# 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Review: Classic Design with Enduring Performance
The Toyota 4Runner has consistently been a key player in the off-road SUV category, recognized for its robust build, off-road capabilities, and dependability. The 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro continues this tradition, providing a vehicle that’s just as proficient on rugged terrain as it is reliable for everyday use. Nonetheless, as the automotive sector swiftly embraces new technologies, hybrid engines, and contemporary design styles, the 4Runner’s older framework and antiquated aesthetics are becoming increasingly noticeable. Still, the 2024 4Runner TRD Pro remains beloved by off-road fans, owing to its enduring performance and steadfast competence.
## Exterior Design: Sturdy yet Outmoded
The 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro retains its boxy, practical design that has become emblematic of the model. While this rugged look is appealing to many, it’s evident that the 4Runner is beginning to reflect its age, particularly when stacked against more contemporary competitors like the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Land Rover Defender. The design has remained primarily unchanged since its fifth-generation launch in 2010, and while this aids in maintaining a sense of continuity and identity, it also signifies a lack of the sleekness and sophistication found in newer SUVs.
The TRD Pro variant, however, introduces some bold enhancements to keep the 4Runner’s appearance current. The distinctive blacked-out grille featuring prominent “TOYOTA” lettering, a functional hood scoop, and the exclusive TRD Pro skid plate contribute to the SUV’s rugged, off-road-ready look. The 17-inch matte-black TRD alloy wheels dressed in all-terrain tires, along with the elevated suspension, underline its off-road capabilities. Additionally, the 4Runner TRD Pro includes a roof rack that provides both functionality and a more rugged appearance.
While the exterior may be aging, its functionality is still unmistakably strong. The ample ground clearance, compact overhangs, and body-on-frame construction empower the 4Runner TRD Pro as a formidable off-road vehicle, despite not appearing as contemporary as some competitors.
## Interior: Practical but Unfashionable
Upon entering the 2024 4Runner TRD Pro, you encounter an interior that presents a more functional than luxurious atmosphere. The cabin is spacious, offering ample room for passengers and equipment, yet the design and materials have begun to seem antiquated. Hard plastics are prevalent throughout the dashboard and door panels, and the overall design has lacked significant updates for over ten years.
The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while serviceable, feels small by contemporary metrics. It features compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, but the interface lacks the intuitive and responsive nature of systems found in newer vehicles. The physical controls for climate and audio are user-friendly, particularly useful when wearing gloves during off-road excursions, yet they contribute to the cabin’s vintage vibe.
The TRD Pro variant does offer some distinctive interior features, such as TRD Pro-branded floor mats, red accent stitching, and durable SofTex-trimmed seats that provide comfort. However, when compared to the luxurious interiors of newer rivals, the 4Runner’s cabin feels practical and is missing the sophistication and advanced technology that many consumers seek in 2024.
## Performance: Enduring Off-Road Excellence
The true strength of the 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro lies in its off-road capabilities. Under the hood, you’ll find the familiar 4.0-liter V6 engine that has powered the 4Runner for several years. Producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, it is adequate but not overly remarkable by today’s standards. This engine pairs with a 5-speed automatic transmission, a characteristic that further highlights the 4Runner’s age, given that most competitors now feature more sophisticated 8- or 10-speed transmissions.
Despite this aging powertrain, the off-road proficiency of the 4Runner TRD Pro remains exceptional. The TRD Pro trim is outfitted with a range of off-road features, including:
– **Fox Internal Bypass Shocks**: These top-tier shocks deliver outstanding damping on rough terrain, providing a smooth ride even on the toughest trails.
– **TRD-Tuned Front Springs**: These springs raise the front of the vehicle for enhanced ground clearance and improved approach angles.
– **Skid Plates**: A front skid plate is included to safeguard the undercarriage against rocks and debris.
– **Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control**: These systems enable the driver to fine-tune the vehicle’s traction and throttle response according to various off-road scenarios like mud, sand, or rocky paths.
– **Lock
