Introduced at the 10th Annual FJ Summit in Ouray, Colorado, Toyota's midsize body-on-frame sport utility gets the top-shelf TRD treatment for the 2017 model year.

2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Premium front 3/4 view

2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD

The Toyota 4Runner has been with us since 1985 when it nearly single-handedly created the sport utility segment. The current generation was introduced back in 2009 as a 2010 model and, aside from a few cosmetic changes in 2014, has soldiered on unchanged.

Much of that will change for the 2017 model year when Toyota begins offering its midsize body-on-frame sport utility in two new grades -- TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium.

2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Premium overhead rear 3/4 view

Making their debut at 10th Annual FJ Summit in Ouray, Colorado, exterior changes separating the two newest models from the rest of the lineup include black painted wheels and special TRD Off-Road badges on the C-pillars. Interior amenities will include a center console with faux carbon fiber trim as well as floor mats featuring the TRD Off-Road designation. TRD Off-Road Premium 4Runner models also receive "TRD" red lettering on the headrests of the driver and front passenger seats.

2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Premium hill climb side view

Bigger changes are afoot under all this as both Off-Road and Off-Road Premium grades feature a "Multi-Terrain Select" system which enables the driver, via a dial, to adjust wheel slip by selecting the mode that best matches the prevailing terrain and conditions.

An electronic-locking rear differential and Toyota's Crawl Control (a feature that maintains a constant vehicle speed by regulating both engine speed and braking force – in either forward or reverse - when driving up and over obstacles in challenging off-road situations) are also standard.

2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Premium side view

Optional on both trims is Toyota's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that allows for extended wheel travel (that is, more-than-normal wheel slip is permitted, allowing wheel-spin to work in the vehicle’s favor) at slow speeds for greater off-road capability. Ion the other hand, in "Mogul" setting, which can be used for V-ditches, slopes, and ridges, wheel slip is minimized and the system acts more like a limited slip differential.

2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Premium front 7/8 view

2017 Toyota 4Runner prices and models

All told, the 2017 4Runner will be available in 2017 in six grades: SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and TRD Pro. According to Toyota, "pricing for all grades will be available prior to the 4Runner’s launch later this year."