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Fuel-efficient 2011 4Runner offers more cargo spaceStory and photos by Rob BeintemaToyota 4Runner 2011Metroland NewspapersAt A Glance:Carguide MagazineWould you mind hanging onto the BODY STYLE: Mid-size, five- or4Runner? the Toyota crew asked me.seven-passenger SUVHmmm, I guess the slight problem with DRIVE METHOD: front engine,my next test ride had just turned into . . .four-wheel driveNo problem, at all I answered.ENGINE: 4.0-litre DOHC V6 (270 The Toyota 4Runner is one of the origi-hp, 278 lb/ft)nals, debuting in 1984, really nothing FUEL ECONOMY:more than a pickup with a fiberglass shell 12.6/9.2L/100km (city/hwy)dropped over the cargo bed. TOW RATING:5,000 poundsBut it evolved quickly into a competent (2,268 kg)midsize SUV that has found a home with PRICE RANGE: $36,820 - more than 100,000 Canadian drivers over $49,665the years. WEB:www.toyota.caThere have been a few other modifica-tions for 2011, minor changes to upgrade package contents and to exterior and inte-better off with the lighter Highlander or rior colour choices. And all models also the more nimble RAV4.now have folding headrests on the second Lets not forget the 4Runners accent on The 2011 Toyota 4Runner offers improved cargo carrying ability this year along with the benefits car-row seats. But, for the most part, the 2011 truck-like toughness, utility and real ried over from last years debut of a larger, stronger, more fuel efficient SUV with true offroad abili-4Runner carries over this year, still fresh offroad prowess. Engine power is streamed ties.from the major model changes that were through a five-speed Super ECT-i auto-made for 2010.That attitude is reflected in the 4Run-(city/hwy) down to 12.6/9.2L/100km (city/matic transmission and full-time multi-The new fifth generation 4Runner that ners aggressive stance, accented by biggerhwy).mode 4x4 with a locking centre differential debuted last year is taller, wider, longer, more shoulders, muscular fender flares, ruggedLab numbers, however, rarely reflect controlled via a three-mode, centre con-fuel efficient, more powerful, stands on big-new bumpers, a standard roof-mountedreal world results and my mixed bag of sole-mounted switch. ger wheels, and has been packed with more spoiler, along with refreshed headlamp androads and conditions rounded out to an An A-TRAC traction control system is technologies and amenities than its prede-taillight assemblies.average of 12.9L/100km over the course of standard equipment on all models, as is cessor.Under the hood, a standard one-choice500 km of driving. Downhill Assist Control (DAC) for low Designed to fit between the Highlander 4.0-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 engine makesAcceleration is aggressively dramatic, speed descents, and the Hill-start Assist crossover and Toyotas retro-inspired FJ 270 hp at 5600 rpm and 278 lb/ft of torquelots of engine roar with more power than a Control (HAC) that holds the vehicle on a Cruiser off-roader, the 4Runner shrugs off at 4400 rpm. Variable Valve Timing withprevious-generation V8, but the 4Runner slope long enough for the driver to switch the modern trend towards car-based cross-intelligence (VVT-i), along with refinedis a heavy beast, weighing in at 2,111 kg smoothly from brake to throttle.over construction and stays true to its engine management not only increased(4,655 lb) and it feels somewhat awkward, The 4Runners maximum towing capac-trucking roots with ladder on frame con-power by 34 hp over the previous engine, iteven sluggish in the city.ity is rated at 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg).struction and true, truck-like offroad abili-also improved gas mileage, shifting theFor those kind of civilized, suburban-ties.fuel efficiency rating from 13.4/9.9 L/100kmhopping duties, drivers would probably be Continued on page 1413 Wednesday, February 9, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com