|
Gasoline: | 2.7 L
3RZ-FE I4 (RZN210/215; Japan, 2002–2004) | 2.7 L
2TR-FE I4 (TRN210/215; Japan, 2004–2009) | 3.4 L
5VZ-FE V6 (VZN210/215; Japan, 2002–2005) | 4.0 L
1GR-FE V6 (GRN210/215; North America from 2002 to 2009, Japan from 2005 to 2009) | 4.7 L
2UZ-FE V8 (UZN210/215; North America, 2002–2009) |
Diesel: | 3.0 L
1KD-FTV D-4D turbo I4 (KDN215; Japan, 2002–2005) }} | 4-speed
A3xx automatic | 5-speed
A7xx automatic }} }} 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. Based on the
Land Cruiser Prado 120 series, the new 4Runner retained the same basic exterior styling themes, and was still marketed as a mid-size semi-luxury SUV with off-road capabilities. Available trims were the SR5, Sport Edition, and Limited models. An all-new LEV certified 4.0 L
1GR-FE V6 which produces and of torque is standard, but for the first time, a
V8 became available, the ULEV certified 4.7 L
2UZ-FE engine which in the US produced and . In 2004, for the 2005 model year, the addition of VVT-i increased output to and . Fuel economy is estimated at 17 mpg city, 20 mpg highway for the V6 and 15/19 mpg for the V8. Towing capacity is on V6 models and on RWD V8 models (7000 pounds w/4WD). The 4Runner first entered dealer showrooms in October 2002 for the 2003 model year. Three trims levels were offered, SR5, Sport Edition, and Limited. When it was first introduced the SR5 and Sport Edition models used gray plastic cladding and bumpers. The Limited trim featured body color painted cladding and bumper shrouds. Sport models also featured a non-functional hood scoop. The front suspension used a
double wishbone while the rear is a
solid rear axle type. The 4Runner continued to use a
body on frame construction design and a solid rear axle for strength and durability compromising interior room and on-road handling. Toyota's other mid-size SUV, the
Highlander is a
crossover which is not designed for off-roading. The optional 4WD systems were full-time on V8 models while "Multi-Mode" or part-time on V6 models, both systems used a lockable
Torsen center
differential. A new suspension system, X-Relative Absorber System (X-REAS), became standard on the Sport Edition and optional for SR5 and Limited models, a rear auto-leveling height adjustable
air suspension is sometimes included with this option on Limited models. The X-REAS system links the
dampers diagonally by means of hydraulic hoses and fluid using a mechanical center valve which reduces body roll during hard cornering. All 4Runners were equipped with plastic
skid plates for the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank to prevent damage during off-roading. The Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) system prevents the 4Runner from rolling backwards on inclines and a Downhill Assist Control (DAC, 4WD only) modulates the brakes and throttle automatically without driver inputs for smooth hill descents at very low speeds, both electronic aids are standard on 4WD models. Major standard features included a tilt and telescoping
steering wheel, remote
keyless entry, single zone automatic climate control, power driver's lumbar support, power rear tailgate window, and on V8 models a tow hitch receiver bolted directly to the rear frame crossmember. Options included
HomeLink, an
electrochromic auto-dimming
rearview mirror, power moonroof, third row seating, a DVD-based
navigation system (loses in-dash CD changer), a 10-speaker
JBL Synthesis stereo, and rear seat audio. An optional
backup camera system on Limited models used two cameras mounted on the interiors D-pillars to give a wider view when backing up. Some trim levels get two mirrors mounted on the interior D-pillars just inside the rear hatch. In 2009 with the end of this generation, Toyota Japan ceased production of the Hilux Surf, leaving only the 4Runner available in the subsequent model series.
Safety All 4Runners came with Toyota's Star Safety System which includes
anti-lock brakes,
electronic brakeforce distribution,
brake assist,
traction control and
Vehicle Stability Control.
Side torso airbags for the front rows as well as
side curtain airbags for the front and rear rows were optional on 2003–2007 models and became standard on 2008 models. The
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the 4Runner as "Good" overall in the frontal offset crash test, "Good" overall in the side impact test on vehicles with side airbags, and the 4Runner received a "Poor" rating for rear impact protection. An IIHS report published in April 2007 shows the 4Runner has one of the lowest death rates for all vehicles on the road at only 13 deaths per million registered vehicle years for the 2003 and 2004 model years. Only the
Chevrolet Astro,
Infiniti G35, and
BMW 7 series had lower death rates.
Yearly changes • In early 2003, Toyota added an optional Appearance Package for the SR5 model that included color-keyed cladding, bumpers, and liftgate trim. In April 2003, Toyota made the Appearance Package, along with the previously optional fog lamps, running boards, and 16-inch aluminum wheels, standard on the SR5. The Sport Edition also added black running boards and color-keyed trim, replacing the grey cladding and silver-painted grille, door handles and liftgate trim. • In late 2003 (for the 2004 model year), a
tire-pressure monitoring system was added as standard equipment. A third row seat became optional on the SR5 and Limited models. • In 2004 (for the 2005 model year), enhancements were brought to the optional V8 engine and a 5-speed automatic was made standard on the V6 model. Slight changes were made to the exterior including color-keyed bumper trim (replacing the silver painted trim on all colors except Dorado Gold) on the SR5 and Limited; a chrome grille on the SR5; a black roof-rack and running boards (replacing silver) on the Limited; and a redesigned rear spoiler. A Salsa Red Pearl scheme was also introduced for all trim levels, although a similar color scheme was available for third generation models. • 2005 (for the 2006 model year) marked the fourth generation's mid-cycle refresh. The changes included revised front and rear bumpers; a reworked grille; new projector-beam headlamps and LED tail lamps; additional chrome trim on the SR5 model; and a smoked-chrome grille with tubular roof-rack and step bars on the Sport Edition. The revised front bumper features circular fog lights and a relocation of the turn-signals to the headlamp assembly. The redesigned bumper eliminates the rear bumper reflectors. MP3 playback capability and an auxiliary input jack were added to all audio systems. In addition, the Limited model was further differentiated from the other trim levels with the addition of unique 18" wheels and a seat memory system. Shadow Mica was added as a color option. Late in this period, the 1GR-FE V6 engine received a modification to allow for an improved head gasket design which resolved a common head gasket failure. • In 2006 (for the 2007 model year), the 4Runner remained unchanged. • In 2007 (for the 2008 model year), the 4Runner received standard rollover sensing side curtain
airbags and front row side torso airbags, a switch to disable Vehicle Stability Control, slightly modified front grille design, refinements in the tire-pressure monitoring system, and some changes in the seat belt warning system and brake system control. An Urban Runner Package was also available on the Sport Edition V6 4x4, which added an in dash Tom Tom navigation system, Alcantara inserts in both the front and back seats with dark leather bolstering, the 18" Limited style wheels, a color-keyed front grill and a double-decker cargo system. • In 2008 (for the 2009 model year), the 4Runner remained unchanged. A Trail Edition package offered an electronic locking rear differential, a switch to enable/disable Advanced Traction Control (A-TRAC) and
Bilstein dampers. • Later models offered a DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSES) which used a nine-inch LCD screen and two wireless headphones. == Fifth generation (N280; 2009) ==