severe braking situations, while EBDrndistributes proper brake force between the front and rear wheelsrnaccording to driving conditions. Brake Assist is designed to determinernif the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver hasrnnot stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the (ABS), thernsystem supplements the applied braking power.
The VSC systemrnhelps keep the Toyota 4Runner going on the driver's intended course byrndetecting front-wheel slide and rear-wheel slide during cornering andrnattempts to control either condition with torque intervention and/or byrnbraking individual wheels. A VSC-off switch allows the driver torndisengage the system, which can be useful in certain driving conditions.
ThernTRAC feature helps reduce tire slippage during acceleration. Toyotarn4Runner 4WD models use an additional yaw sensor, a deceleration sensor,rnand control algorithms to deliver smoother torque on any surface,rnincluding low-range and locked center differential conditions.
Driverrnand front passenger advanced front airbags inflate according to impactrnseverity. A front passenger seat sensor verifies if a certain amount ofrnweight in the seat is present, determines whether the airbag shouldrninflate, then selects correct inflation power. The standard front andrnsecond row roll-sensing side curtain airbags and front seat-mountedrnside airbags are equipped with a cutoff switch. Cargo-area mirrorsrnlocated on the D-pillars help enhance visibility when reversing.
Comfort and Convenience
Anrnautomatic climate-control system is standard on all Toyota 4Runnerrnmodels, with the Limited grade adding dual-zone temperature control inrnfront. A multi-information display, located just above the climaterncontrol panel, shows the climate control status as well as a clock,rnoutside temperature, fuel range meter, average speed, and average fuelrnconsumption. Standard equipment for the 4Runner SR5 model includesrncruise control, power door locks and windows (including rear gaternwindow) with driver's auto up/down function, three 12-volt powerrnoutlets, remote keyless entry with rear hatch window power-downrnoperation, and illuminated entry.
The Toyota 4Runner SportrnEdition adds a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, high-contrastrnfabric-trimmed seats and trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel withrnaudio controls, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped shift knob. ThernV8 SR5 and the Sport Edition also come equipped with standardrnpower-adjustable front seats, which are optional for the SR5 V6 models.
ThernToyota 4Runner Limited steps up the luxury factor with black woodrngrain-style interior trim, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, arnseat memory system, anti-theft system with engine immobilizer,rnHomeLink® universal garage door opener, and an auto-dimmingrnrear-view mirror with compass. The available power moonroof with jamrnprotection features a two-stage automatic wind deflector to helprnminimize wind noise. The deflector lowers to an intermediate heightrnwhen the 4Runner is traveling over 55 mph and rises to full heightrnagain when vehicle speed drops below 45 mph and the roof is fully open.
ArnDeluxe AM/FM/CD system with six speakers is standard on SR5 and Sportrnmodels and includes a universal mini-jack port to connect most portablernmusic players. All standard and optional audio systems are MP3 andrnWMA-media compatible.
Standard on the Toyota 4Runner Limited is arnDeluxe AM/FM/six-disc in-dash system with six speakers and satelliternradio capability.
Urban Runner Package
Addingrna new dimension in style, value, and upscale luxury, the Sport Editionrnis also available in an Urban Runner Package. Standard exteriorrnfeatures include 18-inch six-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, unique rearrnspoiler, color-keyed grille, Urban Runner badging, XREAS Sport EnhancedrnSuspension badging, chrome exhaust tip, and black-painted tubular sidernsteps and tubular roof rack with crossbars. The 4Runner Urban Runner isrnavailable in only three exterior colors, Black, Titanium Metallic and,rnnew to Toyota 4Runner, Blizzard Pearl.
Inside, the Urban Runnerrnfeatures an AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and a detachablernTomTom® personal navigation unit. The system offers WMA/MP3 CDrncapability, Bluetooth® wireless connectivity, satellite radiorncapability and available iPod® connectivity. Additional standardrninterior enhancements include stone Alcantara® fabric seat insertsrnand dark charcoal bolsters with eight-way power driver seat andrnfour-way power passenger seats, leather-trimmed shift knob, perforatedrnleather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, chrome doorrnhandles, and black wood-grain-style interior trim.
