SUV

Off-Road Adventuring With the 2019 Toyota 4Runner

April 16, 2019 by admin

True off-road SUV adventuring belongs to Jeep and Land Rover, with GMC, Ford and Chevrolet also represented. Not to be overlooked is Toyota, which has decades of experience in delivering various Land Cruiser, Sequoia, and FJ models.

In more recent years we’ve seen the 4Runner, a midsize model based on the same architecture underpinning the immensely popular Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. The 4Runner stands unique as it is the only body-on-frame midsize SUV left that’s derived from a pickup.

The Jeep Wrangler is its nearest competition, a renowned model that will soon share its architecture with the Jeep Gladiator pickup.

2019 Toyota 4Runner

2019 Toyota 4Runner Overview

Toyota recently supplied me with a 2019 4Runner, which was the first time in five years I’ve had one to review. That’s too long for a guy who is a fan of this SUV. I must admit some bias here too as my wife drives a Toyota RAV4 and I’m eager to get her to move up to either a 4Runner or Tacoma.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner is offered in four grades: SR5 ($35,110), TRD Off-Road ($38,285), Limited ($43,425), and TRD Pro ($46,615). Add $1,095 for the destination fee. Toyota also offers three interim “premium” grades building on each of the first three trims.

The SR5 and Limited models come with standard rear-wheel drive (4×2) and available four-wheel drive (4×4). The two TRD models are four-wheel-drive only. TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, which is this manufacturer’s performance and racing brand. We’ll highlight the main TRD features as we break down this model.

Highlights of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner

There are quite a few attributes of the Toyota 4Runner worthy of closer inspection. To that end, we’ll look at the highlights that define this SUV.

1. A true take on the traditional SUV. Most contemporary SUV models are not SUVs in the traditional sense. The traditional SUV features a body-on-frame design, one that’s usually based on an existing truck platform. Land Rover is an important exception as it employs unibody construction, the same as found in today’s car-based SUVs. However, the Land Rover, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, features off-road durable suspensions that set them apart from the crossover pack.

2. One of two midsize Toyota utility vehicles. While Toyota is definitely in the SUV game with the 4Runner, this automaker hasn’t lost sight on the consumer who may prefer a crossover. Sharing dimensions that are nearly identical, the 4Runner and Highlander also offer as many as three rows. The 4Runner has standard seating for five with an available third-row seat for two more. The Highlander offers standard three-row seating with room for seven or eight. But the Highlander comes with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive and is closer to the Toyota Sienna minivan in design and usability. Importantly, the Highlander is designed for light-duty off-road pursuits only, such as for traversing a gravel road.

3. A stout engine and a mature transmission. Not only is the 4Runner a throwback model of sorts, but its powertrain has been around for quite some time. Indeed, the 4.0-liter V6 engine rolled out in 2004 and was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, then to a five-speed the following year. This engine makes 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, numbers that are easily eclipsed by more modern and smaller engines. This model’s fuel economy registers in the upper teens, which isn’t good. But it does deliver an admirable 5,000-pound tow rating, which is in the same ballpark as competing crossovers.

4. Underbody protection at the ready. Toyota assumes you’ll knock the 4Runner about and that’s why every model comes with skid plates for the engine and front suspension as well as for the fuel tank. Every four-wheel-drive model adds a plate for the transfer case. You’ll also find front and rear mud flaps on all trims, except for the Limited. Available rigid running boards (automatic with the Limited) and a TRD-stamped aluminum front skid plate round out the optional features.

5. Ground clearance is a priority. Toyota figures 4Runner owners will take this SUV off-roading and that’s why it features a laudable 9-inch ground clearance (9.6 inches with four-wheel drive). Its approach angle is 30 degrees (33 degrees with four-wheel drive), while its departure angle is 26 degrees. Toyota doesn’t publish this model’s breakover angle. The published numbers do trail the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, but they’ll satisfy even the most avid off-road adventurist.

6. A straightforward interior with standard amenities. The 4Runner probably doesn’t win design awards, but at least its cabin is functional, clean, and uncluttered. The base model comes with cloth seats with imitation leather on most other trims. There are very few switches and knobs present, with the latter generally oversized. The center console is utilitarian, with the transmission and drive shifters located between the seats. A leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescopic steering column, available dual-zone climate control, and a power driver’s seat are just a few of the distinguishing features.

