Toyota Gives 2014 4Runner SUV a Styling Massage [42 Photos & Videos]

Toyota has lifted the veil off its updated for the 2014 model year, 4Runner mid-size SUV at the Stagecoach Music Festival near Palm Springs, California. The refresh for the fifth generation of the Toyota’s body-on-frame SUV brings a somewhat tougher look on the outside and a few styling and technology updates to the interior, but other than that, there are no other significant changes.

Looking at 2014 4Runner from the outside, you’ll first notice the redesigned front fascia featuring a more rugged and aggressive appearance, with the massive front grille and smoked headlights also contributing to the meaner look. The Trail grade also comes with a hood scoop and silver painted front and rear bumper accents, while all trim levels are offered as standard with a roof rack.

At the rear end, the changes include the redesigned rear combination lamps with LEDs on all models, and new trims for the tailgate and bumper. The profile remains the same sans the new alloy wheel options.

On the inside, Toyota has introduced an all-new Optitron instrument panel and a multi-information display, while also refreshing the available colors and materials, and improving equipment – for example, the SR5 adds a standard eight-way power driver seat.

The 2014 4Runner is available in three equipment grades: the base SR5 model, the top-of-the-line Limited and the Trail grade, with the latter targeted at those who want maximum off-road capability. The SR5 and Limited are offered with optional third-row seats which turn the 4Runner into a 7-seater.

The SR5 and Trail grades ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with a new design, while the Limited features 20-inch alloy wheels that are painted black for added contrast. A full-size spare wheel is standard on all grades.

On the Trail grade, an overhead console organizes the off-road control switches into one location, with a compass indicator also standard. SR5 and Trail grades come with a standard manually controlled air conditioning system, while the Limited features an automatic dual-zone climate-control system. The SR5 and Trail grade come standard with fabric seats, while the Limited comes standard with a leather-trimmed interior with new ventilated and heated driver and front passenger seats.

Under the bonnet, you’ll find the same 4.0-liter V6 gasoline engine developing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft (376 Nm) of torque paired to a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission as last year’s model. Customers have the option of a rear-wheel-drive “4×2” model, a part-time 4×4 or a full-time multi-mode 4×4 with a locking center differential.

Toyota said EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are 17 mpg (13.8 l/100 km) city and 23 mpg (10.2 l/100 km) highway for 4×2 models, and 17 mpg city and 22 mpg (10.7 l/100 km) highway for 4×4. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) and all vehicles feature an integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness as standard equipment.

Pricing details have not yet been announced.

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