Toyota 4Runner

Toyota 4Runner Toyota Hilux Surf
Production period:	since 1984
Class :	SUV
Body versions :	Station wagon
Previous model:	Toyota TrailBlazer Toyota Trekker Toyota Wolverine

The Toyota 4Runner is an SUV from Toyota , which in since 1984, North America will be sold and the Toyota plant in Tahara (Aichi) is produced.

Until 2009 it was also produced in Japan at the Hino plant in Hamura and sold as Toyota Hilux Surf in Japan and other Asian countries . At times the 4Runner / Hilux Surf was also offered on other continents such as Europe and manufactured in the Toyota plant in Tahara (Aichi) or in Brazil .

The first 4Runner was a further development of the TrailBlazer / Trekker / Wolverine models based on the Toyota Hilux pickup . Then this generation was a pickup with a GRP hood over the flatbed. In the meantime, however, the model has undergone extensive development, and the current generation is a large SUV. Its crossover counterpart is the Highlander .

4Runner N60 (1984-1989)

1st generation
Toyota 4Runner (1984–1986)
Production period:	1984-1989
Body versions :	Station wagon
Engines:	Otto engines : 2.0–3.0 liters (65–112 kW) Diesel engines : 2.45 liters (54–64 kW)
Length:	4435 mm
Width:	1689 mm
Height:	1679 mm
Wheelbase :	2616 mm
Empty weight :

Toyota Hilux Surf Wagon

The Hilux , from which the 4Runner originally came from, was fundamentally revised in the summer of 1983. Many other automakers introduced mid-size SUVs in the mid-1980s (e.g. the Ford Bronco II , the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer , the Nissan Pathfinder ), and so the pressure on Toyota to offer a model increased. Instead of developing a new model, Toyota used its pickup model and provided it with a one-piece body with a GRP attachment (like the large Ford Bronco or the Chevrolet K5 Blazer ) and removable rear seats.

Mechanically, the first generation of the 4Runner was almost identical to the pickup. All of these cars had two doors and were identical to the pickup from the dashboard to the front. Almost all changes only affected the rear of the body. Because the rear leaf springs were not reinforced to carry the additional weight of the rear seat bench and the GRP roof, cars with higher mileage from this generation often suffer from worn leaf springs. Thus, the car is lower at the back than at the front.

The first 4Runner was introduced in the spring of 1984 as the 1984 ½ model. This year all models were provided with a black or white GRP roof. There was an SR5 trim package for the interior with additional displays, better fabrics and standard rear seats. All models of this year had the 2.4 liter R4 carburettor Toyota 22R, and there was an all-wheel drive system with a rigid front axle, which was changed in 1986 - much to the regret of many off-road enthusiasts.

In 1985, the 2.4-liter R4 engine with electronic fuel injection, type Toyota 22R-E, was introduced (the carburettor machine remained available until 1988). In addition, from 1985 rear seats were standard in all 4Runner versions, not only on the SR5.

In 1986 all Toyota pickups offered on the US market (and also the 4Runner) underwent major design changes: Instead of the front rigid axle, they were given independent front suspension. The track has been enlarged by 76 mm. These changes made the cars more comfortable on the road and improved their driving stability and handling. But obviously the independent suspension worsened the terrain quality. In Japan, the Hilux Surf (which was identical to the 4Runner) also got the new wheel suspension and was sold as Hi-Trac . The pickups in Japan, however, kept their rigid axles. The 4Runner's grille was changed from a three-part to a two-part model in 1986. The GRP roofs were adapted to the exterior color of the car; there were blue, red and in some cases gold-colored roofs, while the 4Runner in other colors still had black or white roofs.

Toyota 4Runner (1986-1989)

From 1984 to 1986, many 4Runners without rear seats were introduced to the US. With only two seats, the cars could be registered as commercial vehicles instead of recreational vehicles, which meant that significantly less import duties had to be paid. Most of these vehicles were retrofitted with rear seats and seat belts by US dealers.

