| Performance - Toyota 4Runner | |
The new 4Runner is simply loaded with advanced engineering features producing extraordinary all-round performance.
You can choose between two different, completely new engines - a V6 and a V8. You can also choose between two different, also completely new 4WD systems. A fulltime 4WD system comes with the V8 and a part-time 4WD system with the V6. Both are available with either the SR5 and Limited trim.
The new variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) equipped 4.0 liter V6 produces 245 hp and 283 lb-feet of torque @ 3400 rpm; the new 4.7 liter V8 235 hp and 320 lb-feet of torque @ 3400 rpm. The fact that the V8 produces less horsepower than the V6 may come as a surprise. It doesn't mean it's less potent. The V8 produces a stump-pulling 320 lb-feet of torque, which is 13% more than the V6. Between horsepower and torque, torque is the more important in day-to-day driving around town since it means the engine doesn't have to work as hard to produce the same amount of "go".
Two transmissions are available: A 4-speed automatic which comes with the V6 engine and a new 5-speed automatic which comes with the V8 engine. The 5-speed is also used in the new Lexus LX 470. Both come with overdrive (and overdrive cancel), lock-up torque converter for exceptionally difficult road conditions and both a transmission cooler (for when you're towing that 34-foot Airstream Classic over Wolf Creek Pass next August) and ECT.
Off-road is where it gets really interesting, especially for the off-road types. "Off-road" doesn't mean gravel-covered country roads. It means steep, boulder-strewn, dried-up creek beds and the kind of non-road conditions you'll find (I'm told) in places like
Afghanistan or Sub-Sahara Africa. Conditions like these require special equipment. All manner of incredible engineering features to assist the driver are available - including the kind which make a crawl down the 45 degree face of a sand dune both safe and sure. They work too. We tested them with Toyota's off-road experts riding herd.
But Toyota knows most buyers of the 4Runner won't get anywhere near the tough stuff. Most of the miles will be highway. Toyota's engineers paid special attention to the new 4Runner's highway drive-ability. Those who are familiar with the last 4Runner's umm... dicey highway manners will be astonished at how well the new vehicle performs. It doesn't, for example, track the grooves made by 18-wheelers or dash for the ditch whenever a gust of wind blows up. This new-found stability comes thanks to a complete re-think of the entire suspension system of this mid-size sport 'ute. Air suspension for the rear and a brilliant feature Toyota calls X-REAS are new for 2003.
All manner of highway safety equipment is available either as standard equipment or as an option. New 4Runners come with four huge disc brakes, ABS and EBD (electronic brake distribution). You should also ensure you order traction and stability control on your 4Runner.
All 4Runners have a 5000 lb (2270kg) towing capacity.
Government fuel economy figures for the Limited V8 are 15.2/20.7 mpg (US) and 15.5/11.5 l/100km (Canada) city/highway.
Body and Design | Environment | Summary
