2007 Toyota 4Runner (Surf) Offers Winning Blend of Capability, Comfort, Power, Safety and Style
September 2006 - For 2007, the fourth-generation Toyota 4Runner mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) continues to combine its legendary off-road capability with supremely high standards for everyday comfort, refinement and safety. This combination is packaged in a design style to create an image that is aspirational, youthful, sporty, and most of all, genuine.
2007 Toyota 4Runner Limited
Like all Toyota SUVs, the Toyota 4Runner (Surf) comes standard with the advanced STAR SAFETY SYSTEM™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist.
"Through four vehicle generations over more than 20 years, the Toyota 4Runner (Surf) has become a benchmark for the midsize SUV segment," said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor Sales executive vice president. "4Runner gives the driver the confidence and comfort to handle virtually any kind of driving condition."
The Toyota 4Runner (Surf) is offered in three grade levels: the SR5, the Sport Edition that features a distinct appearance and enhanced handling performance, and the Limited grade with additional comfort amenities. The Toyota 4Runner (Surf) seats up to seven with an available third-row seat option on SR5 and Limited models. The seat can fold over or be removed when additional cargo space is needed.
The most popular Toyota 4Runner (Surf) model, the SR5, is distinguished by a chrome grille, door handles and rear license plate garnish. The SR5 is also equipped with standard fog lamps, black running boards, and six-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels with P265/70R16 tires – including a full-size spare tire with alloy wheel.
The Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition stands out with a hood scoop, smoked chrome grille and headlight bezels, tubular roof rack and side steps, and six-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with P265/65R17 raised white letter tires. The 4Runner (Surf) Limited is distinguished by a color-keyed grille and heated power mirrors, black roof rack, black illuminated running boards, and six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels.
Powerful Engines, Sophisticated Four-Wheel Drive
The 2007 Toyota 4Runner (Surf) is available with a choice of powerful V6 or V8 engines, in 2WD and 4WD models. The Toyota 4Runner's (Surf) standard 4.0-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC) V6 engine produces 236 horsepower, with 266 lb-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The available 4.7-liter i-Force DOHC V8 produces 260 horsepower, with 306 lb-ft. of torque at 3,400 rpm. In both engines, variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps provide substantial low-end and mid-range torque. The advanced standard five-speed automatic transmission in all models provides seamless shift quality. Shift logic holds gears on inclines for power and on descents for increased engine braking, which can be helpful when towing. Artificial Intelligence (AI) shift control changes gear-shifting patterns according to driving conditions and driver input.
An automatic Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) is standard on 2WD models for improved traction in slippery conditions. Four-wheel drive Toyota 4Runner (Surf) models employ a Torsen® torque-sensing type limited-slip center differential with locking feature. The main difference between the V6 and V8 4WD is that the V6 uses a Multi-Mode selectable system, and the V8's 4WD is strictly a full-time system. In addition, both models are equipped with a two-speed transfer case with low range for handling steep off-highway inclines.
In both systems, the Torsen® differential distributes 60 percent of available power to the rear wheels under most conditions and changes the ratio as needed based on steering input and wheel slip. Automatically shifting to a 29:71 power distribution ratio during steering maneuvers helps to enhance vehicle tracking through curves. The center differential can change the ratio to 53:47 to help control rear wheel slippage. The Torsen® differential makes the 4Runner less prone to slippage caused by sudden changes in road conditions.
Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is designed to augment the low-speed descending ability of low-range by holding the vehicle to a target speed with no intervention from the driver. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), standard on all models, provides additional control for off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle stationary while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface.
Rugged Chassis, Smooth Ride
The Toyota 4Runner's (Surf) rugged body-on-frame construction utilizes full-length boxed section frame rails that use large diameter body mounts for high torsional rigidity and excellent cabin noise isolation. On V8 models, a standard tow hitch receiver bolts directly to the rear frame crossmember. A draw bar, a high-capacity seven-pin electrical connector for trailer wiring, and pre-wiring for an electric trailer brake controller are also included as standard equipment.
Suspension is by double wishbones in the front and a four-link rigid type suspension in the rear, both systems with coil springs over gas shock absorbers. The Toyota 4Runner Limited V8 4WD model can be equipped with rear auto-leveling air suspension for improved ride and performance when towing or carrying heavy loads. This option is teamed with the unique X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension that is also standard on the Toyota 4Runner (Surf) Sport Edition.
The X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension diagonally links the compression chambers of the shock absorbers (front left shock linked to rear right and front right linked to rear left) by a center control absorber. The system helps improve on-road handling and dampens body roll and pitch by passing small body motions from front-to-rear to increase overall vertical shock damping.
Towing capacity is 5,000 lbs. for V6 models, 7,000 lbs. for V8 4WD models and 7,300 lbs. for V8 2WD models. All Toyota 4Runner (Surf) models are equipped with skid plates for the engine and fuel tank, and 4WD models add one for the transfer case, as well.
Sophisticated Dynamic Control with STAR SAFETY SYSTEM™
The STAR SAFETY SYSTEM™ includes VSC, TRAC, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist to help provide optimal vehicle control and driving safety. Four-channel, four-sensor ABS helps to preserve steering control by preventing the wheels from locking during severe braking situations, while EBD distributes proper brake force between the front and rear wheels according to driving conditions. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the (ABS), the system supplements the applied braking power.
The Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system helps keep the Toyota 4Runner (Surf) going on the driver's intended course by detecting front-wheel slide and rear-wheel slide during cornering and attempting to control either condition with torque intervention and/or by braking individual wheels. The traction control (TRAC) feature helps reduce tire slippage during acceleration. Toyota 4Runner (Surf) 4WD models use an additional yaw sensor, a deceleration sensor, and control algorithms to deliver smoother torque on any surface, including low-range and locked center differential conditions.
Safety and Convenience Features
Driver and passenger advanced dual-stage front airbags inflate according to collision severity. A front passenger seat sensor verifies if there is a certain amount of weight in the seat to determine whether the airbag should inflate, and the correct inflation power. Available front and second row side curtain and front seat-mounted side airbags are equipped with a rollover sensor and cutoff switch.
Cargo-area mirrors located on the D-pillars help provide enhanced visibility when reversing. The optional navigation system also includes a rear backup camera that automatically projects an image of what its lens can detect behind the vehicle onto the navigation system's seven-inch LCD screen when reverse gear is engaged.
Spacious and Versatile Interior
Sporty design and extensive convenience features highlight the Toyota 4Runner's (Surf) spacious and versatile interior. The two-tone dashboard houses a three-pod instrument cluster with orange illumination. A vehicle level sensor detects when the Toyota 4Runner is on an incline and compensates the fuel gauge reading. All exterior glass shields 94 percent or more of UV rays, and water-repellent glass is used for the windshield, side windows, and side mirrors.
An automatic climate-control system is standard on all models, with the Limited grade adding dual-zone temperature control in front. A multi-information display, located just above the climate control panel, shows the climate control status as well as a clock, outside temperature, fuel range meter, average speed, and average fuel consumption.
The 60/40-split fold-down rear seatbacks fold flat easily with no need to remove the headrests. An extra-wide fold-down rear seat center armrest integrates a pull-out convenience tray with two cupholders. Interior storage includes large bins in all doors.
When Toyota 4Runner (Surf) is equipped with the available third row seats, the middle row tumbles forward for easy third row access. The rear gate's standard power window includes jam protection, as well as an electric power close function to ensure it is not left partially ajar.
The large rear storage area provides steel tie-down hooks on the floor with additional storage hooks on the sidewalls. A "double decker" cargo system with cargo net is standard on Toyota 4Runner (Surf) Limited and optional for other models. The cargo shelf can lie flat or be lifted up easily with one hand and locked in place to accommodate larger cargo items (up to 66 pounds).
Toyota Value in All Grades
Standard equipment for the Toyota 4Runner (Surf) SR5 model includes cruise control, power door locks and windows (including rear gate window) with driver's auto up/down function, two 12v outlets, remote keyless entry with rear hatch window power-down operation, a rear tonneau cover and illuminated entry.
The Toyota 4Runner (Surf) Sport Edition adds a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, high-contrast fabric-trimmed seats and trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and cruise control buttons, plus a leather-wrapped shift knob. The V8 SR5 and the Sport Edition also come equipped with standard power-adjustable front seats, which are optional for the SR5 V6 models.
The Limited steps up the luxury factor with black wood grain-style interior trim, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a seat memory system, anti-theft system with engine immobilizer, HomeLink® universal garage door opener, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass.
The available power moonroof with jam protection features a two-stage automatic wind deflector to help minimize wind noise. The deflector lowers to an intermediate height when the Toyota 4Runner is traveling over 55 mph and rises to full height again when vehicle speed drops below 45 mph and the roof is fully open.
Powerful Onboard Entertainment, Easy Navigation
A Deluxe 3-in-1 AM/FM/Cassette/CD system with six speakers is standard on all models and includes a universal mini-jack port that allows connection to most portable music players. All standard and optional audio systems are MP3 and WMA-media compatible.
Standard on the Toyota 4Runner (Surf) Limited and available on other models are a 360-watt JBL Synthesis 3-in-1 sound system with 10 speakers and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated cruise control buttons and audio controls. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is also available with the Deluxe 3-in-1 audio as a stand-alone option, and the JBL Synthesis system is available with a six-disc CD changer. An available factory-installed DVD rear seat entertainment system uses a wide-format nine-inch LCD screen and includes two wireless headphones.
A navigation system is available for all Toyota 4Runner (Surf) models and is paired with an eight-speaker JBL AM/FM/CD audio system. The system features a touch-screen monitor, voice guidance and Bluetooth® capability and includes more than five million verified data points. Map data for the contiguous United States and major cities in Canada is stored on one digital versatile disc (DVD).
Bluetooth® provides a hands-free communication system when using a compatible cellular phone. Calls can be dialed by using the navigation screen's keypad, while calls can be received and ended by pushing a button on the steering wheel. The stereo is automatically muted when a call is received, and the stereo speakers act as the phone receiver and transmitter.
Colors available for Toyota 4Runner (Surf) are Natural White, Titanium Metallic, Galactic Gray Mica, Black, Salsa Red Pearl, Driftwood Pearl, Nautical Blue Metallic, and Shadow Mica. Exterior colors are tastefully coordinated with Stone, Taupe or Dark Charcoal fabric and Stone and Taupe leather-trim.
