There aren’t many SUVs left with a body-on-frame structure, with practically everyone going for a monocoque frame. Thus, the 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro can feel dated to those who don’t know what it stands for. Those who do, though, will probably love it for its refreshing simplicity and honest character.
If you must have the latest and greatest in creature comforts, infotainment technology and driver assistance systems, then clearly the 4Runner is not the one for you. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a reliable family truck that can haul your family in superb comfort and is able to take you off-road, then the 4Runner TRD Pro is one of the best choices out there.
Toyota made some hardware changes for the 2019MY, including the adoption of 2.5-inch Fox shocks all around, with the rear ones featuring remote reservoirs and the front one adding one inch of lift. This apparently makes the TRD Pro version not only more comfortable on the road, according to this review from the Straight Pipes, but also one of the most capable, though indirect, rivals to Jeep’s Wrangler Rubicon.
The TRD Pro variant of the 4Runner also comes with an electronic-locking rear differential and Toyota’s Crawl feature for better off-road capabilities. The standard Multi-Terrain Select system allows you to choose the mode that best matches the conditions through a dial when off-roading , with the 2019 4Runner TRD Pro grouping the off-road control switches on an overhead console, which is always cool to have.
The single powerplant available is Toyota’s bulletproof 4.0-liter V6 unit with VVT-I, kicking out 270hp and 278lb-ft of torque through a five-speed automatic transmission. All 4Runners come with a tow rating of 5,000 pounds.
Combine all this with the TRD Pro-exclusive Voodoo Blue paint finish and really strong resale value on the used market, and suddenly it isn’t that hard to see why, for a number of customers, the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is one of the most charming SUVs in the market today.