What's New?
After a host of updates for 2006, including freshened styling and the addition of a navigation system and rear-seat DVD player, the 4Runner enters 2007 with no major changes.

Overview
The 4Runner has been part of Toyota's lineup since 1984. The original 4Runner was little more than a short-bed pickup with a fiberglass top, similar to the fullsize Ford Broncos and Chevy Blazers of the 1970s. It wasn't until 1990 that the 4Runner became a proper sport utility vehicle (SUV), with an all-steel body and available 4-door configuration. The current 4Runner is the fourth-generation model, which made its debut in 2003. Rather than switch the 4Runner to a car-based platform, Toyota introduced another midsize SUV—the Camry-based Highlander—and retained the 4Runner's rugged body-on-frame construction. The 4Runner is positioned between the Highlander and the fullsize Sequoia in Toyota’s SUV lineup.

The 4Runner is available in SR5, Sport, and Limited models, each offering a choice of 236-hp, 4.0-liter V-6 or 260-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 engines, both with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard; V-6 models offer a part-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) system while V-8 models get full-time 4WD. Both 4WD systems have a low range along with Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. This serious off-road hardware makes the 4Runner a good choice for those who actually do venture off the beaten path. An optional third-row seat expands the 4Runner's seating capacity to seven.

The 4Runner is equipped with what Toyota calls the Star Safety System, which includes anti-lock brakes, traction control, emergency braking assistance, and electronic stability control. Front-seat-mounted side air bags and two-row side curtain air bags are optional. Mirrors strategically located in the rear-corner window pillars aid visibility when backing, as does a rear-view camera included with the optional DVD navigation system. The 4Runner is covered by a 5-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty in addition to its 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage.

The Competition
The Toyota 4Runner competes in the Midsize Utility segment, which consists of 16 models. Buyers in this segment look for performance, reliability, and comfort, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Honda Pilot (152,154 units sold), Jeep Grand Cherokee (139,148), and Ford Explorer (131,759). The Toyota 4Runner sold 103,086 units in 2006, a decrease of 0.7 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Midsize Utility segment include the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Jeep Commander, Nissan Pathfinder, Dodge Durango, and Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT.