Used 2014 Toyota 4Runner Trail Premium for sale 

The 2014 4Runner is available in three standard trims, SR5, SR5 Premium, and Limited alongside the off-road-focused Trail and Trail Premium trims. The Trail and Trail Premium trims are obviously available only with the 4WD drivetrain whereas the other three standard trims have an option for an RWD setup. The Trail trims offer an electronic Hi-Low gear selector, rear locking differential, and a hill descent control system which all make life much easier when the terrain becomes difficult.

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Opting for a rear-wheel-drive 4Runner would be a shame to the makers of the SUV and although there are loads of equipment available as standard, the feature-rich SR5 Premium trim with a 4WD drivetrain should be the trim of choice.

The Toyota 4Runner is powered by a large 4.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces a healthy 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. The large SUV manages to achieve 60 mph from a standstill in just 7.5 seconds whereas the quarter-mile is covered in a decent 15.7 seconds.

The towing capacity is also pretty good at 4,700 lbs and although all of these numbers may not be class-leading, together with the off-road capabilities that the 4Runner offers as standard, it makes a strong case for itself.

Both the Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee are cheaper than the Toyota and offer a higher power output in spite of featuring a smaller capacity engine. Although only the Jeep is faster in terms of acceleration than the 4Runner, both the Ford and Jeep offer a higher towing capacity and a superior top speed. The 4Runner is faster than the Explorer in the quarter-mile sprint, thanks to its superior torque output.

The large engines powering large SUVs do take a toll on the fuel efficiency of the car and the 4Runner is no different in this aspect. The EPA rates the 4Runner for just 17 mpg around the town and a maximum of 22 mpg on highways, whereas the combined fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg. The large 23-gallon gas tank does help ease out the range anxiety created by the low fuel economy figures, as it can be driven for over 400 miles of combined city and highway driving on a single tank of gas.

The Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee both have a similar fuel efficiency rating which is marginally better than what Toyota has to offer. That being said, the Explorer has a much smaller fuel tank, resulting in a much shorter driving range. The Jeep offers the largest fuel tank and hence has the longest driving range of over 600 miles out on the highway.

The tuff all-terrain appeal of the 4Runner continues on the inside as well, as Toyota has designed the cabin of the 4Runner with durability in focus rather than appearance. Not that the materials used are cheap in any which way, but it does not offer the premiumness of a Grand Cherokee for example. 

The 4Runner is available as a five-seater with a reclining and foldable rear seat and an option for a third row as well, but the seats are so compact that they can fit in only elementary school kids, making it the tightest third row in this segment. Though, there can never be a shortage of cargo space as there is a maximum of 89.7 cu-ft of luggage space.

Despite offering a seven configuration as standard, the Ford Explorer has one of the most spacious second-row seats in the segment. There are ample headroom and legroom and the seats are wide as well, on the other hand, the Toyota has the least amount of space for rear-seat passengers. The Grand Cherokee lacks the cargo capacity of the other two and hence, the Ford Explorer is the one that offers the best cabin space for all passengers and their luggage. 

• 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support
• Heated and Ventilated Front Bucket Seats
• 40-20-40 Folding Split-Bench Rear Seat
• Leather Seat Trim
• Leather Steering Wheel
• Dual-zone climate control
• Memory Settings for Driver and Passenger Seats and Door Mirrors
• 5 12V DC Power Outlets and 1 AC Power Outlet

How is the 2014 Toyota 4Runner’s infotainment system?

The major highlight of the interior update for the 2014 4Runner is the new instrument panel, which comprises a multifunction screen trip computer with an oversized tachometer and a speedometer flanked on either of its sides.

The Entune touchscreen infotainment placed at the center of the dash adds a lot of functionality but using it can be a bit frustrating due to its irregular touch sensitivity and the smartphone integration, which needs an always active data connection to be able to use it. 

• 6.1-inch touchscreen Entune Multimedia infotainment system
• 15-speaker Premium JBL Audio system
• HD Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability w/90-day trial subscription
• Complimentary access to Entune Apps and services for 3 years
• Advanced voice recognition
• Integrated Navigation System
• Bluetooth wireless music streaming and hands-free telephone controls
• Entune Selective Service Internet Access

To match the genuine off-road capabilities that the new Toyota 4Runner boasts of, the exterior styling design also looks the part. The large and high chrome grille, a high front bumper with chunky chrome bumper accent, and a typical ladder frame chassis silhouette with large dimensions, all point towards its off-road nature. The large 20-inch wheels and thick off-road tires, all add up to the appeal of the car.

The Ford Explorer is a much longer and wider SUV and hence offers more space on the inside to accommodate three rows of seats comfortably. The Grand Cherokee is the shortest car in terms of length and yet offers the longest wheelbase and is also the heaviest of them all. The best ground clearance is offered by the Toyota 4Runner which is about half an inch higher than the Jeep. 

• Fully Automatic Projector Beam Halogen Daytime Running Headlamps w/Delay-Off
• LED Brakelights
• Powered and Heated Side Mirrors
• Power Tilt & Slide Moonroof w/Sunshade
• Lip Spoiler
• Roof Rack Rails
• 20-inch Unique Dual 6-Spoke Alloy wheels with Mud & Snow tires

In terms of safety, Toyota does not take things lightly and despite not having a monocoque chassis it performs well to score an overall 4-star rating in the NHTSA’s crash test report. It also fares well in the crash test conducted by the IIHS and has a ‘Good’ rating in most aspects of the test.

There is ample cushioning all around in terms of Airbags should things were to get worse, and there are a few other nifty safety features too alongside, some of which are listed below.

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Driveline Traction Control
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front, Knee and Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Safety Connect Emergency SOS
• Front And Rear Parking Sensors
• Low Tire Pressure Warning

If your daily commute demands a powerful four-wheel-drive SUV or if you are just a fan of a traditional large SUV which can withstand the test of time and give you an all-conquering feel when on the road, the 2014 Toyota 4Runner has very little competition that clicks so many boxes at the same time.