2017 Toyota 4Runner

During the '80s and '90s, Toyota's 4Runner skyrocketed in popularity, along with its fellow SUV competitors the Nissan Pathfinder and Ford Explorer. These days, the Explorer and Pathfinder have morphed into full-size crossovers, shedding their body on frame platform and low-range transfer cases for car-like unibody frames, and fuel-saving powertrains. The 4Runner? It's stayed true to its roots, remaining the hearty and durable SUV it's always been.

For 2017, Toyota is bringing the TRD Pro 4Runner to Canada, a model that is designed to excel when the road and trail ends. Built on the already capable 4Runner TRD Off-Road, the TRD Pro adds TRD springs and Bilstein dampers with remote rear reservoirs, plus 17-inch matte-finish aluminum wheels wrapped in 31.5-inch Nitto Terra Grappler off-road tires. Also, the TRD Pro trim gets a retro-look Toyota grille, black-accented bumpers, stamped metal skid plates, plus a TRD shift knob, TRD badges, and TRD Pro stitched floor mats.

All 4Runners are powered by a stout 4.0-litre V6 engine that develops 270 horsepower and 279 lb-ft of torque, which is the same engine used in the FJ Cruiser and the previous-generation Tacoma. It's paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. This helps the 4Runner have a tow rating of 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs), but fuel economy is not especially good with a rating of 14.2 L/100 km city and 11.1 highway.

Given that the 4Runner is based on a truck platform and is equipped from the factory with plenty of heavy-duty off-road kit, its handling isn't as car-like as some of its rivals, including the similarly-sized Highlander. To aid in handling, the Limited trim level comes equipped with the X-REAS cross-linked dampers system which minimizes body roll. While handling is improved, the ride quality is stiff due in part to the standard 20-inch wheels.

The 4Runner is available in SR5, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited five-passenger and seven-passenger trims.

The SR5 trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, part-time 4WD, fog lamps, LED tail lights, towing package, power sliding tailgate window, integrated turn signal lamps, power moonroof, silver roof rails, running boards, tire-pressure monitoring, cruise control, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, trip computer, eight-way power driver's seat, four-way power adjustable passenger's seat, heated front seats, three rows of seating, 40/20/40 split-folding second row seats, and a 6.1-inch touchscreen display with navigation, text messaging assistant, and Bluetooth.

The TRD Off-Road adds multi-terrain ABS brakes, dark metallic brushed trim, rear disconnecting differential, rear locking differential, lever-type 4WD system, multi-terrain select, four-wheel crawl control, hood scoop, black roof rails, Optitron gauges, Softex-upholstered seats, disconnecting anti-roll bars, and off-road wheels and tires. The TRD Off-Road does not come with third-row seating.

The TRD Pro builds on this with unique wheels and Nitto off-road tires, unique grille, stamped skid plates, TRD interior accents, TRD badges, TRD springs, and Bilstein shock absorbers with remote reservoirs.

The Limited 5-Passenger loses the TRD Off-Road's added equipment but gains a 15-speaker JBL audio system, navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity key with push-button start, front and rear parking sensors, full-time four-wheel drive, chrome exterior trim, running boards, alarm, automatic headlamps, puddle lamps, steering wheel audio controls, heated and ventilated leather upholstery, driver memory, full-size spare with alloy wheel, X-REAS suspension, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The Limited 7-Passenger adds a third-row seat.

Pricing for the 4Runner starts at $44,800.