2003 Toyota 4Runner Review

The Toyota 4Runner has been popular for most of the time since its 1985 introduction. But the last version was lagging for the last few years with a six-year-old design in the booming sport-utility market, which seemingly adds a new model every week.

Toyota thus kept the mid-size 4Runner's odd name, but redesigned the 2003 version. It's larger, heavier, roomier and more powerful. There also are new features, an improved chassis and the first 4Runner V-8.

Some think the new styling of this fourth-generation 4Runner is overwrought, with body cladding, running boards and prominent, nonfunctional hood scoop. Others think it looks appropriately "muscular.''

Styling aside, the new 4Runner is a big improvement over its predecessors. It's 5.7 inches longer with a wheelbase (distance between front and rear tires) stretched 4.5 inches. The new model also gains more than three inches of width and two inches in height. A wider stance improves handling.

There is sufficient power to back up a muscular image. But the new Toyota's 4.7-liter, 235-horsepower V-8 actually is less powerful than the standard 4-liter, 245 horsepower low-emissions V-6. Being larger, the V-8 has more torque, but delivers lower economy.

Neither engine is a fuel-miser. Estimated economy of the 4Runner V-6 is 17-18 mpg in the city and 20-21 on the highway. With the V-8, the figures are 15-16 in the city and 19-20 on highways. The higher numbers are with rear-wheel drive, while four wheel-drive versions deliver the lower figures.

The engines have a new cranking hold system that keeps the starter engaged from the time the ignition switch is turned on until complete engine combustion is detected. That helps prevent "starter overrun'' and frees a driver from holding the key in the start position until the engine fires up.

The four-wheel drive system with the V-6 can be left engaged on dry roads, while the V-8 version has full-time four-wheel drive. Both systems have low-range gearing for tough off-road use. They also have a Downhill Assist Control system that improves directional control during descent on steep or slippery surfaces.

A "first'' for a sport-ute is the 4Runner's new Hill-start Assist control system, which comes on all two- and four-wheel-drive versions. The system increases stability for improved control on steep upgrades and stopping and starting on slippery surfaces. It helps prevent the 4Runner from rolling backward or slipping sideways during transition from a stopped position to climbing an upgrade. That should be a comfort in hilly Chicago suburban areas--or during visits to San Francisco.

The V-6 provides good acceleration for most needs and works with a four-speed automatic transmission. The V-8 gets a more responsive five-speed automatic. Too bad the V-6 doesn't have the five-speed unit, which allows faster response and higher fuel economy in any vehicle.

That transmission changes gear-shifting patterns according to driving conditions and driver intent. But Toyota wanted to keep 4Runner V-6 base prices down. The V-8 model base prices range from $28,005 to $34,205 for rear-drive models and from $30,280 to $36,480 for four-wheel-drive versions.

Toyota hasn't released prices for V-6 models, which go on sale in a month or so, but it says they'll average about $700 to $1,100 less than V-8 models. It expects most 4Runner buyers might opt for the V-6.

The 4Runner is available in SR5, new Sport and top-line Limited versions. It feels very solid, with a new body-on-frame chassis design. Even the SR5 is well-equipped.

There are standard electronic traction control and anti-skid systems. Handling is decent, but the best handling is with the Yamaha-developed "X-Relative Absorber System" (X-REAS) sport enhancement suspension feature.

Optional on the Limited for $450 and standard on the Sport, that feature significantly improves on-road handling and cuts down on body pitch and lean in corners. It stiffens the ride a little, but should be standard on all 4Runner models.

The smooth, quiet V-8 is a sweetheart, providing quick starts off the line and good 65-75 mph passing times. It almost seems asleep at only 2,000 rpm at 70 mph. The five-speed automatic is an especially good companion, upshifting seamlessly and downshifting quickly.

The 4Runner ride is good, but not as smooth as rides from car-based sport-utes--or those with an independent rear suspension. The steering has the right amount of quickness. And standard anti-lock brakes feel reassuring despite a rather soft pedal, with their brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution features.

Extra effort is needed to get in and out of this tall vehicle, and the narrow running boards are more a hindrance than a help for those with large shoes.

There's room for four tall adults in the quiet interior, which has supportive front seats, easily read gauges and large controls for the sound and climate control systems. There's a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and the ignition switch is easy to quickly find on the dashboard. But power window controls are too low on the driver's door.

Large cupholders conveniently reside at the front of the console, and all doors have storage pockets. Windshield posts have big grab handles to assist entry and exit--especially for elderly folks. Rear windows roll down all the way, and the back doors have bottle holders. All occupants sit high, but rear seat cushions are rather low.

The standard power tailgate window can be handy. And the cargo area is large--although wheelwells eat into some of its space. However, the entire split rear seat folds forward to greatly enlarge the cargo area.

Safety features include front side air bags that work with front and rear curtain-shield air bags. Options include a power sunroof.

The hood opens smoothly on struts, and the engine compartment has no big, unsightly plastic cover found in many such compartments. Fluid filler areas are easily reached, and the six windshield washer jets show good attention to detail.

The new 4Runner should go a long way toward making this Toyota model more popular.


2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER V-8

Prices:
$28,005-$36,480

Likes:
Roomy. Fast. Solid. Safe. Adroit handling with X-REAS sport suspension option.
Dislikes:
Controversial styling. Lofty step-in. Mediocre fuel economy. No third-row seat.