As consumers have migrated to crossovers – vehicles that look like SUVs but drive like cars – rugged off-roaders like the 2009 Toyota 4Runner are becoming a rare breed. In fact, a couple of years from now, the 4Runner’s only competition might be the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Kia Borrego, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Volkswagen Touareg as other manufacturers halt production of their traditional, truck-based sport utes or redesign them as crossover SUVs. The current 4Runner has been in production with few changes since 2003, and is overdue for a complete redesign, which is expected soon. In the meantime, the current model sees few modifications.

Changes to the 2009 Toyota 4Runner include:

• New Trail Edition Package for SR5 models with 4WD
• Trail Edition includes locking rear differential, Active Traction Control, Bilstein shocks, unique 16-inch alloy wheels, color-keyed exterior trim, black tubular side steps, and a tubular roof rack
• Inside, the Trail Edition includes water-resistant fabric, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and a detachable TomTom GPS navigation unit
• Trail Edition Package available in Titanium Metallic, Natural White, and Shadow Mica
• Blizzard Pearl paint is a new color for 2009

The 2009 Toyota 4Runner is available in SR5, Sport Edition, and Limited trim levels. The 4Runner SR5 includes 16-inch alloy wheels, power side mirrors, fog lights, privacy glass, a limited-slip rear differential, skid plates, and Hill Start Assist Control. Other standard features include automatic climate control, a CD player, an auxiliary input jack, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, a trip computer, and cruise control. The 4Runner SR5 has an 8-way manually-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and includes parabolic cargo area mirrors that help the driver see to the rear and sides of the vehicle for reversing. The SR5 4WD model replaces the limited-slip rear differential with a Torsen limited-slip and locking center diff, and also includes Downhill Assist Control and an additional skid plate for the transfer case. SR5 models with a V-8 engine have a standard towing hitch receiver and ball mount kit.

Moving up to the Sport Edition provides the buyer with a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels, color-keyed exterior trim, a smoked chrome grille and headlamp bezels, tubular-style side rails and roof rack, and a racy hood scoop. Other features that come standard on the Sport Edition include power adjustable front seats, a tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise controls, an illuminated passenger’s vanity mirror, and a rear tonneau cover.

The 4Runner Limited drops the Sport Edition’s cosmetic enhancements and sport suspension, but adds 18-inch wheels, color-keyed grille, automatic headlights, roof rails, and illuminated running boards. Inside, Limited buyers receive dual-zone climate control; a stereo with a six-disc in-dash CD changer, satellite radio capability, and additional audio speakers; leather upholstery with memory function for the driver’s seat and heated front seats; wood-grain interior trim; a leather-wrapped shift knob; a double-decker cargo system with cargo net; a Homelink universal transmitter; an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass; and a 115-volt AC power outlet.

Any 4Runner can be optioned with a power sunroof, a rear seat DVD entertainment system, a color-keyed rear spoiler, and daytime running lights. Toyota also offers its JBL premium audio system on all models, as well as a voice-activated touchscreen navigation system with Bluetooth hands-free phone pairing and a reversing camera.

Remaining options are dependent on selected trim level. The 4Runner SR5 is available with a choice between two Trail Edition Packages, or an SR5 Extra Value Package, each bundling popular options at a discount. Notable stand-alone accessories include a power driver’s seat, Homelink, a 115-volt AC power outlet, a third-row seat, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Sport Edition models can be decked out in Urban Runner décor through selection of the standard or Extra Value Packages, and there’s also a Sport Edition Extra Value Package. Other options for this model include an in-dash CD changer with satellite radio capability or, for a little more money, a JBL Synthesis premium audio system. Also available are Homelink and a 115-volt AC power outlet, but the Sport Edition is not available with an optional third-row seat.

The top-shelf Limited model is offered with the Limited Extra Value Package, JBL Synthesis audio, a third-row seat, and a rear height-control air suspension. To obtain the latter feature, buyers must equip the 4Runner with the sport-tuned suspension and a V-8 engine.

The 2009 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with either a V-6 or V-8 engine driving the rear or all four wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4.0-liter V-6 makes 236 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 266 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 4.7-liter V-8 makes 260 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 306 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,400 rpm. Both engines operate on regular unleaded fuel.

Our review vehicle, a well-equipped Limited V-8 with 4WD, averaged 15.4 mpg in mixed driving with an emphasis on highway travel. Combined with the 4Runner’s standard 23-gallon fuel tank, this actual fuel economy figure results in an approximate 350-mile range between fill-ups of regular unleaded.

Standard safety equipment on every 2010 Toyota 4Runner includes dual front airbags, side-impact airbags for front seat passengers, and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for the first two rows of seats. Additionally, the 4Runner comes standard with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes four-wheel-disc ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, a stability control system, and traction control.

Hill Start Assist Control is also standard, and holds the 4Runner still on hills while the driver switches from the brake to the accelerator, preventing the SUV from rolling backwards. Models equipped with 4WD also feature Downhill Assist Control, which helps to limit speed when descending hills. The 4Runner can also be equipped with a reversing camera, which is included when the optional voice-activated, touchscreen navigation system is ordered.

J.D. Power and Associates says the 2009 Toyota 4Runner competes against other rugged midsize multi-activity vehicles, such as the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Borrego, Mercury Mountaineer, and Nissan Pathfinder.