Toyota 4Runner: description, photos, technical specifications

Starting a review of such a luminary of the automotive industry as Toyota is always difficult. This manufacturer has decades of successful work and well-deserved, sincere love from drivers all over the world. The variety of models and purposes is also impressive.

Description, almost any Toyota model will require an excursion into history - this manufacturer rarely refuses a successful find, preferring endless modernizations, restylings or improved equipment over the cessation of production.

The Toyota 4Runner is no exception. This classic mid-size SUV first saw the world back in 1984.

Years have passed, automobile forums have appeared, and on them experienced drivers excitedly discuss what a reliable and unpretentious car this Toyota 4Runner is.

The car really keeps up with the times, the manufacturer updates the design, improves technical characteristics, changes (albeit slightly) dimensions, but before us is still the same Toyota 4Runner SUV - beautiful even in the photo and demonstrating good cross-country ability even on complete off-road conditions.

Two 4Runners, 1997 vs. 2015. What has happened to them over the past 18 years.

Rene Descartes once said that everything in this world is known by comparison. The idea is very interesting, deep and philosophical, and it also fits cars perfectly. For example, you own one model of car and it seems to you that it is ideal, very reliable, super beautiful, mega-comfortable, in a word, there is simply nothing better in the whole world. But some time passes and the next generation of cars of the same model appears. You take a closer look at this new generation of cars, take a sniff, and you get the feeling that something is not right, your good old car is still better. But some time still passes and it already seems to you that, by all common parameters and indicators, the new car is still better than your old iron horse and it’s time to say goodbye to it.

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Is this really and truly true? Anything is possible... But so that motorists don’t guess with tea leaves, let’s make an exact comparison using a specific car model. In this comparison, we will be helped by two Japanese auto-relatives, that is, two models of Toyota 4Runner cars between which there is a whole time gap, namely, 18 years of technical progress. Let's compare how similar they are to each other and how different they are from each other? In general, let's try to determine this together.

What to expect from operation?

Among the main nuances that a potential owner of this model can most likely expect are a not entirely comfortable seating position and a low ceiling in the cabin. If there are any doubts about this statement about the Toyota 4Runner, reviews will be able to confirm this.

It should be noted that spare parts for Toyota 4 Runner are not very cheap. In addition, finding the necessary parts is often very problematic.

Why Toyota 4Runner?

The Toyota 4Runner of the early 2000s and late 90s was a very popular car. He could often be found in the Far East and beyond the Urals. A fair number of motorists in the USA, Australia and Canada drove it. In general, its habitat has almost always been associated with those countries where difficult road and weather conditions and long driving distances with difficult road surfaces are often encountered.

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From this observation we can draw the first definite conclusion: The 4Runner model is a car designed for high technical loads that has long won the status of an indestructible Toyota that can take its rider out of many difficult road situations.

For jeepers, the following illustrative story may be a textbook example:

“My friend owns a 1999 4Runner. After purchasing this Japanese miracle of technology, my friends drove an SUV for 300,000 thousand km, of which 120,000 thousand km were in the United States of America, and the remaining kilometers were in the vast expanses of our vast Motherland. The car is already 17 years old, and it is still in service (on the move). Moreover, it doesn’t just drive and squeak, but pleases its owner with very rare and minor breakdowns, as well as with its minimal maintenance. The only “jamb” of the whole structure, so to speak, is its stylistic, boring archaism. But a real SUV, as you and I know, should be brutal.”

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The car is very durable. The element of this model is off-road, but in the city it also feels quite confident. Reliability is one of the main strengths of the Toyota 4Runner. The car is very well made. If necessary, it can be pumped up to suit your own needs without much difficulty. And this service will not cost too much. I really like the spacious and well-equipped interior. There are also no problems with ergonomics - everything is in its place. Long off-road trips on this beauty are not a significant problem, much less a test. This is made possible by the presence of very comfortable seats. The multimedia system, presented in the basic configuration of the model, is distinguished by its quality and functionality. The car has not let me down more than once. Although the conditions of its operation were quite harsh. There were practically no breakdowns with the exception of planned activities to replace some parts.

