2017 Ford Explorer

What's New for 2017

In addition to some option and equipment shuffling between Explorer trims, the most significant changes for 2017 are the addition of an Explorer XLT Sport Appearance package, Ford’s new Sync 3 infotainment interface and optional running boards (late availability). 

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Summary Review Body Styles

When it comes to hauling a larger family around, shoppers who don't want to go the minivan route often turn to midsize SUVs. And in the world of three-row SUVs, the 2017 Ford Explorer is one of the most well-rounded.
The new model year sees the introduction of a package available on XLT model Explorers called the Sport Appearance package. Added features include dark gray accents on the 20-inch wheels, grille, mirror caps and rear bumper appliqué along with black side moldings, roof rails and an Explorer hood badge. The package gives buyers the look of a Sport model without having to make the jump to the large turbocharged engine and Sport-level hardware. Inside, the package adds two-tone seats and door trim done up in dark gray leather and suede, as well as logo floor mats. 
Additionally, XLT and higher grade models have the option to upgrade to Ford’s new Sync 3 infotainment system, which is more intuitive and quicker responding than the previous MyFord Touch system. The touchscreen uses swipe and pinch gestures and enhanced voice recognition with Siri integration. And when updates are available, the system will automatically update over Wi-Fi.
The Explorer spans a wide price range, from the low $30Ks for a base model to nearly $60K for the fully loaded Platinum trim, and its road mannerisms vary about as much as well. Where the base model makes do with less power and drives bigger than it looks, the Sport trim’s sharper handling and punchy turbo V6 engine shrink the Explorer from behind the wheel. There’s seating for up to seven passengers, which falls behind others in the segment that will carry eight, but it offers an above-average towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Naturally, there are other good options for three-row SUVs to consider. If you’re looking to maximize your cargo space and towing capability, the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse is worth checking out. There’s also the all-new 2017 GMC Acadia, which is slightly smaller than the previous model but more efficient. Both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander are excellent options thanks to their big cabins and comfortable rides.

Summary Body Styles

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Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, rear privacy glass, roof rails, a rearview camera, cruise control, air-conditioning, rear climate controls, a 60/40-split second-row seat, 50/50-split third-row seat, an eight-way power driver seat (manual recline), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 4.2-inch dashboard display screen, Sync (Ford's voice-activated phone/entertainment interface), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and USB/auxiliary audio inputs.
The XLT trim adds upgraded brakes, body-color door handles, LED foglights and signature lighting, silver roof rails, front and rear silver skid-plate details, heated exterior mirrors, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a keyless entry code pad and push-button ignition, a 10-way power driver seat, a six-way power front passenger seat and satellite radio.
For the XLT, option packages include Equipment Group 201A, 202A and the new Sport Appearance package. The 201A bundle adds a foot-activated liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, a 10-way power passenger seat, a nine-speaker sound system and the Driver Connect package (auto-dimming rearview mirror, an 8-inch touchscreen display with new Sync 3 interface, configurable gauge cluster displays, an SD card reader and upgraded Sync functionality). The 202A package includes all of the 201A equipment plus leather upholstery, heated front seats and front parking sensors. The new Sport Appearance package includes a dark gray treatment for items including the 20-inch wheels, grille, mirror caps and rear bumper appliqué. Inside, the package adds leather and suede two-tone seats and door trim done up in the same dark gray, along with Explorer logo floor mats.
Additionally a new XLT Technology Feature package adds navigation with satellite traffic info, blind-spot monitoring and an auto-dimming driver-side mirror.
The Limited gets the XLT 202A's equipment, plus 20-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim, power-folding exterior mirrors, a new 180-degree front-view camera, a hands-free power liftgate, remote-control front windows (and moonroof if equipped), driver memory settings, power-adjustable pedals, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a power-folding third-row seat, an eight-way power passenger seat, a heated and power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 110-volt power outlet, dual USB chargers for the second row, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Sony sound system with HD radio.
Available to the Limited is the 301A package (303A when equipped with four-wheel drive), which includes automatic high beams, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, an automatic parallel- and perpendicular-parking system, lane departure warning/intervention system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, massaging front seats and inflatable seat belts for second-row outboard passengers. Stand-alone options include a tow package and adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning and brake priming.
The Explorer Sport is equipped similarly to the Limited, but some of the Limited's standard features are optional here. You get different 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and unique interior and exterior trim details. The Sport's 401A package adds power-folding mirrors, 180-degree front-view camera, 110-volt outlet, driver memory settings, power-adjustable pedals, a navigation system, a premium Sony audio system, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, inflatable seat belts for outboard second-row passengers, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning and brake support is again optional.
Other options for the XLT, Limited and Sport include a dual-panel sunroof, second-row captain's chairs (with available power-assist fold) and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual headrest-mounted displays.
At the top of the Explorer food chain is the Platinum. It includes the Sport's 401A package items plus satin chrome exterior trim, a dual-panel sunroof, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with brake support, active parking assistance, lane keeping assist, rain-sensing wipers, upgraded leather upholstery, and aluminum and wood interior trim. The only options for the Platinum are the rear entertainment system and the second-row captain's chairs with power-assist fold.

