How does the 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro handle the frozen Canadian North?
We already know the 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is a capable off-roader in warm, dry conditions. Earlier this year, Roman had the opportunity to test it out as part of an epic, three-day off-road journey from Moab, Utah to just outside Telluride, Colorado. But how about on the snow and ice?
Unfortunately, we haven’t had too much of the latter here in Boulder, Colorado so far this year. However, TFLoffroad chief Stephen Elmer has plenty to punch through north of the border in Ontario, Canada. In the video above, he puts the 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro through its paces on an extreme off-road test. Will the 4Runner pull its way through frigid temperatures, thick ice and glutenous mud? Only one way to find out!
Of course, the 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro does have some serious off-road kit to help it along. Apart from just being four-wheel drive, Stephen’s particular car comes fitted with Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 tires. On top of that, the Toyota also has an electronic locking rear differential, multi-terrain select, and even a low-speed Crawl Control.
Sometimes, however, you just need momentum to punch through the ice. That’s where the old-fashioned right foot comes in, tied to a 270 horsepower 4.0-liter V6 with 278 lb-ft of torque and a five-speed automatic transmission. What follows is a major test of the 4Runner’s power, traction and 9.6 inches of ground clearance.
While the 4Runner pushes against the mud, water, snow and ice to tackle this off-road challenge, it ultimately triumphs, really no worse for wear. While the Toyota 4Runner does march on with a fairly archaic powertrain, its old-school charm and off-road ability makes it one of the few truly off-road capable SUVs around.
