2018 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium: The Adventurer's Swiss Army Knife

Thirty four years ago, a new type of vehicle was released to the world without a lot of fanfare; and since that time, it has created a reputation for quality, comfort, and reliability from a very diverse group of loyalists.

My test-drive vehicle for the week is the 2018 Toyota 4Runner with the TRD Off-Road Premium package. As I stood there looking at the adventurous 4x4 profile shining in the morning sun, I had this strong urge to grab my camping gear along with my fishing poles and play hooky from adulting this week. Regardless of how it's equipped, the 4Runner is most definitely a top-five vehicle that you'll want to play hooky in. You can tow a boat to the coast, climb up the side of a hill or blaze a trail on some red dirt road out in the middle of nowhere, and still drive the kids around to their weekly activities in this capable sport-utility with room for seven passengers.

Bigger Adventures

To make the adventures bigger, easier, and more memorable, there is a new Wilderness Package that allows you to equip your TRD Off-Road 4Runner with roof rack crossbars, all-weather floor liners, and a sliding cargo tray. With the second-row seats up for the kids, the rear cargo area has 47.2 cu. ft. of room; and if the second row seats are laid down, the cargo area increases to 89.7 cu. ft. cargo area. The new sliding cargo tray makes loading and unloading 440 lbs of outdoor gear a snap. You can also slide the tray out for seating at the river bank while you fish or for your watching televition while tailgating at your favorite sporting event.

Plenty of Power for Towing

The 4Runner's 4.0-liter V6 produces 270-horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque through a 5-speed ECT-i automatic transmission with sequential shift mode. Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) optimizes torque across the engine's entire operating range, so there is plenty of torque for towing.

Strength of a Midsize Truck

The 4Runner is a pure SUV which means its strength originates with its body-on-frame construction that features a 4-link rear axle and coil-spring suspension. This SUV can a payload of 1,550 lbs and tow a trailer of 4 wheelers, a boat or camper up to 5,000 lbs. That is why there is a standard tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness on all grades of 4Runners.

Off-Road Trail Control

One of my favorite features of the TRD package is the electronic-locking rear differential and Toyota's Crawl Control (CRAWL) feature. I first experienced it while climbing up step-grade rock cliffs; it was no big deal using this technology, and the truck handled like a champ. When you engage the Crawl Control mode, you are able to choose one of five low-speed settings according to your off-road situation; then the computer system automatically shifts the power away from wheels that are slipping to wheels that have more traction. This allows the driver to keep focus strictly on navigating across the challenging off-road terrain rather than being concerned with throttle control. One final thing you must have when you are out creating adventures and memories is a way to see the moon and the stars ans you travel. The TRD Off-Road package now comes with a power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade. The sunshade is for those hot Texas summer days.

Safety is Key With Toyota

Star Safety System and Safety Connect ?The 4Runner features Toyota's standard Star Safety System that includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC, or A-TRAC with 4WD), an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST) brake-override system. Eight standard airbags include driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, TAP (thorax, abdomen, pelvis) front seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags and all-row Roll-sensing Side Curtain Airbags (RSCA). The Safety Connect system available for the 4Runner Limited (one-year trial subscription included) offers Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Roadside Assistance.

It's still hard to believe but it's been 34 years since the first Toyota 4Runner was released. Think of all the great adventures that have happened or been created because someone bought a 4Runner. If you think you might want to join that club, head over to a dealer and ask about the TRD Off-Road package and start creating your own memories.

For additional information about the Toyota 4Runner, visit the brand online at:

Toyota | 4Runner