The 2018 Toyota 4runner, now in its eighth year since the platform launch and fourth since a major refresh, offers a compelling blend of classic utility and modern technology. A recent trip to Lake Superior’s North Shore provided a firsthand experience with the 4Runner Limited, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.
On-Road and Towing Performance
The 4Runner’s on-road ride quality impressed, proving surprisingly smooth on freeways and local roads. The tight suspension only becomes noticeable when venturing off-road or encountering particularly rough terrain. However, towing a small U-Haul trailer revealed some shortcomings. While the 4.0L V6 engine is rated for 5,000 lbs. towing capacity, the 2018 4Runner exhibited noticeable jerking on uneven concrete roads, impacting ride comfort. Fuel economy also suffered, dropping from 22 mpg on the highway to 17 mpg while towing at 65 mph. While capable, the 4Runner’s towing performance may not be ideal for frequent towing needs. Larger SUVs like the Land Cruiser or Sequoia might be better suited for such tasks.
Infotainment and Technology
The Entune Navigation and JBL sound system provided a pleasant in-cabin experience. Entune offered essential applications like HD Radio, USB connectivity, Pandora, and iHeartRadio, ensuring constant entertainment. The 15-speaker JBL GreenEdge system, complete with an external subwoofer, delivered rich sound quality, effectively minimizing road noise.
Navigation System Performance
Pre-programmed destinations proved easy to access and navigate. However, the system faltered when searching for unplanned points of interest. Voice recognition struggled compared to smartphone alternatives, and Yelp integration proved less efficient. While offering clear turn-by-turn directions and a high-contrast map, the navigation system’s routing logic sometimes fell short compared to Google Maps, particularly in complex scenarios.
Display and Feature Shortcomings
The 2018 4Runner’s 6.1-inch resistive touchscreen, while responsive, suffered from significant glare due to its matte finish. Furthermore, the lack of a color TFT display in the instrument cluster felt outdated, especially considering the 4Runner’s price point. Navigation cues and other vital information were relegated to a small dot-matrix LCD, a noticeable omission in a modern SUV. The absence of active safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, and automatic emergency braking also stood out, especially as these technologies become increasingly common in competing vehicles. Finally, limited auxiliary power options, primarily a single USB 2.0 port, proved inadequate for charging multiple devices.
Conclusion: A Classic Showing its Age
The 2018 Toyota 4Runner, priced from around $35,000, offers undeniable off-road capability and a comfortable ride. Its boxy design and unique features, like the power rear tailgate glass, pay homage to its heritage. However, certain aspects feel dated. The lack of modern safety features, limited charging options, and an outdated instrument cluster detract from the overall experience. While undoubtedly capable, the 4Runner’s aging technology may leave some buyers wanting more.
