The Toyota 4Runner’s family of models has broadened with the latest generation, now featuring an astonishing nine trims, two engines, and two types of four-wheel drive systems. The newest addition for the sixth generation is the Trailhunter, which many enthusiasts find love at first sight. Beware: The Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter’s “Snorkel” Isn’t Actually a Snorkel.
The 4Runner Trailhunter is definitely something to be thrilled about; I was excited when it launched! Equipped with 2.5-inch forged ARB Old Man Emu shocks with external piggyback remote reservoirs, and 33-inch all-terrain tires straight from the factory, this vehicle is ready for action. It also includes a snorkel as standard equipment, though it’s probably not what you expect.
Up front, Toyota does not refer to the component that emerges from the passenger-side front fender and travels up the A-pillar as a snorkel. The manufacturer labels it a “high-mount air intake.” It may appear to be a snorkel, but there is a significant and crucial distinction between a snorkel and a high-mount intake system.
Mistaking the two could lead to a fun adventure turning into a frustrating experience that, in the worst case, could destroy your engine.
A snorkel is a sealed, high-mount air intake system that allows a vehicle to navigate through deeper waters, enhancing its ability to intake air from a higher vantage point. The key term is sealed, which prevents water from entering the intake system and potentially flooding the engine, which can lead to total engine failure and costly repairs.
Toyota refers to it as a high-mount air intake because it is not water-tight. The design elevates the air intake above ground level, ensuring that when traversing dusty paths, the air being drawn into the engine is more likely to be clean and free of dust particles.
In an interesting twist, the 4Runner TRD Pro, designed for speed over rough terrain, lacks a high-mount air intake, unlike the Trailhunter, which is tailored for a slower pace on unpaved roads.
Beyond the functional nuances, there’s the aspect of everyday use. The high-mount air intake is quite noisy. If you start the 4Runner, you will hear the air being sucked into that turbo-four hybrid powertrain at engine startup. Each time you press the throttle, a loud whoosh reverberates. These sounds are more subdued in other models like the 4Runner’s larger, boxier relative, the Land Cruiser, where the intake is concealed under the hood and behind the firewall. The same applies to every other 4Runner variant, except for the Trailhunter.
I genuinely appreciate that the Trailhunter features skid plates extending from the front bumper to behind the transfer case. I can assert that the Trailhunter’s suspension and tire combination make it the most comfortable 4Runner straight from the factory. However, living with the intake noise? That’s your call, especially if you and your family can tolerate the turbo-four’s whoosh sounds. Functionally, it doesn’t make navigating through deeper waters any easier or significantly improve your off-road experience. Buyer discretion advised.
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