A 4.0-liter V-6 engine with 270 horsepower and a five-speed automatic transmission power every 4Runner. The outmoded powertrain offers unimpressive performance, with the most recent model we tested needing 7.7 seconds to get from 0 to 60 mph. It is available with rear-wheel drive and either full- or part-time four-wheel-drive systems. The automatic’s sluggish reflexes undoubtedly don’t maximize the engine’s erratic performance, and downshifts frequently call for strong right-foot inputs to propel the 4Runner forward. Nevertheless, compared to the more cumbersome Wrangler, the Toyota manages to feel more composed on pavement. The SUV’s substantial ground clearance was on display during our time behind the wheel of the off-road-oriented variant, and its body-on-frame structure was backed by a soft suspension that handled a variety of terrain rather well. Although the small weight and imprecise steering of the 4Runner betray any sense of sportiness, they are suitable for stumbling down trails and navigating parking spaces. Even though the Toyota feels dated while it is in motion, its performance is on par with that of its more contemporary rivals, such as the V-6 Dodge Durango. The Toyota also outperforms the Ford Edge and Wrangler in terms of towing ability, with a 5000-pound capacity, while falling short of the more potent Durango’s 8700-pound limit. This is due to the Toyota’s tough structure and torque-rich engine.
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4Runners have either front- or rear-wheel drive.
Rear-, four-, or all-wheel drive can be paired with the 4.0-liter V-6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission of the 4Runner. All trim levels, with the exception of the top-of-the-line Limited model, have selectable, part-time four-wheel drive. Entry-level SR5 cars are rear-wheel drive. These models feature a low-range setting on a manually selectable two-speed transfer case. Full-time all-wheel drive is standard on Limited models, and they also contain a Torsen center differential that may distribute torque to the front or rear wheels as needed, depending on the grip of the individual wheels and the state of the road. In our tests, the mid-level 4Runner TRD Off-Road variant gave obedient acceleration, its vintage V-6 groaning and a harsh exhaust note accompanying it. Even though the Toyota feels dated while it is in motion, its performance is on par with that of its more contemporary rivals, such as the V-6 Dodge Durango. The Toyota also outperforms the Ford Edge and Wrangler in terms of towing ability, with a 5000-pound capacity, while falling short of the more potent Durango’s 8700-pound limit. This is due to the Toyota’s tough structure and torque-rich engine.
Are there any front-wheel-drive 4Runners?
For daily trips, front-wheel drive is standard on Toyota 4Runner models. A part-time 4WD system with Active Traction Control and a two-speed transfer case are standard on the majority of Toyota 4Runner trim levels, including the Trail Special Edition, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Venture Special Edition, Nightshade Special Edition, and TRD Pro. With this tough 44 system at its disposal, the Toyota 4Runner will transmit torque to any tire making contact with the road, and Active Grip Control will make sure you don’t lose traction in slick and bumpy circumstances.
Toyota 4Runner Full-Time 4WD System with Torsen Locking Center Differential
With a full-time 4WD system that uses a Torsen locking center differential, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner Limited trim will raise the bar for off-road capability. Three 44 modes on the Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD vehicles enable drivers to maximize performance with a 40:60 torque distribution that is perfect for daily commuting. The Toyota 4Runner Limited may split its torque between 30:70 and 53:47 when the situation calls for it. An additional tool to help you keep control with low-speed control on hilly terrain is downhill assist control.
Are predecessors all-wheel drive?
A 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and a five-speed automated transmission are standard on all variants. Although four-wheel drive is an option in those trims and is standard in a few TRD models, rear-wheel drive is the default in the majority of them.
Is there a 4Runner with RWD?
In addition to the SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trim levels, Toyota also provides Premium trim packages for the SR5 and TRD Off-Road. They all have room for five passengers, but if you need to fit seven, Toyota will add a third row.
There are also three special edition models available. The Trail Special Edition, which will debut in 2021, is based on the 4Runner SR5. TRD Off-Road trim is expanded upon in the Venture Special Edition. And a Nightshade Special Edition is essentially a 4Runner Limited that has been completely blacked out.
A 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and a 5-speed automated transmission are standard on every 4Runner. Although rear-wheel drive is an option, it negates the purpose of the 4Runner. To ensure that you reach where you’re going and back again, part-time and full-time 4-wheel-drive systems are available, along with a variety of off-roading technology.
Can the 4Runner handle snow?
The Toyota 4Runner SUV is generally well-equipped to handle the snow. The vehicle has long been associated with off-road driving. It performs best off-road at its top trims. Winter driving can benefit from features like high ground clearance, traction control, and all-terrain tires. The 4Runner’s inexpensive 4WD immediately makes it a solid choice for the majority of snowy conditions, even though the lowest trims aren’t flawless. The Toyota 4Runner performs well in the snow because of this.
