Kelley Blue Book ® - 2004 Toyota 4Runner Overview

Toyota completely overhauled the 4Runner last year, giving it a bigger footprint, larger interior space and for the first time in its history, a V8 engine. We thought there wouldn't be much news for 2004, with the 4Runner being so new; but we were wrong. For 2004, Toyota has added even more content to the 4Runner, making it competitive not only with other midsize SUVs, but also with some full-size models.

The 4Runner retains its place in the Toyota SUV lineup, nestled firmly between the full-size Sequoia and the Highlander. Compared to the previous generation, the newest 4Runner has a longer wheelbase, longer overall length and most importantly, a substantial increase in width. This last point is so important because the previous model was rather narrow and lagged far behind its competition in the area of shoulder and hip room.

The 4Runner now displays both Toyota and Lexus styling cues, comfortably meshed together in a rugged yet stylish package. Though the sheet metal is completely new, the 4Runner still retains one of its best features; an electrically-retracting rear window. This design is so basic, dating back to the earliest station wagons, and yet no other SUV offers this feature.

The 4Runner is offered with a choice of two powerplants. The first, a 4.7-liter V8 from the Sequoia, is rated at 235-horsepower and 320 lbs.-ft. of torque. This V8 not only improves the 4Runners acceleration time, it significantly improves its tow rating. The second option is a 4.0-liter V6. The V6 actually produces 10 more horses than the V8 (245 vs. 235) and—though it does not have near the torque of its V8 brother—it does produce enough low-end grunt to best just about every other V6 on the market. Both engines get a new crank control system that prevents the driver from engaging the ignition if the engine is already running (you know the awful sound this can make, we've all done it at least once in our lives).

The 4Runner is offered to buyers as a 2WD or 4WD model. The traditional solid-rear axle remains in place because—according to Toyota engineers—it is the only way to maintain the 4Runner's tenacious off-road capabilities. The front suspension basically remains as it was last year; a double wishbone set up that gives the 4Runner excellent road manners and a controlled, stable ride.

To help the driver remain in control under all driving conditions, Toyota has equipped all 4Runners with a new hill-descent feature knows as HAC (Hill-start Assist Control.) The HAC system prevents the 4Runner from slipping backwards or off to the side when moving from a stopped position to climbing a hill. Standard on all 4WD 4Runners is the DAC (Downhill Assist Control) that uses a combination of the vehicle's brakes and engine braking to avoid unwanted acceleration when descending steep grades. V6 4WD 4Runners come standard with an all-new Torsen limited-slip center differential that transfers the bulk of the engines torque to the rear wheels which helps the vehicle remain stable in off-road and slippery situations. These new features join the 4Runner's standard VSC (Vehicle Skid Control) and traction control.

Of course, Toyota has not forgotten the 4Runner's car-like qualities, all of which can be found inside the passenger cabin. The dash is typically Toyota: handsome, functional and assembled of the finest materials and with the tightest tolerances. The now familiar three-ring instrument cluster seen on the Matrix and Highlander makes its way to the 4Runner, further strengthening the Toyota SUV signature look. The seats are wide and tall to better accommodate full-sized adults and there is more headroom, shoulder room and most importantly, rear legroom than the previous model. Trim levels remain the same as last year, they are: the Sport Edition, SR5 and Limited. For 2004, Toyota adds the option of third-row seats on SR5 and Limited models. Also new is a rear-view back-up camera option linked to the optional GPS navigation view screen.