DriveTech

2007 Toyota 4Runner 2WD Sport provides power and great ride

I own a 1987 Toyota 4X4 with 297,445 miles on the odometer. The 1985 4Runner drove similar to the 4X4, it just had a removable hardtop and a second row seat that was a challenge to get to.

It's funny what 22 years of technology can do for a truck like the 4Runner. I got to test drive a 2007 4Runner from Toyota of Temecula Valley and had a great road test. There's no comparison between the 1985 4Runner and today's model, other than the name and Toyota's reputation for a quality vehicle.

The first thing you notice is how smooth the 4Runner rides and its power. It's hard to believe this rig has the ability to go off-road even in its two-wheel drive configuration. You can opt for a four-wheel drive model but first ask yourself if you really need the extra two wheels helping you through the rough stuff.

The second thing you notice is the comfort and styling of the interior. In fact, the knobs on the climate control were a little too advanced for me but after a few miles, I had them figured out and was very comfortable with them. Of course, you start with very comfortable front bucket seats that adjust electrically. The backseat is pretty comfortable as well and will fold flat 60/40 for added storage space. If you need more seating, opt for the third row seat.

Standard features include A/C (with rear ventilation and a pollen filter), a sound system with AM/FM/CD and six speakers (plus a mini plug for other audio toys), power windows and door locks, keyless entry and a leather-wrapped steering wheel (which can adjust and telescope manually). You have the ability to adjust the audio and check out the vehicle's condition by way of multi-info display, which can be controlled at the steering wheel and displayed on the dash. It even gives the outside temp, if you really need to know. It has a very nice center console, cup holders and another compartment for loose items that seem to accumulate while driving and a dash that's very well laid out and informative.

Under the hood is a healthy V8 that produces 4.7-liter 260 horsepower and torque of 306 pound/foot. For a bonus, it gets 17 miles per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon on the open road. That's not bad for a vehicle of this size. There is a V6 available and it does a great job of moving you down the road as well, but it's just not as peppy. There is only one transmission available for the 4Runner - a five-speed electronically controlled automatic that shifts butter-smooth from a floor shifter nestled in the center console.

From the exterior, it's easy to see this is the Sport model, thanks to the hood scoop, plus it has privacy glass, colored coded door handles, bumpers and cladding over the wheel wells. The dealership added a smoked grill up front accented by the natural white paint. The roof rack is painted a graphite color. Also included are tubular running boards, fog lights, trailer hitch with a ball hitch kit and alloy wheels.

This 4Runner comes pretty well equipped. The only options are the sunroof, daytime running lights, and carpeted floor mats and rear cargo area mat. Other than that, the 4Runner of choice came very well equipped.

When it comes to safety features, the 4Runner is well equipped. Besides front airbags for the driver and passenger, it has three-point seatbelts at all seating positions, second row seat anchors at the top and bottom of the seats, rear door locks for kids, a tire pressure monitoring system, vehicle stability control with traction control and anti-lock brakes with brake assist. I was surprised that curtain airbags aren't even offered, but with the structure of the 4Runner and the crumple zones surrounding the occupants, Toyota felt they weren't needed.

A few more standard features worth mentioning include a sport suspension, skid plates, a variable gear rack and pinion steering, hill-start assist control (so you don't roll down hill while starting), disc brakes all around plus stabilizer bars front and rear, and 17-inch alloy wheels mounted on P265/65R17 tires.

I like my old '87 4X4 but I really like the 2007 4Runner. OK, it hasn't changed since the '06 4Runner, but neither has the price. So head up to Temecula and see if a 4Runner fits your needs. I know I really like the one I tested.