The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged and reliable SUV with a 5,000-pound towing capacity. This means it can tow a camper, as well as other items like boats and jet skis. The 4Runner's solid rear axle and body-on-frame construction allow it to carry more weight and pull heavier loads, making it a good option for those who want to go camping or explore tough terrain. However, its construction is outdated compared to its competitors, and its rear suspension, primitive engine, and rudimentary transmission can make it challenging to drive at highway speeds. It's important to respect the manufacturer's guidelines and not exceed the maximum towing weight, which includes the weight of the camper and all cargo inside.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Engine | 4.0L V6 |
Horsepower | 270 |
Torque | 278 lb-ft |
Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs |
Max Tongue Weight Capacity | 500 lbs |
Hitch Receiver | 2-inch |
Trailer Plug | 4-pin and 7-pin |
What You'll Learn
The Toyota 4Runner's towing capacity
The Toyota 4Runner is a versatile and rugged SUV that has been a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts and RVers due to its impressive towing capacity. Here is everything you need to know about the Toyota 4Runner's towing capabilities.
Towing Capacity
The Toyota 4Runner has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This is made possible by its 4.0L V6 engine, which produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. This gives the 4Runner the ability to tow a variety of items, including campers, boats, jet skis, and ATVs.
Towing Features
The Toyota 4Runner comes equipped with several features that enhance its towing capabilities. It has a standard integrated hitch receiver and a wiring harness with 4- and 7-pin connectors, making it easy to connect and tow a trailer safely. Additionally, the 4Runner has a maximum tongue weight of 500 pounds, which is essential for stability when towing.
Camper Trailer Options
The 4Runner's towing capacity makes it capable of towing small to medium-sized campers. Teardrop trailers and pop-up campers are a perfect match, as they are typically lightweight and easy to tow. For example, a 19-foot camper with additional gear and water can weigh around 4,000 pounds, leaving you with ample towing capacity.
Comparison to Competition
When compared to its competitors, the Toyota 4Runner's towing capacity is quite impressive. It can tow 1,500 pounds more than the Honda Pilot LX, Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, and Jeep Wrangler 4-Door Sport, which have a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds each.
Towing Safety
While the 4Runner has impressive towing capabilities, it is important to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and not exceed the specified towing capacity. Towing overweight can damage your vehicle and trailer, reduce fuel efficiency, and compromise safety. Always consider the total weight of your trailer, including cargo and additional equipment, to stay within the safe towing range.
The Toyota 4Runner is a reliable and capable SUV with a generous towing capacity, making it a great choice for those looking to tow campers, boats, or other recreational items. Its sturdy construction, engine performance, and towing features give it an edge in the SUV market, providing an enjoyable and safe experience for outdoor adventures.
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The Toyota 4Runner's engine
The Toyota 4Runner has been a popular midsize SUV for over 35 years. It is known for its rugged and reliable performance, making it a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts. The 4Runner's engine has been a key factor in its enduring popularity.
The 4Runner's engine has evolved over the years, with each generation offering improvements in power and performance. The current fifth-generation 4Runner is equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine that delivers 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for towing and off-road capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
The 4Runner's engine is paired with a five-speed or eight-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and responsive gear shifts. The combination of engine and transmission gives the 4Runner a robust performance both on and off the road.
One of the standout features of the 4Runner's engine is its reliability. The 4.0-litre V6 engine has been in production since 2003, with only minor changes over the years. This engine is known for its durability and ability to withstand harsh conditions, making it ideal for off-road adventures.
In addition to its reliability, the 4Runner's engine also offers decent fuel efficiency, considering the vehicle's size and weight. While not as fuel-efficient as some of its competitors, the 4Runner delivers a combined mpg rating of up to 16/city and 19/highway, with a 23-gallon fuel tank.
The upcoming sixth-generation 4Runner, set to be released in late 2024, will feature a turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain that produces 278 horsepower. This new engine will be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering improved performance and fuel efficiency.
Overall, the Toyota 4Runner's engine has been a key factor in its success and popularity. With its reliable performance, ample power, and off-road capabilities, the 4Runner continues to be a top choice for those seeking a rugged and versatile SUV.
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The Toyota 4Runner's safety features
The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged and reliable midsize SUV that has been a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts and RVers for over three decades. While it may not be the most impressive when it comes to towing capacity, its solid rear axle and body-on-frame construction make it a capable off-roader that can handle tough terrain with ease. Here is a detailed overview of the safety features of the Toyota 4Runner:
Standard Safety Features
The Toyota 4Runner comes equipped with a range of standard safety features that enhance the driving experience and protect occupants in the event of a collision. These features include:
- Integrated hitch receiver: This allows for easy and secure towing of trailers or campers, with a maximum tongue weight capacity of 500 pounds.
- Wiring harness: Featuring 4- and 7-pin connectors, the wiring harness enables quick and safe connection of trailer lights, ensuring visibility and safety on the road.
