© JAMES TAYLOR
Editor: Land Rover Enthusiast Magazine

BACKGROUND

Although the Toyota 4-Runner was introduced to the UK as a new vehicle in 1993, it was introduced to its Japanese home market in 1989 under the name of the Hi-Lux Surf. A few examples were brought into the UK as personal imports in the early Nineties, and these have a slightly different specification from the 'genuine' UK-market vehicles; some also have different engines.

The concept behind the 4-Runner is very simple. The vehicle is actually based on a modified four-wheel drive Hi-Lux pick-up chassis (hence the Japanese market name), and it shares much of the Hi-Lux's styling. The chassis modifications are mainly to the suspension, which substitutes a coil-sprung rear end for the pick-up's harsh leaf springs - and, of course, the 4-Runner has much more powerful and refined engines.

Sales of this distinctive long-wheelbase family 4x4 have been disappointingly slow in the UK, and it deserves very much better despite certain undeniable drawbacks.

Character summary

One of the 4-Runner's strengths is its styling, which combines the overall appearance of a car-derived estate with the stance of a four-wheel drive and a rugged frontal design derived from that of the big Land Cruiser VX. Refinement is another strength, and there is plenty of load space in the rear of the body. Toyota GB have so far failed to promote the vehicle effectively as the stylish family estate which it undoubtedly is.

The 4-Runner's main drawbacks are a lack of passenger headroom, brought about by its low build, and a truck-like driving position which comes from the Hi-Lux range on which it is based

Performance summary

Among other four-wheel drive estates, the 4-Runner stands out as an exceptionally good road vehicle. The V6 petrol engine is extremely flexible and smooth, while the turbodiesel gives both good performance and exemplary refinement. The ride quality is as good as that in a conventional saloon-derived estate, and handling is stable with little body roll. The 4-Runner also makes a stable and powerful tow vehicle.

Off the road, the 4-Runner feels strong and solid. Its long wheelbase, side steps and long rear overhang are handicaps, but both engines have plenty of controllable low-down torque. The coil spring suspension also gives a good ride over rough terrain.

Reliability, weaknesses, spares

Toyota have an excellent reputation for reliability and there is no reason to suppose that the 4-Runner will prove an exception. Certainly, build quality is up to the usual very high standard, and Toyota should have ironed out any teething troubles with the model long ago.

Spares are available through Toyota dealerships.

Resale value

Too few examples of the 4-Runner have appeared on the secondhand market for it to be possible to make a reliable assessment of the model's resale value. However, early indications are that values are likely to be firm, and that depreciation will be rather lower than average for this type of vehicle.