The 22R-TE engine with a turbocharger was also introduced in 1986, although this was ordered much less frequently than the 22R-E. It appears that all turbo-charged 4Runners in the US also came with an automatic gearbox, although the turbo version of the pickup also had a manual five-speed gearbox. Most Turbo-4Runners had the SR5 equipment package and all were equipped with a stronger rear differential. More simply equipped turbo models had an indicator light for the turbo, the better models had a digital display of the boost pressure. There were also naturally aspirated and turbo diesel engines for these vehicles, but they weren't in demand in the US at all.

In 1988, a 3.0-liter V6 Toyota 3VZ-E was added to the 22R-E machine on request. This engine was significantly larger and more powerful than the four-cylinder engines. Cars with the large V6 engine had the same reinforced rear axle differential as the turbo four-cylinder, a completely new gearbox and a new transfer case. This transfer case was chain driven and ran more smoothly than the previous gear drive, but it was also more prone to problems.

One engine that was rarely used in both the US and Japan was the Toyota 3Y four-cylinder rather than the more common 22R. This engine was mainly used in New Zealand and later replaced by the 2.2-liter R4, type Toyota 4Y. This originated from a common parts concept from Toyota New Zealand, as there was no other Toyota with the 22R engine at the time.

In 1989 there were a few small cosmetic changes, but since the successor model was already in preparation, it was left at that.

Europe

The first models of the 4-Runner were exported to some European countries such as Austria , Switzerland , Benelux and the Nordic countries with the installation of the diesel engines from the Hilux from 1985. The first models came to Germany only as gray imports via independent dealers.

4Runner N130 (1989-1995)

2nd generation
Toyota 4Runner five-door (1992-1995)
Production period:	1989-1995
Body versions :	Station wagon
Engines:	Otto engines : 2.0–3.0 liters (65–112 kW) Diesel engines : 2.45–3.0 liters (64–97 kW)
Length:	4470-4491 mm
Width:	1689 mm
Height:	1679 mm
Wheelbase :	2624 mm
Empty weight :

Toyota 4Runner five-door
(1989-1992)

Toyota 4Runner three-door (1989-1992)

In 1989, the first generation 4Runner was completely abandoned. The new body still rested on the chassis of the pickup, but was completely independent. You can see the difference clearly if you compare pickups and 4Runner from the same year of manufacture: The 1984 models look very similar, while the 1990 models only have a few styling details in common.

Almost all of the second generation 4Runners were five-door, even if there was also a three-door from 1989 to 1992. These models are similar to the four-door hatchbacks of the time, where the body was made in one part (and not the cab and body separately). Three-door 4Runners from this period are very rare and production was discontinued in August 1992, presumably because of higher import duties and high insurance ratings.

But because the drive components of the Pickup and 4Runner were still the same, the same engines were also available for both model series. For vehicles with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive there was still the 2.4-liter R4 (type 22R-E) and the 3.0-liter V6 (type 3VZ). The new 4Runner also adopted the new front axle design from its predecessor. The old gear-driven center differential ran out, and the new, chain-driven one was installed together with both engines, presumably to limit the running noise and vibrations.

The Hilux Surf for the Japanese market was also available with various diesel engines, including the 2.4-liter R4 turbo-diesel, type Toyota 2L-TE (until 1993), and later the 3.0-liter R4 turbo-diesel, type Toyota 1KZ-TE. A few copies were also delivered with a 2.0-liter R4 petrol engine, type Toyota 3Y. Turbo retrofitting was common for naturally aspirated diesel engines (e.g. the 2.8-liter R4), with or without a charge air cooler, which significantly increases performance.

Most of the other SUVs at the time with their own body (e.g. Nissan Pathfinder or Ford Explorer ) had normal, one-piece tailgates with rear windows that opened upwards. The 4Runner, however, had - taken over from its predecessor - a rear drop side with an electric window. To open it, you first had to lower the rear window and then open the tailgate, which is hinged at the bottom, like a pickup.

