Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro: A Deep Dive into Off-Road Prowess
The Toyota 4Runner has long held a revered position in the automotive world, especially among those who crave ruggedness and off-road capability. For decades, it has proven its mettle as a durable, reliable, and highly capable SUV that can tackle some of the most challenging terrains. Among the 4Runner lineup, the TRD Pro variant stands out as the most off-road focused model, designed and engineered to conquer the great outdoors. In this comprehensive off-road test, we’ll delve deep into what makes the 4Runner TRD Pro a true off-road champion.
Design and Features
The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is a striking blend of form and function. It’s immediately recognizable with its aggressive styling cues and purposeful features. Key design elements include:
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Heritage-Inspired Grille: The "TOYOTA" lettering emblazoned across the blacked-out grille pays homage to the brand’s off-road heritage, giving the TRD Pro a distinctive and imposing presence.
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TRD Pro Styling: The TRD Pro boasts a range of exclusive styling elements such as a unique hood scoop, black alloy wheels, and TRD Pro badging, giving it a rugged and sporty appearance.
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Roof Rack: The standard roof rack provides additional cargo-carrying capacity, making it ideal for overlanding adventures and outdoor excursions.
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High Ground Clearance: With its elevated suspension and robust body-on-frame construction, the 4Runner TRD Pro offers generous ground clearance, allowing it to clear obstacles and navigate uneven terrain with ease.
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Skid Plates: Protecting the undercarriage are durable skid plates that shield vital components from rocks, stumps, and other hazards encountered on the trail.
Off-Road Focused Hardware
Underneath its rugged exterior, the 4Runner TRD Pro is equipped with a host of off-road focused hardware designed to enhance its capabilities in challenging conditions. Key components include:
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FOX Shocks: The TRD Pro features specially tuned FOX shocks that provide exceptional damping and control over rough terrain. These shocks are designed to absorb impacts, reduce body roll, and maintain stability, ensuring a comfortable and confident ride.
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TRD-Tuned Front Springs: The TRD-tuned front springs offer increased ride height and improved articulation, allowing the 4Runner to crawl over obstacles and maintain contact with the ground.
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Electronic Locking Rear Differential: The electronically controlled locking rear differential ensures that both rear wheels spin at the same speed, providing maximum traction in slippery or uneven conditions.
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Crawl Control: Toyota’s Crawl Control system acts as an off-road cruise control, automatically modulating the throttle and brakes to maintain a consistent speed while navigating challenging terrain. This allows the driver to focus on steering and obstacle avoidance.
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Multi-Terrain Select: The Multi-Terrain Select system allows the driver to choose from a variety of terrain modes, such as Mud, Sand, and Rock, optimizing the vehicle’s traction control and throttle response for specific conditions.
Performance On The Trail
To truly evaluate the off-road prowess of the 4Runner TRD Pro, we subjected it to a rigorous series of tests on a variety of terrains.
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Rock Crawling: The 4Runner TRD Pro excelled at rock crawling, thanks to its generous ground clearance, robust suspension, and electronic locking rear differential. The vehicle effortlessly navigated steep inclines, boulder-strewn paths, and rocky obstacles, showcasing its exceptional articulation and traction.
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Mud and Sand: In muddy and sandy conditions, the 4Runner TRD Pro’s Multi-Terrain Select system and Crawl Control proved invaluable. By optimizing the vehicle’s traction control and throttle response, these systems allowed the 4Runner to maintain momentum and avoid getting bogged down in soft or slippery terrain.
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Trail Driving: On winding trails and uneven terrain, the 4Runner TRD Pro’s FOX shocks provided a smooth and controlled ride. The shocks absorbed bumps and dips with ease, maintaining stability and minimizing body roll, even at higher speeds.
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Water Fording: With its elevated ride height and carefully sealed components, the 4Runner TRD Pro is capable of fording shallow streams and water crossings. While not designed for deep water submersion, the vehicle can handle moderate water obstacles with confidence.
On-Road Driving Experience
While the 4Runner TRD Pro is primarily designed for off-road use, it also performs admirably on paved roads. The ride quality is surprisingly comfortable, thanks to the well-tuned suspension and supportive seats. The vehicle handles confidently, with minimal body roll in corners. The 4.0-liter V6 engine provides ample power for everyday driving, and the five-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently.
However, it’s important to note that the 4Runner TRD Pro is not a sports car. Its body-on-frame construction and off-road-focused suspension result in a higher center of gravity and less precise handling compared to car-based SUVs. Fuel economy is also not a strong point, with the 4Runner TRD Pro averaging around 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Technology
The interior of the 4Runner TRD Pro is functional and durable, with a focus on practicality rather than luxury. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the controls are easy to reach and operate. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a suite of safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic emergency braking.
While the interior is not as plush or refined as some of its competitors, it is well-suited for the rigors of off-road adventures. The durable materials and simple design make it easy to clean and maintain, even after a day of mudding or trail driving.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional off-road capability
- Durable and reliable construction
- Rugged and aggressive styling
- Comfortable ride quality
- Functional and practical interior
Cons:
- Lower fuel economy
- Less precise handling compared to car-based SUVs
- Dated interior design
Final Verdict
The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is a true off-road champion, designed and engineered to conquer the most challenging terrains. With its robust suspension, electronic locking rear differential, and advanced traction control systems, the 4Runner TRD Pro is capable of tackling obstacles that would leave other SUVs stranded. While it may not be the most refined or fuel-efficient vehicle on the road, its exceptional off-road capability and rugged durability make it a top choice for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re looking for an SUV that can take you anywhere, the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is definitely worth considering.
