Background: The mid-size, four-door 4Runner is one of three sport utilities in Toyota's marketing mix which also includes the compact RAV4 and full-size Land Cruiser. Toyota first introduced 4Runner in 1984. Since than, it has evolved from a glorified pickup truck into a modern sport utility with many car like comforts and amenities.
New for 1998: The Japanese-built 4Runner receives several cosmetic changes this model year including dial-type ventilation controls, rear-seat coat hooks and an additional power outlet in the rear cargo area. Toyota's 4Runner was completely redesigned in the 1996 model year.
Trim level: Toyota's 4Runner boasts three trim levels: Base, SR5 and Limited. Each is available in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions. Two-wheel drive 4Runners are rear-wheel driven.
Engines: The 2.7-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder powertrain generates 150 horsepower while the larger 3.4-liter V-6 generates 183 horsepower. Four-cylinder engines primarily are found in Base 4Runners while the other two editions emphasize the more potent V-6. Towing capacity of V-6 4Runners is 5,000 pounds.
Top-of-the-line Limited editions include a one-touch switch, making the move from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive high as easy as pushing a button. Switching from two-wheel drive to four-wheel-drive high in other editions with four-wheel drive is accomplished at up to speeds of 50 m.p.h. with the help of a floor-mounted, shift-on-the-fly transfer case.
Safety equipment: Anti-lock brakes are optional in Base editions, but standard in the other two trim levels. Dual air bags, front and rear side-door impact beams and child protector rear door locks are standard across the board.
Price: The lowest-priced Base two-wheel drive 4Runner with manual transmission includes a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $20,558. The most opulent offering, a four-wheel drive Limited with automatic transmission checks in at $34,618. Our test-drive SR5 four-wheel drive with automatic transmission started at $27,168. With a $420 destination charge and options including rear heater, cruise control, chrome running boards, upgraded seat fabric, moonroof and power package, the bottom line added up to $32,781.
Standard equipment: Power steering, remote fuel-door release, power assisted rack and pinion steering, power rear window, intermittent front windshield wipers and AM/FM radio come standard across the board. Automatic transmission is standard in top-of-the-line Limited edition and two-wheel drive SR5s and offered in Base and other SR5 4Runners.
Optional equipment: Air condition and cruise control are options in Base and SR5 editions but standard in the upscale Limited model. A rear defroster with windshield wiper, tilt steering wheel and power mirrors and door locks are standard in SR5 and Limited while optional in Base 4Runners. Power windows are optional in Base and SR5 and standard in Limited. The top-of-the-line Limited also adds leather seating, an option in SR5. Many options are available in specially grouped packages.
Interior: Two rotary dials control fan direction and temperature while a sliding lever monitors fan speed. Ventilation controls are situated above the stereo functions. A digital clock display is separate from the radio frequency readouts. There are plenty of map pockets and storage places for loose change and other necessities. Headlights monitor from the turn signal stalk while windshield wipers monitor from a right-hand side stalk. A separate cruise control appendage is also located on the steering wheel's right-hand side. Between the front bucket seats is a arm rest/storage bin combo, which is also home to the rear-window control button, which raises and lowers the window. The front dual cup holders retract out from the center of the dashboard above the climate controls and blocks easy access to these dials when in use. The fuel tank release lever is found in the underbelly of the dashboard near where one usually reaches for the hood release.
Seating comfort: For a mid-size sport utility, the 4Runner incorporates a very high step-in design. However, running boards along side the vehicle make it a bit easier to maneuver . Once inside, leg room is good and head room is average. Rear seats include 50/50 split backs where seat cushions fold forward and seat backs fold flat once the headrests are removed. Back seat riders have access to dual cup holders and fan speed controls. Three adults can squeeze into back, but two fit most comfortably during long journeys. The 4Runner includes 44.63 cubic feet of cargo room and 79.73 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The 4Runner provides excellent visibility in all directions.
Exterior: The rear hatch, hinged at the top, swings open from the bottom as one unit. The standard-size spare tire stows outside the vehicle under the hatch floor, opening up more room in the rear for storage space. The locking fuel tank door is on the left rear fender, kitty corner to the retracting radio antenna on the right front fender. The 4Runner offers 10 exterior colors and flush-mounted door handles.
Dimensions: Wheelbase: 105.3 inches Overall length: 178.7 Overall width: 66.5 inches Overall height: 67.5 inches Front headroom: 39.2 inches Weight: 3,895 pounds
Fuel economy: Our six-cylinder engine coupled with the automatic transmission averaged 17 miles per gallon in city driving and 20 m.p.g. in highway traveling. Certainly not spectacular, but in line with most sport utility competitors. Our 4Runner SR5 with 4,400 odometer miles averaged 18.75 miles per gallon in combined driving. The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons of unleaded gasoline. Two-wheel drive 4Runners with automatic transmission get the best mileage, clocking in at 20 m.p.g city and 24 m.p.g highway.
Final thoughts: Like most sport utilities on the market, Toyota's 4Runner is a hot seller. Sales last year exceeded 100,000 units. It's one of the more expensive mid-size sport utilities in its class, which includes Ford's Explorer, Chevrolet's Blazer and Nissan's Pathfinder among others. Toyota's well-earned reputation for quality and durability probably, in the long run, justifies the expense. While 4Runners with four-wheel drive have the capabilities to go off-road, most suburbanites will spend a majority of their time on the highways and neighborhood roads. In this element, 4Runner performs quite nicely. Outside noises are well muffled and not much bounce is felt when coming to a hard stop. This is a relatively heavy, off-road vehicle so keep the V-6 engine in mind at purchase time. The four-cylinder powertrain may not provide all the energy needed to haul family, friends and cargo. |