Igor R. Ownership period for Toyota 4Runner 2.7 AT is 2 years.

I bought a car about a year ago. Now I don’t regret it at all. Despite the high price, the car completely justifies it. I really like to go hunting, so the initial requirement for the vehicle I purchased was good cross-country ability. The Toyota 4Runner didn't have any problems with this. The presence of air suspension allows you to smooth out any unevenness in the road surface. The machine is reliable and durable. It tolerates temperature differences very well. During the winter season, problems with starting the engine almost never arise. The gearbox is not entirely reliable. I've had to take it apart several times already. I’m not thinking about a complete replacement yet, since the cost is high. In addition, certain problems may arise with delivery. The situation is similar with shock absorbers.

Nikolai R. Ownership period for Toyota 4Runner 4 AT is 1 year.

Let's compare two Toyota 4Runner models 1997 and 2015 (American versions)

Let's compare the '97 4Runner with the orange-red novelty with an alien appearance. If you put two cars side by side and ask an inexperienced person to answer the following question: “Are the two models related,” 90% of the time the answer will be clear: “These are different cars, from different manufacturers.”

In fact, such an answer will be absolutely logical and understandable. The 2015 4Runner TRD Pro is larger and bolder visually than its closest 1990s sibling. And unlike its older brother, the 4Runner, which can easily get lost in a crowd, this newcomer simply cannot be ignored.

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The latest 4Runner in this line of models can be solemnly called a worthy successor to the work of its ancestors. It has all the necessary equipment for truly off-road driving. Giant wheels, powerful engine crankcase protection and a variety of settings and add-ons that make it easy to mix dirt, sand and snow underneath. There's virtually no obstruction to this orange SUV with "TOYOTA" written across the horizontal black line of the grille. The fact that this 4Runner is no stranger to such tests is evidenced by the photograph itself, where the car is covered with a considerable layer of dirt and dust in the engine compartment. As they say, this jeep has experienced everything the hard way.

Another important fact for a modern SUV is that this car handles well not only off-road, but also on the highway. You will not experience any discomfort or inconvenience during long journeys or daily trips to work. However, we will talk about this a little later.

The second representative of the 4Runner , this old man from 1997 still feels invigorating, it can even be called a benchmark in terms of reliability; over the years, not a single serious breakdown has occurred in it. Perhaps the secret itself lies in the fact that in its entire life it has practically not been used off-road. He covered a distance of 200,000 thousand miles (320,000 km) on smooth highways and city streets.

Home-grown testers decided for themselves that this time this veteran 4Runner would not get away with it and gave it real off-road tests. Ford, sandy soil, off-road and even a certain number of mud baths. As expected, the “combat” model coped with all the difficulties effortlessly. Even water during the ford did not seep through the battered door seals.

Testers hope that one day this 4Runner will be able to overcome the threshold of half a million miles and Toyota will provide its owner with a new generation Foraner for free... Dreams, friends, dreams...

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2021 Toyota 4Runner

From all of the above, it is clear that Toyota Motor Corporation uses its product to the fullest. New models are constantly upgraded, old ones do not stop developing until they are discontinued.

Therefore, when we say Toyota 4Runner 2021 model year, we should understand that we are talking about a fifth-generation SUV after the 2014 restyling, which was presented back in 2009 at an event held in Texas.

Even then, the car was far ahead of its competitors in terms of the richness of its configurations and the level of technical equipment. The cabin now features features such as Bluetooth, waterproof seat trim and the latest navigation system.

The appearance of the car has also changed significantly. The new Toyota 4Runner looks like a truck. As the creators themselves say, they specifically tried to give the car a brutal, rough look so that it would look more powerful and be more consistent with its technical characteristics and capabilities.

Thus, the basic kit included extended mudguards, an original radiator grille and bars for the roof rack.

