Given the number of times Toyota’s press release describes the 2011 4Runner as “muscular,” “rugged,” “powerful,” and even “beefy,” there is no confusion about the audience for the off-roading SUV, now in its fifth generation. The 4Runner, paying homage to its truck roots, is built body-on-frame (as opposed to the unibody construction of most cars) and shares the same platform as the FJ Cruiser. Given the massive redesign of the 2010 4Runner, it’s not surprising that the SUV changes little in 2011, except for the elimination of an underwhelming four-cylinder engine—a loss no one should mourn too deeply.

The 4Runner returns in three trim levels: the base SR5, high-end Limited, and, for the serious off-roader, the Trail. While the SR5 and Limited come with standard rear-wheel drive, both offer an available four-wheel-drive option: a part-time four-wheel-drive system with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) for the SR5, and an optional full-time four-wheel-drive system with A-TRAC and a Torsen limited-slip locking center differential for the Limited. The Trail trim comes only with a standard part-time, four-wheel-drive system with A-TRAC.

Generating 270 hp at 5,600 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, all three 4Runner trims use the same engine. This 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine, with dual independent variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), is paired with a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) and sequential shift mode. The V6 rates an estimated 17 mpg city/23 highway for the rear-wheel-drive trims, dropping to 22 highway in four-wheel drives. Equipped with a standard integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness, the 4Runner offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

While the 4Runner includes numerous features designed particularly for off-road conditions, this may prove its undoing for consumers who don’t plan to use them with any regularity. Reviewers note that, for those who don’t foray frequently into the wilderness, competitors such as the GMC Acadia, Hyundai Veracruz, or even Toyota’s own Highlander, may prove a more comfortable, fuel-efficient and cost-effective option for the SUV-as-family-vehicle segment of the market. However, for those who do intend to take their SUV over the river and through the woods, the 4Runner is well-equipped. Standard skid plates protect the engine, front suspension, radiator, and fuel tank. The double-wishbone independent front suspension and four-link rear suspension combine with coil springs over gas shocks at all four corners, and the Limited trim also delivers standard X-REAS sport enhancement suspension (which adjusts the damping force of the shocks on bumpy surfaces and when cornering). All four-wheel-drive trims include standard downhill assist control (DAC), helping to control the vehicle, keeping it in a slow, targeted speed range by modulating the brakes during a steep descent. The hill-start assist control (HAC) (also standard on four-wheel-drive trims) automatically applies the brakes on a steep incline, allowing the driver to switch from brake to accelerator without the vehicle rolling backwards. The Trail trim offers the most control for off-road conditions. Standard rough-terrain features include a locking rear differential, multi-terrain select (allowing the driver to control wheel slip by selecting from four terrain options—Mud and Sand, Loose Rock, Mogul, or Rock) and Crawl Control (which matches the terrain to five speed levels, helping to control the vehicle while minimizing drivetrain and suspension stress). An optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) in the Trail disconnects stabilizer bars, allowing for better suspension movement in particularly slow and challenging terrain conditions. In the Trail, controls for these features are neatly consolidated in an overhead console.

Outside, the 4Runner offers standard multi-reflector halogen headlights, integrated foglights, and, for the SR5 and Limited trims, power heated outside mirrors with puddle lights and turn signals and chrome details, including chrome-painted roof rails. The Trail trim trades much of the chrome for black (e.g., front and rear bumpers and roof rails) and includes power heated outside mirrors, a hood scoop, smoked headlights, and taillight bezels and mudguards. A power tilt/slide moonroof is standard for both the Trail and Limited trims (and available for the SR5). Each trim offers its own wheel design, with the SR5 riding on 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, the Limited using a 20-inch split six-spoke alloy design, and the Trail using a 17-inch alloy wheel. The rear liftgate in all trims comes with its own window defogger, hidden rear wiper, and standard rear spoiler with an LED brake light.

All 4Runners provide standard power windows (including the rear liftgate window), power locks, and the HomeLink universal transceiver (allowing owners to program multiple remotes to the HomeLink control). The tilt/telescopic steering wheel in the SR5 includes standard cruise control, while the Trail adds standard audio and Bluetooth controls to the steering wheel (optional for the SR5), and the Limited adds leather (a package option for the SR5). The Limited also supplies a standard smart key system with push-button start (allowing the driver to unlock and start the Limited simply by carrying the remote), while the Trail and SR5 come with a more traditional remote keyless entry system. Air conditioning is controlled manually in the SR5 and Trail trims, while the Limited has dual-zone automatic climate control.

The base SR5 provides an entry-level audio system: an AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback ability, eight speakers, and XM compatibility. The Trail adds XM Radio with a 90-day trial subscription, a USB port for iPod connectivity, and Bluetooth for phone and audio capability (an option for the SR5). The high-end Limited supplements the Trail’s audio package with a standard JBL AM/FM 6-CD changer and 15 speakers. The Trail and Limited also offer an optional voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system with an integrated backup camera, JBL AM/FM 4-CD changer with MP3/WMA playback, 15 speakers, XM radio with XM NavTraffic (with a trial subscription), a USB port for iPod connection, and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free audio and phone. Common to all trims, however, is the much-talked-about “party mode,” which shifts the audio power to the back of the vehicle and boosts the bass for tailgating. An optional slide-out cargo deck that can hold up to 440 pounds can double as a table for the party.

The 2011 4Runner SUV seats five comfortably, or seven not so comfortably with an optional third row (available for the SR5 and Limited only). Most agree that the third row is cramped and not meant for large adults. The base SR5 seats are covered with fabric, while the upscale Limited provides leather trim (optional for the SR5) and the Trail—true to its more rugged persona—supplies standard water-resistant fabric seats. The second row in each trim reclines for additional passenger comfort and folds flat with a 40/20/40 split, offering close to 90 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats.

The 2011 4Runner includes Toyota’s standard suite of Star Safety System features, including vehicle stability control, traction control, antilock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, and brake assist. All trims come with eight standard airbags, including front, side-mounted, and knee airbags for the front row, as well as side curtain airbags for the second and third rows. The SR5 adds standard rear parking assist sonar (alerting the driver to unseen objects behind the vehicle), while the Limited and Trail have a standard auto-dimming rear-view mirror with an integrated backup camera monitor. An option for the SR5, this camera projects its image in the rear-view mirror (or on the optional navigation screen), giving greater rear visibility for hard-to-see objects. The Limited also gives a one-year trial subscription to Safety Connect. This system communicates with a 24/7 response center to provide extra safety features such as automatic collision notification, which automatically contacts the response center in the event of airbag deployment or a severe rear-end collision, stolen vehicle location, which helps to locate the vehicle via GPS once a police report has been filed and the response center notified, emergency assistance (an SOS feature that will summon emergency assistance), and roadside assistance (which sends for roadside assistance with towing, fuel delivery, a jump start, etc).

Buyers in the market for aggressive, masculine styling inside and out, combined with a vehicle able to triumph over intense off-road conditions, will likely be pleased with the 2011 Toyota 4Runner. However, for more sedate, mundane, urban road conditions and family hauling, the bouncier, truck-based ride of the 4Runner will probably lead many toward a lighter-weight, more cost-effective and fuel-efficient crossover.