EDMUNDS.COM 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Highly capable whether on the pavement or in the dirt, the 4Runner is a well-rounded midsize SUV, and one of our favorites, particularly with this year''s third-row seat option.
Pros
Powerful engines, well mannered on pavement, rugged off-road capability, comfortable cabin, long list of standard equipment.
Cons
Cargo capacity isn''t much more than what many compact SUVs offer.
What''s New for 2004
A third-row seat is now optional on SR5 and Limited models. Black running boards are standard on SR5 and Sport models, and the optional navigation system now includes a rearview back-up monitor.
Overview
Introduction:
Redesigned last year, the 4Runner is now in its fourth generation, and that says a lot about the popularity of Toyota''s midsize SUV. With rugged good looks and true off-road capability, the 4Runner has earned a reputation as a stout no-nonsense sport-ute. While other SUVs in its class have evolved into kinder, gentler versions of their originals, the 4Runner has retained much of its truckish character. This might seem like a misguided philosophy when you consider that few SUV owners actually go off-road, but Toyota looks at the situation a bit differently. It sees the 4Runner''s all-terrain capability as a selling point over its rivals. If you want a "soft roader," there are plenty to choose from (the Toyota Highlander being a convenient suggestion). But if you want a real sport-utility vehicle, the 4Runner is still the real deal. So when it came time to revamp its bread-and-butter sport-ute, Toyota stuck to the same game plan that has served it well since the 4Runner''s introduction way back in ''84 -- keep it off-road-worthy, good-looking and built to last. The frame employs fully boxed side rails that significantly increase torsional rigidity. This has eliminated much of the body flex that gave the previous version such a sloppy ride on the highway. Power comes from a 4.0-liter V6, while an optional 4.7-liter V8 has been added. The new 4Runner features a much improved cabin that benefits immensely from the vehicle''s larger overall size. The longer wheelbase and increased width result in more interior room in nearly every dimension. There''s plenty of cargo room -- a maximum cargo capacity of 75.1 cubic feet -- but the 4Runner still lags behind the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder and Dodge Durango. Toyota isn''t completely oblivious to this fact as the company offers a foldable cargo shelf that allows for two-tiered loading. And those hoping for a third-row seat are in luck this year, as it''s now optional on SR5 and Limited models. Overall, 4Runner stacks up favorably against just about any other midsize sport-ute on the market when it comes to creature comforts and standard equipment. Add in the powerful engines, advanced vehicle control systems and stout underpinnings, and there''s little doubt this 4Runner upholds the legacy of the numerous 4Runners before it.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The four-door 4Runner comes in three trim levels -- SR5, Sport and Limited. Standard features on the base SR5 include 16-inch wheels, gray metallic fender flares and body cladding, automatic climate control with rear vents, a CD player, remote keyless entry, a telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, a trip computer, running boards and full skid plate protection. Stepping up to the Sport Edition adds larger 17-inch wheels; X-REAS shocks (used to help quell body roll in turns); a hood scoop; a leather-wrapped steering wheel with stereo and cruise controls; high-contrast seat fabrics; and color-keyed exterior mirrors. High-dollar Limited models pick up color-keyed body cladding, illuminated running boards, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, rear-seat audio controls and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass. Options include a DVD navigation system with a rearview camera to aid parking maneuvers and a third-row seat. The X-REAS shocks are optional for the Limited, and they come with a height-adjustable rear air suspension.
Powertrains and Performance:
All 4Runners are available with either two- or four-wheel drive and one of two engines. The standard 4.0-liter V6 makes 245 horsepower and 283 pound-feet of torque. The optional 4.7-liter V8 generates slightly less horsepower with a total of 235 but offers considerably more torque (320 lb-ft) for towing. V6 models get a four-speed automatic, while V8-equipped 4Runners get a five-speed automatic. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds for the V6 and 7,000 pounds for the V8. Fuel mileage on V6 models is 17-18 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway. V8 versions rate 15-16 mpg in the city and 19-20 on the highway.
Safety:
All 4Runners come with standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes with BrakeAssist (BA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Toyota has also equipped the 4Runner with a standard stability control system (VSC), which utilizes the braking system to help the driver maintain control in adverse driving conditions. Front seat-mounted side airbags and overhead side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers are optional on all models. In government crash testing, the 4Runner earned four out of five stars in the frontal impact category and a perfect five stars for side impacts.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The overall design of the interior is both aesthetically pleasing and seriously functional with most controls easy to find and use. Our only major ergonomic complaint concerns the climate controls, which look like intuitive dials but work more like joysticks. Maximum cargo capacity is only 75 cubic feet.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Both engines move the 4Runner out quickly, with the difference in their torque production barely apparent in everyday driving -- most buyers will be happy with the less expensive V6. When driven on pavement, the 4Runner delivers a smooth, controlled ride, and handling around turns is surprisingly tight and responsive for a traditional body-on-frame SUV. Taken off-road, this Toyota is right at home, tackling steep passes with little drama.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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