All sport-utility vehicles have some ability to go off-roading, although for some it’s nothing more than an all-wheel drive option that allows drivers to get more traction in slippery conditions. However, the 4Runner goes above and beyond what you might expect from an off-road vehicle, making it the best Toyota vehicle for dirt trails and other unpaved conditions. Here are a few of the features that make the 2016 4Runner shine where the pavement ends.
HAC/DAC
Hill Start Assist Control comes standard on every 4Runner, and it works by holding the brake in place for a second when it senses that the SUV might otherwise roll. This allows the driver to move his or her foot from the brake to the accelerator without having to worry about bumping into anything in the instant it takes to switch.
The available Downhill Assist Control makes it easier to drive and park on hills. When active, the DAC system will automatically engage the brakes to maintain a consistent speed on steep and slippery descents.
Eight Air Bags
In addition to the six standard air bags that come on every new vehicle (front, side, curtain), the 2016 4Runner also comes with two front knee air bags. Not every vehicle comes with knee air bags, since the more immediate concern is usually to protect the more vital parts of the upper body, but knee air bags can protect both the driver and the front passenger’s legs from potentially crippling injuries.
Full-Size Spare Tire
Many automakers have switched to smaller spare tires or even tire repair kits which only last long enough to get you to a repair shop without a tow truck. They do so to save weight and improve the mileage, but when you’re out in the middle of nowhere you need something more durable than a temporary fix. That’s why every 4Runner comes standard with a full-size spare.
Fuel Efficiency
The 2016 4Runner’s EPA-estimated gas mileage is 17 city and 22 highway miles per gallon, which is efficient for a large, off-road-capable SUV.
Off-Road Controls
Off-road controls are standard on the Trail and TDR Pro trims. They include Crawl Control, which puts the 4Runner into a special extremely low gear which allows you to carefully control your SUV’s speed over very rough terrain. Another button locks the rear differential, which makes both rear wheels spin at the same rate, even if one of them has no traction. A third switch controls Multi-Terrain Select, which adjusts the 4Runner’s automatic traction systems to account for different kinds of rough and slippery conditions, including snow, mud, and rocks.
More so than any car, and even most SUVs, the 4Runner’s home begins where the pavement ends. With standard features like a full-size spare tire and a powerful 270-horsepower V6 engine, the 4Runner can go where few four-wheel vehicles have gone before. And with optional features like Downhill Assist Control and the off-road controls on the Trail and TDR Pro, you’ll enjoy every minute of your adventure.
Image via Flickr by _joshuaBENTLEY under use of CC BY-ND 2.0
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