Optional UrbanrnRunner equipment includes a sunroof, V6 towing package, anti-theftrnalarm system, daytime running lights, a double deck cargo system withrnnet, HomeLink® universal transceiver, auto-dimming rearview mirrorrnwith compass, and a 115-volt AC power outlet.
Options
Availablernon all grades is a 360-watt JBL Synthesis AM/FM 6-disc in-dash soundrnsystem with 10 speakers. The system is satellite-ready, and the optionrnalso adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audiorncontrols and cruise control. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is alsornavailable with the Deluxe 3-in-1 audio as a stand-alone option. Anrnavailable factory-installed DVD rear seat entertainment system uses arnwide-format nine-inch LCD screen and includes two sets of wirelessrnheadphones.
A DVD navigation system is available for all Toyotarn4Runner models and is paired with an eight-speaker JBL AM/FM/four-discrnin-dash audio system with satellite-ready capability. The systemrnfeatures a touch-screen monitor, Bluetooth® wireless and voicernguidance capability which includes more than five million verified datarnpoints. The optional navigation system integrates a rear backup camerarnthat automatically projects an image of what its lens can detect behindrnthe vehicle onto the system's seven-inch LCD screen when reverse gearrnis engaged.
Bluetooth® provides a hands-free communicationrnsystem when using a compatible cell phone. Calls can be dialed by usingrnthe navigation screen's keypad, and calls can be received and ended byrnpushing a button on the steering wheel. The stereo is automaticallyrnmuted when a call is received, and the stereo speakers act as the phonernreceiver and transmitter.
Exterior Design
Thernmost popular Toyota 4Runner model, the SR5, is distinguished by arnchrome grille, door handles and rear license plate garnish. The SR5 isrnalso equipped with standard fog lamps, black running boards, andrnsix-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels with P265/70 R16 tires - including arnfull-size spare tire with alloy wheel.
The Toyota 4Runner SportrnEdition projects a performance image with a hood scoop, smoked chromerngrille and headlight bezels, tubular roof rack and side steps, andrnsix-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with P265/65 R17 raised white letterrntires. The Toyota 4Runner Limited is distinguished by a color-keyedrngrille and heated power mirrors, black roof rack, black illuminatedrnrunning boards, and six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels.
Interior Design
Sportyrndesign and extensive convenience features highlight the 4Runner'srnspacious and versatile interior. The two-tone dashboard houses arnthree-pod instrument cluster with orange illumination. A vehicle levelrnsensor detects when the Toyota 4Runner is on an incline and compensatesrnthe fuel gauge reading. Exterior glass shields 94 percent or more of UVrnrays, and water-repellent glass is used for the windshield, sidernwindows, and side mirrors.
The Toyota 4Runner seats up to sevenrnwith an available third-row seat option on SR5 and Limited models. Thernseat can fold over or be removed when additional cargo space is needed.rnThe 60/40-split fold-down rear seatbacks fold flat easily with no needrnto remove the headrests. An extra-wide fold-down rear seat centerrnarmrest integrates a pull-out convenience tray with two cup holders.rnInterior storage includes large bins in all doors.
When Toyotarn4Runner is equipped with the available third row, the middle rowrntumbles forward for easy third row access. The rear gate's standardrnpower window includes jam protection, as well as an electric powerrnclose function to ensure it is not left partially ajar.
The largernrear cargo area provides tie-down hooks on the floor and additionalrnstorage hooks on the sidewalls. A "double-decker" cargo system withrncargo net is standard on Toyota 4Runner Limited and optional forrnothers. The cargo shelf can lie flat or be lifted up easily with onernhand and locked in place to accommodate larger items (up to 66 pounds).
