Used 2011 Toyota 4Runner Limited for sale 

The Toyota 4runner is available in three different trims, each of which shares a common engine and transmission setup and is available with two drivetrain options. It is priced at $30,305 for its base variant and $40,435 for its top-rack variant. It comes equipped with basic specifications like heated mirrors, rear spoiler, and keyless entry. Some other trim-wise specifications include:

We Recommend

We recommend buying the Limited trim of the Toyota 4runner for its large number of hi-tech and advanced features. While it features a similar engine option, the Limited’s additional options like a premium sound system, keyless entry, and heated front seats make it a practical and pragmatic option.

The biggest update that comes with the 2011 iteration of the Toyota 4runner is the exclusion of the base four-cylinder engine from the SUV’s lineup. It now comes equipped with a 4.0L V6 as standard across the board and is good for producing 270hp of engine power and 278lb.-ft of torque.

It makes use of a standard 5-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode and can be channeled either as a rear-wheel or a four-wheel-drive variant. While performance figures for the four-wheel-drive variant are not known, a rear-wheel 4runner can sprint from a still to the 60 MPH mark in 7.2 seconds which speaks volumes about the potency of the engine.

In comparison, all four SUVs make use of a V6 engine. The Ford Explorer though similar in major setup aspects makes use of a distinctive 6-speed automatic transmission. In the acceleration test, the Nissan Pathfinder takes 7.5 seconds to reach the 60 MPH mark, while the Explorer clocks 8.3 seconds. In the quarter-mile run as well, it is the Nissan Pathfinder that emerges victorious. While performance figures for the Jeep Grand Cherokee are not known, it is one of the more powerful engines in the segment.

The Toyota 4runner being a brawny SUV does succumb to the notion of lower fuel efficiency. Ironically, in isolation, the 4runner may be seen as uneconomical with a combined average of 19 miles per gallon, it is the most efficient vehicle in the segment. It averages a mileage of 17 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. Its fuel tank is one of the largest in the segment having a total capacity of 23-gallons. It manages to cover a total range of 391 miles when cruising in the city and 506 miles on the highway, in a single fuel stop.

In comparison, the Ford Explorer manages similar efficiency as the Toyota 4runner, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder average less economical figures of 18 and 16 miles per gallon of fuel respectively. In terms of fuel capacity, the Grand Cherokee sports the largest tank in the segment of 24.6-gallons, while the Explorer has a capacity of 18.6-gallons only. The distance covered by each SUV is competitive.

The Toyota 4runner is capacious, opulent, and practical. In its build and layout, the 4runner’s feels like an embodiment of the brand. It looks striking with a large number of usable aspects and ample storage space. The infotainment system that sits centrally garners boundless attention and is surrounded by a large number of buttons. The central console sports a storage bin and cupholders. One thing we would have liked was the inclusion of a leather-wrapped steering wheel as a standard amenity.

The Toyota 4runner can seat five or seven passengers depending on the configuration you opt for. The optional third row of seats, however, feel cramped and best suited for children only. While the off-roading capabilities of the 4runner are unparalleled and best-in-class, in everyday use, the ride is not as refined as contemporaries offer in the segment. The steering system feels non-participative and the ride does lack engagement. However, what adds to the usability of the 4runner is its abundant cargo capacity. With all seats in an upright position, the SUV has a total trunk volume of 47.2 cubic feet which increases to 87.9 cubic feet.

In comparison, the Jeep Grand Cherokee can also seat five passengers, while the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder come with seven-seat configurations. While the Pathfinder has maximum legroom for seat front seat occupants in the segment, its rear-seat space is miserable. In terms of cargo capacity, the Ford Explorer’s trunk of 80.7 cubic feet is the second most voluminous trunk followed by the Nissan Pathfinder and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Some standout interior features of the 4runner include:

• SR5 Premium Package
• Steering Mounted Controls (except on the SR5 trim)
• Front and Rear Cupholders
• Interior Air Filtration
• Cruise Control
• Cargo Area Light

How intuitive is the 2011 Toyota 4runner’s infotainment system?

The infotainment system available with the Toyota 4runner gets more and more refined as one moves higher up the trim ladder. As standard, it comes equipped with features like AM/FM stereo, CD Player, and MP3 Player. With the Trail variant, steering wheel controls are added for easier access and usability.

The top-rack variant is the most coveted offering with a 15-speaker JBL sound system that delivers class-leading performance. In general, there are a large number of buttons that surround the infotainment system and can be used for its control making it innate and intuitive. Some other standout features include:

• AM/FM Stereo
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• Satellite Radio
• Mast Antenna
• 8-speaker sound system (available as standard with the SR5 and Trail trims)

The Toyota 4runner adorns the idiosyncrasy in its design with utmost grace and poise. In its stance, it continues to be bulky, strappy, and robust. Its front grille feels imposing and the use of chrome stripes with the Toyota badging adds an element of plushness and distinction. Even at the rear end, the Toyota 4runner looks subtle and innocent. The use of 17/20-inch all-season tires gives the SUV a proportionate stance and well-planted ride.

The Toyota 4runner has a total curb weight of 4675 lbs. It is 189.9 inches long and sports the shortest wheelbase of 109.8 inches. The 4runner is 75.8 inches wide and 71.5 inches tall. Its ground clearance of 9.6 inches is the highest in the segment and allows for easy movement on uneven terrains.

In comparison, the Ford Explorer is the heaviest SUV in the segment weighing 4732 lbs, while the Nissan Pathfinder is the lightest and has a total curb weight of 4660 lbs. The Explorer is also the longest and widest car in the segment, while the Pathfinder is the tallest. In terms of wheelbase, the Jeep Grand Cherokee sports the longest wheelbase in the segment of 114.8 inches. Some other standout features include:

• Rear Spoiler
• Mud Guards
• Fog Lamps
• Running Boards (Optional)
• Paint Protection Film
• Trailering Package

The Toyota 4runner upholds the brand’s value of safety and reliability and rating of ‘Good’ in almost all crash tests conducted by the IIHS back its ability.

The SUV includes basic features like driver and passenger airbags, with brake assist and daytime running lights. Other features include electronic stability control and child safety locks. Some safety features include:

• Child Seat Anchors
• Engine Immobilizers
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Anti-theft Alarm System
• Turn Signal Mirrors
• 4-wheel disc brakes

With the 2011 model of the 4runner, Toyota has aimed at reviving its chances in a fiercely competitive segment. However, the Toyota 4runner being riddled with problems starts to lose in the process. While its engine is powerful, its lackluster fuel economy and its on-roading capabilities are dismay coupled with its synthetic steering system feedback. While the interior is finely crafted, the distinction in its design may not sit well with the buyers in the segment, when contemporary cars vaunt a modern and aggressive design. Its off-roading capabilities and safety system, however, are praiseworthy. While the Toyota 4runner may seem like a viable option considering its rich heritage and history, there are other cars in the segment that delivers relatively better performance at lower prices.