2014 Toyota 4Runner gets mid-cycle refresh

The Toyota 4Runner is getting a mid-cycle refresh for 2014. The Japanese giant gave the SUV a new exterior treatment, interior refinements and added some comfort and convenience options. The 270-hp, 4.0-liter V6 is the only engine available.

The V6 makes 278 lb-ft, and puts power down to the rear wheels in two-wheel drive vehicles through a five-speed automatic transmission. Towing is rated at 5,000 pounds.

The 4Runner SR5 and Trail 4x4 models have a two-speed, part-time four-wheel drive system, which helps to improve fuel economy when cruising on the road. The Limited has full-time four-wheel drive with a locking differential and three-mode switch.

The Limited model also gets what Toyota calls its X-REAS suspension, which automatically adjusts damping force when riding over bumps or cornering. The system also uses a center-control absorber to cross link shocks on opposite corners of truck, reducing pitch and yaw.

The A-TRAC system is the 4Runner's version of torque vectoring; it can send driving force to any wheel that has contact with the road. The system is standard on all 4x4 models.

Lastly in the 4Runner's alphabet soup is CRAWL. When the transfer case is shifted into low, the system regulates engine speed and output to move the vehicle forward at one of the five selectable low-speed settings. This allows the driver to concentrate on steering input without having to modulate the gas and brake.

The 2014 model also gets a redesigned front fascia with smoked headlights and a more aggressive front grille. The SR5 and Trail trims feature a body color grille insert and fog lights that are cut into the bumper. The Trail model also gets body color bumpers and a hood scoop.

The Limited model has a chrome-plated grille insert and chrome front and rear bumpers. The side molding, and roof rack are also chrome, while the headlights are upgraded to projector beams. The SR5 and Trail trims get 17-inch wheels, the Limited gets 20s, which are painted black prior to machining.

Inside, the SR5 and Trail models get the Soft Touch upgrade, which adds finer materials to the doors, steering wheel and shift knob. The base SR5 gets a new Optitron instrument panel that features speed, tach, voltage, fuel and coolant temp gauges, as well as an Eco-Driving feedback system.

Seats can be trimmed in fabric or SoftTex and the second-row chairs feature armrests and recline up to 16 degrees. Third row seating is offered on SR5 and Limited trims.

The Limited trim gets leather seats as standard, with ventilated and heated driver and passenger chairs. Both front seats come standard with memory functions.

Other features include keyless entry, pullout cargo deck and the Entune multimedia system. All 4Runners also come standard with a 120V outlet, rearview camera and a front and rear ground clearance sonar system.

The 2014 Toyota 4Runner will hit dealerships in early September. Pricing hasn't been revealed yet. Last year's SUV started at $32,335 with an $845 destination charge.

By Jake Lingeman