7. Some safety features present, but not many. Modern Toyota models come with a suite of safety features under the Toyota Safety Sense umbrella. TSS typically bundles automatic high beam, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. But the 4Runner lacks these features. Instead, shoppers will find the usual contingent of airbags, traction and stability control, and brake assist. Likely, we’ll see the advanced features added when the next model arrives, perhaps as soon as 2021.

8. Laudable tech features at the ready. Despite its age and lack of advanced driver-assist features, the 4Runner does come with a decent level of technologies. The base model has an 8-speaker sound system with a CD player, a 6.1-inch touchscreen, HD Radio, satellite radio, Siri Eyes Free, a USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. It also ties in an app — Scout GPS link for navigation, although our personal experience reveals that it isn’t especially reliable. All models also come with a 120-volt power outlet in the cargo area. Upgrades include a navigation system and a 15-speaker sound system.

2019 Toyota 4Runner on SR 1625 (Underwood Road) in Moore County, NC.

The Trail More Taken

Highlights aside, what really brings out the best in the 4Runner is taking it where few other models dare to go. My test TRD Pro model was especially suited for the trail more taken, thanks to a number of upgrades included with this trim.

These include 2.5-inch Fox internal bypass front and rear shocks, the latter fitted with a piggyback reservoir. This particular shock design improves ride, handling, traction, and comfort on the most challenging terrain. Other upgrades include TRD-tuned springs, a one-quarter-inch-thick TRD aluminum front skid plate, and Nitto Terra Grappler all-terrain tires set within matte black TRD alloy wheels. You’ll also find the expected badging, color-keyed accents and a special roof rack. Rounding out the upgrades include a unique “TOYOTA” front grille and LED fog lights.

One of the challenges of four-wheeling in my area is access — the usual right-of-ways I’ve played on over the past few years have since been blocked, which means that they’re “on” to us. The best workaround is simply to travel further out and that’s what I did. Happily, there are enough unfinished roads, desolate terrain, and interesting one-lane bridges that just beg using.

Moore and Chatham counties are my favorite places to go and that’s where I put the 4Runner to the test. Clay soil dominates, although a bit further south you’ll roll into the Sandhills, which changes the terrain significantly. As for clay, its gooey consistency presents several challenges.

First, it is often impossible to gauge how deep the goo goes before entering any morass. What may seem like an easy pass over can just as easily bog you down. But there is little to fear here as the 4Runner’s 4Lo setting supplies the traction required to move out of the mess. Second, clay is simply a mess — not only does it splatter everywhere, but it tends to coat everything underneath. Then it hardens. You might escape the quag unscathed, but later discover the undercarriage drenched in muck. Once hardened, have fun removing it.

Even after navigation miles of trodden clay roads, I hadn’t even switched to four-wheel drive. Once I spotted wet conditions near a tributary that had overrun its banks, I slowed down, shifted the transmission into neutral and engaged 4Hi. The 4Runner sailed though that mess as the wheels retained their sure grip.

Of course, the key test to any four-wheel-drive vehicle is how it performs or articulates on steep slopes, rocks, and the like. This utility vehicle’s approach, break-over, and departure angles are robust. With a certain amount of care and agility, there aren’t many places you’ll need to avoid. Personally, I might leave the log and crag climbing to the experts, but ditches, sharp inclines, and uneven terrain are not a worry. Just don’t opt for the available running boards ($345) if you’re a hard-core off-roader.

2019 Toyota 4Runner on SR 1628 (Cool Springs Road) in Chatham County, NC.

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Start your search with any four-wheel-drive version and go from there. We don’t see any reason to stick with two-wheel drive — after all, this is the “four” runner.

Serious off-road fans will gravitate to one of the two TRD models. Our test TRD Pro simply does it best with its excellent shocks and a sport-tuned suspension. The upgraded interior is a plus, but if you’re looking to keep your final cost to around $40,000, there is no shame in choosing the standard TRD Pro with the available Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). This package also adds the top-of-the-line Entune system with navigation and the App Suite. Your final cost does top $40K before taxes, but with some deft negotiation on your part, a lower price should be attainable.

