Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2024 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium, a ride that's been turning heads and kicking up dust for years. If you're in the market for a reliable, rugged, and comfortable SUV, the 4Runner deserves a spot on your shortlist. Whether you're an off-road enthusiast or just need a dependable family vehicle, this review will give you the lowdown on everything you need to know.

Overview of the 2024 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium is a standout SUV that blends Toyota's renowned reliability with impressive off-road capability and a comfortable interior. It's part of the 4Runner's fifth generation, which has been around for quite a while, but Toyota keeps it fresh with updates and enhancements. The SR5 Premium trim level adds a touch of luxury and convenience to the base SR5, making it a popular choice for those who want a bit more without breaking the bank. The 4Runner is built on a body-on-frame construction, setting it apart from many modern SUVs that use a unibody design. This traditional approach gives it superior durability and off-road prowess. Under the hood, you'll find a trusty 4.0-liter V6 engine that provides plenty of power for both on-road and off-road adventures. This engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, a combination that's proven to be reliable and effective over the years. Inside, the SR5 Premium offers a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for five. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, featuring durable materials and an intuitive layout. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, ensuring you stay connected on the go. Safety features are also well-covered, with standard equipment like Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. The SR5 Premium also adds features like heated front seats, SofTex upholstery, and a power moonroof, enhancing the overall comfort and convenience. If you're looking for an SUV that can handle daily commutes, weekend adventures, and everything in between, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium is definitely worth considering.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium doesn't disappoint, especially if you're looking for a vehicle that can tackle both city streets and rugged trails. The heart of the 4Runner is its 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers might not seem groundbreaking compared to some modern turbocharged engines, the V6 provides ample power for most driving situations. The engine is known for its reliability and smooth power delivery, making it a dependable choice for years to come. The five-speed automatic transmission is a bit of a throwback in today's world of eight, nine, or even ten-speed gearboxes. However, it's a tried-and-true transmission that works well with the V6 engine. Shifts are smooth and predictable, and the transmission is geared to provide good low-end torque, which is essential for off-roading. On the road, the 4Runner offers a comfortable ride, though it's not as refined as some of its unibody competitors. The body-on-frame construction means you'll feel more of the bumps and imperfections in the road, but it also gives the 4Runner a solid, planted feel. The steering is responsive and provides good feedback, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Off-road, the 4Runner truly shines. Its high ground clearance, durable suspension, and available four-wheel-drive system make it a capable off-roader. The SR5 Premium comes standard with part-time four-wheel drive, which includes a two-speed transfer case for tackling challenging terrain. Features like hill-start assist control and downhill assist control further enhance its off-road capabilities. While the 4Runner isn't the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, its ruggedness and reliability more than make up for it. Expect to get around 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. Overall, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium offers a balanced blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of drivers.

Interior and Technology

Stepping inside the interior and experiencing the technology of the 2024 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium, you'll find a blend of practicality and comfort designed to cater to both daily commutes and adventurous getaways. The SR5 Premium trim enhances the base SR5 with several upscale features that make the cabin a more pleasant place to be. The seats are upholstered in SofTex, a synthetic leather that's both durable and comfortable. The front seats are heated, which is a welcome feature on cold mornings. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position, while the passenger seat is manually adjustable. The overall design of the interior is functional and straightforward, with an emphasis on durability. The dashboard is logically laid out, with easy-to-reach controls. The materials used are of good quality, though there are some hard plastics, which is typical for a vehicle in this class. In terms of technology, the 2024 4Runner SR5 Premium comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and communication. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, and there are also physical buttons and knobs for controlling the volume and climate settings, which is a nice touch. Other standard tech features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. The SR5 Premium also adds a few extra features, such as a power moonroof, which lets in plenty of natural light, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, which reduces glare from headlights at night. While the 4Runner's infotainment system isn't the most advanced on the market, it's functional and user-friendly. It provides all the essential features you need to stay connected and entertained on the road. The interior space is generous, with plenty of room for passengers in both the front and rear seats. The cargo area is also spacious, offering ample room for luggage, groceries, or camping gear. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo area expands even further, making the 4Runner a versatile choice for hauling larger items. Overall, the interior and technology of the 2024 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium strike a good balance between comfort, convenience, and practicality, making it a solid choice for those who value durability and functionality.

