Toyota 4Runner 2011

Revamped inside and out, the 4Runner retains its body-on-frame construction. That won't make the new 4Runner the greenest SUV on the block, but it will make this SUV a formidable off-road vehicle. In fact, Toyota says the new 4Runner, which proved itself in August on the Rubicon Trail, is "more rugged than ever."

A more powerful V6 maximizes the truck's capabilities by offering more power and torque. The 4.0-liter engine offers 34 horsepower more than the prior V6, and 10 horsepower more than the optional V8 of the previous generation. That comes to a grand total of 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. The V6 4Runner achieves an EPA-estimated 19 mpg combined,

an improvement of more than five percent. With the new 4.0-liter engine, maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. The SUV is availablein three variations: the top-of-the-line Limited, the base SR5, and the off-road-oriented Trail grade. SR5 and Trail 4x4 models have a two-speed lever-operated, part-time four-wheel-drive system with neutral position, while the 4Runner Limited is equipped with full-time, four-wheel-drive with a locking center differential and employs a three-mode, center console-mounted switch. The new 4Runner is also equipped with a stronger rear differential over the previous model, thanks to a gear ring that has increased in size from 7.87 to 8.18 inches. For improved on-road performance, the Limited grade comes standard with an X-REAS suspension system that automatically adjusts the damping force of shocks when driving over bumpy surfaces, or when cornering. To enhance grip, the A-TRAC system is now standard equipment on all 4x4 models. The system can distribute driving force to any one wheel in contact with the ground, making terrain irregularities and slippery patches transparent to the driver. The Trail package offers Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) as an option. KDSS improves terrain-following ability by disconnecting stabilizer bars to allow for more axle travel, and better suspension articulation in slow uneven terrain. Toyota's Crawl Control (CRAWL) feature is standard on the Trail grade. CRAWL is an adjustable electro-mechanical system that can be tuned to match the terrain by selecting any of five speed levels. The Trail grade also features a Multi-Terrain Select system which allows the 4x4 operator to dial in wheel slip control to match the terrain. All 4x4 models are standard-equipped with Downhill Assist Control (DAC), which is designed to augment the low-speed ascending ability of low-range by holding the vehicle to a target speed with no driver intervention. All V6 models come standard with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), which provides additional control for off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle stationary while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface. The cabin has been redesign with better materials and improved aesthetics. Both leather and cloth upholstery are available. More cargo space is available due to the fold-flat second-row rear seats, which do not require removal of the headrest for rearrangement. For models with three rows of seats, the third row seats are split 50/50, and they fold flat to allow the seatback to become the floor of the luggage compartment. Another convenience feature is an available pull-out cargo deck that is capable of carrying up to 440 pounds of weight. The cargo deck slides out to make loading heavy items easier. Pricing starts at $27,500 for the base SR5 2WD with the four-cylinder. A 4x2 SR5 V6 runs $27,175 and the 4x4 SR5 V6 will cost $30,915. The Trail model, only available with four wheel drive, will start from $35,700. A base Limited 4x2 lists for $37,765 with the 4x4 version going for $39,800. The volume leader, the SR5 4x4 with the V6, is priced the same as the outgoing 2009 despite the added equipment.

Toyota 4Runner Competition

2011 Nissan Pathfinder: This midsize truck-type SUV mirrors 4Runner’s appeal with macho styling, five- or seven-passenger seating, and serious off-road ability via part- and full-time 4wd systems. Pathfinder’s only engine is a V-6 (266 horsepower, 288 pound-feet of torque, 14/20 mpg with 4wd) or a V-8 (310 horsepower, 388 pound-feet, 13/18 with 4wd). Base price range is roughly $28,000-$41,000. A big change awaits Pathfinder in the form of a model-year 2013 redesign when it’ll shed its body-on-frame design for a crossover-type unibody, though it probably will retain three-row seating and substantial off-road capability.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Jeep takes its flagship upscale with a model-year 2011 redesign based on the underpinnings of the Mercedes-Benz ML SUV from its old German owner. Five seats are all you get, but interior appointments are far richer and adoption of an all-independent suspension improves ride and handling. Upscale on-road doesn’t mean outclassed off-road. This is a Jeep, after all, and it is available with such features as a Quadra-Lift air suspension for 11.1 inches of ground clearance and Jeep’s new traction-enhancing Select-Terrain system. Engines are a new V-6 (290 horsepower, 260 pound-feet, 15/20 mpg 4wd) and a Hemi V-8 (360 horsepower, 390 pound-feet, 13/19 4wd). On sale date is mid 2010 and base prices range is $31,000-$43,000.

2011 Ford Explorer: Another one bites the dust… The 2011 Explorer is fully redesigned and abandons body-on-frame construction for a unibody structure based on a beefed-up Ford Taurus platform. The other surprise: a powertrain lineup that eschews a V-8 for a V-6 and an optional four-cylinder. The V-6 has 290 horsepower, 255 pound-feet of torque and a preliminary 17/24-mpg rating. The four-cylinder is from Ford’s turbocharged EcoBoost engine family, has 237 horsepower, 250 pound-feet, and a preliminary 19/30 mpg; it’s available only with front-wheel drive. Three-row seating is standard, suspension is all-independent, and all-wheel-drive versions come with Ford’s Terrain Management System that automatically adjusts to suit a variety of low-traction conditions.