2019 Toyota 4Runner Specifications

Sticker price from $36,170 (includes $1,060 destination fee)

Price as tested: $47,675

Seats 5 or 7 occupants

Engine: 4.0-liter gas V-6

270 horsepower @ 5,600 RPM

278 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,400 RPM

5-speed automatic transmission

Wheelbase: 109.8 inches

Length: 190.2 to 191.3 inches

Width: 75.8 inches

Height: 71.5 inches

Passenger volume: 97.3 (two rows); 128 (three rows)

Storage volume: 47.2/89.7 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds

EPA: 17/21/18 city/highway/combined mpg

Unleaded regular gasoline

Fuel tank: 23 gallons

Curb weight: From 4,400 to 4,805 pounds

IIHS safety rating: Good, except marginal driver side small overlap front

Limited vehicle warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles

Powertrain warranty: 60 months/60,000 miles

Corrosion warranty: 60 months/unlimited miles

Vehicle assembly: Tahara, Aichi, Japan

2019 Toyota 4Runner

See Also — Revealed: 2014 Toyota 4Runner

Compact Luxury and the Lexus NX

April 1, 2019 by admin

In a world of utility vehicles, Lexus is well represented. From the small UX to the compact NX, and from the popular RX to the big GX and LX models, Lexus has something for everyone. You’ll even find hybrid options with the first three choices, each of which delivers outstanding efficiency and cleaner emissions.

2019 Lexus NX Overview

The 2019 Lexus NX returns without major changes this year. This model was launched as the NX 200t in 2015 and is officially known as the NX 300. The NX 300h is the hybrid variant and is marketed separately. Our review covers the gas-powered model only.

Lexus offers the 2019 NX in two trims: 300 ($36,485) and 300 F Sport ($38,725). Add $1,025 for the delivery, processing & handling fee. Front-wheel drive is standard. Opt for all-wheel drive and your price increases by $1,400.

2019 Lexus NX

You’ll find four package options with the base model. These include a Navigation Package ($1,860), which bundles a navigation system with a 10.3-inch display screen, a 10-speaker audio system, and an additional USB port, and a Comfort Package ($980) with heated and ventilated front seats, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic dimming side mirrors with automatic tilt-down in reverse.

The two other packages include a Premium Package ($3,270). This one bundles enhanced LED daytime running lights, a power moonroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, power side mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats, a power tilt-and-telescopic stewing wheel, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Building on this package is the Luxury Package ($4,705), which adds linear black shadow wood interior trim, perforated leather-trimmed interior, and rain-sensing wipers.

You’ll find individual options offered as well, including an outer-sliding moonroof ($1,100), power rear doors with kick sensor ($550), upgraded wheels ($420), heated front seats ($440), power-folding and reclining rear seats ($400), and other comfort and safety options.

As for the F Sport models, these feature enhanced styling and an adaptive variable suspension system. You’ll also find gauge upgrades, improved seat bolstering, and other special touches. A few of the package offerings found in the base model are available here. Each has its own take based on the trim.

A Matter of Style

The NX’s dimensions are small and parallel the size of the Toyota RAV4 on which it is based. But apart from platform sharing, these two models are dramatically different.

Up front, the expected Lexus hourglass grille dominates and is offset by signature L-shaped accent lights. Wraparound headlamps and fog lamps add flair. The hood’s crease lines meet up with the edges of the grille for a dramatic touch.

The NX’s profile may be its most controversial feature. It has a falling roofline, a high beltline, dramatic body sculpting just above the rocker panels, and big arched wheel wells. From the rear, the look is only slightly less dramatic with this model’s clamshell liftgate topped by a spoiler and accented by wing-like wraparound tail lamps. With the NX, Lexus successfully found a way to blend luxury with sportiness.

2019 Lexus NX

Inside, the cabin is cozy, not especially roomy and is definitely ideal for four, not five. In any case, the NX features choice materials along with excellent fit and finish — leather, aluminum, and available wood trim combine to give the interior a look that is at once elegant as it is sophisticated. Further, Lexus dresses the seats in NuLuxe, which is imitation leather and as close to the real thing you’ll find in terms of comfort and breathability.

Lexus divides the upper and lower sections of the dashboard by color, supplying a two-tone effect that meets at the center stack. The color display sits on top of the dashboard and the entire stack is trimmed in aluminum. Just enough buttons, knobs, and switches are at the ready — not too many to feel cluttered, but enough to cause the driver to examine further. The Remote Touch controller requires a moderate learning curve and was frustrating at times. On the other hand, the interface in the all-new 2019 ES is much simpler and will likely find its way to a future NX.

