Should You Take the 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road?

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road is capable on most terrain.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Updated on Mar 23, 2023
The 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road balances off-road chops and creature comforts. While it can more than take on casual off-roading, this is not the best choice for serious all-terrain adventurers
We're here to analyze the off-road capabilities of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road. Learn about the key factors essential to an off-road vehicle, and alternative options to this SUV.

Can the 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road go off road?

Yes—the 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road can go off-road. The off-road edition incorporates off-road features including part-time four-wheel drive and a locking rear differential with crawl mode. The premium version also offers luxurious upgrades like heated front seats and leatherette upholstery.
Starting at around $29,979 on Edmunds, the 2019 4Runner TRD Off Road has enough features to take a casual stroll through easy off-terrain paths.

Ground clearance

One of the most important numbers to consider when choosing an off-roader is its ground clearance. The 2019 4Runner TRD Off Road’s minimum ground clearance is 9.6 inches, which is well above the minimum height recommended for an off-road vehicle. 
More ground clearance means more leeway when traveling on uneven terrain without damaging your car’s undercarriage. In terms of ground clearance, the 4Runner has a leg up on its competitors. The 2019
Lexus GX 460
and
Honda Passport
both only have a ground clearance of 8.1 inches.

Torque

Turning power is often more essential than speed when it comes to driving off-road. The most capable off-road vehicles will have a large low-end torque (torque at lower rpm)--a higher low-end torque means better off-road control. 
The 2019 4Runner TRD Off Road’s 4.0-liter V6 engine produces a maximum torque of 278 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM. This is enough power to handle most uneven and rough surfaces you may encounter, but may not be enough to crush extreme terrain conditions. 

Tires

The 2019 4Runner TRD Off Road is outfitted with a set of stock TRD Off-Road P265/70R17 tires
All-terrain tires
, are specially designed to handle off-roading on different terrains and cruising on paved roads. Although the open, aggressive tread pattern allows the 4Runner to retain better traction and control, they wear out faster than standard all-season tires. These costly tires need replacing more often, which increases the cost of ownership for a 4Runner TRD Off Road. 

Drivetrain

Four-wheel drive in an SUV is essential to power through rough terrains. The 2019 4Runner TRD Off Road comes standard with a part-time four-wheel drive. This allows drivers to manually select a two-speed transfer case with a low-range setting when required.
Once the 4WD is activated, the drivetrain provides torque to all the wheels to optimize the power for off-road driving conditions. 

Angles

The vehicle’s angles—the approach angle and departure angle—are also important to consider, especially if you are scaling large hills: 
  • Approach angle: the maximum angle at which the vehicle can climb without interference 
  • Departure angle: the maximum angle at which the vehicle can descend without interference
The 2019 4Runner TRD Off Road has great approach and departure angles of 33 and 26 degrees respectively. A lift kit and larger tires compatible with the 4Runner can also be installed to increase the angles.

Off-road rating: Rough and ready

We’ve rated the 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road using
Jerry’s
DIRT rating system, which stands for:
Rating
Meaning
Description
D
Don’t Try It
Vehicles better suited for highway conditions
I
In a Pinch
Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions under dire circumstances
R
Rough and Ready
Vehicles capable of handling casual off-roading
T
Trail Boss
True off-road vehicles that can tackle a range of terrain and road conditions
The 2019 4Runner TRD Off Road earns a respectable R rating. Even with “Off Road” in its name, the 4Runner is only trail-ready on a casual basis. 
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The best off-road alternatives to the 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road

If you’re looking for a capable SUV that makes the off-road paths a breeze to handle, the 2019 4Runner TRD Off Road may not fully fit the bill.
Here are the best alternatives to the 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road:
Alternative
Model
Price
Description
Best comparable alternative
Lexus GX 460
$56,125
Powered by a 4.6-liter 8-cylinder engine that produces 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. It has great off-road abilities to take on different types of terrains. This is a great luxury alternative to the 4Runner.
Best affordable alternative
2019 Honda Passport
$31,990
The Passport not only has a peppy 3.5L V-6 engine that produces 280 hp and a nine-speed automatic transmission. It also comes with the option to upgrade to an all-wheel drive for all-terrain capabilities. Aside from its off-roading capabilities, the Passport also offers extreme practicality with its generous amount of cargo space and passenger accommodations.
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How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles

The best off-roading vehicles bring the ability to discover unexplored parts of the world, but also have a greater cost of ownership when compared to a regular vehicle. Going off-roading increases the risk of damage to your car, even if you have the best mods. This also means higher
car insurance
rates! 
What’s the solution? Shopping with
Jerry
for the lowest rates! As a licensed insurance broker and a comparison shopping expert, Jerry compares rates from over 55 top insurers to find you the quotes that fit your needs—all in 45 seconds!
Jerry users save an average of more than $800 per year on car insurance. Those savings could go towards some off-road mods like a lifted suspension, or you could save up for a bigger and better off-roader! 
“I thought my previous insurance rate was the best I could get, since I have a luxury SUV. After
Jerry
found me quotes, I ended up paying only $80 a month for the same exact coverage. I’ll be shopping for auto insurance through Jerry from now on!” —Petra S.
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