The Toyota 4Runner is an SUV that has been produced by the Japanese company Toyota and sold worldwide since 1984, spanning five generations. It was discontinued from sale in Japan in 2009 under the name Toyota Hilux Surf (Japanese:, Hepburn: Toyota Hairakkususfu). The 4Runner’s predecessor, the Toyota Hilux pickup truck with a fiberglass shell over the bed, was a tiny SUV. However, the design has subsequently undergone significant independent development to become a hybrid of a compact and mid-size SUV. At Toyota’s factory in Tahara, Aichi, or at the Hino Motors (a Toyota affiliate) factory in Hamura, every 4Runner has been produced in Japan.
Robert Nathan, a copywriter at the ad agency Saatchi & Saatchi, came up with the moniker “4Runner.” To come up with fresh names for Toyota’s upcoming automobiles, the agency sponsored contests. Since the sport utility vehicle was the first of its kind for Toyota, with an emphasis on its 4×4 capability and seating for four, the name 4Runner was invented as a play on the term “forerunner.” [Reference needed]
The Fortuner, which is built on the Hilux chassis, replaced the Hilux Surf in several regions in 2005.
The Bahamas, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, the United States, and Venezuela are among the countries where the 4Runner is offered as of 2021[update].
In This Article...
Does Japan still produce the 4Runner?
Like earlier versions, the current Toyota 4Runner is mostly built in the Japanese city of Tahara in the Aichi Prefecture. Although some previous generations partially assembled in Hamura, another Japanese city, Tahara has always served as the major assembly location.
Is the Toyota 4Runner still produced?
The 4Runner in 2022 only receives two significant changes. The TRD Sport, a new trim, is added to the roster. It has a sport suspension and sits just above the SR5. Additionally, the Venture Special Edition trim is no longer available.
What issues are there with Toyota 4Runners?
The front brake calipers, front brakes, warping concerns, and early wear of the front brake rotor and brake master cylinder have all been reported by numerous owners. Brake issues are common in 4Runners of the fourth generation, particularly in the 2003–2005 model years.
Will the 4Runner from 2023 be produced in Japan?
For the depiction, Chao fixed the 4Runner’s rear end. Once more, he produced two variations. One has taillights at the back and is more akin to the Land Cruiser 300 series rear. Additionally, he made some adjustments to the windows so that they now appear to be made of a single piece of glass from front to back.
The Toyota Fortuner, a 4Runner alternative available in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, is referenced in the other rear render.
In the summer of 2022, the anticipated release of the 2023 4Runner is. Its foundation will be the brand-new TNGA-F platform.
So much more information on this model will be forthcoming as I continue to explore, research, and look into what is going on with it. It will still be constructed in Japan. I know many of you people won’t like it, but it’s going to be converted, most likely to a 4-cylinder turbocharged,” Chao said.
Chao wants to be one of the first owners of the 2023 4Runner because he is eager to receive a new Toyota model and since some of the vehicles in his company fleet need to be replaced next summer. He hasn’t chosen yet between the Limited and TRD models, though.
How far can a 4Runner travel?
You might get 300,000 miles out of a Toyota 4Runner. In reality, the majority of the evidence points to 0.2% of 4Runner vehicles lasting longer than 300,000 kilometers.
Are trucks used to build the 4Runner’s frame?
Toyota provides customers with two highly excellent midsize car options, whether you’re looking for a crossover or an SUV. The Toyota Highlander, a popular midsize crossover from Toyota, is a fantastic choice for customers seeking a comfortable ride. Because the body and frame of the Highlander are constructed as a single unit, it is smooth and responsive to drive.
However, the Toyota 4Runner is categorized as an SUV since its body is attached to the frame, giving it a platform similar to that of a truck. Drivers can now travel on and off the road with a stronger handling thanks to this.
In order to better handle rain, snow, ice, and your undiscovered adventures, both the Highlander and the 4Runner are offered with four-wheel drive.
For drivers searching for a brand-new mid-sized car that is dependable and sturdy, the 2018 Toyota Highlander and 2018 Toyota 4Runner are fantastic possibilities. Below, we side-by-side compared these two Toyota models to demonstrate some of their basic specifications.
What does SR5 refer to?
Sport Rally 5 speed is referred to as SR5. Sport, RE (EFI) engine family, and 5 refers to the five-speed transmission in the acronym SR5. The aforementioned response is not entirely accurate, but it is mostly accurate. The term “SR5” typically refers to a specific Toyota trim level with a more aggressive appearance, stronger suspension, and a large range of available options.
Which models of Toyota are built in Japan?
“Many Toyota cars sold in the US bear the proud label “Made in Japan.” For many years, automobiles produced in the Land of the Rising Sun were regarded as being of the highest caliber and having the best construction. That is still true today, but a day is coming when all Toyota vehicles sold in the United States will likewise have been produced in the region.
What does that mean in terms of what a “domestic vehicle Would Toyota still have a good reputation for quality?
Although this is far from a done deal, it is a possibility that should be given serious consideration given that the vast majority of Toyotas sold here are already produced locally.
