2004 Toyota 4Runner

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/10/2003 (7991 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

IN a day when the definition of sport-utility vehicle is constantly changing to appeal to customer demands and environmentalist pressures alike, Toyota has decided to remind us what an SUV really is.

As one of Toyota’s four SUV offerings, the 4Runner is one of the most traditional — and true to its roots — examples on the market. It utilizes a traditional body-on-frame design, full- or part-time four-wheel drive, a rigid rear axle, and a six- or eight-cylinder engine under the hood. Compared against the numerous offerings by automakers (Toyota included) that are more passenger car than truck, this is one distinctly old-school set of wheels — adapted, mind you, for the 21st century.

The Lineup

The 2004 SR5 V-6, with a retail price of $39,220 (or a bargain Access price of $39,214), starts the 4Runner model line with many standard features. More significant items include power windows (including the tailgate) and locks with keyless entry, cargo cover, automatic temperature control, 16-inch alloy wheels, trailer hitch and wire harness, and lots of other goodies. The SR5 trim can be had with a V-8 as well, with a modest bump in price to $40,620 (again, astute Access shoppers will save a whole bunch of money, shelling out only $40,619).

The upper-trim 4Runner Limited can also be had with either engine. The base price grows substantially to $48,700, and the standard equipment list is commensurate: power heated leather seats, dual zone climate control, in-dash CD changer, 17-inch alloys, power moonroof, and the list goes on. Order the Limited with the V-8 and expect to pay just under $51,000.

The V-6 produces 245 hp at 5,200 rpm and 283 lb-ft of torque at 3,400 rpm, and is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The eight, in contrast, produces slightly less power (235 @ 4,800) but more torque (320 lb-ft) than the six. It also gets one more forward gear in its five-speed automatic.

All 4Runner models carry a maximum towing rating of 2,268 kg (5,000 lb).

Styling

Styling is where the 4Runner’s roots are perhaps most outwardly displayed. While many new SUV models are decidedly rounded and sculpted for aerodynamic efficiency and image-conscious styling, the ‘Runner carries forward as a mild evolution of its forbears. It’s a traditional two-box design with an upright profile. Functional is the theme here.

It even takes a step backward in some respects, losing some of the continuity that was present in the old model. There’s a fake scoop on the hood. Styled plastic cladding adorns the body sides, and the backlight is recessed because it slides down into the tailgate. These features lend an overall lumpy appearance to the 4Runner that I think was intended to be macho but falls somewhat short.

The design is also one that blends quite easily into the existing automotive landscape, and for that reason will likely look dated before its time is up.

Much more progress was made in the 4Runner’s interior. It’s one of the most tasteful executions of an interior redesign that these eyes have seen. The console-mounted shifter follows a patterned gate and tilts slightly toward the driver. The dash centre stack is nicely laid out with large vents and easy to find controls. Those controls continue the styling motif that began on the body side cladding and is also found surrounding the gauges, which are deep set into the three-pod instrument panel. I did find the HVAC controls to feel cheap and plastic-like, however, not in keeping with the rest of the 4Runner’s interior.

Most satisfying in the cockpit, however, was the complete absence of wood trim, an overused material (usually artificial) that finds its way into too many vehicles ranging from Hyundais to Lexi. Seat fabric is also refreshing, eschewing mediocre leather or velour in favour of tasteful cloth that feels good and looks durable and easy to clean.

The (optional on SR5) sunroof is absolutely huge, and cup holders and storage nooks are everywhere.

The Driving Experience

While the styling and basic layout of the 4Runner are rather traditional, Toyota has made huge improvements in providing its SUV customers with a truck that is equally at home on the road and off.

I was fortunate enough to sample both six- and eight-cylinder versions of the SR5 4Runner, and found both powerplants to be quite satisfying. The six was the more impressive of the two, providing an extremely broad torque curve normally reserved for motors that have eight pistons reciprocating under the hood. Thrust is plentiful off the line and continues in a linear fashion right up to the six’s redline.

Having driven the six before the eight, I wondered what the larger motor could have in store for me given the V6’s overall competence. Well, the eight doesn’t disappoint either. While it’s not a powerplant that makes the 4Runner significantly quicker, (in fact, reviewing the numbers reveals a horsepower disadvantage but higher torque numbers), it certainly makes it feel more like a Lexus. Silky smooth and quiet under all situations, the eight cylinder version does present a value for people who value those properties. Fuel consumption suffers though: 15.5 L/100 km city and 11.5 highway vs. the six’s 13.7 and 10.7 respectively.

Those who opt for the eight-pot 4Runner will be treated to a transmission that is equally impressive. While both transmissions feel one step ahead of the driver in terms of downshifting and holding gears appropriately, the one cog disadvantage of the V-6’s four-speed means that the smaller motor is not always able to find its power band quickly. The five-speed unit does everything well and makes maximum use of the eight’s power characteristics.

Ride quality is surprisingly supple for a vehicle of body-on-frame architecture. On less-than-perfect city roads, the truckish roots of the 4Runner are difficult to hide, but in smoother conditions and on the highway I found it to be a luxurious and comfortable cruiser. Daily tasks plus two camping trips were happily performed by the ‘Runner during its stay with us.

To Sum it Up

The 4Runner returns the SUV to its roots with a package of refinement and style that raises the bar for body-on-frame SUVs.

Shopping Around

While the mid-size SUV segment is flourishing, the closest competitors to the 4Runner are those vehicles with similar truckish roots:

Buick Rainier ($TBA)

Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT ($38,515)

Dodge Durango SLT ($40,615)

Ford Explorer XLT ($39,995)

GMC Envoy SLE ($37,195)

Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo ($39,225)

Mitsubishi Montero XLS ($41,987)

Nissan Pathfinder SE ($38,500)