Trail, one of the trim levels, has an unusual air intake on the hood, new bumper trims, and specially darkened headlights.

The top version is distinguished not only by its spectacular appearance, but also by increased load capacity and cross-country ability. So, the package includes large wheels and tires specially designed for off-road use.

As we already mentioned, in 2014 - 2015 the car underwent restyling. 4The runner became more aggressive and received new, trendy headlights. As before, Toyota developers successfully combine the rough, square shapes of an SUV with the most modern technical innovations, made in a characteristic “smooth” style. The result is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, a powerful, beautiful, and surprisingly reliable SUV.

Comparison of old and new Toyota 4Runner interiors

The older 4Runner doesn't feel much smaller inside its new companion's cabin. And over many years of operation, the interior of the older SUV has become quite worn out, and this is natural, taking into account how many kilometers the jeep has traveled and how much time has passed since its purchase. However, the leather on the dashboard and interior trim has held up surprisingly well despite its age.

By comparison, the same new 4Runner did not greet its guests so hospitably. Instead of leather, get fairly hard plastic. Inexpensive interior plastic will bring back nostalgic memories for those car owners who previously drove American car models from the 90s and early 2000s. It’s practical, of course, and even logical that Toyota began to use this type of upholstery. But still, sometimes the soul wants a holiday, and the body wants a certain comfort.

When you touch the upholstery with your hand and feel this cheap plastic, your feeling of melancholy and sadness will intensify many times over. After a long 18-year development, ]Toyota[/anchor] managed to go in the opposite direction, namely in terms of the quality of the materials used in the car. Everything is somehow too ascetic.

If you put aside your tactile sensations, the interior will still delight you with a pleasant futuristic design, an abundance of various kinds of “twists” and buttons. It (the car) is functional, modern and thought out to the smallest detail, both the style of the interior and its practicality.

Inside you will find many modern gizmos such as: navigation, a rear view camera, numerous applications, and so on and so forth.

Despite the cheap-looking interior, the sheer roominess, well-designed seating and overall comfort of this new 4Runner command respect.

All generations of Toyota 4Runner

In a nutshell, the path of this car can be described as constant development. The car underwent all sorts of updates literally every two to three years. The changes were not always very noticeable visually, at the same time, each time the Toyota 4Runner seriously developed its technical characteristics.

Toyota 4Runner: 80s

In 1984, the Toyota 4Runner SUV was first introduced. Today, cars of this period belong to the first generation of this modification.

So, the first generation 4Runner was equipped with only two doors and a removable top over the cargo compartment. In fact, the car was presented in only two variations:

• cargo 4Runner - the seats were intended only for the driver and one passenger, the rest was reserved for cargo transportation;
• passenger model - this Toyota could carry up to five people plus the driver. In this modification, the tank was significantly larger, and the level of comfort inside the cabin was higher.

The technical characteristics of the first generation can be called standard for this class of machines at that time:

• two options of gasoline engines for two and 2.4 liters;
• suspension (both rear and front) dependent;
• manual transmission;

Part Time transmission.

A year later, that is, in 1985, the deadline for the first modernization arrived - engines with an electronic gasoline supply controller were installed on the SUV.

A year later, in 1986, the Toyota 4Runner acquired an independent front suspension. A turbocharged engine also appeared in the lineup in one of the models.

In 1987, the car underwent restyling, which made its appearance more modern and stylish.

The last update to the Toyota 4Runner during the eighties was the adoption of a new six-cylinder engine model.

Toyota 4Runner: 90s

For the 4Runner SUV, the nineties mean the second and even third generation of the model.

The debut of the second generation of cars took place in mid-1989 and was the beginning of serious changes. The car received a significantly higher level of comfort and became more focused on ease of use by the consumer. For example, the Toyota 4Runner began to be supplied in both the usual two-door and four-door configurations.

Cars were offered with all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. For the latter variants, ABS was included as standard.

Despite the fact that the transmission was also subject to changes, it did not change significantly and the all-wheel drive connection system remained unchanged.