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.
Are 4Runners fuel-efficient?
The EPA estimates that the Toyota 4Runner can achieve 17 mpg total gas mileage across all variants, with 16 city and 19 highway miles per gallon.
Is buying a Toyota 4Runner worthwhile?
The 4Runner has a great track record for toughness, dependability, and lifespan. It’s a reliable vehicle with outstanding off-road capabilities. Because of this, even vehicles with high mileage are in high demand, which raises the price.
What does “4WD” mean on a Toyota 4Runner?
A better 4 wheel drive system was added to the third generation 4runner. It has settings for 2WD, 4hi, and 4lo. This system is a standard 4WD in that it locks the drivetrain while in 4hi or 4lo to offer a 50/50 split between the front and rear (“4hi locked).
Toyota introduced the Multi-Mode setting with the Limited versions in 1999 and 2000, as well as with all models in 2001 and 2002. This setting was comparable to the 4hi level in the other models, but it produced torque wherever it was needed, much like all-wheel-drive vehicles do. This qualifies as “4hi unlocked.”
The “4WD button on the side of the shifter is a sign that a 4runner is Multi-Mode fitted. By pressing a button on the dash or moving the lever to H4L (depending on the model) to lock the center differential, it can be changed to a conventional 4hi setting (50/50). This qualifies as being “4hi locked.”
A locking rear diff, or “e-locker,” was also available on some 3rd generation 4runners. A center diff lock should not be confused with this. For added traction, locking the rear differential locks the two rear tires together.
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 20032005 model years.
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.
Why do 4Runners do so well off-road?
Off-road driving is best suited to the 4Runner. The five-speed transmission makes sure there is always plenty of power available, and it has more than enough power for slogging through the dirt. Additionally, it’s simple to lightly open the throttle and still have power for a slow crawl.
Is the Toyota 4Runner available in 2WD?
Pricing mentioned are average market prices for new 2021 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD models equipped with standard features and dealer incentives. Taxes, fees, manufacturer incentives, and rebates are not included. These include title, registration, licensing, paperwork, and transportation expenses.
What makes four-wheel drive superior to all-wheel drive?
AWD reduces some of the drama associated with driving on snow and ice. When dealing with severe snow and ice, 4WD is the way to go. Without a doubt, 4WD is superior if you also want to venture off the beaten path into the wilderness. Additionally, 4WD vehicles often have a far higher towing capacity than AWD vehicles.
What exactly does 4Runner mean?
The Toyota 4Runner is a small, then mid-sized sport utility vehicle that Toyota of Japan has made and distributed worldwide since 1984. It was taken off the market in 2009 and is known in Japan as the 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 for the advertising firm Saatchi & Saatchi, came up with the moniker “4Runner.” Before the release of new Toyota models, the agency organized competitions for the creation of new car names. 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 that now sell the 4Runner as of 2021[update].
Why not purchase a Toyota 4Runner?
1. Low Fuel Efficiency
Any SUV rarely offers outstanding fuel economy, but the Toyota 4Runner does particularly poorly in this area. Its combined fuel efficiency is only 17 miles per gallon. On the interstate, you might get up to 19 miles per gallon at best. Even for cars of this class, this is below average.
2. Unacceptable Ride Quality
Based on a truck basis, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner drives and feels like a truck. The ride might be rough, uncomfortable, or downright unpleasant. In their SUVs, a lot of automakers have made significant improvements. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case with Toyota’s 4Runner.
3. Uncomfortable Entry and Exit
The Toyota 4Runner from 2021 is elevated. With larger SUVs designed with off-road capabilities in mind, this is to be anticipated. The 4Runner’s off-road skills are aided by its considerable ground clearance. Unfortunately, this can make getting in and out of the car a little difficult.
How durable are Toyota 4Runners?
The 4Runner continues the tradition of dependability that Toyota vehicles have established. One of the most dependable models from the manufacturer is the Toyota 4Runner, which frequently travels up to 300,000 miles.
The Toyota 4Runner came in at number five out of 16 vehicles in an iSeeCars research headlined “Longest-lasting Cars to Reach 200,000 Miles and Beyond,” with 4.1% of the SUVs achieving over 200,000 miles.
Additionally, the SUV is predicted to travel close to 200,000 miles, as stated by many trustworthy automotive sources and confirmed by owners on well-known enthusiast communities like Toyota 4Runner. They’ll run even longer with good maintenance, and 300,000 is not an outlandish number.
Will all 4Runners eventually travel 200,000 miles? No. The secret to a 4Runner’s long-term survival is routine maintenance. Fortunately, Repair Pal estimates that the 4Runner’s yearly maintenance expenditures are $514 less than the national average.