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Body Styles Powertrains and Performance Safety

Standard on the base and XLT trim levels is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. With this engine, you have your choice of standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The latter gets hill descent control, hill start assist and Ford's Terrain Management System, which is a driver-selectable system that optimizes traction for a variety of driving situations.
According to the EPA, a front-wheel-drive 2017 Explorer with the V6 will deliver 20 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway). With all-wheel drive, the V6 drops slightly to 19 mpg combined (16 city/23 highway). In Edmunds testing, an AWD Explorer Limited with the base V6 went from zero to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, which is about average for this size of vehicle.
Optional on base, XLT and now standard on Limited Explorers is the fuel sipper of the group, a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 280 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional. Fuel economy rises to 22 mpg combined (19 city/27 highway) with front-wheel drive and 21 mpg combined (18 city/25 highway) with AWD. Properly equipped, the four-cylinder Explorer can tow 3,000 pounds.
The Explorer Sport and Platinum trims come with a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are standard. The EPA says to expect 18 mpg combined (16 city/22 highway). Properly equipped, an Explorer with either of the V6 engines can tow 5,000 pounds. In Edmunds testing, the Sport and Platinum models delivered a zero to 60 mph time of 6.3 seconds, which is very quick for this segment.

Body Styles Safety

Performance Safety Special Features

Standard safety equipment for the 2017 Ford Explorer includes stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, a front-passenger knee airbag and MyKey, which allows parents to specify limits for vehicle speed and stereo volume. The Explorer's stability control system also includes Ford's Curve Control, which can monitor speed carried into a corner and decelerate if necessary.
A rearview camera is standard on the Explorer, while a 180-degree front camera is optional. Rear parking sensors are also standard on all but the base Explorer. Optional on the Limited and Sport but standard on the Platinum is a forward collision warning system with brake priming (bundled with the adaptive cruise control), lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist (Limited only), a blind-spot monitoring system (with rear-cross traffic alert) and inflatable seat belts for second-row outboard passengers. You can now get blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic in the XLT this year as well.
In Edmunds testing, an AWD Explorer Limited with all-season tires came to a stop from 60 mph in 118 feet, a few feet shorter than average. An Explorer Sport with summer performance tires stopped in just 108 feet, a remarkable stopping distance for a vehicle of this size and weight.
In government crash tests, last year's Explorer earned a five-star rating (out of a possible five) for overall crash protection, with five stars for total front-impact protection and five stars for total side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave its top score of Good for the Explorer's performance in moderate-overlap front-impact, side-impact and roof strength tests. It received the second-lowest rating of Marginal in the small-overlap front-impact test. Its seat belts and head restraints earned a Good rating for whiplash protection in rear impacts.

Performance Special Features

Safety Interior Design and Special Features Driving Impressions

While the Explorer has the commanding ride height expected of an SUV, its thick roof pillars, high hood and tall dash limit outward visibility. Even with all of the available parking aids and cameras, the Explorer can still be a handful in tight spaces. From a fit and finish perspective, though, the interior is well-trimmed and tightly assembled. The materials used are attractive and luxurious, with a soft-touch dashboard and precise-feeling controls. The front seats welcome a wide variety of body types, and the cabin is exceptionally quiet as well.
The newly available Sync 3 interface further contributes to the Explorer’s premium vibe, with its high-resolution touchscreen, modern touch-gesture interface, and quick responses. Two additional screens within the gauge cluster also display a host of information. This is Ford’s most user-friendly system to date, and it’s a significant improvement over previous ones.
The Explorer's seating could be a bit disappointing for families looking for maximum space. Second-row comfort is decent, but overall it's not as roomy (particularly for installing rear-facing child safety seats) as you’d expect for a vehicle of this size. The third-row accommodations, meanwhile, very much depend on the second-row design. If you get the standard fixed bench, there's not much third-row legroom, allowing only small children to fit comfortably. Opting for the sliding second-row captain's chairs opens up considerably more legroom; however, we’d note the Explorer is reduced to six seat belts in that configuration. Cargo space in the Explorer is great with the seats in place but less competitive when all the seats are folded.