Just as in the previous case, the second generation was subject to constant improvements. So:

• after just half a year, the Toyota 4Runner acquired a new suspension, engine, brake system and automatic transmission. In 1990 it was modern and surprisingly relevant;
• an integrated CD player became part of the 4 Runner for the first time in 1991, and the lighting system was also completely changed;
• 1992 brought the model improvements in gearbox operation and serious restyling. In particular, the Japanese first presented this SUV with a leather interior;
• By 1995, the second-generation SUV had completely exhausted itself - the latest changes concerned only comfort, various electronic systems appeared: mirrors, air conditioning, etc.

The third generation of the mid-size SUV was released in 1996. The new Toyota 4Runner has been completely modernized; the following elements have been updated in the car:

• engines;
• elephant and exterior design;
• chassis;
• suspension;
• technical specifications;
• dimensions;
• safety system.

In fact, the 3rd generation 4Runner is a completely new SUV, modern for that period and maximally stuffed with a variety of technical innovations.

This series was produced until 2003, when the next generation started. And, like the previous two, the third one was also constantly modernized and improved:

• improved quality of the braking system and cruise control, new tires, ignition system, and differential - in 1997;
• in 1988, the manufacturer completely redesigned the ABS, changed the suspension, steering wheel, and improved the quality of the clutch and air conditioning in the cabin. In addition, the car now has an LCD monitor and the latest audio;
• by 1999, the Toyota 4Runner was equipped with all the technical innovations previously characteristic only of the Land Cruiser 98;
• The last modernization of the third generation SUV took place in 2000. It included updating the engine, interior and appearance of the car.

4Runner: 2000s

Until 2003, production of the previous series of the car continued, but these were the last years for the 3rd generation 4Runner.

Since 2003, the corporation launched the 4th series of 4Runner SUVs.

And, as always, the car has undergone dramatic changes:

• The engine volume of the base version increased by 0.6 liters - up to 4 liters. This unit was notable not only for its increased displacement, but also for many other things. For example, it was the first of its kind, as it was made entirely of aluminum and the first to be equipped with VVT-i. And 245 horsepower is quite a reason to be noticed in the SUV market. There is also an optional 4.7-liter option.
• The wheelbase has grown, now it is 109.8 mm. The dimensions have also increased in other respects - the length has become 187.7 mm, and the width has increased by 5.7.
• the new 4Runner came in three trim levels (base, top and sport) and could be painted in one of nine colors.

Compared to previous generations, the 4 Series has undergone few upgrades: only three times. So, in 2004, the fuel supply system, SRS, as well as engines and some interior elements changed.

In 2005, a five-speed gearbox appeared, and the quality of the navigator, air conditioning and brakes improved. The last restyling took place in 2006, at which time the interior design and headlights were again modernized.

Driving on high ground clearance

Both 4Runners are located high off the ground, and their ground clearance has clearly not decreased in 20 years. Ground clearance not least influences comfortable off-road driving. Moreover, both cars can truly provide real driving pleasure.

Whether now or in the 90s, these two SUVs behave very similarly, forgiving mistakes of inexperienced riders, independently correcting and solving many flaws and problems for them that arise and can arise in near extreme and even extreme operating conditions.

The modern 4Runner is certainly better suited for real off-road driving, but put the same old guy in the right tires and he will practically not lag behind the “younger generation”.

Rear Window Down Feature on 4Runner

(Introduced from the second minute of the video)

This is a great feature that we think only exists on the 4Runner. No one will tell you why it is really needed. Even the creators of this Toyota model probably no longer remember this. Turning the key in the rear door lock activates an intricate glass opening mechanism. This certainly looks impressive, but in practice it is hardly advisable. This will only help if the air conditioner breaks down or if you want to let the dog out for a walk.

Will the new 4Runner be reliable?

