Many modern crossovers and SUVs are designed with some level of feigned capability built into their visual presence. For example, the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot look more blocky and brawny than they need to be. They're all about conveying the idea that you could take them off-roading, even if you are actually going to the grocery store.
Technically, the 4Runner received a refresh for the 2015 model year. That gave it a more aggressive front end, but the 4Runner’s style is still a product of necessity. Its stubby front and rear ends provide steep approach and departure angles to ensure it doesn't get stuck on the trail. It needs large tires and flared fenders to achieve this as well. So in the case of the 4Runner, its off-road capability matches its looks.
Trim levels for the 4Runner are SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and the range-topping TRD Pro, each of which is available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD). The base SR5 comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, smoked-out taillights, under-body skid plates, tinted rear and side windows, and the power up/down rear window, which recalls the original, first-generation 4Runner from the 1980s. That vehicle had a removable roof from the front row back, and the rear window disappeared into the tailgate for a fully open-air rear area.
Full disclosure: I owned one of those old 4Runners—a black-and-silver SR5. It had a maroon interior and funky graphics down the side. It was very 1980s. While SUVs have changed a lot since then, the 4Runner has evolved at a slower pace. If you actually use your SUV for SUV things, the slower the better.
Inside things were mildly updated in 2015, including a new instrument panel and touchscreen software. But these 2015 updates carry through to today, giving the 4Runner one of the older interiors on the market. The 2019 SR5 comes with an 8-way power driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, and a manual 4-way front passenger seat. It also provides a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, and one-touch power windows all around. Finally, the SR5 comes with a helpful 120-volt wall-style power outlet located on the right side of the rear cargo area. This helps underscore the 4Runner's camping credentials.
Aside from those few key features, the SR5 is pretty bare bones. That’s why CarGurus recommends going one step further and opting for the SR5 Premium. This trim adds heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, as well as heated front seats and SofTex (leatherette) upholstery. It also adds a 4-way power front passenger seat and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Finally, this trim is rounded out with Entune Premium Audio with Navigation, which is crucial, because the 4Runner doesn’t offer modern infotainment connectivity, such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The TRD (Toyota Racing Development) Off-Road trim adds a non-functional hood scoop and reverts to cloth upholstery. It also adds TRD Off-Road badging to the exterior, a TRD shift knob, and most importantly, a console above the rear-view mirror that provides controls for the various 4-wheel-drive (4WD) functions found on the TRD Off-Road (more on that later).
As you may have noticed, opting for the TRD Off-Road trim removes some content. But if you want to have your cake and eat it, too, the TRD Off-Road Premium trim brings back the creature comforts of the 4Runner Premium (plus a power moonroof). Of course, it also includes all the off-road gear for which the trim is named.
The Limited takes a step back from the TRD's rugged style and pivots more toward curb appeal. It does so with a garish chrome bar across the front, 20-inch alloy wheels, and plenty of chrome and brightwork touches throughout the exterior. Inside, the Limited gets real leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
For 2019, you can also get the Limited Nightshade Edition. In many ways, it’s the Limited, but with much of the brightwork replaced with black accents, including the 20-inch wheels.
The TRD Pro is the range-topping trim, and it goes all-out with an intimidating black grille, a unique TRD roof rack, TRD fog lights, and matte black TRD alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.
These visual cues give way to a host of trail-minded upgrades including upgraded Fox Racing shocks, TRD-tuned front springs, and a thicker front skid plate with integrated TRD lettering. Inside, the TRD Pro gets unique floor mats and a JBL premium audio system.