[
The Toyota 4Runner has been on sale within the US because the mid-Nineteen Eighties and can enter its sixth technology in 2024 as a 2025 model-year SUV. We're about to see the all-new 2025 4Runner (keep tuned for that later immediately), so we thought now can be an excellent time to take a look at one of many earlier generations that helped set up the 4Runner title in america .
The sooner 4Runner variants nonetheless maintain a particular place within the hearts of fans, particularly for off-roading, as their sturdy construct, reliability and traditional styling make for a troublesome combo. The primary 4Runner debuted in 1984 (the identical 12 months because the SUV segment-defining Jeep Cherokee); The second technology hit the scene within the 1990 mannequin 12 months. The third-generation 4Runner we're specializing in immediately debuted in 1996, bringing plenty of beauty and mechanical updates to the SUV, defining this mannequin as one of many 4Runner's lengthy and storied historical past .
Toyota elevated the general dimension of the 4Runner for the third technology, making it longer general and giving it an extended wheelbase. The modifications introduced extra inside area and higher cargo capability, and the brand new suspension setup gave it a smoother trip and stability off-road. The third-generation 4Runner was additionally the primary to get an electronic-locking rear differential, though Toyota had provided it in Land Cruisers for years by that point.
The 4Runner acquired a mid-cycle refresh in 1999 that included a brand new front-end design with a revised bumper and headlights, in addition to operating boards and different exterior touches for some trims. Extra vital modifications got here inside, the place Toyota reconfigured the management stack, transferring it to the middle of the sprint. The automaker additionally launched a brand new switch case for four-wheel drive fashions that permits all-wheel drive in sure conditions.
With the 2025 4Runner simply across the nook, let's take a better have a look at the fascinating third-generation model.
Third technology 4Runner powertrain
Toyota provided a diesel choice in Japan, however Individuals bought a alternative between a 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 3.4-liter V6. The four-cylinder, codenamed 3RZ-FE, produced 150 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque when new. The 5VZ-FE V6 produced 183 horsepower and 217 pound-feet of torque, barely lower than related engines obtainable in Tacoma pickups on the time. Toyota provided a five-speed handbook or four-speed computerized, though the handbook choice left the lineup after the 2000 mannequin 12 months. Toyota later provided a supercharger equipment for the three.4-liter V6 by way of its manufacturing facility TRD accent arm.
Why is the third technology 4Runner particular?
The sooner 4Runner mannequin attracted the off-road crowd, nevertheless it didn’t go mainstream as a day by day driver or household automobile. The third-generation SUV marked one of many earliest “crossover” developments for the 4Runner, as everybody from soccer mothers to executives appeared for a big, comfy automobile, gravitating towards its pleasant styling and beneficiant inside area. Was attracted. That change meant that many 4Runners have been relegated to family-hauling obligation, making them much more troublesome to seek out in good situation immediately. The off-road crowd took maintain of those who made it from child transportation comparatively safely resulting from its functionality and up to date styling.
At the moment, the third-generation 4Runner is considerably much less available on the used market, however the mixture of excessive miles, a body that tends to rust when you deal with it the flawed approach, and in depth off-road modifications make it a good selection. Make it straightforward to seek out. Rarity. There's no scarcity of 1996-2002 4Runners, however a fast scan by way of the Autoblog categorized listings reveals only some with cheap mileage numbers, and so they're largely inflated in worth. Costs for unmodified examples with lower than 100,000 miles are within the mid to higher $20,000 vary, with some approaching $30,000. Accepting extra miles will scale back the beginning determine considerably.
Options to the third technology Toyota 4Runner
Whereas body-on-frame Japanese off-roaders are a dying breed immediately, there have been loads of stable choices for the third-generation 4Runner on the time. Honda and Isuzu paired as much as produce the Passport and Rodeo, respectively, which provided first rate off-road capabilities. The SUV additionally had enticing 90s styling and a snug inside, however some second-generation fashions suffered from widespread body corrosion issues, resulting in a recall in 2010, with a buyback if the issues have been extreme sufficient. began.
The Nissan Pathfinder acquired a generational replace for the 1996 mannequin 12 months, giving it a good V6 engine, and later in its life, it acquired the now well-known VQ 3.5-liter V6. Nissan's luxurious arm Infiniti additionally bought a model of the SUV with an opulent inside and extra refined styling. Whereas this was happening, Mitsubishi additionally had a participant within the sport. The Montero, also called the Pajero or Shogun, relying available on the market, introduced very good off-road functionality and Dakar Rally-bred efficiency that made it a fascinating choice.
Lastly, we can not ignore the Toyota Land Cruiser. The enduring SUV is among the hardest and most fascinating off-roaders wherever, sporting a extra devoted and succesful configuration than the 4Runner. It’s equally troublesome to seek out one in good situation immediately, with many examples in good situation fetching exorbitant costs.
FAQs concerning the third technology Toyota 4Runner
What mannequin years have been included within the third technology?
Toyota bought the third technology 4Runner for the 1996 to 2002 mannequin years.
How lengthy do third technology 4Runners final?
A part of the 4Runner's attraction is longevity, and third-generation fashions can simply high 200,000 miles if correctly maintained. Many house owners declare to succeed in 300,000 miles with little effort, though rust and beauty points are the principle issues for older examples.
Is the third technology 4Runner definitely worth the worth?
Third technology consumers are on the lookout for a particular expertise and strategy, which is sufficient for a lot of consumers to pay a premium. In case you're on the lookout for a stable comfy trendy off-road SUV, the brand new 4Runner and even the Land Cruiser may very well be a good selection.
How laborious is it to change a third technology 4Runner?
The simplicity of older automobiles makes them enticing to change and improve, nevertheless it's essential to verify primary upkeep and care is addressed first. Nevertheless, most components and mods are straightforward to seek out, and their abundance makes them comparatively reasonably priced in comparison with components for different fashions.