Safety Driving Impressions

Special Features Driving Impressions

The Ford Explorer has a smooth ride quality on the highway with good composure that's only slightly affected by the available 20-inch wheels. It's also exceptionally quiet, so it's an excellent road-trip vehicle. It performs acceptably in typical driving situations, but overall it feels larger and less maneuverable than similarly sized rivals.
The Explorer Sport, on the other hand, feels much more fleet of foot, thanks to its sport-tuned suspension and steering that reacts quickly to inputs. And though the Sport gives up a bit of that cushy ride quality, it's still comfortable for this class of vehicle.
The Sport and Platinum trims also come standard with the turbocharged V6, and its V8-like power numbers result in quick acceleration that's unbeatable in the large crossover segment. The regular V6 isn't as peppy but should still readily meet the expectations for most three-row crossover shoppers. As for the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, it's the least powerful of the three engines and can struggle to hold a gear on grades or authoritatively help you merge with freeway traffic. We have yet to subject it to instrumented testing, though, so check back later for specific details.

2016 Ford F-150 XLT

After one of the most significant redesigns in the model's long history, the 2016 Ford F-150 returns with a few notable improvements. Ford's new Sync 3 replaces the often criticized MyFord Touch system, providing an interface that's easier to use and quicker to respond. Also new to the lineup is a range-topping and luxurious Limited trim, while a compressed natural gas or propane conversion will be available for the 5.0-liter V8 later in the year.

The 2016 Ford F-150 is offered in a new Limited trim that takes this truck's luxury to a new level.

Otherwise, the 2016 F-150 is largely unchanged, and that's a good thing. The use of lighter aluminum body panels instead of steel benefits both fuel economy and payload capacity, and these panels are also surprisingly resilient. They're more expensive to repair, though, and while we're nitpicking, the F-150 can't match the supple ride of the Ram 1500. But this Ford has so much else going for it that many shoppers will likely forgive such minor shortcomings.
As always, the F-150's diverse lineup ensures that there's a pickup for all tastes and needs. From the bare-bones basic XL to the luxurious Platinum and Limited trims, there's a good chance there's a truck for you. A dizzying list of options and three body styles and bed lengths further drive this point home. And if you need serious workhorse capabilities, know that the F-150 is at or near the head of the class by almost every measure.
As good as the 2016 F-150 is, it does face stiff competition. We awarded a Supercrew with the V8 engine an Edmunds "A" rating, but a couple of 2.7-liter V6 models managed only a "B" rating. The Ram 1500 also received an "A" rating, making it the Ford's strongest rival, while "B"-rated trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (and its GMC Sierra twin) and Toyota Tundra are certainly worth considering. Then there's the new Nissan Titan XD, which toes the line between full-size and heavy-duty trucks and is showing some early promise. It's hard to go wrong with any of these trucks, but the 2016 Ford F-150 clearly enjoys one of the top spots in this segment.

Summary Body Styles

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The 2016 Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that is available in three cab styles: regular, Supercab (extended) and Supercrew (crew cab). There are three bed lengths offered, depending on which cab style is chosen: a 6.5- or 8-foot bed is available on regular and Supercabs while the Supercrew is eligible only for a 5.5- or 6.5-foot bed. Finally, there are six trim levels to choose from: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and a new Limited.
Standard features for the base XL include 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, trailer sway control, pre-wired trailer connections, vinyl flooring, a cloth-upholstered 40/20/40-split front bench, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 2.3-inch driver information screen, air-conditioning, manual crank windows, a 4.2-inch central display screen, Bluetooth, and a four-speaker radio with auxiliary input. Supercab and Supercrew models receive 60/40-split folding rear seats and two additional speakers.
An optional 101A package adds power windows and locks (including the tailgate), power mirrors, a cargo management system with four tie-down cleats, remote keyless entry, cruise control, Ford's MyKey vehicle control feature, a 4.2-inch driver information screen, Sync voice controls, smartphone-app integration, a USB port and a CD player.
Other XL add-ons include chrome and sport appearance packages, the FX4 Off-Road package for 4x4 models (including an electronic-locking rear axle, off-road shocks, underbody skid plates and hill descent control), side steps, a tailgate assist step, drop-in or spray-in bedliners and trailer tow packages with Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist system (essentially a self-steering system to simplify backing up with a trailer).

