We drove the 4Runner in the rain in Solvang, California, area, on hilly rural two-lane roadways past vineyards, horse pastures and cattle ranches. It rained not hard, but steadily, during our driving. We got to use the wipers, test the brakes in the wet, and steer through corners with sand and gravel in the roadway. During our testing, we had a chance to drive both the Limited and the Trail Edition.

It's in bad weather that the full-time 4WD system standard in the Limited really shines. It's designed to shift torque between wheels as the vehicle rolls over inconsistent surfaces, so it's ideal for use on roads with slippery patches or wet spots. We found the Limited 4Runner tracked cleanly and accurately through corners and over compromised surfaces.

The brake system feels strong and progressive at the top of the pedal, and even in the rain, lends itself to a secure, confident feeling. The front discs have four-piston fixed calipers and 13.3-inch brake rotors. They are augmented with four-sensor, four-channel ABS and skid control systems.

The 2010 4Runner has more power than any previous 4Runner, and that includes the previous generation with the optional V8. The new V6 puts out 10 more horsepower than the old V8, and has noticeably more snap, revving quicker and with more urgency. Full-throttle acceleration is quite brisk for a seven-passenger, family SUV. From a standing start, the V6 4Runner will hit 60 mph in about 8.6 seconds, and feels good doing it. The full-time 4WD system hunts a little from a standing start, so a small amount of torque initially tugs at the steering wheel, but steers true after a quick chirp off the line. High-speed passes are similarly exuberant. Pin the throttle pedal and the transmission with kick down two gears and rev to 5500 rpm, making it easy to swoop by lines of traffic and accelerate up steep grades. Decide to pass and the next thing you know, the speedometer says 90 mph. Shifts are smooth and progressive, without much lash or thump, even at full throttle. Driven normally, the V6 will deliver decent mileage for a 4800-pound SUV. The fuel consumption readout said we had gotten 20.3 mpg after a day of mostly highway driving.

The steering wheel is thick, with a technical four-spoke design. Steering effort seems about right, neither too firm or too light. The engineering involves a variable flow, power-assisted rack-and-pinion arrangement that uses a variable gear-ratio steering rack. So not only does the hydraulic assist adjust based on conditions, but the rack itself is has a different tooth arrangement at the ends of the rack. The result is reasonably precise steering that is strong and easy at all speeds, even at full lock. It's not what you'd want for a sports car, but for an off-road-going, seven-passenger SUV, it's right.

The seats are easily wide enough for our average-size body, with low bolsters on the seat cushion and taller side bolstering on the seat back. We found they provide cornering support on winding roads, without making the driver's seat hard to get into. The leather seating material on our Limited was conspicuously fragrant, and remarkably free of blemishes or imperfections.

With 20-inch wheels and lower-profile tires, the Limited looks more sophisticated and likes corners better than the other models. But on these lumpy roads, the stiffer wheel/tire combination was a factor in choppy ride quality, especially noticeable when we spent some time in the back seat. The Limited has a diagonally cross-linked shock absorber system that helps damp out pitch and roll, and it works to limit body roll. But sharper impacts do come through when the vehicle is on flat surfaces.

We found the Trail Edition rides about as well as the Limited because of its more compliant suspension and taller tire sidewall, and it transitions through corners only slightly less cleanly. That's because the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) anti-swaybar disconnect capability allows for thicker stabilizer bars on the Trail Edition. Therefore, on-road cornering power can be preserved without compromising off-road suspension compliance. The Trail Edition, with the thicker bars, did feel a little a little more jittery at speed on the highway, but soaked up larger impacts best of all. The Limited, more stylish and better handling, runs along smoothly until larger impacts come into play.

We tried the retractable rear tailgate window, which is a feature not seen much on SUVs these days. By opening the vents in the front, and cracking the rear window, a real breeze can be allowed to flow from front to rear. On a nice day, it might be the best ventilation system of any SUV, as airflow is maximized and wind noise is minimal, much less than from a sunroof. Smokers love it, and it can be handy when hauling smelly cargo.

We also drove a 4Runner Trail Edition off road. The Trail Edition is the 4Runner for those who plan to use the vehicle for recreation. Almost like an FJ Cruiser with four doors, the Trail Edition is set up to cruise to a trailhead, confidently drive on the trail itself, and return to the highway. That makes its capabilities and packaging advantages ideal for those who camp, hunt, fish or regularly travel backcountry roads. It can ford up to 27 inches of water and has 9.6 inches of ground clearance. Skid plates are included for the engine, transfer case and fuel tank. Two tow hooks are mounted on the front although in a low position that might make them hard to reach if stuck in a stream or snow bank. A rear receiver hitch is standard, for towing up to 5000 pounds, and its presence makes for easy vehicle recovery from the rear.

We found the manual part-time transfer case easy to operate. There is a stubby lever that actuates 4WD High Range and 4WD Low Range. Sometimes lever-actuated part-time systems can be balky, but on our Trail Edition we were able to slip in and our of 4-Low without any dithering.

The Trail Edition's part-time system is shared with the SR5, but the Limited gets a dial-actuated full-time system that is always on, in case of changing road conditions or inclement weather. The Limited is better for ice and wintry conditions when grip is inconsistent.

The Trail Edition trades surprisingly little for the advantages it offers. Ride quality is about as good as the other versions, and steering and cornering are only slightly less crisp. Tire noise is only slightly increased, at least inside the cabin. Meanwhile, traction is markedly improved by the addition of an electronic locking rear differential, the KDSS system, and traction control systems with adjustable rates of feedback. One system, Crawl Control, allows the driver to dial in speeds from 1 to 3 mph as the driver concentrates on steering across difficult terrain. We tried it, uphill and down, and sure enough, the system controls throttle and braking to maintain a steady speed. When that speed seemed to be too rapid for the suspension to handle comfortably, we adjusted the dial to give us a slower pace. At 1 mph, progress is very slow, safe and predictable. Another system, multi-terrain select, allows for dialing in the rate of wheelslip when driving off-road. As a result, the Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) system can be just as effective in mud or sand as it is on rock. When even more traction is called for, an electronic locker in the rear axle actuates with the push of a button. KDSS is optional, but an excellent off-road suspension enhancement. It was formerly only available on the Land Cruiser, but now can be had in the 4Runner.

We have not had a chance to test the 4Runner SR5 2WD with the four-cylinder 2.7-liter engine. We would expect to find that the primary advantage of the 2.7-liter engine would be low initial cost. Combined with a four-speed automatic transmission, the 2.7-liter is rated 1 mpg better than the 4.0 V6, and costs as much as $12,300 less. It would make a sturdy and utilitarian wagon, but since it does not offer the all-terrain capability of the 4WD models, it would be logical to cross-shop the Toyota Highlander. Still, at $12,300 less than the Limited 4x4, the price advantage for the 2.7-liter SR5 is clear.