While overall SUV sales continue to fall in favor of cross-over vehicles, the Toyota 4Runner is actually doing better than ever! First introduced to the market in 1984, more 4Runners were sold in 2018 than any year prior.
Seen as a classic SUV by today’s standards, the 4Runner continues to impress generation after generation of drivers. But how has this vehicle managed to stay relevant for so long? Continue reading and we’ll take a look at the Toyota 4Runner history.
First Generation: 1984-1989
Before the Toyota 4Runner, there was the Trekker. The Trekker was the camper version of the Toyota Hilux, which is a series of pickup trucks produced by Toyota. The Trekker was sold from 1981 to 1983.
It essentially acted as a marketing test for the 4Runner. And in 1984, the Trekker would be discontinued with the introduction of the 4Runner.
The first generation of the Toyota 4Runner is practically identical, mechanically speaking, to the Toyota Hilux. All of the 4Runners in the first generation were two-door vehicles and were identical to the Hilux from the hood to the dashboard.
The differences between the two vehicles took place in the back half.
The original 4Runner had an inline 4-cylinder 2.4L engine, removable fiberglass shell over the rear section, and a solid front axle. It kind of looked like a cross between a semi-convertible wagon and a pickup truck. You could also get a backseat for hauling passengers in the optional upgraded SR5 model.
Toyota brought the 4Runner to market at a perfect time since other truck manufacturers were also starting to produce mid-sized SUVs during the mid-80s. Toyota tried to place itself above the crowded competition. They did this by boasting about the car’s removable top and claiming to have the highest ground clearance of any small SUV.
Changes
Starting in 1985, Toyota started making some big changes to the nascent 4Runner. First off, they replaced the original engine with a fuel-injected one. The next year, They installed independent suspension as a replacement to the solid front axle, while keeping the leaf spring rear suspension.
At the start of 1987, they introduced the new SR5 Turbo model. This vehicle offered an optional turbocharged engine along with an automatic transmission as standard. This was Toyota’s attempt to make its 4-cylinder engine appear more powerful in lieu of a V6 while maintaining the light weight of the 4-cylinder.
A simplified 2-segmented grill also replaced the 3-segmented grill. And in 1988, the turbo 4-cylinder engine was replaced by an optional 3.0L V6. For most model line-ups, the manual transmission remained standard throughout the lifespan of this generation.
Second Generation: 1990-1995
When the second generation 4Runner was introduced in 1990, it was equipped with four doors and the vehicle was made with a full metal shell. The truck was also offered in an RWD version and the cargo space was increased. This all helped to further distinguish the 4Runner from Toyota’s pickup trucks.
By 1992, Toyota stopped selling the 2-door models in the US market. The second generation also came with an improved interior, rear coil springs replacing leaf springs, and optional shift-on-the-move 4WD. However, the much-loved removable top was no longer included.
While other carmakers were gaining a bad reputation for poor quality, Toyota was boasting about “reliability” in their marketing campaigns.
In 1992, leather became a trim option. Pocketed headlights were replaced by a more flush aero design. And all models came standard with power steering.
In 1993, Toyota dropped the RWD version of the 4Runner. The following year, you could get an optional sunroof, anti-lock brakes, and an 8-speaker CD audio system.
Around this time, consumers were seeing the SUV as an upscale version of the minivan. Vehicles like the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee were gaining in market share. Toyota recognized a desire for a more luxury trim and responded in 1995 by introducing the Limited.
The Limited came with designation badging, leather, and wood trim. This would be the last year of the second generation 4Runner.
Third Generation: 1996-2002
For the third-generation model, Toyota made the car larger. They also completely redesigned the body and chassis, thus distinguishing the car even further from the pickup.
They also focused even more on safety and comfort which helped grow demand for the car and also allowed them to win high safety star ratings. Toyota also brought back the RWD drivetrain.
The base and SR5 models still came standard with manual transmission. For the Base model, the 4-cylinder standard increased to 2.7L in displacement. The V6 increased to 3.4L.
