The Demand for 4th Gen 4Runner 

Toyota has dominated the car business for many years, and the 4Runner mid-size SUVs demonstrate why. The 4Runner has had many models, but the 4th Gen 4Runner is truly special and stands out from the rest.

When Toyota unveiled the fifth generation in 2009, the fourth generation's production ended. But it's safe to say there was always love for the fourth generation. Among motorcycle fans, its off-road skills and engine performance have won them over.

According to recent studies, there is already an enormous market for used 4th generation 4Runners. You really should read this if you're considering purchasing this reliable SUV. 

About Toyota 4Runner 

In 1984, the compact SUV, the Toyota 4Runner, debuted. Toyota named the car "Runner" because it can run on rough terrain and "4" for the four-wheel drive system. 4Runner quickly became highly regarded and earned a solid reputation for dependability.

The first generation was debuted in 1984. They introduced the first generation in 1989, and then the third in 1995.

Toyota redesigned the 4Runner into a mid-size SUV for the first time in its third generation. This created a new and innovative design. Despite the release of the fifth generation 4Runner in 2009, the fourth generation model has managed to hold onto its immense popularity and devoted fan base. 

Emergence of 4th Generation 

The fourth generation of the 4Runner debuted in 2003 and improved upon the model in several ways. This vehicle was inspired by the Prado 120 series Land Cruisers. It is a semi-luxury, mid-size SUV with formidable terrain capability.

The fourth-generation vehicle was more spacious inside and outside and came with more potent engine options, like the V6 and V8. The 4.7-liter V8 engine taken from Lexus had 235 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The base model's V6 engine had 245 horsepower and 283 lb-ft of torque. 

Key Features of 4th Gen 4Runner 

The longevity and dependability of these cars in the field are their defining characteristics. The engine options for the 4Runner include a 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 or a 4.7-liter 2UZ-FE V8. Before the 2005 redesign, the only available transmission for the 4.0-liter V6 engine was a four-speed automatic. The 5-speed automatic transmission is standard, and the V8 engine has more power.

Many older Toyota models have the very reliable 4.0-liter V6 engine. It is still used in some developing countries today. This engine is perfect for an SUV with a peak torque of 282 lb-ft available at just 3,800 rpm. 

The V8 cars had many features. These included a power rear window and power driver's lumbar support. They also had power remote keyless entry and automatic climate control. Additionally, the driver attached a tow hitch receiver to the back of the car. 

Although 2005 was not the precise midpoint of the generation, Toyota nonetheless decided to do a mid-cycle update. Among the cosmetic enhancements for the 2007 4Runner are new front and back bumpers, projector headlights, and LED taillights. The grille has also been updated. The most significant change was in 2007, when automakers started equipping every SUV with rollover-sensing side curtain airbags. 

Safety 

This is something that requires your focus right now. The latest version of a popular SUV from the 2000s needs the newest safety technology to stay competitive in its category. This technology is crucial for its continued success.

The SUV must have the most up-to-date safety features to attract customers. This will help it maintain its popularity among other vehicles in its class. The fourth generation is rated well for safety, electronic brake force distribution, and traditional anti-lock brakes.

Toyota's Star Safety System, which includes traction control, vehicle stability control, and braking assistance, was installed on the 4Runners. Before 2008, both front- and rear-row side curtain airbags and front-row side torso airbags were optional extras. 

The 4Runner scored an overall "Good" in the frontal offset accident test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Cars with side airbags received good ratings for side impact tests but poor ratings for rear impact tests.

With only 13 deaths per million registered vehicle years for the 2003 and 2004 model years, the 4Runner has one of the lowest death rates of any vehicle on the road, according to research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety published in April 2007. The fewest drivers died while operating BMW 7 Series, Infiniti G35s, and Chevrolet Astros. 

Changes over the Years 

A tire pressure monitoring system, or TPMS, became a required safety feature in 2004. Third-row seating was an optional addition for the SR5 and Limited. 

2005 saw the addition of 270 horsepower to the V8 and a five-speed automatic transmission to the V6. 

The fourth generation's mid-cycle redesign occurred in 2005 (for the 2006 model year). The lights, grille, roof rack, and step bars were changed on the SR5 and Sport Edition models, along with the bumpers.

New round fog lights were added to the front bumper during the facelift. The turn signals were also relocated to the headlight unit. The bumper's rear reflectors have been changed with a cleaner design.

Several safety improvements were made to the 4Runner in 2007 (for the 2008 model year). Among these were front-row side torso airbags and conventional rollover-sensing side curtain airbags.

Two other improvements were a lever to turn off vehicle stability control and a slightly altered front grille appearance. The braking control, seatbelt warning, and tire pressure monitoring systems were also changed.

The Urban Runner Package was an option for the Sport Edition V6 4x4. The Urban Runner Package was available for the Sport Edition V6 4x4.

It included 18-inch Limited-style wheels, a double-decker cargo system, and a color-keyed front grill. The package also featured Alcantara inserts in the seats and dark leather bolstering. Additionally, it came with a TomTom navigation system in the dashboard.

Wrap-up 

The 4Runner's triumph in its fourth generation has guaranteed Toyota's place as a perennial favorite. Even now, they are sought-after in the used car market because of their dependable engines and track record as trustworthy off-road buddies. This powerful SUV's legacy will endure.