2009 Trail Edition Package 4Runner

[xcmountain80]

How is it different? the rear diff lock seems nice. The wheels look new the rear air deflector looks fat and not in a good way.

Aaron

 

[grahamfitter]

the rear wing is toyota's attempt at redirecting airflow to clean the rear hatch. it works but wasn't effective so they made it larger it is cumbersome looking but removable. maybe you can request it without

FYI the rear wing on the current 4runner prevents the rear tailgate from opening when kayaks are loaded on the roof. Its a complete PITA. The larger one will get in the way even more. Lets hope its an option. At least Toyota seem to have replaced the starfish heater controls.

Other than that, it looks great. Does it come with a manual transmission?

Cheers,
Graham

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Exactly, imagine if it came with a manual... That would be just awesome (but is doubtful).

 

[valerieO]

My 98 4runner has the third light where the wing is and it looks like the third light is integrated into the wing.

 

[ssmathis]

There is a 3rd light in the actual hatch behind the spoiler. The spoiler has always been an option on the latest gen. versions but it's possible that Toyota will equip all of them with it.

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

I thought it was more for keeping the exhaust fumes out of the cabin when you had the rear hatch window down. I believe they called it the "air diffuser".

On the new one, it looks like there is an air channel on that "wing"?

no, it seems toyota has a belief in the 'wing' to redirect air to clean the rear hatch. The purpose was the same on the 80 series LC, 100, older generation 4R's... it is not recommended to leave the rr window open when driving on the 4Runner but I do remember many complaints of exhaust smell w/ rr hatch glass open (combo of rear facing exhaust & low pressure zone sucking into the cabin) and maybe they tried to stop this w/ the taller spoiler.

But the thing is removable and really a detail in the whole thing- nothing to make or break, imo. It's a cool pkg, definitely worth considering.

 

[Jacket]

I love it!

As many of you know, I view the 4Runner as one of the few modern wagons for overlanding. Toyota reliability, great build quality, visibility, good aftermarket support, factory locking differential, etc. Perfecto!

I agree. My Tacoma is a great rig, but I sure do miss my old 4Runners. Bringing back the factory locker definitely puts the 4Runner back in the game.

 

[ECVMatt]

Does this rig have

the same bolt pattern as the 05 Tacoma??

I am really interested in this, but I have an AT Horizon and really don't want to mess with changing hubs unless I have to.

Thanks

Matt

 

[DaveInDenver]

the same bolt pattern as the 05 Tacoma??

Yes, the 4th gen 4Runner still runs the standard Toyota 6 on 5.5 bolt pattern. The 03+ 4Runner and 04+ Taco run a lot of backspace (like 5" on 7.5" wide rims), though, so their factory wheels might not fit well on other hubs. But the bolt pattern for the 4WD 4Runner has basically been the same since 1984.

 

[ECVMatt]

My interest is peaked...

does anyone have a guess on MSRP?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

A 2009 V6 4WD SR5 starts out at $30,915 (not including $795 destination charge). The Trail Edition Package is $2,090. The smoking hot deal, though, is the Trail Edition extra value package. For $459, the EVP adds Homelink universal transmitter, power moonroof and roof rack. [Editor's note: At time of posting, Toyota's 4Runner page allows consumers to configure 2009 4Runners but prices do not match our sources' information.]

As for the rest of the 4Runner line up, there are still three flavors of 4Runner -- the SR5, the Sport Edition and the Limited grade with even more amenities. Prices range from $28,640 for the 4x2 SR5 V6 to $39,360 for the 4x4 Limited V8.

 

[Redline]

Glad to see this thread generating a bit of interest. The more I use my 06 4Runner the more I like it. The 110-inch wheelbase seems to be working very well for me, a nice mix of space trail ability. The only thing that could make it (much) better for me would be a straight front axle, but we know that’s not in the cards for many new vehicles these days. Usually I would agree that a manual trans would make the 4th Gen 4Runner much better, but I’m not so sure...

I’m a big manual tranny fan, even briefly looked at 4Runners at the start of this decade but immediately discounted them when I learned they were no longer offered with a manual trans. But in late 2006 I ‘compromised’ and purchased a new 4Runner with the A750F 5-speed auto. We will have to see about longevity with its “lifetime” WS ATF, but the versatility and usability of this tranny has impressed me. Now with my 4.88 gears I like it even more!

As stated, the rear air-spoiler is an option. Thankfully my 06 SR5 doesn’t have it, just a naked third brake light at the top of the rear lift-gate.

Again, a factory rear locker AND ATRAC. This combination isn’t available in the Tacoma, and was previously only on the FJC. If a person doesn't add too much weight/tire creating a “need” to re-gear, there is no reason to dive into the diffs, Toyota will give you 99% of the traction you need in a nice 4-door wagon.

 

[Cackalak Han]

Redline, I believe that was an option on the Tacomas. But I think it was only available in a couple regions. There is a guy in Idaho that had that combo, iirc.

 

[Redline]

Interesting, I stand corrected. I didn't think a locker & ATRAC was available in the Tacomas.

Not intending to take us off topic but does anyone know if the locker/ATRAC combo worked the same as in the FJ Cruisers?

Redline, I believe that was an option on the Tacomas. But I think it was only available in a couple regions. There is a guy in Idaho that had that combo, iirc.

 

[Jacket]

The new Tacomas can be bought with TRAC and a rear locker (I have them both), but when you engage the locker TRAC is disabled. I believe the earliest FJC's came this way as well, but somewhere along the line Toyota changed it so that TRAC/ATRAC stayed engaged on the front tires while the locker is engaged.

A number of folks have modified the Tacoma so that TRAC stays on with the locker; its not too terribly difficult. With that mod, Tacoma TRAC and FJC ATRAC should be exactly the same.