New for 2016, the Backup Assist system literally takes the wheel out of your hands. Just watch the trailer in the rearview camera and "steer" with this knob.

The XLT trim includes the XL's optional 101A package along with alloy wheels, chrome bumpers and exterior trim, foglights, a keypad entry system, rear privacy glass, carpeting, four-way adjustable headrests, manual driver and passenger lumbar adjustments and additional interior storage bins and pockets.
The Mid 301A option package adds heated mirrors, an auto-dimming driver-side and rearview mirror, a trailer hitch, an eight-way power driver seat, power adjustable pedals, rear under-seat storage, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rearview camera and satellite radio. The Luxury 302A package includes those items along with a power sliding rear window, rear parking sensors, LED bed lighting, remote ignition, 10-way power adjustable heated front seats, a 110-volt power outlet and the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and two USB ports. Notable standalone options include a regular sunroof (Supercab), a panoramic sunroof (Supercrew), a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, remote vehicle tracking, inflatable rear seatbelts and a navigation system.
Many of the 302A features are standard on the Lariat trim, which also includes 18-inch wheels, front tow hooks, power-folding mirrors, puddle lamps, keyless entry and ignition, an 8-inch driver information screen with expanded capabilities, dual-zone automatic climate control, driver memory settings, leather upholstery and cooled front seats.

High-end versions of the 2016 Ford F-150 have become honest-to-goodness luxury vehicles on the inside.

In addition to many of the options offered on the XLT, the Lariat is also eligible for the 502A package that includes LED headlights and taillights, a remote tailgate release, automatic high beams, automatic wipers, front-facing spotlights, a heated power-adjustable steering wheel, front bucket seats and an 11-speaker Sony audio system. Other options include lane-departure prevention, a surround-view camera system, an automated parallel-parking system and adaptive cruise control with frontal collision warning.
The King Ranch trim is only offered as a Supercrew and adds a Western styling theme inside and out, as well as items like an integrated trailer brake controller and heated rear seats. The Platinum adopts a more contemporary luxury style with features that include 20-inch wheels, power-deployable running boards and aluminum interior trim. At the top of the range is the new Limited trim, which comes generously appointed with 22-inch wheels, unique styling details and many of the convenience options as standard.
Many of the standard and optional features on fancier F-150 models are available on lesser trims.

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Body Styles Powertrains and Performance Safety

The 2016 Ford F-150's base engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 282 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. The EPA estimates fuel economy for this engine at 20 mpg combined (18 mpg /25 highway) for the rear-drive version. Four-wheel drive drops the estimate to 19 mpg combined (17 city/23 highway). A six-speed automatic transmission is the only choice for all F-150 models and features a tow-haul mode.
Upgrading to the turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 increases output to 325 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is estimated at 22 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway) with RWD and 20 mpg combined (18 city/23 highway) with 4WD. In Edmunds testing, this engine propelled a 4WD Supercab F-150 to 60 mph in a remarkably quick 6.0 seconds, while a 4WD Supercrew turned in an equally impressive 6.4-second run.
Although the 5.0-liter V8 isn't turbocharged, it's a smart choice for both its towing prowess and fuel economy estimates that are attainable in the real world. It produces 385 hp and 387 lb-ft of torque and is rated by the EPA to achieve 18 mpg combined (15 city/22 highway) with RWD and 17 mpg combined (15 city/21 highway) for 4WD. In Edmunds testing, a 4WD Supercrew with the V8 reached 60 mph in 6.9 seconds — a solid result compared to rivals, but a bit disappointing in light of the 2.7-liter V6's performance. Later in the model year, buyers can also select a compressed natural gas- or propane-fueled version of this V8.
The top-of-the-line turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 is good for 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. It's rated at 20 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway) with 2WD and 19 mpg combined (17 city/23 highway) with 4WD. In Edmunds testing, a 4WD Supercrew with this engine laid down a 6.2-second sprint to 60 mph despite weighing about 350 pounds more than the V8-powered Supercrew we tested. In other words, if you want a fast truck, the 3.5-liter V6 takes the cake.
Maximum towing capacities start from 7,600 pounds with the base V6 engine and climb to 8,500 with the 2.7-liter V6. For heavy lifting, the 5.0-liter V8 can tow 11,100 pounds, while the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 can pull trailers up to 12,200 pounds when properly equipped.

