Toyota 4Runner 2008

What’s new, trim levels, optional equipment, and safety info for the 2008 Toyota 4Runner.

April 2008

Introduction

Now in its fourth generation, the mid-size Toyota 4Runner continues the lineage of its forebears by offering rugged looks, body-on-frame construction, and on- and off-road prowess. Although newer unibody crossover-utility vehicles are generally lighter and more carlike than the 4Runner, few can compete with the 4Runner’s impressive 7300-towing capacity. A third row is optional on the 4Runner and boosts the seating capacity up to seven. Four-wheel drive (4WD) is optional; rear-wheel drive is standard.

For 2008, 4Runner offers three different trim levels (SR5, Sport Edition, and Limited). Two engines are offered in the 4Runner, a 236-hp, 4.0-liter V-6 with 266 pound-feet of torque and a 260-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 with 306 pound-feet of torque. Both engines get a five-speed automatic transmission and run on regular unleaded fuel. Fuel economy generally falls in the mid- to high-teens. As one would expect, V-8–equipped models burn a bit more gas than their V-6 brethren.

From behind the wheel, the 4Runner feels responsive and solid. The 4Runner has precise steering and both engines provide good acceleration. The 4Runner doesn’t feel as carlike as the Toyota Highlander, but the rugged and truck-like feel of the 4Runner is one that some customers prefer. The only negative that stands out in driving the 4Runner is the brakes. Although they are strong overall, the brakes feel a bit weak when you first hit the pedal.

Major competitors to the 4Runner include the Honda Pilot, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, GMC Envoy, Saab 9-7X, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Xterra, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander.

Verdict

The 4Runner is a good traditional mid-size SUV that is as adept at towing as it is at comfortably carrying passengers. Although it trades away a carlike feel and weighs more than some of its crossover competition, the 4Runner has a gruffness that some buyers look for in a sport-utility vehicle.

Click here to read our full review of the Toyota 4Runner.

Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Toyota 4Runner.

What’s New for 2008

For 2008, the 4Runner gets roll-sensing side-curtain airbags that inflate if the vehicle tips over or goes wheels-up.

Trim Levels

At the bottom of the 4Runner lineup is the SR5, which runs $28,700 for 2WD and $30,975 for 4WD. SR5 models with the V-8 start at $30,715 for 2WD and $32,990 for the 4WD version. The following equipment is standard on the SR5: auto-off headlights, fog lights, a limited-slip differential (2WD only), hill-start assist, downhill-assist control (4WD only), skid plates, 16-inch aluminum wheels, body-color bumpers and fender flares, a chrome grille, running boards, power windows and side mirrors, anti-lock brakes, and stability and traction control. It also has tire-pressure monitoring, automatic climate control, a towing hitch receiver (V-8 versions), a six-speaker AM/FM/CD with MP3 capability and an auxiliary input jack, power-adjustable lumbar support, a four-way manual (V-6) or power (V-8) driver’s seat, a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, power locks, remote keyless entry, a power rear window, cruise control, a tilting steering wheel, and two 12-volt power outlets.

The next step up is the Sport Edition that costs $31,010 for the 2WD V-6 version, $33,285 for a V-6 with 4WD, $32,390 for a 2WD V-8, or $34,665 for a V-8 with 4WD. In addition to the standard equipment that comes on the SR5 model, Sport Edition models come with 17-inch aluminum wheels, sport suspension tuning, a smoked chrome grille, a tubular roof rack, tubular side steps, a hood scoop, heated body-color side mirrors, a four- (V-6) or eight-way (V-8) power driver’s seat, a cargo-area mirror, a silver-tone shift knob, a rear tonneau cover, and a telescoping steering wheel.

Moving up to the very well-equipped Limited model will cost $35,385 for a 2WD V-6 model and $37,660 for a V-6 with 4WD. Limited models with a V-8 ring in at $37,145 for a 2WD version and $39,420 for 4WD. Limited models start with the equipment found on the Sport Edition and add automatic on/off headlights, 18-inch aluminum wheels, a body-color grille, roof rails with crossbars, illuminated running boards, dual-zone climate control, a six-CD in-dash changer, leather seats, wood-grain interior trim, a leather-wrapped shift knob, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 115-volt AC power outlet, and an anti-theft alarm system.

Optional Equipment

The 4Runner SR5 V-6 and SR5 V-8 offer the following extra-cost options: a third-row seat ($805), a cargo net and cargo mat ($125), a six-CD changer ($200), a JBL 10-speaker AM/FM stereo with a six-CD changer ($865), a navigation system (includes a JBL stereo system, Bluetooth wireless technology, and a backup camera; $2840), a rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1580), a black roof rack and crossbars ($220), an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a compass ($150), a 115-volt AC power point ($100), a HomeLink programmable garage-door opener ($125), an anti-theft alarm ($220), power front seats ($635), a rear spoiler ($200), a tonneau cover ($90), daytime running lights ($40), a power sunroof ($900), a tow hitch ($430), and 17-inch aluminum wheels ($100). The SR5 Extra Value package ($459) bundles together 17-inch aluminum wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, a power sunroof, black roof rails with crossbars, and a cargo cover.

Moving up to the 4Runner Sport Edition V-6 brings the following optional equipment: a cargo net and cargo mat ($125), a six-CD changer ($200), a JBL 10-speaker AM/FM stereo with a six-CD changer ($865), a navigation system (includes a JBL stereo, Bluetooth, and a backup camera; $2620), a black roof rack and crossbars ($220), an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a compass ($150), a 115-volt AC power point ($100), a HomeLink programmable garage-door opener ($125), an anti-theft alarm ($220), power front seats ($635), a rear spoiler ($200), a tonneau cover ($90), daytime running lights ($40), a power sunroof ($900), and a tow hitch ($430). The Sport Extra Value Package 1 ($467) comes with a trunk mat, cargo net, power sunroof, universal garage-door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, and rear spoiler. The Sport Extra Value Package 2 ($382) comes with the equipment from the Sport Extra Value Package 1 and requires the Urban Runner Special Edition package ($1760) that brings 18-inch aluminum wheels, a TomTom navigation system, a perforated-leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift knob, Alcantara-trimmed seats, X-REAS shock absorbers, a unique rear spoiler, a body-color grille, black wood interior trim, a tubular roof rack with crossbars, Bluetooth capability, and chrome door handles. Sport models with the V-8 engine have all the stand-alone options of the V-6 version; the only difference is the V-8 offers the Sport Extra Value package ($467).

Buyers who step up to the Limited trim level in either V-6 or V-8 guise will face the following options: a third-row seat ($1175), a JBL 10-speaker AM/FM stereo with a six-CD changer ($665), a nav system (includes a JBL stereo, Bluetooth, and a backup camera; $2420), a rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1580), X-REAS shock absorbers ($450), a rear spoiler ($200), daytime running lights ($40), a power sunroof ($900), and a tow hitch ($430). For $465, the Limited Extra Value package brings together a power sunroof, a rear spoiler, and X-REAS shock absorbers.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, stability control, traction control, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, and tire-pressure monitoring are standard across the 4Runner lineup.