On The Road With'...02 Toyota 4runnerLove 'em or hate 'em, the modern SUV dominates the automotive market with sales figures as high as a quarter of all new vehicle purchases. So you can tell your Geo Metro-driving, eco-recycling, endangered-species-saving neighbors that they're going to either have to suck it up or join the fun. "Up, sluggard, and waste not life!" Mr. Ben Franklin advised-and all the better with lots of Toys.
Toyota made the automotive audience swoon with that very motivation when it introduced the 2.4L four-cylinder 4Runner in mid 1984. Back then the four-by was based on the mechanical ruggedness of a four-wheel-drive pickup yet offered the comfort of a passenger vehicle. Today the 4 of "4-wheel drive" plus Runner of "off-road Runner" is powered by a 183hp 3.4L V-6 engine, an auto tranny, and a shift-on-the-fly two-speed transfer case. Upgrades from last year's model continue to grace the '02. Features like Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), and an antilock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and brake assist continue to be standard on all SR5 and Limited models. For the details, see the spec box below.
'02 Toyota 4Runner SpecificationsEngine: 3.4L DOHC 24-valve EFI V-6, 183 hp @ 4,800 rpm and 217 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm Ignition: Distributorless Toyota Direct Ignition system (TDI) Transmission: Four-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive (ECT) Body Construction: Reinforced body-on-frame construction Drivetrain: Multimode four-wheel drive with locking center differential (4WD models) Suspension: Front coil-spring independent double-wishbone with low-pressure gas-filled shock absorbers and stabilizer bar; rear four-link/coil-spring with low-pressure gas-filled shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. Steering: Engine speed-sensing power-assisted rack-and-pinion; Turning circle diameter, curb to curb: 38.1 feet Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with four-wheel antilock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and brake assist Vehicle Skid Control: VSC plus TRAC traction control Exterior Dimensions: Overall height (unloaded 4WD): 67.5 inches; overall width: 66.5 inches; overall length: 183.3 inches; wheelbase: 105.3 inches; track (front/rear): 59.3/58.9 inches Interior Dimensions (front/rear): Head room: 39.3/38.7 inches; shoulder room: 53.6/53.3 inches; hip room: 49.8/51.3 inches; leg room: 42.6/34.9 inches; seating capacity: 5 Off-Highway: Approach/departure angle: 32/26 degrees; ground clearance: 9.8 inches; Undercarriage and fuel tank skidplates on all models, and 4WD models also include transfer case skidplates (SR5 Sport Edition adds perforated aluminum front skidplate) Weights and Capacities: Curb weight: 4,070 pounds; GVWR: 5,250 pounds; payload (4WD): 1,180 pounds; towing capacity: 5,000 pounds; cargo capacity (rear seatbacks up/down): 44.6/79.8 cubic feet; Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons Tire Specs: Standard: P225/75R15; available: P265/70R16; type: Mud-and-Snow-rated radial tires; spare: fullsize, mounted under body Fuel Economy: City/highway: 16/19 mpg
Organizing a 4x4 or Off-road Event?If you are, we'd like to know. Send the info including who's putting it together and contact phone number to frazierw@ primediacmmg.com or mail to 4-Wheel & Off-Road-Drivelines, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048. Remember that we need details such as where the event it is going to be, when it's going to happen, what kind of event it is (trail ride, mud run, show, or anything else involving fun and four-wheeling), and the name and number of a person who can give us more info.