The fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner was unveiled in 2009 and now the company is preparing to release a revised version for this generation. After teasing it for a few weeks, the revised 2014 4Runner made its debut this weekend at the 2013 Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, Calif., near Palm Springs.

The 4Runner->ke1844 has been a staple in Toyota->ke88’s lineup for about three decades now and since its launch, it has been one of the few fully capable SUVs available in its segment. The SUV is available in a variety of configurations and in three models: a well-equipped SR5, top-of-the-line Limited, plus a Trail grade for amazing off-road capability.

Updates for the 2014 model year will include updates to both the exterior and the interior, and updates to the SUV's comfort and convenience without sacrificing its hallmark performance capability and excellent value.

Updated 04/29/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.

Updated 09/03/2013: Toyota has officially unveiled the pricing details on the 2014 4Runner. It starts at $32,820 and caps at $43,400. See all of the details after the jump.

Click past the jump to read more about the revised Toyota 4Runner.

2014 Toyota 4Runner

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Toyota 4Runner
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 270
  • Torque: 278
  • Transmission: Five-Speed Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

For the 2014 model year, the 4Runner has been updated with a redesigned front fascia that now features a more rugged and aggressive appearance. There will be a muscular front grille and edgier smoked headlamps.

Customers can choose between eight exterior colors: Super White; Attitude Black Metallic; Barcelona Red Metallic; Nautical Blue Metallic; Blizzard Pearl; Classic Silver Metallic; Magnetic Gray Metallic and Black.

Toyota 4Runner Trail:

-Color-keyed bumpers and overfenders

-An aggressive hood scoop

-Silver painted front and rear bumper accents

-Roof rack

-17-inch alloy wheels

-LED lamps

Toyota 4Runner Limited:

-Chrome-plated grille insert

-Chrome front bumper

-Fog-lamp bezels

-Chrome side molding, roof rack and rear bumper

-Projector beam

-20-inch alloy wheels painted black

-Roof rack

Toyota 4Runner SR5:

-Color-keyed grille insert

-Front bumper

-Fog lamps set

-17-inch alloy wheels

-Full-size spare

-Roof rack

Interior

The 2014 model year 4Runner will add a refined standard interior with an increased level of comfort and style.

Toyota 4Runner Trail:

-Fabric-trimmed seating available in Sand Beige, Graphite or Black

-Manually controlled air conditioning system

-Third-row seating

-Overhead console

-Soft Touch door trim

-Leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather shift knob

Toyota 4Runner Limited:

-Leather-trimmed interior

-Ventilated driver and front passenger seats in Sand Beige, Black and a new Redwood color

-Heated front seats

-Front seats with memory settings

-Automatic dual-zone climate-control system

Toyota 4Runner SR5:

-Fabric-trimmed seating available in Sand Beige, Graphite or Black

-Standard eight-way power driver seat

-Manually controlled air conditioning system

-Third-row seating

-Soft Touch door trim

-Leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather shift knob

Drivetrain

Under the hood, all three grades will keep the same 4.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers a total of 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The engine is equipped with dual-independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that optimizes torque and improves fuel economy. This powertrain pushes 4x2 models will deliver a fuel economy of 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway and the 4x4 models 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.

All three trim levels deliver a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Suspensions and brakes

The 2014 4Runner is equipped with a double-wishbone independent front suspension, combined with a variable-flow rack-and-pinion steering. All four wheels are combined with coil springs over gas shocks.

Toyota 4Runner Trail:

-Two-speed, part-time four-wheel-drive system with neutral position

- Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS)

-Crawl Control (CRAWL)

-Multi-Terrain Select system

-Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)

-A-TRAC traction control system (4x4 versions)

-Downhill Assist Control (DAC) (4x4 versions)

Toyota 4Runner Limited:

-X-REAS suspension system that further improves performance, comfort and control

-Full-time, four-wheel-drive system with a locking center differential and a three-mode, center console-mounted switch

-A-TRAC traction control system (4x4 versions)

-Downhill Assist Control (DAC) (4x4 versions)

-Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)

Toyota 4Runner SR5:

-Two-speed, part-time four-wheel-drive system with neutral position

-Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)

-A-TRAC traction control system (4x4 versions)

-Downhill Assist Control (DAC) (4x4 versions)

Prices

Grade

Engine

Driveline

MSRP

SR5

V6

5AT 4X2

$32,820

SR5

V6

5AT 4X4

$34,695

SR5 Premium

V6

5AT 4X2

$35,740

Limited

V6

5AT 4X2

$41,365

SR5 Premium

V6

5AT 4X4

$37,615

Trail

V6

5AT 4X4

$35,725

Trail Premium

V6

5AT 4X4

$38,645

Limited

V6

5AT 4X4

$43,400


* Prices do not include the $860 delivery fee

Competition

Subaru Tribeca

The Tribeca has been on sale ever since 2005 and the only major update came in 2007 when it received an updated exterior look and a new engine. The SUV is offered in three trim levels: Premium, Limited and Touring. Prices for the Tribeca start out at $32,595.

This Suby is powered by a 3.6-liter boxer engine that delivers a total of 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a specially tuned five-speed automatic transmission.

Mazda CX-9

The CX-9 was redesigned for the 2013 model year with a few design elements from Mazda’s new "KODO – Soul of Motion" design. It offers an updated exterior look and improved materials on the interior, but unfortunately no changes were made under the hood.

The CX-9 is powered by a 273-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and sending the power to either the front wheels or all four wheels.

Conclusion

The 2014 4Runner has received just the amount of updates needed to keep it fresh and modern for a few more years. Still, the fact that it only offers one engine could be a problem for some customers.