The front seats are very comfortable and adequately bolstered. Access to the rear compartment requires lowering your head to avoid bumping it. Once inside, that space holds two adults reasonably well, but if you’re tall, then legroom becomes an issue, especially if either front seat is pushed back. In this case, the Lexus RX is the better choice for four adults. It also has a third-row option, which is ideal for carrying children.

Storage space is small, measuring just 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seat and 54.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The competing Acura RDX offers 31.1/79.8 cubic feet of storage space, while the Cadillac XT4 splits the advantage with 22.5/48.9 cubic feet of space.

2019 Lexus NX

Safety & Technology

There is some very good news on the tech front this year, at least for models built after Oct. 1, 2018. Both Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa functionality are included. As for Google Android Auto? Not yet. We expect Toyota/Lexus to add this feature sometime in 2020. But we can’t say it’ll be included retroactively for existing models.

Managing most interior functions requires using the Remote Touch controller found between the seats near the stick shift lever. It is a one-finger-touch controller that acts very much like a mouse — you simply need to hover over the correct command to activate same. On paper, this isn’t all that difficult. In reality, it can sometimes prove frustrating, even distracting. You should familiarize yourself with its workings before you hit the road.

The standard 8-speaker audio system delivers excellent sound and works with the 8-inch screen. All models come with Bluetooth and USB smartphone connectivity. HD Radio and Siri Eyes Free are also included. A navigation system is available and comes bundled with other multimedia improvements, including a 10.3-inch color split-screen display and a 10-speaker audio system.

As for safety features, Lexus goes beyond the universally standard rear-view monitor to include a suite of driver-assist items. Beginning with automatic high beams, Lexus bundles a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and dynamic radar cruise control with full stop. Also available is blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

2019 Lexus NX

On the Road

Under the hood of every NX model (except for the hybrid) is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine. This engine produces 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. In a world where 8-speed automatic transmissions are commonplace, the NX relies on six forward gears. We expect that’ll change when a new model arrives next year.

The NX isn’t especially fast off the line and turbo lag is noticeable, but that’s not much of a deterrent. We found the NX performs best on the highway as it throws down ample passing power as needed.

The steering is evenly weighted and agile. You’ll be able to swing into an empty parking lot with ease and exit the same. On the highway, it adds weight for a more composed feel. On twisty roads, the NX throws in some body roll, but not enough to make a difference. Choose the F Sport version with its adaptive suspension system if you desire improved handling, especially when pulling out of corners.

Play with the drive mode select (eco, normal, sport) and gear changes and throttle mapping change. Reserved exclusively for the F Sport are Sport S and Sport S+ modes, but only when equipped with the adaptive suspension system.

As for fuel efficiency, this model is rated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for a combined EPA-estimated 24 mpg. Keep in mind that the NX takes premium grade gasoline only.

2019 Lexus NX

Auto Trends Recommends

The Lexus NX is showing its age as it nears the end of its first generation. Nearly every competing model is newer and that means consumers have much to consider when evaluating their options.

Although not the focus of this review, the hybrid variant offers a compelling reason to consider the NX. It costs $2,400 more than the standard model, but it comes with all-wheel drive. This means it only costs $950 more than the comparable all-wheel-drive gas-powered NX, while delivering a 7 mpg edge. As fuel prices continue to rise, you’ll recover the extra cost of the hybrid quickly.

2019 Lexus NX

2019 Lexus NX 300 Specifications

Sticker price from $37,785
Price as tested: $50,893 (estimated)
Seats 5 occupants
2.0-liter 16-valve turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine
235 horsepower @ 4,800 to 5,600 rpm
258 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,650 to 4,000 rpm
3.40 inches bore by 3.40 inches stroke
Engine compression ratio: 10.0-to-1
6-speed automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 104.7 inches
Length: 182.7 inches
Width: 73.6 inches
Height: 64.8 inches
Passenger volume: 71.6 cubic feet
Storage volume: 17.7/54.6 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds (with luxury package)
EPA: 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
Premium grade gasoline required
Fuel tank: 15.9 gallons
Curb weight: From 3,940 pounds
IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick (2018)
Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
Corrosion warranty: 6 years
Vehicle assembly: Kyushu, Japan

2019 Lexus NX

See Also — F Sport Fun: 2018 Lexus GS 350

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