- 4.0L V6 engine: Producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, this engine provides ample power for towing and off-road adventures while maintaining steady speeds.
- Lane departure warning: This standard feature alerts drivers if they unintentionally drift from their lane, helping to prevent accidents.
- Side curtain airbags: Redesigned for the 2014 model, these airbags deploy in frontal, side, and rollover crashes to improve occupant protection.
Optional Safety Features
In addition to the standard safety features, the Toyota 4Runner offers optional upgrades to further enhance safety:
Blind spot detection: This optional feature helps drivers identify vehicles or objects in their blind spot, reducing the risk of collisions when changing lanes or manoeuvring in tight spaces.
Safety Ratings
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner received a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While the side crash protection and front impact test scores were good, the 4Runner could improve when it comes to rollover protection. However, it scored well in the four crashworthiness tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Additional Safety Considerations
When towing with the Toyota 4Runner, it is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and not exceed the maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Overloading can lead to hazardous trailer swaying, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased stress on the vehicle, compromising safety. Always calculate the total weight of your trailer, including cargo, and stay within the recommended limits.
In conclusion, the Toyota 4Runner offers a range of safety features that make it a reliable choice for outdoor adventures. From its sturdy construction to its advanced driver assistance systems, the 4Runner provides peace of mind on both the highway and off-road trails. However, it is important to follow safety guidelines and stay within the vehicle's capabilities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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The Toyota 4Runner's off-road capabilities
The Toyota 4Runner has been a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts for over 35 years. Its versatility, ruggedness, and reliability make it a trusted companion for those who enjoy exploring the great outdoors.
The 4Runner's off-road capabilities are enhanced by its powerful 4.0-litre V6 engine, which delivers 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. This provides ample power to navigate through challenging terrain and tow heavy loads, such as campers, boats, and ATVs.
One of the standout features of the 4Runner is its towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. This is due to its solid rear axle and body-on-frame construction, allowing it to carry more weight and pull heavier loads. The vehicle also comes equipped with an integrated hitch receiver and wiring harnesses, making it ready for towing straight off the lot.
Additionally, the 4Runner offers a range of advanced off-road features that further enhance its capabilities. These include Crawl Control (CRAWL), which automatically modulates the throttle and brakes on five low-speed settings, allowing drivers to focus on navigating difficult terrain. The available Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) provides drivers with a better view of their surroundings through cameras placed around the SUV, displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) improves wheel articulation by automatically decoupling the sway bars when tackling extreme off-road conditions.
The 4Runner also offers Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), allowing drivers to optimise traction by choosing from four terrain modes, which automatically adjust the engine throttle and traction control. The Electronic Locking Rear Differential distributes engine power evenly to both rear wheels, ensuring controlled movement even when one wheel is off the ground.
With its off-road capabilities, the 4Runner is an ideal choice for those seeking adventure. Its ground clearance and off-roading prowess make it a reliable companion for exploring nature's toughest trails.
While the 4Runner excels in off-road performance and reliability, it is important to note that its construction and components may be considered outdated compared to its competitors. Its ride can be choppy, particularly at highway speeds, and its fuel economy may be impacted by the body-on-frame design.
In summary, the Toyota 4Runner is a highly capable off-road vehicle with a loyal following. Its powerful engine, advanced features, and impressive towing capacity make it a versatile and reliable choice for those seeking to explore the great outdoors.
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The Toyota 4Runner's reliability
The Toyota 4Runner is a reliable vehicle, with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal, ranking it 9th out of 26 for midsize SUVs. It is four times more likely to reach 200,000 miles than the segment average. This is due to Toyota's commitment to using older, more reliable engines and transmissions, even if they are less modern. The 4Runner's engine has been in production with minimal changes since 2003, and when paired with proper maintenance, these vehicles can last for hundreds of thousands of miles.
The 2020 model received a reliability rating of 80/100 from JD Power and has a high resale value of 94/100. The average annual repair cost is $514, which is lower than the average for midsize SUVs. The frequency and severity of repairs are also average when compared to other vehicles.
Despite its reliability, the 4Runner has had some issues. Some common problems include brake system problems, automatic transmission issues, corroded solenoid contacts, charcoal canister failure, rust and corrosion, dashboard problems, and a failed mass air flow sensor. However, as long as you are aware of the potential problems and take proper care of the vehicle, the 4Runner is a dependable and high-performing SUV.
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Frequently asked questions
The Toyota 4Runner has a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
The Toyota 4Runner can tow most small and mid-size travel trailers, including teardrop campers, lightweight stand-up campers, and pop-up campers.
The Toyota 4Runner can also tow boats, jet skis, and ATVs.
The Toyota 4Runner comes with a standard hitch receiver and a wiring harness with 4- and 7-pin connectors, so you don't need to buy an additional towing package. It also has a powerful 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.