Some people who sat inside the 2015 Toyota 4Runner were skeptical not only about the spartan style of the new Japanese SUV, but also predicted in advance that the hard plastic would still not be able to resist for long and expose itself to the scorching sun of the southern states of America. We are not going to judge how close or far this assumption is from the truth, but we still assume that if the upholstery looks so utilitarian, it means that a considerable margin of safety was built into it in advance.

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What about the rest of the car? Does it still make those cars that will last forever? Who knows, who knows..(?) I guess you and I will have to wait a couple of decades to find out.

True, there is one most unpleasant “but”. Perhaps this new 4Runner could be a victim of marketing politics and will use "artificial obsolescence" technologies. That is, the car will essentially become disposable, with a verified service life, with a limited release of the next restyled or new version of this car model. Three years, and as they say - in the trash. It sounds somehow implausible, after all, we are talking about Toyota (e), and not about some nondescript and unknown car, but..., unfortunately, in our rapidly changing world, everything is possible. Even Toyota can lose ground on the same reliability. A good example of this is the Toyota Camry of recent years.

What about the cost?

Back in 1997, such a test 4Runner appeared at an American dealer and a price tag of $31,000 thousand . Today's average cost of this 4Runner is $45,000 thousand. It seems that it can be stated that the current version of the Japanese SUV has increased significantly in price? But don’t rush to conclusions, friends. Actually this is not true. Taking into account inflation, the cost of the two cars has remained virtually unchanged relative to each other. And all thanks to the agreement between Ford and Ford, according to which both manufacturers keep prices at a level acceptable to consumers. Of course, at reasonable prices for a particular American consumer, since, firstly, this 4Runner car is not officially presented in Russia. And secondly, even if this largely utilitarian car with a peculiar sporty appearance were sold at dealers in the Russian Federation, its cost today would be no less than 3,000,000 million rubles. It’s unlikely that many people would like this unique SUV for such a lot of money.

Also regarding the parts comparison between the old and new 4Runner. The owner of a 19-year-old car told us that over all the years of its operation he spent only $4,500 thousand , and this was due to minor breakdowns and minor accidents. The list of breakdowns included: - radiator, shock absorbers, batteries. That's basically all the spare parts. The rest is ordinary consumables, such as filters, oil and other small items.

This can hardly be imagined with any other modern car today. But I really want to believe that the new 4Runner is still one of the good old Toyota models.

Available configurations

The basic configuration is equipped with a rear-wheel drive system with the ability to connect a front-wheel drive. In addition, all-wheel drive modifications of the Toyota 4 Runner 2014 are also available, the price of which is about 200,500 rubles. The car can be equipped with a 2.7-liter 158-horsepower engine, working with a four-speed automatic transmission. An alternative option is a 270-horsepower engine with a volume of 4 liters. Here we can talk about using an automatic gearbox, only the number of speeds will increase to five.

The basic equipment of the model includes many useful options. Among them are electric mirrors and windows, a multi-channel anti-lock brake system, and climate control.

Is it worth buying a used 4Runner?

I am not a big fan of SUVs, but I have always preferred and loved high-quality and reliable SUVs. For many years, the 4Runner remained one of these prominent representatives. This orange youth certainly has its own special charisma, and although it looks a little strange, on the road it will still stand out from the general stream of ordinary cars. This is especially true for our latitudes, where it’s simply impossible to find a new 4Runner during the day.

However, if you want to buy yourself a reliable classic 4Runner, then you should look at a used car. There are not so many of them on the used car market in the Russian Federation, but you can always find your own copy for reasonable money.

Considering the incredible prices they charge for new 4Runner cars delivered from abroad (from 4 to 5 million rubles), a used version of this model can be a reasonable option for purchasing it. Good luck friends!

Specifications

4The 2019 Runner is a frame SUV with a 4-liter V6 engine running on gasoline. Under the hood of the SUV there are 270 horses, so the power and competent overall design completely compensate for the considerable weight of the SUV.

The gearbox is automatic, five steps.

The car is produced in two versions:

• all-wheel drive, connected if necessary;
• rear wheel drive only.

It is also possible to lock the center and rear differential.