In the midst of SUV favorites such as the Nissan Pathfinder and Ford Explorer switching to unibody platforms, effectively becoming crossovers, Toyota has wisely chosen to retain the off-road ruggedness of its long-running 4Runner. The Japanese automaker has just unveiled its updated 2014 4Runner at the 2013 Stagecoach Music Festival, not far from Palm Springs, California. The fifth-gen 4Runner has received an updated exterior design along with numerous interior refinements in the way of additional comfort and convenience.
Above all, the 4Runner still remains a proper body-on-frame SUV. The exterior has been updated with Toyota’s more angled and flat-surfaced styling direction, which works quite well on the 4Runner while on the Camry it comes across as somewhat tacky. The 4Runner’s front-end features a redesigned front fascia that conveys a more aggressive appearance thanks to a beefier grille and smoked headlamps. Offered in three trim levels, SR5, Trail and Limited, the former two are given a color-keyed grille insert and front bumper that’s surrounded with fog lamps. Limited models receive bits of chrome trim and projector beam headlamps.
All models received LED head and taillights and are powered by the same 4.0-liter V6 with 270 horsepower that’s mated to a five-speed automatic as last year. Buyers can also choose between either part-time or full-time four-wheel-drive.
The interior has also received updates such as standard soft touch door trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. There’s also Toyota’s Entune multimedia system as well as an in-glass antenna that replaces the previous pole unit. Along with some new safety features and interior colors, the 2014 4Runner looks to remain what a classic off-road-capable SUV should be despite the ongoing mass exodus to unibody crossovers. Official pricing and an on sale date have yet to be announced.
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