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Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner SUV is an SUV manufactured by Toyota, sold mainly in the United States, Canada and Mexico and built from 1984 to the present. The original 4Runner was little more than a Toyota pickup truck with a fiberglass shell over the bed, but the model has since undergone significant independent development into a mid-size SUV.
The 4Runner is sold outside North America as the Toyota Hilux Surf. All 4Runners have been built at Toyota's plant in Tahara, Japan as well at Toyota's Hino plant.
See also the review for the Toyota 4Runner Review.
2003–2006 Fourth generation
The fourth generation 4Runner incorporated serious changes to the chassis and body of the vehicle, but was targeted at approximately the same demographics as the third generation. The updated 4Runner looks very different from the older 4Runners, but is still targeted as a mid-size quasi-luxury SUV. Available trims are currently the SR5, Sport Edition, and the Limited. An all-new 4.0 L V6 is standard in the current 4Runner, but for the first time, a V8 became available for the fourth generation models. The same 4.7 L V8 found in the Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia is now an available option for the fourth generation.
Engine(s) |
SR5 |
Sport Edition |
Limited |
|
4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve EFI VVT-i V6 236 hp @ 5200 rpm/266 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
4.7-liter DOHC 32-valve EFI VVT-i V8 260 hp @ 5400 rpm/306 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm |
Available |
Available |
Available |
|
Ignition |
Electronic, with Toyota Direct Ignition (TDI) | ||
|
Transmission V6 and V8 models |
5-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive (ECT) | ||
|
Body construction |
Reinforced body-on-frame construction | ||
|
Drivetrain |
| ||
|
2WD V6 and V8 |
Front engine, rear-wheel drive | ||
|
Multi-Mode 4-wheel drive with Torsen® limited-slip center differential with locking feature | |||
|
4WD V8 |
Full-time 4-wheel drive with Torsen® limited-slip center differential with locking feature | ||
|
Suspension |
Independent double-wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar; 4-link rear suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar | ||
|
Steering |
Variable gear rack-and-pinion power steering | ||
|
Turning circle diameter, curb to curb (ft.) |
37.4 | ||
|
Brakes |
Power-assisted 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist | ||
|
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) + Traction Control |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
|
Downhill Assist Control (DAC)(4WD models) |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
|
Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Trims | |||||||||||
|
SR5 V6 4x2 |
SR5 V8 4x2 |
SR5 V8 4x4 |
SR5 Sport V6 4x2 |
SR5 Sport V8 4x2 |
SR5 Sport V8 4x4 |
Limited V6 4x2 |
Limited V8 4x2 |
Limited V8 4x4 | |||
Price | |||||||||||
|
MSRP | |||||||||||
|
$27,635 |
$29,910 |
$29,650 |
$31,925 |
$29,975 |
$31,355 |
$32,250 |
$33,630 |
$34,350 |
$36,110 |
$36,625 |
$38,385 |
|
Invoice | |||||||||||
|
$24,677 |
$26,709 |
$26,476 |
$28,508 |
$26,642 |
$27,908 |
$28,674 |
$29,940 |
$30,674 |
$32,246 |
$32,705 |
$34,275 |
MPG | |||||||||||
|
18/22 |
17/21 |
17/20 |
16/19 |
18/22 |
17/20 |
17/21 |
16/19 |
18/22 |
17/20 |
17/21 |
16/19 |
0 to 60 Acceleration | |||||||||||
|
7.2 sec |
7.4 sec |
6.8 sec |
7.1 sec |
7.2 sec |
6.8 sec |
7.5 sec |
7.1 sec |
7.2 sec |
6.8 sec |
7.5 sec |
7.1 sec |
- Performance and Handlingv6_style2/performance.
- Comfort and Conveniencev6_style2/comfort.
- Safety Featuresv6_style2/safety.
1996–2002 Third generation
1996 marked another significant redesign of the then-aging 4Runner. Whereas the transition to the second generation 4Runner was one that kept the build quality and options roughly on par with the rest of the mid-size SUV market, the changes made in the third generation turned the 4Runner into a more luxury-oriented vehicle. This move paralleled the upgrades to the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder, but moved the 4Runner into a distinctly different class than its older competitors, the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, and Isuzu Rodeo. The third generation 4Runner did, however, look very similar to the second generation.
