There are plenty of factors that have contributed to the 4Runner’s success over its 40 years on the market. The SUV’s robust body-on-frame design allows it to outpace the new breed of crossover models that, while efficient, lack the rough-and-tumble resume of their truck-based cousins. The 4Runner’s midsize design is also perfect for off-road adventure; it is neither too small to be overpowered by tough conditions nor too large to become unwieldy on more technical stretches of trail. Then there’s Toyota’s reputation for reliability. No driver ever looks forward to a breakdown, but such incidents can be even more inconvenient––and even downright dangerous––when you’re pursuing some off-the-grid fun.

There’s no doubting the 4Runner’s off-road bona fides, but how does it stack up in terms of luxury? The SUV’s TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims deliver the sort of heavy-duty equipment that spells success in any off-road arena, but it’s the recent addition of the TRD Off-Road Premium trim that has drivers flocking to us in search of a new Toyota 4Runner for sale. Like every 2024 trim, the TRD Off-Road Premium is powered by a 4.0L V6 that puts out 270 hp. That’s pretty respectable for the midsize segment, but it’s far from being the highlight when it comes to the SUV’s performance credentials.

Toyota has packed the TRD Off-Road Premium with some of the best equipment the industry has to offer, including an electronic locking rear differential, a Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system, and an innovative suspension system that makes the 4Runner a standout on both paved and off-road surfaces. As the name implies, the TRD Off-Road Premium is also equipped with a full suite of comfort and convenience features that give the hard-working SUV a luxurious edge over the competition. From its feature-packed cabin and off-road arsenal to those clever little touches that only come from a brand with a long history of building adventure vehicles, read on as we examine what makes the 2024 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium such an alluring option in today’s market.

Luxury Comes Standard

An opulent interior marks the key difference between the 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium and the base TRD Off-Road trim. That’s not to say that the TRD Off-Road’s cabin is spartan by any means, but there’s simply no competing with the luxury of the TRD Off-Road Premium. Toyota has pulled out all the stops to create an interior that’s both rugged and lavish, packing the cabin with a full suite of advanced comfort and convenience features that help drivers enjoy the ride whether they’re carving through their local off-road trails or enduring the equally trying rigors of the daily commute.

We’ll start with the seats, which are adorned with a striking red TRD logo stitched into the headrests and trimmed in Toyota’s SofTex upholstery. This synthetic leather material offers drivers the inherently luxurious feel of leather without all the downsides. Not only is SofTex designed to resist wear and spills, but it’s also a lot easier to clean without any of the finicky care instructions that can come with real leather seating. This makes SofTex the perfect pairing for the off-road-focused 4Runner, allowing drivers to easily swab out the interior after a particularly messy off-the-grid excursion. SofTex also offers some substantial environmental benefits when compared to other synthetic leathers, generating 85 percent less carbon dioxide and 99 percent fewer Volatile Organic Compounds. In addition to being adorned in SofTex upholstery, the 4Runner’s front seats are also heated and ventilated to maximize comfort no matter where the road might take you.

The fifth-generation 4Runner might be getting on in years, but that doesn’t mean that it’s outdated in terms of interior tech. The SUV features all the comfort and convenience features modern drivers have come to expect and then some. From a Smart Key System with push button start and auto-dimming rearview mirror to a heated steering wheel and Toyota’s Dynamic Navigation system, drivers will enjoy an impressive array of comfort, convenience, and entertainment features. The Dynamic Navigation system is an obvious highlight, importing the latest up-to-date maps and routes to get you where you’re going in a hurry. If you’re moving at a more leisurely pace, Dynamic Navigation can mark nearby points of interest that might make for a fun little diversion.

The 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium comes standard with a long list of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, but the SUV’s most compelling safety-related feature might just be the Multi-Terrain Monitor cameras. Backup cameras are nothing new in the auto world, but the 4Runner kicks it up a notch with a network of exterior cameras that provide a comprehensive view of the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle. This feature won’t just come in handy when you’re navigating the wilds of your local grocery store parking lot or trying to parallel park; it can also be a lifesaver when tackling tough off-road terrain where the ability to spot obstacles can mean the difference between a successful journey and one that ends with an unfortunate new dent.

An Off-Road Standout

Of course, four-wheel drive comes standard on every 4Runner TRD Off-Road model, including the TRD Off-Road Premium, but that’s only a small part of the SUV’s off-road appeal. The TRD Off-Road Premium boasts a total ground clearance of 9.6 inches, as well as a 33-degree approach angle and 26-degree departure angle that’ll have you tackling even the steepest terrain with confidence. Toyota has also outfitted the TRD Off-Road Premium with everything from an electronic locking rear differential and Crawl Control to Multi-Terrain Select and an available Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). The 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium still lets the driver have all the fun behind the wheel but backs them up with a generous selection of the latest and greatest in off-road technology.

Any driver who has earned their off-road stripes knows how important an electronic locking rear differential can be when trying to ensure a successful excursion. The system provides consistent traction by evenly distributing engine power to both of the rear wheels. This allows the wheels to move at the same speed regardless of whether both are making contact with the road, giving drivers the ability to conquer even the gnarliest off-road obstacles with ease. While a new breed of off-road-inspired models has made inroads within the segment in recent years, it’s features like the electronic locking rear differential that set the 4Runner apart from these so-called “soft-roaders.”

Speaking of traction, 4Runner drivers will never be hurting for a little grip, thanks to the SUV’s Multi-Terrain Select system. MTS comes with four selectable drive modes––Rock, Mogul, Loose Rock, and Mud & Sand––each with its own unique settings that can dramatically adjust the 4Runner’s throttle, brakes, and traction control to help limit wheelspin. The MTS system can be activated from a handy dial located above the dashboard, with the current setting also displayed on the instrument cluster’s multi-information display. Rock Mode is ideal for overcoming steep, hard surfaces, while Mogul Mode is designed with bumpy, hard-packed dirt in mind, as well as steep ascents and descents. The Loose Rock setting will help you to overcome riverbeds, gravel, and thick vegetation, while Mud & Sand Mode handles both surfaces, not to mention deep snow. With MTS on your side, you’ll be prepared for whatever the road throws at you.

The 4Runner’s Crawl Control system acts like a type of low-speed cruise control, taking over all the acceleration and braking duties so that drivers can give their full attention to more technical stretches of the trail. Similar features have made their way into a number of off-road models as of late, and Crawl Control is a perfect fit for the adventure-ready 4Runner. Finally, there’s the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. Wheel articulation is the name of the game when you’re tackling some of the more extreme off-road impediments you might run across, but this often comes at the cost of on-road comfort and control. Toyota has solved this age-old problem with KDSS, which allows the 4Runner’s sway bar to automatically decouple for maximum wheel articulation. KDSS will automatically reconnect the sway bars as soon as things flatten out, reducing body roll through the turns and giving the 4Runner the ability to excel in both on-road and off-road scenarios.

A Seamless Fusion of Off-Road Ability and Everyday Luxury

The 2024 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium represents a seamless fusion of off-road ability and everyday luxury that’s surprisingly hard to come by in today’s midsize SUV segment. Toyota has long had a strong presence in the off-road market with models like the Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Tacoma, and this experience is evident as soon as you get behind the wheel of the 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium. From its wide assortment of off-road technologies like Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System––not to mention the standard electronic locking rear differential––the 4Runner is built of sterner stuff than your average SUV. The TRD Off-Road Premium adds a range of high-end comfort and convenience features that manage to set the 4Runner apart from some of the lower trims without dramatically inflating the price. Stop by Toyota of Bowling Green today and see why the 2024 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium is such great value for those seeking a reliable off-road companion.