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2001 Toyota 4Runner Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2001 Toyota 4Runner Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2001 Toyota 4Runner Review
4Runner loses its 4-cyl engine and manual transmission for 2001, but gains a traction control and antiskid system. SR5 and top-line Limited models are offered, both with a V6, automatic transmission, and choice of rear- or 4WD. Traction/antiskid control is newly standard. And the 4x4s now have Toyota's new Multi-Mode drive system that allows 4WD to remain engaged on dry pavement and has low-range gearing. Other changes include a new grille and taillamps, metal-look interior trim for SR5's Sport Package. Limiteds have leather upholstery and add heated front seats and optional in-dashboard CD changer for 2001.
Competition
This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buy is the car-based Lexus RX 300. Though it lacks a low range in 4WD mode, it's the most carlike to drive and offers all of the versatility of a truck-based model.
Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the best-selling Ford Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the Teutonic Mercedes-Benz M-Class; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.
Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the best-selling Ford Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the Teutonic Mercedes-Benz M-Class; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.
News
On a year-to-year basis, 4Runner sales dropped 10 percent in calendar 2000, ending just shy of 112,000 units. The likely reason? More competition from newer midsize SUVs, including a growing number of car-based "crossovers".
But 4Runner fans won't be waiting long for an updated version of their favorite. It's due to arrive by mid-2002 as an early '03 model. Tipsters say it rides the same new platform destined for Toyota's redesigned 2003 Tacoma pickups, and will be engineered for greater refinement and better performance. Even so, the '03 will maintain 4Runner's traditional truck-tough character so as to stand clearly apart from Toyota's new car-based Highlander. A four-model lineup should carry over from 2001 as Toyota goes with the market flow and gives Highlander more emphasis as its mainstream midsize SUV.
SUVs of all types keep on getting bigger and costlier. The new 4Runner should be no exception, though it may not grow to 2002 Chevy TrailBlazer size, and Toyota will employ all its latest manufacturing tricks to minimize sticker shock. An optional 3rd-row seat is an outside possibility, but we can't confirm that or details at this point. Keep checking back with us for further information as it comes to light.
But 4Runner fans won't be waiting long for an updated version of their favorite. It's due to arrive by mid-2002 as an early '03 model. Tipsters say it rides the same new platform destined for Toyota's redesigned 2003 Tacoma pickups, and will be engineered for greater refinement and better performance. Even so, the '03 will maintain 4Runner's traditional truck-tough character so as to stand clearly apart from Toyota's new car-based Highlander. A four-model lineup should carry over from 2001 as Toyota goes with the market flow and gives Highlander more emphasis as its mainstream midsize SUV.
SUVs of all types keep on getting bigger and costlier. The new 4Runner should be no exception, though it may not grow to 2002 Chevy TrailBlazer size, and Toyota will employ all its latest manufacturing tricks to minimize sticker shock. An optional 3rd-row seat is an outside possibility, but we can't confirm that or details at this point. Keep checking back with us for further information as it comes to light.
2001 Toyota 4Runner Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Cargo room | Entry/exit |
| Build quality | Fuel economy |
| Exterior finish | |
| Interior materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Weak 4 cyl won't be missed. The V6 is a strong performer, though loaded up, the heavier 4x4s lack real passing punch. 4Runner is among the older SUVs, but the new 4WD system and antiskid/traction control bring it up to date technologically. And few rivals have a smoother, more responsive powertrain.
| SR5 4WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Weak 4 cyl won't be missed. The V6 is a strong performer, though loaded up, the heavier 4x4s lack real passing punch. 4Runner is among the older SUVs, but the new 4WD system and antiskid/traction control bring it up to date technologically. And few rivals have a smoother, more responsive powertrain.
Fuel Economy
About par for a midsize 6-cyl SUV. Test 4WD V6 4Runners averaged 17.2 mpg with lots of highway miles and 15 mpg in mixed city/suburban travel.
| SR5 4WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
About par for a midsize 6-cyl SUV. Test 4WD V6 4Runners averaged 17.2 mpg with lots of highway miles and 15 mpg in mixed city/suburban travel.