This similarity largely ended with its looks. It carried over the basic design and concept, but executed it differently with an all-new bodyshell on an all-new chassis. This time, it shared virtually nothing with the pickup it had originally evolved from, and had more in common with the Land Cruiser, as it shared its chassis with that of the Land Cruiser Prado.
Significant changes from the second generation models include a larger body on a longer wheelbase, increased interior space, increased cargo space, twin airbags, ABS, lift-up tailgate, coil-sprung suspension all round, rack and pinion steering. Additionally, Hilux Surf versions immediately moved to 16 in wheels and gained a center differential, enabling the use of four wheel drive on hard surfaces without complication for the first time. The prior system was retained to give on-the-fly shifting between rear and four wheel drive as before.
1990–1995 Second generation
The 1990 model year 4Runner represented a fundamental departure from the first-generation model. Instead of an enhanced pickup truck, the new 4Runners featured a freshly designed body mounted on an existing frame. The difference is easily seen when comparing pickups and 4Runners of similar vintage: a 1984 4Runner looks remarkably similar to a 1984 Toyota pickup, whereas a 1990 4Runner shares only subtle styling details with the 1990 pickup.
Nearly all second generation 4Runners were 4-door models, however from 1990 to 1992, a 2-door model was also produced. These models are similar to the 4-door models of the time in that the bodies were formed as a single unit, instead of the fiberglass tops used in the first-generation 4Runners. Two-door 4Runners from this era are extremely rare, and were discontinued in August 1992, probably due to high importation duties and insurance costs.
Because the drivelines were still developed from the same source, however, available engines were identical. A new 2.4 L four cylinder and the same 3.0 L V6 were both available in rear wheel drive and four wheel drive layouts. The new 4Runner used the independent front suspension that had been developed on the previous generation. The older style gear driven transfer case was phased out, and both engines now had chain driven cases, probably to cut down cab noise and vibration.
The Hilux Surf version for the Japanese market was also available with a range of diesel engines, including a 2.4 L turbodiesel I4 up to 1993, followed by a 3.0 L turbodiesel I4. A small number were also made with a normally aspirated 2.8 L diesel I4. A small number were also produced with a 2.0 L I4 naturally-aspirated gasoline engine.
Most other full-body SUVs produced at the time (e.g. Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer) featured tailgates that opened upward with the glass closed. In contrast, the second generation 4Runner carried over the retractable-glass tailgate from the first generation. Opening these tailgates requires first retracting the rear window into the tailgate and then lowering the tailgate much like as on a pickup truck.
In 1992, the 4Runner received minor cosmetic updates, including modular headlamps instead of the increasingly outdated rectangular sealed beams. Additional cosmetic changes occurred between 1993 and 1995, the last year of the second generation.
1984–1989 First generation
The Toyota pickup (upon which the 4Runner was originally based) underwent a major redesign in 1983 for the 1984 model year. Many other automakers were introducing mid-size SUVs in the mid 1980s (e.g., Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer) and the pressure mounted on Toyota to develop a competing model. Instead of developing an entirely new model, Toyota took their existing short-bed pickup frame, made some simple modifications, and added an open one-piece body with a removable fiberglass top (much like the full-size Ford Bronco and Chevrolet K5 Blazer).
Thus, the first generation 4Runner is nearly mechanically identical to the Toyota pickup. All first generation 4Runners had two-doors and were indistinguishable from the pickups from the dashboard forward. Nearly all changes were to the latter half of the body; in fact, because the rear springs were not upgraded to cope with the additional weight of the rear seats and fiberglass top, these early models tend to suffer from sagging rear suspensions.
The first 4Runners were introduced in 1984 as 1984 1/2 models. For this first year, all models were equipped with black or white fiberglass tops. An SR5 trim package was offered that upgraded the interior: additional gauges, better fabrics, and a rear seat were standard with the package. All 1984 models were equipped with the carbureted 2.4 L 22R engine and were all available with a four wheel drive system that drove the front wheels through a solid front axle (although this would be changed in 1986).
1985 saw the advent of the electronically fuel-injected 2.4 L 22R-E engine (though the carbureted engine remained available until 1988). Additionally, rear seats were available in all 1985 4Runner trim levels, not just the SR5.