In 1992 the 4Runner was slightly revised and got module headlights instead of the increasingly backward sealed beam rectangular headlights. From 1993 to 1995 - the last year of production for the second generation of the 4Runner - there were other cosmetic changes.

Europe

In the past, Toyota's import activities - as with most Japanese manufacturers - were not yet bundled across Europe. As a result, individual models were not imported into certain European countries at all and others were only imported with certain engine variants. The 4Runner was officially offered in Germany, but only with the 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine. In some European countries, however, the 3.0-liter diesel engine was also offered. After various customers imported a 4Runner with a diesel engine partly through Toyota dealers and independent dealers, Toyota officially added the diesel engine to its model range in 1993.

Security aspects

Both the first and second generation of the 4Runner were labeled unsafe SUVs. US crash regulations for light commercial vehicles were not very strict in the 1980s and 1990s, and so all early 4Runners were equipped with doors that offered little protection in the event of a side impact. In most places there was little more than two sheets of metal and the window to keep an intruding vehicle from injuring passengers. The second generation of the 4Runner received only one star for the driver's side in a frontal collision, and four stars for the passenger side. As with other passenger cars, later crash standards required specific side impact protection in the doors.

The most common allegation, however, was that the 4Runner - like many other SUVs with narrow lanes - tended to roll over. Many light SUVs of the time had a relatively high center of gravity and therefore easily rolled over when the corresponding forces were applied. Whether this is a serious risk in road traffic depends on many parameters, e.g. B. the speed, the tires, the condition of the road surface and the ability of the driver to anticipate and avert dangerous situations. The third generation of the 4Runner had a wider track, but it is unknown whether this was a direct response to increased pressure from security experts or was for some other reason.

4Runner N180 (1995-2002)

3rd generation
Toyota 4Runner (1995-1999)
Production period:	1995-2002
Body versions :	Station wagon
Engines:	Gasoline engines : 2.7-3.4 liters (112-142 kW) Diesel engine : 3.0 liters (97 kW)
Length:	4539-4656 mm
Width:	1689-1801 mm
Height:	1689-1745 mm
Wheelbase :	2675 mm
Empty weight :

In 1995 the somewhat outdated looking 4Runner was again significantly revised. While the transition from the first to the second generation kept the manufacturing quality and the optional equipment essentially at the same level as with the other medium-sized SUVs, the introduction of the third generation marked the turn towards more luxury. The Nissan Pathfinder went along with this development, but from that point on the two were in a completely different class than their previous competitors Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer and Isuzu Rodeo . Visually, the third generation of the 4Runner looked very similar to the second.

This similarity was definitely limited to the optics. The basic design and concept were adopted, but completely reinterpreted with a new body and a new chassis. This time the technology had nothing to do with the pickup, from which the 4Runner originally came, but rather with the Land Cruiser Prado , from which the chassis was used.

The third generation of the 4Runner also had new engines to offer, like those installed in the first generation of the Tacoma pickup :

• A 2.7-liter R4, type Toyota 3RZ-FE, replaced the old 2.4-liter R4 of type 22R-E. It delivered 150 bhp (110 kW) power at 4800 min ⁻¹ and a maximum torque of 240 Nm at 4000 min ⁻¹ .
• A 3.4-liter V6, type Toyota 5VZ-FE, replaced the old 3.0-liter V6 of type 3VZ-E. It delivered 183 bhp (135 kW) of power at 4800 min ⁻¹ and a maximum torque of 294 Nm at 3600 min ⁻¹ .

In 1996 the 4Runner was withdrawn from sale in the UK and replaced by the Land Cruiser Prado , which was offered as the '' Toyota Land Cruiser Colorado ''.

