![]() In a 1989 magazine ad, Toyota marketed the introduction of the 4 door 4Runner as the means for accessing the gift of the great outdoors-a gift that can now be shared with the family. A 2-door model was still available for 19, but by 1992, Toyota had dropped it from the U.S. The 4Runner was now more distinguishable from the pickup. Cargo space increased and the truck was now offered in a RWD version. ![]() It wasn’t until the second generation 4Runner, introduced as a 1990 model, that Toyota equipped the 4Runner with 4 doors and made the SUV with a full metal shell. Throughout the generation lifespan, the manual transmission was standard for most model line-ups. For 1988, an optional 3.0L V6 engine replaced the turbo 4-cylinder. ![]() Toyota replaced the 3-segmented grill with a less busy looking 2-segmented grill. Offering this optional turbo-charged engine, coupled with an automatic transmission as standard, was deemed as an attempt to make the 4-cylinder seem more powerful in lieu of a V6, while preserving the engine’s lighter weight. For the latter half of 1986 to 1987, Toyota came out with the SR5 Turbo model. The 4Runner went through some major evolution stages starting in 1985 when Toyota replaced the original engine with a fuel-injected version, and again in 1986 with the replacement of the solid front axle with independent suspension while continuing with the leaf spring rear suspension. To differentiate itself from the competitors, Toyota boasted in magazine ads about the 4Runner having the highest ground clearance of any small SUV and a removable top. Toyota’s timing for bringing the 4Runner to market was appropriate as other truck manufacturers were introducing mid-sized SUVs in the mid-1980s. An optional upgraded SR5 model included a backseat for hauling passengers. It looked as if Toyota had converted their pickup truck into a sort of semi-convertible wagon. There’s even a 3rd-row seat option, small as it is, that increases the 4Runner’s passenger complement to seven.The first generation 4Runner was introduced in 1984 as a 2-door 4WD SUV with a solid front axle, removable fiberglass shell over the rear section, and an inline 4-cylinder 2.4L engine. If you’re seeking a dependable daily driver that can double as a rugged weekend warrior, Toyota’s 2016 4Runner SUV has you covered. On the flip side, the 4Runner’s poor fuel economy and truck-like driving characteristics are a far car from what car-based SUVs can deliver, although its powerful V6 and numerous interior amenities help it remain competitive when prowling the urban jungle. But, they lack the ability to really take a pounding and tackle immovable objects in the way the 4Runner can. They even come with advanced AWD systems for varying off-road conditions. Sure, the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder offer a smoother ride and more high-tech features. Designed to tackle the toughest off-road obstacles, the 4Runner is all about the mission. There are not many body-on-frame SUVs left in the world, and even fewer with the 2016 Toyota 4Runner’s reputation for capability, longevity and strong resale.
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