Ride Quality
Not bouncy, but not carlike either, especially the more firmly sprung 4x4s with their larger tires.
| SR5 4WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Not bouncy, but not carlike either, especially the more firmly sprung 4x4s with their larger tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking
More stable in tight turns than some rivals, though body lean and a slight tippy feel are evident. Fine steering, powerful ABS braking. Newly standard antiskid/traction system should provide an extra safety margin in foul weather.
| SR5 4WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
More stable in tight turns than some rivals, though body lean and a slight tippy feel are evident. Fine steering, powerful ABS braking. Newly standard antiskid/traction system should provide an extra safety margin in foul weather.
Quietness
Wind rush is the main offender in this tall, boxy vehicle, though V6 makes audible full-throttle induction noise.
| SR5 4WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Wind rush is the main offender in this tall, boxy vehicle, though V6 makes audible full-throttle induction noise.
Controls
No-nonsense layout and function. Dual cupholders pop out from the center, but are placed so that containers block the climate controls. Interior assembled and finished with typical Toyota thoroughness, top-grade materials.
| SR5 4WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
No-nonsense layout and function. Dual cupholders pop out from the center, but are placed so that containers block the climate controls. Interior assembled and finished with typical Toyota thoroughness, top-grade materials.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
A high stance means a lofty step-in and makes entry/exit awkward for shorter people. Head room isn't the best for tall folks despite comfortable seats set quite low to the floor.
| SR5 4WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
A high stance means a lofty step-in and makes entry/exit awkward for shorter people. Head room isn't the best for tall folks despite comfortable seats set quite low to the floor.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Above-average for an adult middle rider, but longer trips are best with two or fewer. Entry/exit again hampered by that tall step-in, plus narrow floor passages.
| SR5 4WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.4 |
Above-average for an adult middle rider, but longer trips are best with two or fewer. Entry/exit again hampered by that tall step-in, plus narrow floor passages.
Cargo Room
Good even with the split-fold rear seat in use, but high load deck makes loading awkward, and the power-down tailgate window is a neat alternative to other SUVs' flip-up glass.
| SR5 4WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.5 |
Good even with the split-fold rear seat in use, but high load deck makes loading awkward, and the power-down tailgate window is a neat alternative to other SUVs' flip-up glass.
Value within Class
This is among the older and pricier midsize SUVs, but it compensates with quality, reliability, refinement, and high resale value. New 4WD and antiskid control help it maintain Recommended status.
| SR5 4WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.2 |
This is among the older and pricier midsize SUVs, but it compensates with quality, reliability, refinement, and high resale value. New 4WD and antiskid control help it maintain Recommended status.
Total Score
| SR5 4WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
| 53 | 53 | 47.3 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 36 | |
| Average Score | 47 | |
| High Score | 64 |
2001 Toyota 4Runner Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/13/2000
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
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| SR5 2WD 4-door wagon | $26,355 | $23,456 | $480 |
|
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| SR5 4WD 4-door wagon | $28,895 | $24,716 | $480 |
|
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| Limited 2WD 4-door wagon | $34,955 | $31,110 | $480 |
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| Limited 4WD 4-door wagon | $37,605 | $33,468 | $480 |
Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SR5
Powertrain
3.4-liter dohc V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, antiskid system, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Variable-assist power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power door locks, power tailgate window, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable intermittent wipers, passenger-side visor mirror, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, remote fuel-door/tailgate release, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 225/75R15 tires, 4WD models add: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, skid plates.
Limited adds to SR5:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated power front seats, wood interior trim, power windows, remote keyless entry, power antenna, universal garage door opener, driver-side visor mirror, illuminated passenger-side visor mirror, cargo cover, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, fender flares, running boards, 265/70R16 tires, alloy wheels.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, skid plates.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Upgrade Value Pkg. 1
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||
|
SR5
|
$2,180
|
$1,744
|
|
Air conditioning, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, upgraded sound system, power antenna, cargo cover, floormats. Manufacturer's discount price may not be available in areas served by independent distributors.