Off-Road Capabilities

When it comes to off-road capabilities, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium truly shines, distinguishing itself from many modern SUVs that prioritize on-road comfort over rugged performance. The 4Runner's body-on-frame construction is the foundation of its off-road prowess, providing superior durability and torsional rigidity compared to unibody designs. This traditional approach allows the 4Runner to withstand the stresses of rough terrain without compromising its structural integrity. The SR5 Premium comes standard with part-time four-wheel drive, which includes a two-speed transfer case. This system allows you to shift between two-wheel drive for on-road efficiency and four-wheel drive for enhanced traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. The low-range gearing in the transfer case provides even more torque for tackling steep inclines and challenging obstacles. The 4Runner's high ground clearance is another key factor in its off-road capability. With 9.6 inches of ground clearance, the 4Runner can clear obstacles that would stop other SUVs in their tracks. The approach angle of 33 degrees and departure angle of 26 degrees further enhance its ability to navigate rough terrain without scraping the front or rear bumpers. The suspension system is designed to provide a comfortable ride on the road while still offering plenty of articulation off-road. The SR5 Premium features independent double-wishbone front suspension and a four-link rear suspension with coil springs. This setup allows the wheels to move independently, maintaining contact with the ground even on uneven surfaces. Additional off-road features include hill-start assist control and downhill assist control. Hill-start assist control prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on a steep incline, while downhill assist control automatically regulates the vehicle's speed when descending a steep slope, allowing you to focus on steering. While the SR5 Premium doesn't have all the advanced off-road features of the TRD Pro model, such as locking differentials and crawl control, it's still a highly capable off-roader in its own right. With its durable construction, four-wheel-drive system, high ground clearance, and robust suspension, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium is ready to tackle a wide range of off-road adventures. Whether you're exploring forest trails, crossing rocky terrain, or navigating sandy dunes, the 4Runner will get you there with confidence.

Price and Value

Evaluating the price and value of the 2024 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium involves considering its features, capabilities, and long-term ownership costs. The SR5 Premium trim level sits in the middle of the 4Runner lineup, offering a balance of comfort, convenience, and off-road capability at a reasonable price point. The starting MSRP for the 2024 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium is around $43,000, but the final price can vary depending on options and packages. Compared to other SUVs in its class, the 4Runner SR5 Premium is priced competitively. While some competitors may offer more features or a more modern design, the 4Runner stands out for its reliability, durability, and off-road prowess. One of the key factors in the 4Runner's value proposition is its reputation for longevity. Toyota vehicles are known for their reliability, and the 4Runner is no exception. With proper maintenance, a 4Runner can easily last for 200,000 miles or more, making it a solid long-term investment. The 4Runner's strong resale value is another factor to consider. Because of its reputation for reliability and durability, 4Runners hold their value exceptionally well. This means that you can expect to get a good return on your investment when you eventually decide to sell or trade it in. Of course, there are some downsides to consider. The 4Runner's fuel economy is not the best in its class, averaging around 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. This can add up over time, especially if you do a lot of driving. The 4Runner's design is also getting a bit dated. The current generation has been around for over a decade, and it's starting to show its age. The interior, while functional, is not as luxurious or modern as some of its competitors. However, for many buyers, the 4Runner's ruggedness, reliability, and off-road capability outweigh these drawbacks. If you're looking for an SUV that can handle daily commutes, weekend adventures, and everything in between, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium offers excellent value for the money. Its combination of durability, reliability, and off-road capability make it a smart choice for those who prioritize function over form.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium remains a compelling choice in the SUV market, especially for those who value reliability, durability, and off-road capability. While it may not be the most modern or fuel-efficient SUV available, its strengths in these key areas make it a standout vehicle. The SR5 Premium trim level strikes a good balance between comfort and capability, offering features like heated front seats, SofTex upholstery, and a power moonroof without sacrificing the 4Runner's ruggedness. Its 4.0-liter V6 engine provides ample power for both on-road and off-road adventures, and its body-on-frame construction ensures it can handle the stresses of rough terrain. The 4Runner's off-road capabilities are particularly noteworthy. With its high ground clearance, part-time four-wheel drive system, and robust suspension, it can tackle a wide range of off-road challenges. Whether you're exploring forest trails, crossing rocky terrain, or navigating sandy dunes, the 4Runner will get you there with confidence. Of course, there are some drawbacks to consider. The 4Runner's fuel economy is not the best in its class, and its design is getting a bit dated. However, for many buyers, these drawbacks are outweighed by its strengths. The 4Runner's reputation for reliability and durability is unmatched, and its strong resale value makes it a smart long-term investment. If you're looking for an SUV that can handle daily commutes, weekend adventures, and everything in between, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium is definitely worth considering. Its combination of ruggedness, reliability, and off-road capability make it a versatile and dependable choice. So, if you're in the market for an SUV that can handle anything you throw at it, be sure to check out the 2024 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium. You might just find that it's the perfect vehicle for your needs.