Positioned near the upper end of the compact sport/utility market, the Toyota 4Runner was designed to appeal to family buyers who value sporty styling as well as dependable utility. Major competition for the Toyota 4Runner were largely from the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Montero and Isuzu Trooper.
Year-to-year changes[]
1991[]
Since the beginning of the '90s, there were two trim levels -- the base-level SR5 and the uplevel SR5 V6. In addition, the 4Runner came in 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive versions.
The standard engine was the redoubtable 2.4-liter sohc 4-cylinder, which developed 116 horsepower. The optional engine was the 3.0-liter sohc V6, which also had 150 hp.
On most trim levels, the standard transmission was a 5-speed manual; the optional transmission was a 4-speed automatic. The 4wd models featured a 2-speed transfer case with a floor mounted shift lever and automatic locking hubs, which allowed shift-on-the-fly operation at speeds up to 50 mph. Rear ABS was standard on V6 models, optional on the 4-cylinder. Four-wheel ABS was optional on V6s only.
1993[]
As of this model year, the 4Runner was available only in a 4-door body style.
1994[]
The car
1995[]
As the Toyota 4Runner entered its seventh year in its then-present configuration, the company was content to keep the popular compact sport/utility in a holding pattern. For 1995, the 4Runner was a carryover model from 1994, the only changes were a new stripe trim package for the SR5 V6 model and a new, upgraded audio lineup.
Major options for the 4Runner included air conditioning, a moonroof, power windows and door locks, a leather trim package, 4-wheel antilock brakes and a premium sound system.
The 1995 4Runner went on sale in October 1994.
1996[]
Totally redesigned for the third time, the Toyota 4Runner for 1996 is the first generation of the popular compact sport/utility that doesn't share any hardware or sheetmetal with Toyota's compact pickup truck. It does, however, sit on a 2-in.-longer wheelbase, sport a new, more rounded exterior and have more interior volume than the previous model. The 4Runner can now seat up to seven with an optional temporary fold-down third seat. Additionally, floor height has been lowered to ease entry and exit and cargo loading, the engines are more powerful, the chassis has been stiffened, the front suspension uses coil springs for more compliant ride and handling and rack-and-pinion steering improves turning response.
Positioned near the upper end of the compact sport/utility market, the Toyota 4Runner is intended to appeal to family buyers who value sporty styling as well as dependable utility. Major competition for the 4Runner comes from the Honda Passport, Isuzu Rodeo and Nissan Pathfinder. The new standard engine is a 2.7-liter dohc 4-cylinder. The new top-of-the-line engine is a quieter-running 3.4-liter dohc V6. A 5-speed manual transmission is available on all models except those with 2wd and the V6. A 4-speed automatic is optional.
The new rear hatch is a one-piece flip-up tailgate with integral power window. Models with 4wd feature shift-on-the-fly convenience whether through the standard floor-mounted shift lever or the new optional electric-shift transfer case—One Touch Hi-4. The 4Runner comes in three trim levels: base, SR5 and Limited.
The new 4Runner goes on sale in North America in January 1996.
Retail prices[]
As of December 27, 1993:
- $20,308 (1994 Toyota 4Runner)
- $21,348 (1994 Toyota 4Runner V6 4x2)
- $22,278 (1994 Toyota 4Runner V6 4x4)
As of August 26, 1994:
- $21,098 (1995 Toyota 4Runner)
- $21,748 (1995 Toyota 4Runner V6 4x2)
- $23,148 (1995 Toyota 4Runner V6 4x4)
As of January 26, 1995:
- $21,838 (1995 Toyota 4Runner)
- $22,508 (1995 Toyota 4Runner V6 4x2)
- $23,958 (1995 Toyota 4Runner V6 4x4)
As of January 3, 1996:
- $19,488 (1996 Toyota 4Runner 4x2)
- $21,548 (1996 Toyota 4Runner 4x4)
- $24,048 (1996 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x2)
- $25,148 (1996 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4)
- $32,988 (1996 Toyota 4Runner Limited)
Sales[]
| Model year | Production run | Units sold |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | October 1991 – September 1992 | 39,977 |
| 1993 | October 1992 – September 1993 | 43,881 |
| 1994 | October 1993 – September 1994 | 68,208 |
| 1995 | October 1994 – September 1995 | 76,344 |
| 1996 | October 1995 – September 1996 | 93,056 |
| 1997 | October 1996 – September 1997 | 124,176 |
| 1998 | October 1997 – September 1998 | 116,577 |
Gallery[]
