The 2019 Toyota 4Runner is offered with a 4L V6 that churns out 270 horses and 278 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission that powers either the rear wheels or all the 4 wheels for the SR5 and Limited models. It comes with a standard 4WD config for the TRD models. All the trim levels have been rated a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
The engine is powerful and capable. The torquey engine makes the drive more enthusiastic. The smooth and precise automatic transmission does a great job in ensuring proper and timely power distribution. It is better at off-roads rather than highway commutes, as the 5-speed transmission is way behind the 8-speed transmissions in the rivals.
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Models
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2019 Toyota 4Runner
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2019 GMC Acadia
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2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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2019 Ford Explorer
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MSRP
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$35,310
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$32,800
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$32,195
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$32,365
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Engine
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4L V6
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2.5 L inline-4
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3.6L V6
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3.5L Ti-VCT V6
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Drivetrain
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RWD
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FWD
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RWD
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FWD
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Transmission
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5-Speed Automatic
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6-Speed Automatic
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8-speed automatic
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6-speed automatic
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Power
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270hp @ 560 0rpm
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193 hp @ 6300 rpm
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293hp @ 6400 rpm
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290hp @ 6500 rpm
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Torque
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278lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
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188 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
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260lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
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255 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
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0-60 MPH (seconds)
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7.7
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8.5
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6.7
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7.7
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Quarter-Mile (seconds)
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16
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15.2
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15.2
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16
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Top-Speed (MPH)
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115
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115
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N/A
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137
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With the V6 motor under the hood, the Jeep Grand Cherokee seems the most powerful SUV in the segment, followed by the Ford Explorer. Though the figures of the 4Runner are least in terms of power, it is the torquiest of all. The capable machine shows decent acceleration, far better and consistent than that of the GMC. Ford Explorer stands the best in terms of acceleration.
How well does the 2019 Toyota 4Runner handle?
The torquey motor under the hood of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner adds some serious muscles to your drives. Climbing up hills and mountains through rugged terrains is what this machine is meant for. The high ground clearance and narrow-body design, let it perform beyond one’s expectations. Handling it is not cumbersome work, but one has to be careful with the brakes. It evidently has somebody roll which makes it uneasy while cornering. However, riding a sporty and muscular SUV would be satisfying.
The ride quality is smooth and balanced on normal roads, but the stiffened suspension shall not offer premium rides on rough terrains. The steering is light but precise, making it more drivable. The locking differential and multi-terrain select with crawl control in the TRD models are notable upgrades. The FOX Shocks, dynamic suspension, and special skid plates in the higher trims improve the ride quality.
2019 Toyota 4Runner Braking Performance
Braking performance is a point of concern, especially in the case of highly-capable hauling SUVs. The brakes of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner doesn’t comply with the way it should be. The brakes seem inactive during the first-half travel of the brake pedal. One should flat foot the brake pedal to get it to stop from some good speeds, which would steal off your confidence on higher speeds.
4Runner’s brakes are mediocre for sudden action or even for cornering. It tends to be nosedive and demands more braking distance than the rest of the competitors in the segment. Being the heaviest in the segment, it needs a bit more upgrade in the brake department to improve the stopping distance. The 13.3” brake rotors at the front and 12.3” ones at the rear are the biggest in its competition.
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Models
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2019 Toyota 4Runner
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2019 GMC Acadia
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2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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2019 Ford Explorer
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Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
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13.3
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12.6
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13.0
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12.8
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Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
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12.3
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12.4
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13.0
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12.8
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Curb Weight (lbs)
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4750
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3956
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4513
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4443
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60-0MPH (feet)
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125
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126
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124
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127
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The Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Cherokee get decent brakes with ample performance. There is a serious need for an upgrade in the brakes of the 2019 Ford Explorer as it is one of the smallest brakes of all and the slowest in halting even in an emergency. The Jeep however stands on the top of the table when it comes to braking performance with its 13 inches rotor in the front as well as rear.
