Without a single direct competitor, as Nissan's Pathfinder moves to a crossover platform for 2013, Toyota's 4Runner stands as the last fully capable full-size SUV with rugged body-on-frame construction. And rather than changing a thing, Toyota probably figures it can take the year off to get the redesign just right. Nobody has a solid finger on just what "insignificantly changed" between 2012 and 2013, but rumor has it the differences probably amount to paint colors. Not that anything needed to change—or at least nothing that worked as expected from the get-go. Quirks aside, the 4-wheel-drive (4WD) 4Runner is a consistent 4-star car-like truck with highly admirable off-road prowess.
As for those quirks, in an ironic reminder of the 4Runner's true SUV spirit, its 5-speed automatic transmission doesn't really like paved roads and tends to stutter trying to get off some starting lines. Toyota certainly isn't saying anything about the 4Runner's confusion with paved roads since the 2010 refresh, let alone whether that is adressed for 2013. The rear bumper also reportedly needs replacing so much Toyota can't keep that part in stock, and some drivers comment on the doors' tinny sound and a mystery rattle dampening acceleration in more than a few 4Runners.
Even if the issues present in their 4Runner don't detriment its abilities—like the tinny door sound—several drivers feel it's overpriced. That said, mid-winter Alaskan tundra or mid-summer beaching excursions are no trouble at all for any 4Runner, week in, week out, or day after day. It's just those pesky flat, dry and perfectly paved roads that cause grief for the 4Runner. Given the 4Runner's high standard of technology, you would expect it to cross terrain to pavement at some point, but if you discount the transmission issue and take an interest in the top-shelf Limited because it's touted as the most road-mannered of the bunch, its big tires dampen ride quality, and there's no other option due to its significant drivetrain accommodations specifically for those 20-inchers.
Contrary to Toyota's intentions, the base SR5 with its part-time, dual-range 4WD system or optional rear-wheel drive affords the most car-like ride. The full-time 4WD Limited offers the most features, of course, but no longer holds any road-tamed advantage in the hands of real-world drivers and even its automatic running boards are seen as a detriment, but its center locking differential certainly comes in handy. The off-road-specialized Trail uses the same part-time dual-range system as the SR5 but adds a locking rear differential and selectable terrain-sensitive electronic systems.
All 3 trim levels are powered by the same 4-liter V6 good for 270 hp, 278 lb-ft of torque and a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity. If that's not indicative enough of its power, surely zip-to-60-mph times between 7.2 and 8.2 seconds will raise an eyebrow or two for this segment. The rear-wheel-drive SR5 gets by on 17 mpg city/23 highway, and surprisingly the 4WD systems are just 1 mpg thirstier on the highway. To be sure, power, utility and technology are high points of the 4Runner, which features things like skid plates, hill-start assist and hill-descent control, heated mirrors and a powered rear window even in the baseline model. Moving up to the Limited will add features like Entune, keyless ignition and entry, heated front seats with driver's power lumbar support and an integrated rear-view camera, just for starters. As mentioned in the 2012's Full Review, a fully loaded 4Runner definitely adds a certain secret-agent appeal to the weekly fishing trip. But if that old-school feel is more to your liking, Toyota also offers the remarkably capable FJ Cruiser.
Hi there. I am having a problem with a shimmy (rumble) sound on my 2013 Toyota 4runner. It has 160K miles. The rumble (almost like going over a railroad track) happens between 20 - 40 mph and then goes away. I'm being told its a fluid and transmission filter problem. I just do not believe it. any one have this issue?
can 2013 Toyota 4runner limited 4wd get a lift kit installed without harming the vehicle suspension or handling? What is recommended lift height?
I am wondering if my 4Runner keeps track of when the alarm has gone off. I had a neighbor back into me and, believe it or not, her rear tire hanging on the back of her Jeep Wrangler actually stamped the lettering "Goodyear" into the side of my right, rear corner panel. The small depression caused $2,200 worth of damage and we are heading to Small Claims court. I know the time range when it was hit, but if my alarm went off, it would offer an exact time.
As I start to accelerate, my 4 runner will shake really bad. As I gain speed or just gun the gas, its stops.
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.3 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.73
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Skid plate(s): front and rear
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: chrome · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 18.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 31 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer wiring: 4-pin
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: power retracting · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.3 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.73 · Transfer Case: manual hi-lo gear selection
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Skid plate(s): front
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: chrome · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 18.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 30 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer wiring: 4-pin
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: power retracting · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.3 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 115V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Front power outlet: 115V · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.73 · Locking differential: rear · Transfer Case: manual hi-lo gear selection
Exterior Features
Bumper detail: front underguard · Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: black · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: body-color · Skid plate(s): front and rear
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Rearview monitor: in mirror
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 18.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 30 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer wiring: 4-pin
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: power retracting · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.3 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Front power outlet: 115V · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.73
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: body-color · Skid plate(s): front
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.1 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: chrome
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Steering
Steering ratio: 18.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 31 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer wiring: 7-pin
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: power retracting · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.3 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 115V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Front power outlet: 115V · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.73 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: center
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: body-color · Skid plate(s): front and rear
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.1 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Roof rack color: chrome
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Steering
Steering ratio: 18.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 30 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer wiring: 4-pin
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: power retracting · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent