2018 Toyota 4Runner review

1. Great off-road capability

Perhaps the best thing about the 2018 Toyota 4Runner is its off-road capability. It's a rugged SUV — with a V6 engine and five-speed transmission — that's built in a similar way to a pickup truck, meaning it's robust enough for those wilderness adventures. The high-ground clearance and available four-wheel drive are particularly useful for rocky and uneven terrain and there's a wealth of available features that take things to the next level. Look out for the rear-locking differential, high-low gearing, and Toyota's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that allows for greater wheel travel for increased grip. If you're really dedicated to the off-road life, look for the TRD Pro trim.

2. Lots of configurations

Whether you're trekking through the wilderness or doing the school run, there's a 2018 Toyota 4Runner out there for you. With six trims to choose from, this SUV can be almost anything you want it to be. As well as the TRD trims, which prioritize off-road ability, there's also the mid-range Premium trim and top-end Limited trim. The Premium model adds to the base features with power-assisted heated front seats, heated door mirrors, and Entune^™ premium audio. The Limited goes even further with a power moonroof, front and rear parking sensors, and leather-trimmed heated and ventilated seats.

3. Versatile cargo space

Whether you go for the available third row to seat seven or choose to maximize your trunk space, you'll love how versatile the 2018 4Runner is. On models without the third row, you'll get 47.2 cu-ft in the back and 89.7 cu-ft with the second row folded. If you need to balance passenger space with cargo capabilities, the three-row models have 9 cu-ft in the back and 46.3 cu-ft behind the second row, while total cargo volume also drops slightly to 88.8 cu-ft.

For maximum flexibility look out for the sliding cargo deck (two-row models only), which extends your usable space when the trunk is open. This gives you a spot to sit, prepare your camping gear, or simply makes it easier to get things in and out.

4. Luxury touches

If you want the best of both worlds, you can have it with the 4Runner. The Limited trim is the real star of the show in this respect and the available four-wheel drive makes it plenty capable for light off-roading and when the weather turns. If you want to enjoy nature but still have access to your creature comforts, the TRD Off-road Premium is a good middle ground. This trim features four-wheel drive, a rear locking differential, and different drive modes alongside heated front seats, a reclining second row, and an available moonroof.

5. Rugged style

This is an SUV that has the capabilities to match its good looks. TRD models have extra exterior badging that nods to their credentials while leather can be found on the Limited trim. The available colors are understated and cool with a few different whites and greys to look out for alongside blue, red, and black. TRD Pro models have a special Cavalry Blue shade, that looks particularly good with the black SofTex^® interior.