The 4Runner was completely redone last year and has only minor changes
for 1997. A four-door body style, it's available with two-wheel or four-wheel
drive, in three trim levels (base, SR5 and Limited), and with two engine
choices. New for 1997 is the availability of the Limited model in 2WD;
previously the Limited was available with 4WD only.
Base models of the 4Runner are equipped with a 2.7-liter twin-cam 16-valve
four-cylinder engine that makes 150 horsepower, arguably the best four-cylinder
engine to be found in a sport-utility. It has twin balance shafts to cancel
out vibrations and, for a four-cylinder, offers an outstanding blend of
smoothness and power. For those wanting more power the 3.4-liter dohc V6--standard
in the SR5 and Limited--is a genuine sweetheart, delivering 183 horsepower
and 217 pound-feet of torque, which allows towing trailers up to 5000 pounds.
The tradeoff for the extra power is reduced fuel economy, 16/19 city/highway
EPA mpg ratings, versus 20/25 for the four.
There are two transmission choices, a five-speed manual or four-speed
automatic. Of interest to off-roaders is the optional availability of a
locking rear differential. The 4Runner offers a part-time, shift-on-the-fly
4WD system, as distinct from full-time all-wheel drive. With the optional
locking rear differential the driver has the choice of positively locking
both rear wheels and one of the fronts together, meaning at least three
tires will be clawing their way through muck and/or slush.
Our subject vehicle was an SR5. Standard equipment, for the base price
of $24,678, includes driver and passenger airbags, four-wheel antilock
brakes (ABS), AM/FM/cassette stereo, power door locks, power tailgate window,
rear window defroster, 15 x 7-inch steel wheels with P225/75R-15 tires,
tachometer, carpeting, and a variety of other comfort, convenience and
appearance features.
As you can see from the SR5's base price, Toyota isn't exactly giving
these things away, but at least there's a lot of stuff there for your money.
In addition, our tester had the premium sound system, air conditioning,
power windows and antenna, power moonroof, floor mats, a towing receiver
hitch and the very comprehensive sport package, which includes 16 x 7-inch
aluminum alloy wheels with P265/70R-16 tires, bigger front brakes, sport
seats, sport trim, fender flares, leather steering wheel and shift knob,
and a lower axle ratio. (With the optional locking rear differential, for
$325, the ratio drops even more.) Thus equipped our SR5 4Runner came to
$31,594, including Toyota's $420 destination charge.
Obiously, prices vary widely from that, based upon trim and options.
For a base four-cylinder 2WD model with no options the beginning price
is $20,308. Go for the top-of-the-line Limited and you'll be over $34,000.
Aside from the expected Toyota attention to detail, which is faultless
and comprehensive, one of the nicest features is the 3.4-liter V6 engine.
Though it lacks the stump-pulling grunt of the V8s available in some of
the competition, it's exceptionally high in smoothness and driving pleasure,
with excellent throttle response and a silky feel throughout its wide rev
range. And there's more than enough power to deal with a full load of passengers,
luggage and a medium-sized trailer.
As with all Toyotas, the new 4Runner thoughtfully accommodates its passengers,
rather than requiring the passengers to make allowances for the vehicle,
something that wasn't quite true of the previous generation. Getting in
and out is generally easier, thanks to the recent redesign, and there's
more room behind the front seats. Although not the absolute roomiest in
its class, the 4Runner offers enough space for five adults. The rear seat
is split 50/50, for the expected versatility of varying passenger and cargo
loads. As a result of ground clearance necessary to deal with off-road
use, the vehicle sits somewhat higher than some of the competition. This
means that shorter people may find it less convenient, to get in and out.
All controls are where you expect and need them and operate logically
and easily, from your first grab of the door handle to turning on the wipers
or using a cupholder. There's nothing goofy here, no awkward result of
some stylist's whim. Just simple, appreciated correctness, which adds up
to a high degree of operating ease.
The instrument panel is arranged for sensible visibility and operation
of all control functions. And there are sufficient map pockets, glove boxes,
cubby holes and cupholders for any reasonable amount of on-the-road stuff.
All owners will appreciate a couple of features in the rear. First,
the spare tire is mounted underneath, so it doesn't interfere with cargo
access, and doesn't intrude on cargo space. Second, access to the rear
is through a hatch with a separate opening window. A hatch is superior
to a door-style tailgate because it opens up and allows you to stand closer
to the cargo area when you're loading stuff. And, if you want to toss small
items in the back, just lower the window--it's power-operated in all models.
For all-around convenience, the 4Runner is really at the top of the mid-size
sport utility list.
The 4Runner has one of the best chassis and suspension arrangements
in its class. While some mid-size sport utilities have front suspensions
of struts or even live axles, the 4Runner has an independent suspension
with upper and lower control arms and coil springs. The rear axle is
mounted with a multi-link arrangement and coil springs instead of the more
common, and less sophisticated, leaf springs.
The result is a combination of ride comfort and handling ease that's
exceptionally good for a vehicle of such outstanding off-road and rough-road
capabilities. It also has the precise feel of rack-and-pinion steering
and a tidy turning circle of 37.4 feet.
All this means that living with, and driving, the 4Runner, day-in and
day-out, is easy and free of hassles. It doesn't drive exactly like a car,
of course, but it's no truck, either. It rides nice, it handles nice, the
engine runs great, it's nimble in tight quarters (like the dreaded shopping
mall parking lot), and it basically does all the things you'd like it to
do in the ways you'd like it to do them.