Body Styles Safety

Performance Safety Special Features

Standard safety features on all 2016 Ford F-150 models include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, trailer sway control, full-length side curtain airbags and automatic crash notification via paired cell phones.
Ford's MyKey system is standard on the XLT and above. It monitors the vehicle and allows owners to set certain limitations and alerts for valets and teen drivers. Rearview and surround-view cameras are available, as are rear parking sensors. Optional advanced features include a forward collision warning system that also pre-charges the brakes for maximum responsiveness, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure prevention and inflatable rear seatbelts.
In Edmunds brake testing, current F-150 test vehicles have generally needed 126 to 132 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is about average for the segment. However, the abovementioned 4WD Supercrew with the turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 stopped in a jaw-dropping 117 feet despite being the heaviest of the lot at 5,581 pounds.
The 2016 F-150 also gets high marks in government crash tests, receiving five out of five stars for overall, frontal and side-impact protection and four stars for rollover protection.

Performance Special Features

Safety Interior Design and Special Features Driving Impressions

In XL trim, the 2016 F-150 is as basic as pickups get, with vinyl floors and hand-cranked windows, but this is to be expected from a work truck. As you move up the trim levels, the interiors get progressively nicer, reaching downright luxurious accommodations in the Lariat model and above. While there's still an abundance of hard yet sturdy plastics, most every surface that you'd frequently touch is padded.
The control layout is logical and easy to read at a glance, and Ford's new Sync 3 infotainment system is far more user-friendly than the much-maligned MyFord Touch system, featuring pinch-and-swipe gesture capability and a simplified menu along the bottom of the screen. The more advanced driver information displays provide a wealth of customization and vehicle information.
As expected, higher-trimmed F-150s provide excellent long-distance comfort, bolstered by additional seat adjustments and ventilation. Supercrew models deliver similar levels of comfort for rear passengers. Elsewhere in the cabin, there is plenty of storage for personal items, especially in trucks with the front bucket seats and large center console. Supercab and Supercrew models also benefit from additional storage under the rear seats.

Safety Driving Impressions

Special Features Driving Impressions

Despite its large proportions, the 2016 F-150 is a reasonably agile beast. With potent power coming from all but the base engine, accelerating up to highway speeds or passing slower traffic is reassuringly easy. Rearview and surround-view cameras make backing into a tight parking spot a stress-free affair, while the nifty Pro Trailer Backup Assist system even takes the guesswork out of backing a trailer.

The F-150 certainly isn't sized for city living, but this truck is quicker and more maneuverable than you'd think.

The F-150's ride quality is generally agreeable for a big truck, even when there's no cargo in the bed to settle down the rear suspension. Still, the Ram 1500's coil-spring rear suspension has been spoiling truck buyers for years now with its luxury-car smoothness, and the Ford falls short of that standard. Running boards and the low-hanging front air dam limit off-road clearance, but the air dam is easily removable and power-deployable steps are available. At the end of the day, the 2016 Ford F-150 is simply an all-around strong performer, with a good balance of comfort, utility and performance.

2016 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium SUV

ride; third row is for kids only; poor fuel economy; low towing capacity for a traditional SUV; cumbersome setup process for Entune system.

What's New for 2016

The 2016 4Runner gets cell phone navigation integration with its upgraded base audio system, and a slight increase in towing capacity for most models; otherwise, it's a carryover from 2015.

