Toyota 4 Runner was first uncovered in 1984, was introduced as compact SUV. 4 Runner received its major updates in 1996 and entered the mid size SUV segment. Over the years 4Runner has been updated in batches. The earlier 4Runner was no less than Toyota Trucks. With all the changes the 4Runner lies between mid and full sized SUV.

Let’s discuss the latest Toyota 4 Runner. The 4 Runner ranks 11 among 24 affordable midsized SUV examined by the usnewsandrankings.com. Test was conducted on reliability, performance and safety. When the SUV was brought in 2003 in the US, 4 Runner was poor on fuel economy but gave a powerful ride on highways. The 2010 updates make the ride fuel economical and yet powerful. The Toyota 4 Runner is still based on Toyota Trucks.

To improve on fuel economy Toyota dropped its V8 engine offering that was fuel thirsty and now offers the SUV with a V6. The base update four cylinder is now a V6 that produces more power than the V8, consumes less fuel but generates low torque compared to the V8. 4Runner lies on the top of the food chain and competes direct with Jeep Wrangler and Toyota FJ Cruiser.

The new 2010 Toyota 4 Runner is equipped with a V6 that generates 270 horsepower with 4.0 liter on the displacement. This updated engine makes 24 hp more than the previous years model. That was all with power, the 4Runner trashes down every other SUV on fuel efficiency. It doesn’t only compete in the SUV segment but also toughens the survival for most of the crossovers.

The 2WD 4 Runner makes 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The 4WD 4 Runner gives 16 miles in a gallon and 21 miles on highway.

Toyota Trailblazer is very rare Toyota pickup. The Trailblazer was a combined work of Griffith Motor Homes and Toyota. Between 1981 and 1983 around 400 Toyota Trailblazer were sold in the U.S. the SUV is similar to other Toyota Trucks and is closely based on Toyota Trekker and 4Runner. Toyota Trailblazer has a very simple design that features fiberglass campershell that covers the pickup bed and meets the cab. The seating on the front is comfortable enough and the rear has comfortable place for two. Rear seats can be easily removed to haul larger items. Today there are only 40 of Toyota Trailblazer surviving. These rare trucks are offered for $3000.

More information on the Trailblazer

• 2.4 L 4-cylinder engine
• 5 speed manual transmission
• Solid front axle
• 4×4 with front locking hubs
• Rare rear seat for two
• Sunroof
• Auxiliary lights

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