Toyota goes off on a tangent for 2017 with TRD Off-Road 4Runners, meant to stand out anywhere the rugged off-roader can go.
“The 4Runner has a large and loyal following, with dependability being a key factor,” said John Myers, national manager, trucks and SUVs, Toyota Vehicle Marketing and Communications. “4Runner owners often take their SUVs off the beaten path, so these new TRD Off-Road grades will be a popular recognition of TRD’s history in the off-road arena.”
Introduced at Toyota’s annual FJ Summit in Ouray, Colorado, the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) upgrades add to the impressive off-road credentials of the 4Runner (introduced in 1985 as a modified version of the then Toyota Hilux pickup, with plastic cap over a bed transformed with added seats) with a multi-mode terrain select system and Toyota’s crawl control system, increased approach and departure angles, high ground clearance and available suspension upgrades.
There’s also an available Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that aids in extended wheel travel at slower speeds in order to improve off-road stability and control.
The exteriors are differentiated by black painted wheels and unique badging, and carbon-fibre centre console and TRD-designated floor mats (and front-seat red stitching on the Premium model) inside.
There is no word on pricing or even further specs, but we speculate 2017 4Runners will continue to be powered by the 4.0-litre V-6 distributing 270-hp of power and 278 lb-ft of torque to two or four wheels via a 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
The TRD versions (TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium) will be full-time 4-wheel drive models, equipped with an electronic locking rear differential.