Currently, nearly 70% of Toyota vehicles sold in the United States are produced in North America. Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Tacoma, Tundra, Sienna, and RAV4 are a few examples. The Yaris, FJ Cruiser, and Land Cruiser are examples of vehicles made in Japan. The simplest method to ensure that every Toyota sold here is built in America is to simply stop selling the models that aren’t.
Do you really think people would miss the Yaris and FJ Cruiser? Did not believe so. Although there is a devoted fanbase for the Land Cruiser, this might be the one import exception. The Prius, which is now manufactured in Japan, may move its production to the United States in 2015.
Whatever Toyota’s plans for production, there is no doubt that it will expand its American workforce and establish itself as a household name on par with Ford and Chevrolet. Detroit Free Press reported,
Toyota has also increased the size of its design and engineering facilities, including those at its technical center in Ann Arbor and the CALTY style studio close to Los Angeles.
In North America, Toyota announced or created 3,500 new positions, totaling $1.6 billion.
When does Toyota cease to be a foreign brand given the amount of engineering, design, manufacture, and investment in the United States?
RAV4 or 4Runner, which one is superior?
Overall, the Toyota 4Runner provides more space and power, while the Toyota RAV4 gets better gas mileage while maintaining high performance levels. After reading the comparison between the Toyota 4Runner and RAV4 for 2021, get in touch with Jim Hudson Toyota to schedule a test drive of each vehicle.
What makes 4runners so well-liked?
One of the most popular SUVs ever is the Toyota 4runner. Many of us have grown so accustomed to its fame that we have forgotten what makes it such a unique car in the first place. What is it therefore that we so adore about the 4runner?
Toyota 4runners are renowned for being straightforward, capable off-road vehicles, and their near-unmatched reliability. They very effectively hold their worth and present their owner in an adventurous light. The 4runner shares the famous reputation of the Toyota truck family, and it is unquestionably deserved.
We adore the 4runner for a variety of reasons. The majority of individuals agree that they live up to the hype, while there are a few who think they’re overrated.
Which year of the Toyota 4Runner is the best?
The fourth generation Toyota 4Runner is a wonderful option for someone seeking for a capable and dependable secondhand SUV. These 4Runner vehicles were available with a 4.7 liter V8 engine with a maximum output of 265 hp or a basic 245 hp 4.0 liter V6 engine. In general, the fourth 4Runner generation, which was produced from 2003 to 2009, is dependable. However, certain years are more trustworthy than others.
The fourth generation Toyota 4Runner’s most dependable model year is 2008. Vehicle History suggests the 2008 Toyota 4Runner. The 2008 4Runner also received J.D. Power’s Dependability Award.
It received a “Great dependability score” of 87/100 and was rated as the top SUV in its class by customers. In addition to winning a Quality Award, the 2007 model year stood out among its rivals as the best SUV.
The Toyota 4Runner model years from 2004 and 2005 each received a Quality Award from J.D. Power. Early model years are less dependable than those made after 2005, according to Vehicle History. The greatest versions for the fourth generation of the Toyota 4Runner may be found between 2005 and 2009, but it doesn’t necessarily imply used SUV shoppers should steer clear of these.
V6 or V8 4Runner: Which is better?
Politics, religion, and the question of whether the fourth-generation 4runner’s V6 or V8 engine is superior are the three topics that are frequently too divisive to discuss with others. If you have ever spent any time on the 4runner forums online, that is at least how it appears.
The truth is that both the 4.0 V6 and 4.7 V8 engines deliver excellent performance and dependability. While the V8 is smoother and gives more performance, the V6 is more fuel-efficient and needs a little less upkeep. Both are excellent choices; it just depends on how you intend to use your 4Runner.
There are many supporters of both the 1GR V6 and the 2UZ V8, and the majority of them aren’t persuaded that one is equally as good. The truth is that both engines are capable of handling every activity that an SUV might be used for, whether it be commuting, hauling, or off-roading. Both of them are poorer and better at different areas.
I’ll do my best to be as impartial and as informative as I can given that I myself possess a V8. It’s important to note that I’ve personally driven both the V6 and V8 4Runners.
Look at the chart below to see each motor’s advantages before we compare these two fantastic motors in more detail:
Let’s now examine each engine in more detail to see how it stacks up in various scenarios.
Do 4Runners really hold up that well?
The Toyota 4Runner is quite trustworthy. The midsize SUV is constructed to be strong and robust, much like many pickup truck models, thanks to its body-on-frame construction.
Average SUVs are outlasted by the 4Runner. When properly maintained, it can easily last for more over 200,000 kilometers. Based on the average yearly national driving distance, that translates to more than 14.8 years. When it comes to dependability, very few SUVs can compete with the 4Runner. It competes with solid vehicles in its segments like the Dodge Durango and Honda Pilot.
Despite being one of the most dependable cars on the market, the Toyota 4Runner isn’t the greatest SUV in its class. Some others even contend that the 4Runner is the worst midsize SUV.