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Summary Review Body Styles

Rowdy, off-road ready, truck-based SUVs were once the hottest segment in the market. But shoppers soon discovered that bouncy rides and poor fuel economy were also part of the deal. That ushered in the crossover, an easy-riding, car-based light utility vehicle that looks a lot like an SUV but lacks its truck-based ruggedness. There are only a few traditional SUVs left these days, and the 2016 Toyota 4Runner stands proudly among them. Boasting available three-row seating, a spacious cargo hold and Toyota's reputation for reliability, the 4Runner stays true to its roots as a hairy-chested SUV that's ready for almost anything.

The 2016 Toyota 4Runner is an unabashedly truck-based SUV with go-anywhere capability.

Even in base SR5 trim, the Edmunds "B" rated 4Runner is primed for off-road action. Standard equipment includes items like mud guards and skid plates, while four-wheel-drive models add a dual-range transfer case, hill-start assist and hill-descent control. Move up the trim ladder and you can add better audio and advanced electronic aids for more precise off-roading. Toyota has even beefed up towing capacity for all models but the Limited trim. If off-roading and towing aren't big on your list of things to do, though, there are better family SUVs available. The 4Runner has a difficult time smoothing out potholes in the city with its busy ride, and its fuel economy is woeful compared to most V6-powered crossovers. And its optional third row seating is best reserved for kids, so if you want adult-sized space back there, you'll need to look elsewhere.
If you don't need a third row of seating, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of our favorites, offering competitive off-road performance, several engine options, more robust towing capacity, better fuel economy and an upscale interior. The related Dodge Durango also has more towing capacity and a premium cabin, comes standard with a third-row seat and also has earned an Edmunds "B' rating. If you can do without all the trail-busting hardware, the "A" rated Toyota Highlander offers room for eight passengers, a carlike ride and superior efficiency and acceleration.
But if nothing less than a rugged three-row midsize SUV will do, the 2016 Toyota 4Runner is the only game in town. It may be among the last of a dying breed, but it still has a lot to offer.

Summary Body Styles

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The 2015 Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV offered in four trim levels: SR5, Trail, TRD Pro and Limited. The SR5 and Trail are divided into standard and Premium sub-trims. Five-passenger seating is standard, but an optional 50/50-split third-row seat on the SR5 and Limited models raises capacity to seven.
The SR5 comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, skid plates, mud guards, a tow hitch, hill-start assist and hill-descent control (4WD only), a rearview camera, foglights, heated exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass, LED taillights, roof rails, a power liftgate window, a windshield wiper de-icer, keyless entry, cruise control, air-conditioning with second-row vents, cloth upholstery, a six-way power driver seat with power lumbar adjustment, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and 40/20/40-split folding and reclining rear seats. Standard electronics features include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, Scout GPS Link cell phone navigation integration, and an eight-speaker audio system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen interface, voice controls, a CD player, HD and satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.

The 2016 4Runner's dashboard continues the blocky, truck-inspired theme.

The SR5 Premium adds a sunroof, upgraded exterior mirrors, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, heated front seats, a power front passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an upgraded version of Entune with smartphone app integration and a navigation system.
Go with the 4WD-only Trail trim and you'll get all of the base SR5's standard features plus unique 17-inch wheels, a hood scoop, silver exterior trim accents, a locking rear differential, selectable terrain modes and crawl control. The Trail Premium model adds the SR5 Premium's standard features.
The 4Runner Trail models are exclusively eligible for the optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which automatically disconnects the SUV's stabilizer bars in low-speed off-road situations to improve suspension articulation over deep ruts and boulders.
The TRD Pro comes with most of the Trail Premium's standard equipment, adding or substituting matte-black 17-inch wheels with special off-road tires, automatic headlights, a TRD-stamped aluminum front skid plate, Bilstein shocks, upgraded front springs, a higher ride height, a unique black front grille and various TRD-themed aesthetic upgrades.
The 4Runner Limited includes most of the Trail Premium's feature content, but it lacks the mud guards, locking rear differential, terrain-mode selector and crawl control. Its available full-time 4WD system instead employs a locking center differential. Other Limited highlights include 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive roll-reducing dampers (X-REAS), automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and a 15-speaker JBL sound system and Toyota's Safety Connect telematics.
Many of the higher-end standard amenities are available as options on lower trim levels, but availability can vary depending on the region of the United States in which you live. Stand-alone options include fixed running boards, automatically deploying/retracting running boards, a sliding rear cargo floor (two-row models only) and roof-rack crossbars.