The main changes in the third generation compared to the second are a longer body on a longer chassis, more interior space, more luggage space, airbags for driver and front passenger, ABS , normal, top hinged tailgate, coil springs all around, rack-and-pinion steering and headlights that are aerodynamically integrated into the body with glass cover. In addition, the Hilux Surf models had 16-inch rims right from the start and, for the first time, were given a central differential for all-wheel drive, which enabled driving in difficult terrain without complications. The previous system was retained in order to continue to enable switching from rear to all-wheel drive under load.

In 1997 the 4Runner was only revised in a few minor points; so was z. B. the luggage compartment cover to match the exterior colors.

In 1998 the 4Runner remained largely unchanged except for some changes in the electronics: There were new switches and a newly designed four-spoke steering wheel, which also required changes to the airbag system.

Toyota 4Runner (1999-2001)

1999 were revised both cosmetically and with regard to the interior. They got bumpers with a "fat lip" and headlights with multi-axis parabolic characteristics, projection fog lamps and modernized position and flashing lights. For the Limited and Highlander models (later: Sport Edition ) the running boards, front and rear bumpers and the mud flaps were delivered in the same color as the car. The controls have been completely rearranged, with the controls for the rear window and heater ending up in the middle of the dashboard. The Limited models received a brand new electronic temperature control unit and an improved stereo system.

Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition (2001-2002)

In 2001 the 4Runner received transparent caps for the rear lights and a new radiator grille. The wheels got five-spoke rims. The Limited models also got new five-spoke rims, but different from the basic and SR5 models. There were also new, slimmer exterior mirrors. The basic and SR5 models of the 4Runner also got new controls for the automatic air conditioning with three levers and two buttons, in contrast to the two sliders and the two buttons of the previous models. All of them were equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESP) as standard in 2001 .

Other markets

This model was only offered with the 3.0 liter diesel engine in Europe. Depending on the individual country, the import of the 4Runner ended. In Germany, the 4Runner disappeared from the model range with the appearance of the Toyota RAV4 II, which was now also available in a larger version and with a diesel engine.

In South America this model was offered as the Toyota Hilux SW4 .

4Runner N210 (2002-2009)

4th generation
Toyota 4Runner (2002-2005)
Production period:	2002-2009
Body versions :	Station wagon
Engines:	Otto engines : 4.0–4.7 liters (178–205 kW) Diesel engine : 3.0 liters (98 kW)
Length:	4803-4806 mm
Width:	1875-1910 mm
Height:	1750-1811 mm
Wheelbase :	2789 mm
Empty weight :

The new 4Runner was presented as the 2003 model in October 2002. It was now officially only offered in North America and Asia. In other markets, the segment partially took over the Land Cruiser Prado or the Toyota RAV4 . The fourth generation of the 4Runner had extensive changes to the chassis, but was aimed at the same clientele as the third generation. The new 4Runner was based on the 120 series Land Cruiser Prado, retained its styling and was marketed in the segment of more luxurious SUVs with off-road qualities. The equipment lines SR5 , Sport Edition and Limited were available . The series engine is the completely new, low-emission 4.0-liter V6, type Toyota 1GR-FE, but for the first time there is also a 4.7-liter V8 engine, type 2UZ-FE, the 260 bhp (194 kW) and offers a torque of 415 Nm. Rear-wheel drive V6 models can pull 2265 kg, rear-wheel drive V8 models 3307 kg. For the all-wheel drive models, this value is 3171 kg. When introduced, the SR5 and Sport Edition models had gray plastic applications and bumpers. The sports models also had a functionless hood on the hood. A 5-speed automatic transmission was installed as standard.

Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition 4WD (2005-2007)

The front wheels were suspended from double wishbones, while the rear axle was suspended from four links on each side. The 4Runner continued to have a separate frame and rigid rear axle, a construction that combined strength and durability in off-road use with good road handling characteristics and a large interior space. The optional all-wheel drive system was permanent in the V8 and selectable in the V6; both had a Torsen differential in the middle, but it was only possible to lock it on the V8 model. A new chassis, the X-Relative Absorber System (X-REAS), was supplied as standard with the Sport Edition and, on request, with the SR5 or Limited. The latter also included air suspension with automatic level control. The X-REAS connects the shock absorbers diagonally with each other with hoses in order to reduce the body roll when cornering sharply. All 4Runners were equipped with sliding plates for the engine, the all-wheel drive and the fuel tank to prevent damage when driving off-road. The hill start aid (HAC) prevented rolling back when starting up a hill, and the hill descent aid (DAC, only with all-wheel drive) automatically regulates the accelerator and brake intervention when driving very slowly downhill. Both systems were supplied as standard on the all-wheel drive versions.

The standard equipment also included a steering column adjustable in incline and length, electronic door locking with remote control ("Keyless Entry"), two-zone automatic air conditioning, electrically operated lumbar support for the driver, an electrically operated rear window and, on the V8 models, a mount for a trailer coupling that directly was attached to the rear cross member. The following were available on request: a garage door opener (“ HomeLink ”), an electrochromatic dimming rearview mirror, an electrically operated sliding glass roof, a third bench seat, a DVD-based navigation system, a JBL stereo system with ten loudspeakers and an audio system for the rear seat passengers. There was also a system of two reversing cameras (mounted on the right and left D-pillars) as an option.

Security aspects

All 4Runners had Toyota's Star Safety System, which included ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS), Traction Control (TCS) and Stability Control (VSC). In the 2005 to 2007 model years, the front side airbags were available as an option; from 2008 they were standard equipment.

In April 2007, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) report showed that the 4Runner had one of the lowest fatal accident rates (13 per 1 million vehicles registered) from 2002 to 2005. Only the Infiniti G35 and BMW 7 Series had even lower rates. The IIHS assesses the 4Runner N210 as generally “good” in frontal offset collisions and also generally “good” in side impacts (vehicles with side airbags). These are the best results for a pickup-derived mid-size SUV. The 4Runner got a “good” in 13 of 14 tested categories.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test assessments (2003):

Front impact driver:	4 stars
Frontal collision passenger:	4 stars
Side impact driver:	5 Stars
Side impact rear seat passenger:	5 Stars
Rollover:	3 stars

Special equipment TRD

see Toyota Racing Development

Changes from model year to model year

• At the beginning of 2003, Toyota offered an additional equipment package for the SR5 that included applications and bumpers in body color. In April 2003, this additional equipment package became standard equipment on the SR5 together with fog lamps, running boards and 16-inch aluminum rims. The Sport Edition also got black running boards and applications in body color instead of the gray applications and the chrome-plated radiator grille, the chrome-plated door handles and the chrome applications on the tailgate.
• In 2004 a tire pressure monitoring system was added to the standard equipment. A third bench seat was available on request for the SR5 and Limited.
• The 2005 model year brought improvements to the optionally available V8 engine and made the five-speed automatic transmission standard on the V6 model. Outside there were slight changes, such as bumper applications in the body color (instead of the silver (except for the Dorado Gold model)) on the SR5 and Limited, a chrome grille on the SR5, black roof rails and black running boards (instead of the silver ones) on the Limited and a new rear spoiler. The exterior color Salsa Red Pearl was introduced for all equipment variants. A similar color was already available for the third generation 4Runner.
• In 2006 the fourth generation was slightly revised. The changes included modified front and rear bumpers, a new radiator grille, new projection headlights, LED taillights, additional chrome jewelry for the SR5 and a smoke-chrome radiator grille, a roof rail made of pipes and step boards for the Sport Edition. The redesigned front bumper had round fog lights as well as rearranged turn signals and headlights. The redesigned rear bumper no longer had any reflectors. The audio system got connections for MP3 players and other devices. The Limited equipment variant was further distinguished from the other variants by special 18-inch rims and a memory system for the seats.
• In 2007 the 4Runner presented itself unchanged, only the new gray color variant Shadow Mica was added.
• In 2008 all 4Runners got side airbags with rollover sensors as standard, a switch to deactivate the VSC, a slightly modified radiator grille, an improved tire pressure monitoring system and some changes to the seat belt warning system and brake monitoring.
• In 2009 there was an Urban Runner Package for the Sport Edition . A Trail Edition Package offered an electronically lockable differential, Advanced Traction Control (A-TRAC) and Bilstein shock absorbers.