In 1986, all American-market Toyota pickup trucks (and the 4Runner) underwent a major design change as the suspension was changed from a solid front axle to an independent front suspension. This change for the American market made the trucks more driveable at highway speeds and increased the space in the engine compartment, but arguably decreased the truck's off-road capabilities. It also widened the track of the truck by three inches, making it more stable in turns. Outside the US, the Hilux Surf also gained the new Hi-Trac suspension design, though the pickups retained the more rugged and capable, if less refined, solid axle configuration. Tops were color-matched on blue or red 4Runners, while other body colors were still sold with white or black tops. During 1986 many 4Runners were imported to the US without rear seats. With only two seats the vehicle could be classified as a truck (rather than a sport vehicle) and could skirt the higher customs duties placed upon sport and pleasure vehicles. Most had aftermarked seats and seat belts added by North American dealers after they were imported.
A turbocharged version of the 22R-E engine (the 22R-TE) was also introduced in 1986, although this engine is significantly rarer than the base 22RE. These turbocharged models (designated 4Runner SR5 Turbo) were equipped with a wider-ratio transmission and heavier rear differentials. Low-option models had a small light in the gauge cluster to indicate turbo boost, while more plush vehicles were equipped with an all-digital dash that included a boost gauge. All turbocharged 4Runner models sold were apparently equipped with an automatic transmission, though a manual could be had in the pickups. Turbocharged and naturally aspirated diesel engines were available in the pickups at this time as well, but it appears that no diesel-powered 4Runners were imported to the United States.
In 1988, the 22R-E engine was joined by an optional 3.0 L V6 engine, the 3VZ-FE. This engine was significantly larger and more powerful than the original 4-cylinder offering. Trucks sold with the V6 engine were equipped with the same heavy duty rear differential that was used in the turbocharged trucks, as well as a completely new transmission and transfer case; the transfer case was chain driven, and created less cab noise than the old gear-driven unit used behind the four cylinder engine.
Small cosmetic and option changes were made in 1989, but the model was left largely untouched in lieu of the replacement model then undergoing final development.
Pre-1984 Conversions
Prior to the official introduction of the 4Runner in 1984, Toyota entered into collaborations with Winnebago, Griffith Coach, and another American conversion company to convert short-bed Toyota Hilux pickups into 4Runner-style vehicles. Winnebago's conversion used a Toyota RV cab and chassis retrofitted with a fiberglass rear section made by Winnebago. The vehicle was available in two or four wheel drive. In a slightly different approach, Griffith started with a complete pickup, cutting the back of the cab out, sealing the gap between the cab and bed, and attaching a permanent camper shell. Rear seats were also added. Winnebago called their vehicle the Tekker, Griffith called theirs the TrailBlazer, and the third company sold theirs as the Wolverine. All of the vehicles were made in relatively small numbers and few remain in existence today.
Safety
Both the first and second generation 4Runners became targeted as very unsafe SUVs. 1980s and early-1990s US crash regulations were not very strict for light trucks, and all early model 4Runners were fitted with doors that offered little protection in the event of a side collision. In most areas, there was little more than two pieces of sheetmetal and the window to keep incoming vehicles from impacting passengers.The crash test rating for the second generation 4runner was one star for the drivers side in a frontal collision although the passenger side got a 4 star rating. Later, more stringent crash regulations mandated doors that offered as much protection as passenger car doors.
The most common accusations, however, were that 4Runners (and other narrow-track SUVs of the time) were prone to rollovers. Many light SUVs of the time featured comparatively high centers of gravity and, given the right situations, could be flipped over. Whether or not this is a serious road hazard is dependent on many parameters including the speed of the vehicle, the tires fitted to the vehicle, the road surface, and the driver's ability to predict and correct for situations that may result in a rollover. Third generation 4Runners were designed with a wider track, but it is unclear if this was directly in response to increased pressure from safety groups, or if it was simply a product engineering decision.
External links
- Toyota.com : Vehicles : 4Runner. Toyota's US 4Runner website.
- Toyota 4runner Forum. Toyota 4runner Forum/Bulletin Board.
- History of the 4Runner from off-road.com.
- Specs of Toyota Hilux Surf
- 4Runner History from toyotaoffroad.com.
- History of the Toyota 4Runner is the first of four pages describing the history of the 4Runner.
