2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited - Balancing Priorities
What a difference a model year makes. Toyota's 4Runner has made a quantum leap from one of the most dated in its class to what just might be the category leader. Sure there will be pundits that say the Japanese automaker had a lot of time to get it right, but at the rapid rate the midsize SUV sector moves upstream the more time taken just means the farther behind it's possible to fall.
The design is anything but far behind. Its bold, a bit daring and all Toyota truck. Fans of the brand won't be disappointed as the important styling cues are present, but that said it leaves its predecessor's conservative image way back in the dust.
Especially if the all-new 238-hp 4.7-L V8 is under the hood, like in my Limited test vehicle. While the base its 245-hp 4.0-L V6 is more than adequate for most applications the V8 moves the 4Runner along at an alarmingly quick pace. It's smooth too, with hardly a harsh vibration to upset the luxurious ambience. The 5-speed automatic, that comes standard in all trim levels, is velvety smooth while shifts are positive.
The 4Runner doesn't coddle occupants with a luxurious ride, but it won't offend sensitive behinds either. After all, it's a truck not a car-based crossover. But it doesn't handle like a truck. Actually it's surprisingly agile, performing quick lane changes with ease, managing to stay relatively flat during hard cornering and keeping composure during long, sweeping high-speed bends. This may have a lot to do with the Limited model's standard REAS sport suspension package. It's fairly easy to park too. The power steering is boosted enough to make what is often an arduous chore easy and simple.
What a difference a model year makes. Toyota's 4Runner has made a quantum leap from one of the most dated in its class to what just might be the category leader. Sure there will be pundits that say the Japanese automaker had a lot of time to get it right, but at the rapid rate the midsize SUV sector moves upstream the more time taken just means the farther behind it's possible to fall. The design is anything but far behind. Its bold, a bit daring and all Toyota truck. Fans of the brand won't be disappointed as the important styling cues are present, but that said it leaves its predecessor's conservative image way back in the dust.
Especially if the all-new 238-hp 4.7-L V8 is under the hood, like in my Limited test vehicle. While the base its 245-hp 4.0-L V6 is more than adequate for most applications the V8 moves the 4Runner along at an alarmingly quick pace. It's smooth too, with hardly a harsh vibration to upset the luxurious ambience. The 5-speed automatic, that comes standard in all trim levels, is velvety smooth while shifts are positive. The 4Runner doesn't coddle occupants with a luxurious ride, but it won't offend sensitive behinds either. After all, it's a truck not a car-based crossover. But it doesn't handle like a truck. Actually it's surprisingly agile, performing quick lane changes with ease, managing to stay relatively flat during hard cornering and keeping composure during long, sweeping high-speed bends. This may have a lot to do with the Limited model's standard REAS sport suspension package. It's fairly easy to park too. The power steering is boosted enough to make what is often an arduous chore easy and simple.