Later models had a DVD-Video system for the rear seat passengers (RSES) with a 9 ”LCD screen and two wireless headphones.

4Runner N280 (since 2009)

5th generation
Toyota 4Runner N280 (2009-2013)
Production period:	since 2009
Body versions :	Station wagon
Engines:	Petrol engines : 2.7-4.0 liters (117-201 kW)
Length:	4823 mm
Width:	1925 mm
Height:	1816-1885 mm
Wheelbase :	2789 mm
Empty weight :	1996-2180 kg

Toyota 4Runner (since 2017)

Rear view

The fifth generation 4Runner was presented at the Texas State Fair on September 24, 2009. It is now officially only available in North America and therefore only has a gasoline engine.

The base is the previous model, but significantly larger in length and, above all, in height. There are three equipment variants available, two of which were already available for the predecessor. In addition to the SR5 and Limited Editions, which essentially correspond to the previous versions, there is now the Trail Edition, which is only available as an all-wheel drive version. While the SR5 and Limited versions have a switchable all-wheel drive installed, the Trail version is permanent all-wheel drive. All models have A-TRAC. The new Trail version offers the Toyota Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and Crawl Control, which were previously only available for premium Toyota vehicles, as well as a rear-axle limited-slip differential. A 2.7 liter R4 petrol engine was initially offered for the 2WD models with 4-speed automatic transmissions. However, this version was discontinued at the end of 2010. Since then, the 4.0-liter V6, which improves power, torque and fuel consumption via Dual VVT-i, has been equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission as standard in all models.

Sales figures

Calendar year	United States
2000	111,797
2001	90,250
2002	77,026
2003	109,308
2004	114.212
2005	103.830
2006	103.086
2007	87,718
2008	47,878

Web links

Commons : Toyota 4Runner  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

Commons : Toyota HiLux Surf  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• Toyota.com: Vehicles: 4Runner - Toyota's US website for the 4Runner
• History of the Toyota 4Runner at Off-Road.com (English)
• History of the Toyota 4Runner at Toyotaoffroad.com (English)
• History of the Toyota 4Runner at Top4runners.com (English)

Individual evidence

1. ↑ General Status of Plants in Japan - Tahara Plant
2. ↑ All 5th Gens made in Japan?
3. ↑ 2003 Toyota 4Runner - not to be overshadowed , Autoweek.com (English)
4. ↑ Status Report: Driver Deaths , Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, April 2007 ( Memento of the original from September 15, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (PDF; 956 kB) 
5. ↑ Vehicle Ratings: Toyota 4Runner , Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, April 2007
6. ↑ 2003 Toyota 4Runner 4-Dr. , Safercar.gov  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.  
7. ↑ Toyota 4Runner Road Test , FamilyCarParts
8. ^ First Drive: 2003 Toyota 4Runner , CanadianDriver.com, September 30, 2002
9. ↑ Running Upmarket - Full Test of the 2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited , Edmunds InsideLine ( Memento of the original from February 28, 2009 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. 
10. ↑ Can the Fourth Time be a Charm? - First Drive: 2003 Toyota 4Runner , Edmunds InsideLine
11. ↑ ebrochure for US 2010 model year (PDF) 2009. Archived from the original on October 1st, 2009. Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Retrieved September 26, 2009. 
12. ↑ 2010 Toyota 4Runner Officially Revealed [Video] . Worldcarfans.com. Retrieved December 12, 2009.
13. ^ Toyota Sets Sales Record for Sixth Year in a Row , The Auto Channel
14. ^ Toyota Announces Best Sales Year in its 46-Year History, Breaks Sales Record for Eighth Year in a Row , The Auto Channel