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|
Upgrade Value Pkg. 2
|
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2WD SR5
|
$2,960
|
$2,368
|
|
Value Pkg. 1 plus leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, manual 6-way front sport bucket seats w/4-way adjustable headrests, cloth door trim panels, alloy wheels. NA w/Leather Pkg., Sport Pkg., chrome wheel lip moldings, fender flares. Manufacturer's discount price may not be available in areas served by independent distributors.
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Upgrade Value Pkg. 3
|
||
|
SR5
|
$3,435
|
$2,748
|
|
Upgrade Value Pkg. 2 plus 4.10 axle ratio, heavy-duty brakes, 265/70R16 mud/snow tires. Requires fender flares or chrome wheel lip moldings. NA w/Sport Pkg., Leather Pkg. Manufacturer's discount price may not be available in areas served by independent distributors.
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Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
SR5
|
$1,700
|
$1,360
|
|
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, manual 6-way front sport seats w/4-way adjustable headrests, metallic instrument panel, cloth door trim panels, fog lights, hood scoop, color-keyed bumpers and grille, fender flares, 4.10 axle ratio, heavy-duty brakes, 265/70R16 tires, alloy wheels. Requires Upgrade Pkg. 1. NA w/chrome wheel lip moldings, fender flares.
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|
Leather Pkg.
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||
|
SR5
|
$1,250
|
$1,000
|
|
Leather upholstery, manual 6-way front sport seats w/4-way adjustable headrests, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
|
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|
Convenience Pkg.
|
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|
Limited, SR5
|
$810
|
$523
|
|
Cargo mat, roof rack, rear wind deflector, towing receiver hitch.
|
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Gold Pkg.
|
||
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SR5
|
$224
|
$149
|
|
2WD Limited
|
$344
|
$229
|
|
4WD Limited
|
$374
|
$249
|
|
Gold badging.
|
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|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Rear heater
|
||
|
Limited, SR5
|
$170
|
$136
|
|
Includes rear storage console w/cupholders.
|
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
Limited, SR5
|
$815
|
$652
|
|
AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
Limited
|
$200
|
$150
|
|
6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
Limited, SR5
|
$550
|
$385
|
|
Deluxe Security System
|
||
|
SR5
|
$439
|
$275
|
|
Includes remote keyless entry, theft-deterrent system. Requires Upgrade Pkg.
|
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|
Wood dashboard trim
|
||
|
SR5
|
$458
|
$289
|
|
Std. Limited.
|
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|
Floormats
|
||
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SR5
|
$85
|
$52
|
|
Cargo mat
|
||
|
Limited, SR5
|
$74
|
$45
|
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Fog lights
|
||
|
SR5
|
$269
|
$180
|
|
Roof rack
|
||
|
Limited, SR5
|
$275
|
$165
|
|
Running boards
|
||
|
SR5
|
$649
|
$389
|
|
Requires fender flares or Sport Pkg.
|
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|
Fender flares
|
||
|
SR5
|
$230
|
$184
|
|
Requires alloy wheels AL or Upgrade Value Pkg. 3.
|
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Chrome wheel lip moldings
|
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SR5
|
$70
|
$56
|
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Requires alloy wheels AL or Upgrade Pkg. 3.
|
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Bodyside graphics
|
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SR5
|
$79
|
$47
|
|
|
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
Towing hitch receiver
|
||
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Limited, SR5
|
$339
|
$239
|
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Alloy wheels AY
|
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2WD SR5
|
$365
|
$292
|
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Alloy wheels AL
|
||
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SR5
|
$840
|
$672
|
|
Includes 265/70R16 mud/snow tires, heavy-duty brakes, 4.10 axle ratio. Requires fender flares or chrome wheel lip moldings.
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2001 Toyota 4Runner Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Toyota 4Runner 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 105.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 183.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3740 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 79.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.4 /207 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 183 @ 4800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 217 @ 3600 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 4-speed automatic | 16/19 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Toyota 4Runner 4-door wagon |
| Collision | 1 |
| Collision (HLDI) | 146 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Injury | 3 |
| Injury (HLDI) | 98 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
| Theft | 1 |
| Theft (HLDI) | 313 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | Prius gets 3/36,000 Roadside Assistance. |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2001 Toyota 4Runner Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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