Toyota 4Runner sport-utility wagon born again in new design
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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Automakers with truck-based products have scrambled to spawn new vehicles that capitalize on America's latest car fancy: The sport-utility wagon.
Built upon a compact truck's chassis, the typical SUV wagon measures to compact or mid-size proportions, stocks four passenger doors with seating inside for five adult riders, installs a cargo bay behind the second seat with rear-access tailgate, then adds some serious mechanical hardware such as a potent engine with six cylinders and optional 4-wheel-drive traction system for off-road ventures into the outback world.
While the market bulges this year with newcomer SUV rigs, a familiar name returns in third generational design to notch a new slot at the top of the import list.
Credit Toyota of Japan for the rebirth of an impressive SUV wagon, 4Runner.
Sorting through all of the new sport-ute contenders for 1996 can become a confusing task, but 4Runner stands out with its unique sleek-but-strong external styling.
In 4x4 mode, it stands high and looks aggressive, like it could scramble over woodland riprap rock or take on the creekbeds or mountain slopes or desert dunes.
In base edition, it comes with economical 4-cylinder power and rear-wheel traction, plus nice interior perks for a price that's highly competitive.
In ultimate luxury edition, it piles on cushy comforts and leather upholstery in a limo-like 4x4 package powered by hardy V6.
Initial experience occurred with the latter version -- a 4Runner Limited loaded with luxe -- which I retrieved from an airport parking lot, then spent the next seven days driving through a variety of urban and off-road venues.
Tough assignment, sure, but someone's got to do it.
From curbside at the airport, my 4Runner looked ripe for rough treatment. Its 4x4 equipment pumps up suspension and undercarriage to elevate the entire package high above mere station wagons or minivans.
New exterior shapes involve an aerodynamically sloped and rounded front hood accented by twin corner wrap-around headlamp clusters and chrome centerpoint grillework, followed by bold wheelwells and ground effects add-ons like a convenient notched step below side doors.
The A pillar at the windshield cants rearward in action with B pillar blackened and C pillar pitched forward in harmonious bodycolor treatment. Opposing forces from A and C enliven the horizontal lines of 4Runner and add a certain drama to the design.
At the rear a new 1-piece liftgate swings upward overhead. The integral glass window of this gate gets an electric power hoist.
Despite the rugged outward appearance, 4Runner forms an interior nest that feels as comfortable and user-friendly as any ultra-luxury sedan.
If familiar with former 4Runner, this version will immediately seem larger inside, with more height and width in the cabin and a floor that's lower now for easier entry.
These increases for cabin dimensions occurred when stretching 4Runner's wheelbase by two full inches.
In addition to extending the chassis, more cross braces were added at key points, which stiffen the platform to maintain more stability when steering and also allow more precise movement of suspension components to generate a smoother ride quality.
To complement the stiffer new platform, 4Runner totes new front and rear suspension elements.
In front a new coil-spring double wishbone setup allows wheels to travel more vertically during off-road maneuvers.
In back a new coil-spring 4-link system also brings increased vertical travel for wheels, while the top model gets special tires with rebound spring-type shock absorbers that strengthen stability in motion.
None of these new components will mean much until you test 4Runner off-pavement over rough terrain: Ride feels far smoother now, and the vehicle is much easier to control.
New quick-to-respond rack and pinion steering replaces the former recirculating-ball device, further enhancing control of the wagon.
Anti-lock brakes for all wheels rank now as standard feature for any 4Runner rigged with V6 power.
Among 4WD models, the top Limited package installs a switch for push-button shifting from 4x2 to high 4x4 mode.
An optional locking rear differential permits driver to apply equal torque to both rear wheels, maximizing power in extreme situations of poor traction.
In the power department, a base 2.7-liter 4-in-line engine has been beefed up for new 4Runner in 4x2 dress. With twin cams on top and four valves in each cylinder, the modern plant boosts output by 34 hp over the former engine to net 150 hp now.
If 4Runner's intent remains in city boundaries, such as a commute to office or supermarket or carpooling to school, the new four plant serves adequately with peppy stop-light accelerations and fuel-economy thriftiness.
The optional V6 works its magic when 4Runner pulls a trailer or heads off-road with 4x4 gear aboard.
This plant, also configured with dual overhead cam and four valves per cylinder, musters 183 hp.
Due to an increase of 33 hp with the V6 design, 4Runner improves its ability to haul a heavy trailer -- up from 3500 to 5000 lbs.
Transmission choices for both plants include a super-synchro 5-speed manual or 4-speed electronic automatic with new torque-retarding shift timing points that smooth out shift transitions.
All 4Runners pack new safety gear, like twin airbags and 3-point manual shoulder belts with adjustable anchors.
The model parade starts at base 4Runner 2WD with 4-cylinder engine and interior gear like power windows and nice stereo sound system. The SR5 package adds exterior trim elements and inside power for locks and mirrors, plus a tilt steering wheel. Ultimate Limited gets bigger tires on aluminum alloy wheels, running boards and fender flairs, leather and wood trimmings, and those limo-like extras.
1996 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
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| 1996 TOYOTA 4RUNNER VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
5-door compact SUV wagon |
| Model Options: |
5-door compact SUV wagon |
| Wheelbase: |
105.3 inches |
| Overall Length: |
178.7 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 2.7-L I4
DOHC 3.4-L V6
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| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Rear, 4WD |
| Braking: |
Power disc/drum/ABS opt. |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
I4: 20/25 mpg
V6: 18/21 mpg |
| MSRP Price: |
$ 20,000 to $ 36,000 |
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