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Body Styles Powertrains and Performance Safety

The 2015 Toyota 4Runner employs a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a five-speed automatic. The SR5 and Limited models are available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, while the Trail and TRD Pro are 4WD-only.
Four-wheel-drive SR5 models have a part-time 4WD system with low-range gearing, while the Limited uses a full-time 4WD system with low-range gearing and a locking center differential. The Trail and TRD Pro models come standard with the part-time 4WD system and also include a locking rear differential, crawl control (for use in low range) and selectable terrain modes. Properly equipped, the 4Runner SR5 RWD or 4WD and the Limited RWD model are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds; the Trail and TRD Pro models tow up to 4,900 pounds and the 4WD Limited model tows up to 4,700 pounds.
In Edmunds testing, a 4WD 4Runner Trail went from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, which is about average among competing SUVs.
The EPA estimates fuel economy at 19 mpg combined (17 city/22 highway) for RWD models and 18 mpg combined (17 city/21 highway) for all 4WD 4Runners. Those numbers are typical for a traditional SUV, but well behind those of most V6-powered crossovers.

Body Styles Safety

Performance Safety Special Features

Standard safety features on the 2016 Toyota 4Runner include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front knee airbags and active front head restraints. All 4WD models feature an off-road traction control system known as A-Trac that helps keep you moving on slippery terrain by redirecting engine torque to the wheel(s) that have traction.
A rearview camera is standard across the board, but front and rear parking sensors are available only on the Limited trim level. The Limited also comes with Safety Connect, which includes automatic collision notification, a stolen-vehicle locator and emergency assistance.
In Edmunds brake testing, a four-wheel-drive 4Runner Trail model took 132 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is a long distance by crossover standards but not bad for an off-road-oriented SUV.
In government crash tests, the 4Runner earned four out of a possible five stars overall, including four stars for total frontal-impact safety and five stars for total side-impact safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 4Runner its top rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength crash tests, but the small-overlap frontal-offset crash test resulted in a "Marginal" rating (second-lowest). The 4Runner's seat/head restraint design was rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear-impact crashes.

Performance Special Features

Safety Interior Design and Special Features Driving Impressions

The interior of the 2016 Toyota 4Runner features instrumentation and controls that are well laid out and easy to understand. Most owners will be satisfied with the quality of the 4Runner's cabin materials, which are oriented more toward durability than aesthetics. If you demand something a bit more plush, an alternative such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee will likely be a better fit.
All 4Runners come with a touchscreen audio interface placed high on the center stack. Depending on which trim level you've selected, the touchscreen brings various degrees of functionality from Toyota's Entune suite of smartphone-enabled services and apps. All trims except the base SR5 and Trail include a navigation system. The SR5 and Trail models' audio systems enable integration of navigation from your smartphone.

Cargo capacity is abundant in the 2016 4Runner, especially for a midsize SUV.

As for passenger accommodations, the 2016 4Runner's standard five-person seating arrangement includes a reclining 40/20/40-split folding second-row seat. The optional third-row seat is bound to be a tempting option for carpoolers, but you'll want to make sure your elementary schoolers will actually fit, as this is one of the smallest, tightest third rows of any midsize SUV.
In reality, the real estate in the back of the 4Runner is better suited for cargo. There's a healthy 47 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second-row seats, a number that jumps to an even more impressive 89.7 cubic feet with all the rear seats folded down. This is far more space than the Grand Cherokee offers, and more than many large crossovers (such as the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot) as well.

Safety Driving Impressions

Special Features Driving Impressions

The Toyota 4Runner is designed to provide real utility when the pavement ends. It's at its best when you're plugging along on off-road trails, and the numerous upgrades on the Trail and TRD Pro trims only add to the fun. At the same time, the 4Runner is refined enough for the daily grind, though lots of bumps make it into the cabin as the rugged suspension and big tires jostle you around. The 4Runner's steering feels a little too light in normal driving situations, but is ideal for off-roading, as it results in reduced wrist-wrecking kickback on gnarly trails.

If you want the ability to keep on driving when you run out of road, the 2016 4Runner is a great choice.

The 4Runner's V6 engine is strong enough for most needs, but there's no denying that you get more grunt from rivals like the V8-powered Grand Cherokee and Durango. The 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission provides well-timed shifts, but we certainly wouldn't mind another gear to calm the engine on the highway and eke out another mpg or two.