Toyota 4RUNNER N180 (1996–2002)

Toyota 4RUNNER N180 (1996–2002) — production years, market prices by model year, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, and live listings for sale on VehiSales.

Toyota 4RUNNER — body generations

Vehicles within one generation share the same platform and body style.

Engines used in the 4RUNNER

Engine families this model shipped with, by NHTSA VIN build data — each links to every model that shares it.

Toyota 4RUNNER fuel economy: every year & engine (EPA) →

Used Toyota 4RUNNER prices by year → · Chevrolet Tahoe vs Toyota 4Runner · Ford Expedition vs Toyota 4Runner

About this generation

Developed under chief engineer Masaaki Ishiko from 1990 to 1995 under the project code 185T, in late 1995 (for the 1996 model year) a significant redesign of the 4Runner was introduced, with an all-new body shell on an all-new chassis. It shared many parts, including engine and transmission, with the new Tacoma, and shared its chassis with the Land Cruiser Prado. Despite moving upmarket with the rest of the mid-size SUV market, the new 4Runner differentiated itself by retaining the rugged off-road character its competitors were sacrificing for highway comfort.

The third generation 4Runner featured new engines shared with the first generation Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks: * 2.7L 3RZ-FE I4 replacing the previous 2.4 L 22R-E I4 * max horsepower at 4800 rpm, an increase of * max torque at 4000 rpm, an increase of * 3.4L 5VZ-FE V6 replacing the previous 3.0L 3VZ-E V6 * horsepower at 4800 rpm, an increase of * max torque at 3600 rpm, an increase of In the United States, the 4Runner was available in three trims; the V6 engine was limited to the two higher trims (SR5 and Limited).

For 4WD models, the transfer case selector allows the driver to select between 2WD high range (H2), 4WD low range (L4), or 4WD high range (H4); Limited models use a pushbutton to select H4. Airbags for both the driver and passenger were added with the introduction of the third-generation 4Runner in 1995 for the 1996 model year. The new 4Runner was also available with a factory installed selectable electric locker in the rear differential, a first for the 4Runner but available since 1993 in the Toyota Land Cruiser.

Other significant changes from the second generation models include a larger body on a longer wheelbase and wider track, increased interior space, increased cargo space, dual airbags, ABS, lift-up tailgate, coil-spring suspension all around, rack and pinion steering, and aerodynamic contour designed glass headlights. Ground clearance decreased by. Maximum towing capacity with the optional V6 increased. The equivalent Hilux Surf for the Japanese market was sold initially in four distinct trims, each of which used part-time four-wheel drive: SSR (standard body), SSR-X (standard body with luxury equipment), SSR-V (wide body), and SSR-G (wide body with luxury equipment).

The 3.4L V6 was available only with the 4-speed automatic on the SSR-G trim. Additionally, Hilux Surf versions immediately moved to 16-inch wheels and gained a center differential, enabling the use of four-wheel drive on hard surfaces without complication for the first time. The prior system was retained to give on-the-fly shifting between rear- and four-wheel drive as before. For Japan, in addition to the two gasoline engines, the Hilux Surf also was available with a 3.0-liter 1KZ-TE turbodiesel engine with a maximum output of .

This turbodiesel was available with either the 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. In 1996, the 4Runner was dropped from sale in the UK, to be replaced by the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which was badged as the Toyota Land Cruiser Colorado. In 1996, for the 1997 model year, the 4Runner received a few minor updates, including the addition of a color keyed cargo cover. In Japan, an intercooled version of the 1KZ-TE turbodiesel was introduced in July 1996, increasing maximum output, with availability limited to the Hilux Surf SSR-G only.

In 1997, for the 1998 model year, the 4Runner remained largely unchanged, save for a few changes in the electronics. More ergonomic switch control panels and a newly designed 4 spoke steering wheel, which also necessitated a redesign of the airbag system. The Hilux Surf introduced a new 'Sports Runner' trim line in August 1998, which was available with either the 2.7L I4 or 3.4L V6 gasoline engines; the 'Sports Runner' was rear-wheel drive only.

In 1998, for the 1999 model year, there were both major cosmetic and interior enhancements.

Source: Wikipedia — Toyota 4Runner — Third generation (N180; 1995), CC BY-SA.

Recalls & complaints by year (NHTSA)

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.