2009 Toyota 4Runner
Toyota 4Runner rules the road
Mon, May 11th 2009
| VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| type | 5 door, suv - mid, 4wd |
| msrp | $32,600 |
| trans | automatic |
| gas mi. | 16mpg/20mpg |
| rating |  |
There's always been a sort of mystery about the Toyota 4Runner.
Now in it's fourth generation, the 4Runner carries the design of a sport utility vehicle, with stylish cab in and fully enclosed cargo area. It's clearly the look of a city dwelling DogCar.
But under that docile, flatcoat-like exterior lies a wolf of a truck. The 4Runner flips the old “bark vs. bite” adage on its' ear by offering a tough and rugged four-wheel-drive vehicle that performs like the best of the pickups on the market.
That means the right off the top, the 4Runner satisfies at least one of the criteria to make it a decent DogCar. The ability to go off-roading - real off-roading - with your canine crew is not only possible, but strongly encouraged with the 4Runner.
There's also a wide-open tailgate that offers two ways to access the rear care: by power tailgate that opens wide and tall; or through the rear window that rolls down like a traditional side window. We found this helpful when we needed to put in or take out supplies without disturbing the crated crew.
Another plus is that the seats in the 4Runner fold flat enough to accommodate crates, with the middle row folding forward to open up the cargo area. There are numerous tie-down cargo hooks on the floor and side panels, and a pair of unique mirrors in the corners to give the driver a peek at the goings on in the rear cargo area.
Also available is a two-level, “double-decker” cargo shelf that maximizes space by carrying up to 66 pounds of cargo. When not in use, the shelf drops flat onto the floor, virtually out of site.
Power in our V8 “Urban Runner” package was quite plentiful, but fuel mileage lagged at just under the 20 mpg mark. If not for that, the 4Runner would be in strong consideration as a perfect pup mobile. As it stands, the 4Runner is a definite four-paws up performer as a DogCar.
- Keith Turner
Carguy Comments: The 2009 Toyota 4Runner comes in three styles (SRS, Limited and Sport) each with two engine sizes: the V6 with 236 horsepower and the V8, which pumps out 260 hp. With the rear seats folded, cargo capacity is 72.1 cubic feet.
- Keith Turner, The Family Car
Barking Lot Banter: Like a wolf in sheep's clothing, the Toyota 4Runner looks tame enough, but get behind the wheel and you've got a bruiser of a DogCar.
Comments
Can a large crate fit in the back with the second row seats up? I have to transport four people, an Italian Spinone (85 lbs) and a Miniature Poodle.
2009-10-07 18:27:42
Will a large crate fit in the rear with the 2d row seats up?
2009-10-07 11:51:51
Roomy, comfortable , cool in the summer dog ride!!!
With 4Runner and my dog O am going to mountains on the weekend. Dog and 4Runner made for each other.
2009-08-29 13:54:58
My two English Setters love the room in the 4 Runner.
My only problem is like most SUV’s it sit high, so I must lift the dogs in and out for the safty of their joints.
I live at altitude, with lots on the greatest snow on earth…great for getting where you need to go in any weather.
2009-08-28 09:58:12
That back window that rolls down was the winning reason why we bought our 2008 4Runner- our 2 German Shorthaired Pointers LOVE it! To look in the rearview mirror and see their snouts out with ears flapping in the breeze says it all!
2009-08-17 13:40:00
I have a 20003 Toyt 4Runner. I couldn’t imagine a better vehicle for dogs and dog owners. It has all the comfort I need. With the benefit of a cargo space that lays flat and as the rolldown back window.
2009-08-06 10:18:36
We haul our 2 German Shepherds in the back of our 2007 4Runner. They enjoy having the back window rolled down so much, that I can’t imagine hauling them in anything else (and they certainly wouldn’t want to ride in anything else). All around great vehicle with the added bonus of the roll down back window. This is the absolute best SUV for dog owners.
2009-07-23 08:58:56
I own 3 Boxers and love my 4runner. It suits all of my needs comfortably. It is nice to have a vehicle that is roomy and comfortable on the road and off.
2009-07-09 11:28:30
We LOVE our 2000 4Runner! 4Runners are the only SUVs we’ve found with a back window that rolls down,which is one of the most important features for us.
2009-06-20 10:17:58
I own a 2005 V8 4Runner, and I also use it to tow my horse trailer. It’s a great truck that drives as comfortable as a car. As a pet sitter, I haul LOTS of dogs.
Terry Albert
www.terryalbert.com
2009-05-21 17:12:03
I owned a 2004 4Runner and loved it. The best ‘dog’ feature besides the roomy cargo area is the back window. I love the fact that it rolled down…and so did my lab. The only issue I would have now is that she’s older and has joint issues. The cargo area is a little high and she’s too heavy to lift.
2010-07-14 13:59:18