Convenience features included new optional side-step rails, improved center-console design, a new lift-up tailgate, greatly improved suspension, and improved seats. Also at this time, Toyota had a reputation as one of the most reliable car manufacturers around.
Up to the 2000 model, Toyota continued to make comfort, performance, convenience, and handling upgrades to various parts of the 4Runner as they worked to respond to customer feedback.
In 2001, the Base model was discontinued and changes were made to both off- and on-road handling. In an attempt to upgrade the anti-lock braking system, Toyota introduced A-TRAC (Active Traction Control), Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and Vehicle Skid Control. Toyota trucks are able to drive so well in 4-wheel low under light acceleration thanks to A-TRAC.
Fourth Generation: 2003-2009
These useful innovations carried over into the next 4Runner generation. This generation was based on the Land Cruiser Prado 120 platform.
In 2003, the fourth generation 4Runner came in a larger body style that exhibited a massive design change. A bigger engine bay was fitted with either V6 245 HP VVT-i as the standard engine. This produced 283 pound-feet of torque.
There was also an option 4.7L V8 that produced 320 pound-feet of torque and 235 HP. The V6 came with a 4-speed automatic while the V8 came with a 5-speed automatic. The V8 models came with full-time 4WD while the V6 cars featured shift-on-the-fly 4WD.
For this generation, Toyota offered three trim levels but used the SR5 as the base model. A new Sport Edition was added in between SR5 and Limited editions. The Sport model came with larger front brake calipers and rotors and a hood scoop.
In order to reduce body lean in turns, the trim also came with a liquid shock system known as X-REAS (X-Relative Absorber System). Toyota heavily advertised the off-road capabilities of the Sport Edition even though it mainly appeared to be a street performance vehicle.
The Limited was full of luxury features and came in well above the $40,000 price point. The 5-speed automatic replaced the 4-speed automatic for the V6 in 2005.
After the V8 was given VVT-i, its engine power increased to 330 lb·ft of torque and 270 HP. It became one of the most powerful mid-sized SUVs on the market and had a towing capacity of 7,200 lbs.
The fourth-generation lasted seven years, just like third-generation did.
Fifth Generation: 2009-Present
Toyota introduced its largest 4Runner yet in 2010. Other car manufacturers have abandoned truck-on-frame architecture in recent years in order to appease the demand for ride comfort and fuel efficiency.
Toyota though has continued with its formula a rugged yet versatile SUV with the 4Runner. This has allowed the larger Highlander to act as the family hauler that provides soft handling and more fuel efficiency.
The new standard engine was a 4.0L V6 engine featuring Dual VVTi. This engine was able to produce 278 Ib-ft of torque and 270 horsepower. The 2WD models came with an optional 2.7L L4 engine but it was later discontinued because of low demand.
Toyota also discontinued the V8 that was previously available in the fourth-generation 4Runner. Toyota touted the fact that this new engine came with improved fuel efficiency and horsepower. However, the engine had a towing capacity that was 2,000 pounds less than the V8 engine.
The Limited and SR5 editions come with an optional integrated third row seat. This is a first for the 4Runner.
The Sport Edition was renamed the Trail Edition. It comes with useful features that help it appeal to the off-roading and road trip types: black exterior trim and grill, slide-out rear deck, and a rear-axle locker.
In 2014, the 4Runner underwent a major facelift with LED headlights. It was also given a more intense front facia. The front seats were redesigned in order to give more space to the second row.
Improvements were also made to the interior styling, dashboard features, and to smartphone and audio integration technologies.
The Importance of Knowing the Toyota 4Runner History
While it might not be the first car that comes to mind, the Toyota 4Runner has been an integral part of car culture for decades. With its dependability, reliability, and versatility, it’s been able to successfully carve out a corner of the market all to itself. And by learning about the Toyota 4Runner history, you’re also learning about American car history and consumer demand as well.
And while it may not be the fastest or the most sporty car in town, it certainly gets the job done.
Are you looking to learn about more car histories? Check out our Driving Legacy section today!
