Toyota 4Runner 3rd generation (N180)

Production period:	1995-2002
Body versions :	station wagon
Engines:	Gasoline : 2.7-3.4 liters (112-142 kW) Diesel :3.0 liters (97 kW)
Length:	4539-4656 mm
Width:	1689-1801 mm
Height:	1689-1745 mm
Wheelbase :	2675 mm

In 1995, the somewhat by now outdated-looking Toyota 4Runner was again significantly revised.

History

While the first-to-second generation transition kept production quality and optional extras at substantially the same level as the other mid-size SUVs, the introduction of the third generation marks a move towards more luxury. The Nissan Pathfinder made this development, but the two were from then on in a completely different class as their previous competitors Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer and Isuzu Rodeo. Visually, the third generation of 4Runner looked quite similar to the second.

This similarity was definitely limited to the look. Basic design and concept were adopted, but completely new interpreted with a new body and a new chassis. This time, the technology had nothing to do with the pickup from which the 4Runner originally descended, but rather with the Land Cruiser Prado, from which the landing gear was used.

engines available. The standard engine is a 4-cylinder engine. This power is negligible considering the 4Runner weighs nearly 1,800 kg. With this engine, foresight is essential when passing. It is still possible to order the 4.0-liter V6 engine. Unfortunately, despite its more generous displacement, the power is only 150 horsepower. This is really fair considering the price and anticipated use. Currently, GM offers a V8 engine developing 50 more horsepower, while the Grand Cherokee can be equipped with a powerful V8 engine producing over 200 horsepower.

Also, the third generation of the 4Runner had to offer new engines, as they were also installed in the first generation of the pickup Tacoma:

• A 2.7-liter R4, type Toyota 3RZ-FE, replaced the old 2.4-liter R4 type 22R-E. He gave 150 bhp (110 kW) at 4800 rpm and a maximum torque of 240 Nm at 4000 rpm.
• A 3.4-liter V6, type Toyota 5VZ-FE, replaced the old 3.0-liter V6 type 3VZ-E. He gave 183 bhp (135 kW) at 4800 rpm and a maximum torque of 294 Nm at 3600 rpm.

In 1996, the 4Runner was taken out of the UK and replaced by the Land Cruiser Prado, which was offered as '' Toyota Land Cruiser Colorado ''.

The major changes in the third generation over the second are a longer body on a longer chassis, more interior, more luggage space, airbags for driver and front passenger, ABS, normal, top hinged tailgate, coil springs all around, rack and pinion steering and aerodynamically inserted into the body headlights with glass cover. In addition, the Hilux Surf models had from the beginning 16-inch rims and got the first time a central differential for the all-wheel drive, the driving in difficult terrain made possible without complications. The previous system was retained in order to continue to switch from rear to four-wheel drive under load.

In 1997, the 4Runner was revised only in a few minor points; so was z. B. the luggage compartment cover to match the exterior colours.

In 1998, the 4Runner remained largely unchanged except for some changes in the electronics: there were new switches and a newly designed four-spoke steering wheel, which also required changes to the airbag system.

In 1999, both the cosmetic and the interior decoration were revised. They got bumpers with "fat lip" and headlights with multi-axis parabolic characteristics, projection fog lamps and updated position and flashing lights. On the models Limited and Highlander (later: Sport Edition), the running boards, front and rear bumpers and mud flaps were supplied in body colour. The operation was completely re-arranged, with the controls for the rear window and the heater in the middle of the dashboard landed. The Limited models got a whole new electronic temperature control unit and an improved stereo system.

In 2001, the 4Runner received transparent dome lights for the taillights and a new radiator grille. The wheels got five-spoke rims. The Limited models also got new five-spoke rims, but other than the base and SR5 models. There were also new, slimmer exterior mirrors. The base and SR5 models of the 4Runner also got new climate control controls with three levers and two buttons, in contrast to the two sliders and the two buttons on previous models. All were equipped in 2001 with Electronic Stability Control (ESP) as standard.

Standard Equipment:

Base: 2.7-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, 4WDemand part-time 4WD (4WD models), power steering, driver- and passenger-side air bags, cloth bucket seats, 50/50 split folding rear seat, front and rear cupholders, tachometer, voltmeter, oil-pressure gauge, trip odometer, AM/FM radio with four speakers, power tailgate window, tinted glass, intermittent front and rear wipers, passenger-side visor mirror, remote fuel-door release, mudguards, 225/75R15 tires.

SR5 adds: 3.4-liter DOHC V-6 engine, anti-lock brakes, tilt steering wheel, power door locks and mirrors, digital clock, cassette player, spring rear antenna, rear defogger, rear cupholders, variable intermittent wipers, map and courtesy lights, privacy glass, chrome bumpers and grille.

Limited adds: 4-speed automatic transmission, One-Touch Hi-4 4WD (4WD), remote 4-wheel drive selector (4WD), air conditioning, cruise control, power front sport seats, leather upholstery, premium cassette player with six speakers, power antenna, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power windows, wood interior trim, tonneau cover, All Weather Guard Pkg., body-side cladding, fender flares, running boards, floormats, 265/70R16 tires, alloy wheels.

Other markets 

This model was offered in Europe only with the 3.0-liter diesel engine. Depending on the individual country, the import of 4Runner ended. In Germany, the 4Runner disappeared from the model range with the appearance of the Toyota RAV4 II, which was now also available in larger version and with diesel engine.

In South America this model was offered as Toyota Hilux SW4.