Overview

What's New for 2012:
- Upgraded sound/communications systems
- Available automatic running boards

Exterior Features
The 2012 Toyota 4Runner is a midsize truck-based SUV built for rugged off-road use, as well as for everyday driving. The 4Runner is available in three trims: SR5, Trail, and Limited. The SR5 and Limited are offered in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive (2WD or 4WD); the Trail is 4WD only. Standard equipment includes hill-start assist, hill-descent control, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Trail trim adds a hood scoop and fender flares to the basic SR5 design, as well as a locking rear differential, mud guards, and off-road tires. The Limited trim features an adaptive suspension, automatic headlights, and 20-inch wheels. Towing capacity for all trims, with proper equipment, is 5,000 pounds.

Interior Features
Standard interior features on the Toyota 4Runner SR5 include air conditioning, power rear window, Bluetooth connectivity, and an 8-speaker sound system. The Trail adds water-resistant upholstery (useful for situations that involve a lot of loading and unloading or getting in and out), more power features, sunroof, rearview camera, and more. The Limited includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, automatic headlights, and a navigation system. With rear seats folded down, cargo capacity is 90 cubic feet.

Optional Features
Many of the 2012 Toyota 4Runner's upper-trim features are optional on the SR5. Automatic retractable running boards are optional on the SR5 and Limited, and special off-road suspension is optional on the Trail trim. A sliding rear cargo deck and third-row seating are available.

Under the Hood
The Toyota 4Runner's standard power plant is a 4.0-liter V-6 engine rated at 270 horsepower and mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Toyota 4Runner are:
- 4Runner with 2WD: 17/23/19 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- 4Runner with 4WD: 16/22/18 mpg

Safety
Standard safety features on the 2012 Toyota 4Runner include anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front-seat side air bags, knee air bags, and full-length side curtain air bags. Toyota's proprietary emergency assistance system is standard on the Limited model.

In government tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Toyota 4Runner received 4 (out of 5) stars for frontal crash protection; 5 stars for side-impact crash protection; 3 stars for rollover protection; and an overall rating of 4 stars. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 4Runner received "Good" ratings--the Institute's highest--for frontal-offset and side-impact crash protection, and an "Acceptable" rating for roof strength.