{"id":76474,"date":"2024-07-05T22:04:52","date_gmt":"2024-07-05T18:04:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dubicars.com\/news?p=76474"},"modified":"2024-07-05T22:04:57","modified_gmt":"2024-07-05T18:04:57","slug":"toyota-4runner-history-generations-models-price-more-details","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dubicars.com\/news\/toyota-4runner-history-generations-models-price-more-details.html","title":{"rendered":"Toyota 4Runner History: Six Generations Of The Practical, Rugged & Capable SUV"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Renowned for its durability, off-road prowess, and versatility, the Toyota 4Runner has carved out a loyal following since its inception. It was first launched in 1983 and over three million units of the Toyota 4Runner<\/a> have been sold since then. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 4Runner name was derived from its capable 4<\/strong>WD system and its ability to run<\/strong> on all kinds of terrain \u2014 characteristics that are common across all of its generations. It started off as a compact SUV but was later positioned as a mid-size SUV<\/a>. In this Dubicars Car Spotlight article, we take a closer look at the history, generations, and models of the Toyota 4Runner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Origins Of The Toyota 4Runner<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Toyota introduced the Land Cruiser in 1951 and it went on to become an automotive icon. Read all about the history and generations of the Toyota Land Cruiser here<\/a>. This was the SUV that set the ball rolling for Toyota\u2019s illustrious line-up of SUVs. While Toyota launched new generations of the Land Cruiser, there wasn\u2019t another new Toyota SUV until the arrival of the 4Runner in 1983.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"First
1951 Toyota Land Cruiser<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The Toyota Hilux was launched in 1968 and 1983 saw the launch of the fourth generation of the revered pickup truck<\/a>. Toyota sought to take advantage of the growing demand for SUVs globally by launching a new SUV based on the new Toyota Hilux. Named the 4Runner, it combined the utility of a truck with the comfort and amenities of a passenger vehicle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toyota Trekker<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 1981, American motorhome and RV manufacturer Winnebago started producing the Toyota<\/a> Trekker. It was in essence a modified second-generation Toyota Hilux. The brand took a standard Hilux pickup and replaced the cargo bed at the rear with a pair of seats and a fibre roof.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"1981
1981 Toyota Trekker<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

This conversion created an SUV that was a direct competitor to the likes of the Ford Bronco<\/a>. It was powered by a 2.4-litre inline-4 petrol engine. The Toyota Trekker became the unofficial predecessor to the Toyota 4Runner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Generation (N60) | 1983 – 1989<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first-generation Toyota 4Runner, introduced in 1983, was essentially a modified Hilux<\/a> with a fiberglass shell over the bed and an integrated rear seat. Codenamed N60, this model featured a simplistic yet functional design and showcased ruggedness that would become a hallmark of the 4Runner.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"First
1984 Toyota 4Runner<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

It was offered with a range of engines. Inline-4 petrol engines ranged between 2.0-litres and 2.4-litres in capacity. In addition, it also featured a 3.0-litre V6 engine. Diesel models were powered by a 2.4-litre inline-4 unit available in both turbocharged and NA guises. The removable rear canopy allowed for an open-air driving experience, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second Generation (N120\/N130) | 1989 – 1995<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The second-generation 4Runner, introduced in 1989, marked a significant shift towards a more refined SUV. The N120\/N130 series featured a full steel body, eliminating the removable fibre canopy of its predecessor. This generation offered improved safety and comfort, with a more spacious interior.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Second
1990 Toyota 4Runner<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The petrol engines of the previous generation were retained while newer and more powerful diesel engines were added to the lineup owing to their popularity. The suspension system was also upgraded, enhancing both ride quality and off-road capability. This generation solidified the 4Runner’s reputation as a versatile and reliable SUV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third Generation (N180) | 1995 – 2002<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 1995, the third-generation 4Runner (N180) brought further advancements in performance and comfort. This model featured a more aerodynamic design and a completely redesigned chassis. This is the generation where the Toyota 4Runner transitioned from a compact SUV to a mid-size SUV.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Third
1996 Toyota 4Runner<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

It featured new engine options too, with a 2.7-litre inline-4 replacing the old 2.4-litre unit and a 3.4-litre V6 replacing the old 3.0-litre V6. A 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic gearbox<\/a> handled transmission duties. It featured an advanced 4WD system and struck a balance between rugged off-road capability and refined on-road manners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fourth Generation (N210) | 2002 – 2009<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The fourth-generation 4Runner, launched in 2002, represented a major leap forward in terms of technology and performance. This generation was built on a new platform shared with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado<\/a>, ending its decades-long link with the Toyota Hilux Platform.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Fourth
2002 Toyota 4Runner<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Toyota\u2019s well-known 1GR-FE 4.0-litre V6 engine<\/a> was added to the lineup of engine options. However, the star of its engine lineup was the coveted 4.7-litre V8. The interior was more luxurious, with high-quality materials and a range of modern conveniences. For the first time in its history, the Toyota 4Runner did not feature a manual gearbox and it received a full-time 4WD system<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fifth Generation (N280) | 2009 – Present<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 2009, the fifth-generation 4Runner (N280) debuted with a bold, aggressive design and a focus on off-road capability. This model retained the rugged body-on-frame construction, and its size had increased significantly. One could choose between a 2.7-litre inline-4 and a 4.0-litre V6 engine. This is the first generation of the Toyota 4Runner without a diesel engine option<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Fifth
2023 Toyota 4Runner<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

All models of this generation are available with Toyota\u2019s acclaimed A-TRAC active traction control system. Throughout the lifetime of this generation, Toyota constantly made changes and improvements to the SUV.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sixth Generation (N380) | 2024<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In April 2024, Toyota revealed the all-new 4Runner. While sales are yet to begin, the new 4Runner has already attracted a lot of attention. It is built on the GA-F platform that underpins the flagship Land Cruiser 300<\/a> and even the recently launched all-new Toyota Prado<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"2025
2025 Toyota 4Runner<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A 2.4-litre inline-4 turbo-petrol powers the 4Runner for the first time in its history. Toyota has also revealed a hybrid version of the same powertrain. With the Tarilhunter variant, Toyota will cater specifically to off-road enthusiasts as it features 33-inch off-road tyres, long travel suspension, a roof rack, skid plates, and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n