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2013 Toyota 4Runner

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Overview

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2013 Toyota 4Runner Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

KBB Expert Rating: 6.9

The 2013 Toyota 4Runner is the last of its kind, meaning it has shunned the move toward a car-based chassis and retains the same rigid body-on-frame design that, 28 years ago, spawned the original 4Runner. This important distinction means that the 4Runner remains capable of towing heavy loads as well as venturing over rough and rugged terrain. The trade-off for this design, however, is a rather truck-like ride, a narrow and somewhat cramped interior and bit more roll and heave when winding through twisting mountain roads. But, for the true outdoorsperson, the 2013 Toyota 4Runner SUV's shortcomings are minor compared to its durability and dependability and in the end, that's all an SUV owner can ask for.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need a vehicle that can serve as the family commuter on the weekdays and the family off-road adventurer on the weekends, the 2013 Toyota 4Runner SUV should be at the top of your shopping list.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If off-roading or the ability to tow big loads is not a priority, there are roomier, more comfortable and more advanced SUVs than the 4Runner. The 4Runner's fuel economy is also among the lowest in its class.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.9
Driving Dynamics

6.1
Comfort & Convenience

7.1
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.1
Value

6.5
Safety

7.8

How It Ranks

#22

out of 23

MPG

#13

out of 23

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

8.8 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 Toyota 4Runner Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

Changes to the 2013 Toyota 4Runner are limited to a new switch-type control for the transfer case, replacing the old-fashioned pull lever.

Driving the 4Runner

2013 Toyota 4Runner Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions On the road, the 2013 4Runner's drivetrain shines. The Toyota SUV accelerates briskly with an eager 270-hp V6 engine mated to a smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic transmission. Despite being on a...

truck chassis, the Toyota's ride is acceptable with its compliant suspension absorbing smaller bumps well. Outward vision is good all-around even with the raised rear-seat headrests, so you can change lanes with confidence. The steering, however, is overly assisted in situations such as parking lots or tight turns and is slow to respond, thus requiring constant corrections. The brakes – a bit "grabby" at times – took a little getting used to as well. At highway speeds, wind noise is sometimes loud enough to interrupt cabin conversations. The 4Runner continues to be a capable off-roader offering part-time and full-time 4-wheel-drive (4WD) systems to confidently assist you on rugged adventures.

Favorite Features

POWER REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW
You can gain access to the 4Runner's rear cargo space without opening the rear liftgate – especially useful in a tight garage or when someone is parked close behind. As a bonus, you can carry long objects such as lumber out the back window without fuss.

SLIDING REAR CARGO DECK
This convenient sliding deck lets you reach your gear in the back, supports 440 pounds, and is handy for your next tailgate party.

2013 Toyota 4Runner Details

2013 Toyota 4Runner Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 4Runner's interior is both functional and inviting. Drivers will welcome the clear instrumentation with large buttons and rotary knobs for climate and audio controls, especially useful when wearing gloves. Pairing a smartphone using Bluetooth is refreshingly easy and does not require reading the owner's manual. The large center console has an available 120V AC power outlet to run your laptop or computer games. Power-adjustable front seats are comfortable and provide good support. In the rear, a 40/20/40 split seat offers numerous cargo/seating configurations and also reclines for additional comfort. For 7-passenger seating, a third row (best for children) is available.

Exterior

The 2013 Toyota 4Runner remains true to its utility heritage, featuring an upright windshield, long roofline and nearly vertical liftgate contributing to its boxy appearance. Impressively, that box can swallow 47.2 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats up. With a large flat front end, bulging fenders and 9.6 inches of ground clearance in the 4-wheel-drive (4WD) version, the 4Runner shows off its rugged personality. Access to the rear cargo is through a single-piece liftgate with a unique power rear window. The SR5 and Trail editions ride on 265/70 mud and snow tires mounted on 17-inch alloy rims while the Limited sports 245/60 tires on 20-inch alloy rims.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

All 2013 Toyota 4Runners feature Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and integrated towing receiver hitch with wiring harness. A USB port with iPod connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, hands-free phone, trip computer with outside temperature, and three 12V auxiliary power outlets are also standard. The rugged Trail adds part-time 4WD, water-resistant fabric seats, power moonroof, Optitron instrumentation, integrated rearview camera display, electronic locking rear differential, sliding rear cargo deck, and Multi-terrain Select and Crawl control. The Limited features dual-zone automatic climate control, Navigation and Entune, leather-trimmed and heated front seats, push-button starting, and Toyota's Safety Connect.

Optional Equipment

Only a few option packages are available on the 2013 Toyota 4Runner. The SR5 Premium Package with Third Row includes the Display Audio with Navigation and Entune, power adjustable leather-trimmed seats, power moonroof, and other interior/exterior upgrades. For the off-road enthusiast, the Trail offers a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for enhanced wheel articulation over deep ruts and large obstacles. The audiophile can choose the Limited with voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system, JBL AM/FM 4-disc CD Changer, 15 speakers including subwoofer, and NavTraffic.

Under the Hood

The sole powertrain combination in the Toyota 4Runner for 2013 is a sophisticated 270-hp, 4.0-liter V6 engine mated to a responsive 5-speed automatic transmission. There are three drivetrain choices: 2-wheel drive (2WD) in the SR5 and Limited, part-time 4WD (SR5, Trail), or full-time 4WD (Limited) with a limited-slip, locking center differential. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

4.0-liter V6 engine
270 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
278 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/22 mpg (2WD), 17/21 mpg (4WD)

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Toyota 4Runner SUV starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just over $32,000 for the rear-wheel-drive SR5 and tops out at over $46,000 for the full-featured Limited 4x4. Pricing for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Honda Pilot is similar to the 4Runner. The Toyota, however, has the highest projected resale value in this competitive set, confirming a wise purchase decision. In fact, Toyota won Kelley Blue Book's 2012 Best Resale Value Award for Best Brand – the second time in three years. A look at the Fair Purchase Price on KBB.com shows what others are paying for the 4Runner in your area, so be sure to check it out before you purchase.

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2013 Toyota 4Runner Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 78 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

8.9/10

Paint quality is very cheap.

By Ronald (NY) on Saturday, January 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"i bought a black 2012 Toyota 4-Runner in September 2012. The vehicle is perfect, but the paint quality is very cheap. After the first wash, I noticed a bunch of lines on the body of the vehicle. Due to the paint quality, I already have a significant amount of scratches. The worst is that when trying to use some type of scratches remover, the paint tends to fade away."

6 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Very solid sexy SUV

By Michael (UT) on Tuesday, January 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Smooth, comfy, rugged, utilitarian, sexy!!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I came from a Tacoma and an outback turbo and for those who say this 4runner is slow must have a 4 cylinder.. Low end speed is average to good but top end is amazing in my V6.. For an SUV that gets 20 mpgs (that's what I average in the mountains) the speed is fantastic. I've experienced zero road noise and the bakes on this vehicle are very responsive and stops the vehicle very fast!!!!. The interior is absolutely stunning and rugged like an SUV should be. Only complaint is the grey trim around the shifter and on the door handles scratch very easy. The exterior design is absolutely sick and has a very rugged yet sophisticated look. The 4runner looks bigger than what it is.. It handles very well, its nibble in traffic, and rides so smoothly over rough terrain. No bottoming out and no bouncing around. Very solid vehicle and if u can afford it I highly recommend it..."

11 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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