2003 Toyota 4Runner: Road Test
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2003 Toyota 4Runner ▼
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- MSRP: $27,055 -$36,780
- Invoice: $24,159 -$32,842
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Our road test for the 2003 Toyota 4Runner includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Toyota 4Runner from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Toyota 4Runner, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Toyota 4Runner help you decide if a 2003 Toyota 4Runner is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SR5 2WD, V6 | SR5 4WD, V6 | Sport 2WD, V8 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
V6 more than adequate for most needs. V8 feels no faster in most situations, though its extra muscle is handy towing or with a full passenger or cargo load. Both engines refined; Lexus-developed V8 runs with uncanny smoothness. Kudos for standard traction control and novel hill ascent system, and for including hill descent with 4WD/AWD.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SR5 2WD, V6 | SR5 4WD, V6 | Sport 2WD, V8 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
Test AWD V8 Sport averaged 15.5 mpg. No opportunity yet to measure with V6. Toyota recommends 91-octane premium fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| SR5 2WD, V6 | SR5 4WD, V6 | Sport 2WD, V8 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.4 |
Not as smooth as car-based SUVs like Toyota's own Highlander. Small bumps taken in stride. Poor surfaces trigger jouncing and "aftershock" jiggling characteristic of truck-based SUVs. Sport suspension only slightly stiffer. Load-leveling setup doesn't affect ride.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SR5 2WD, V6 | SR5 4WD, V6 | Sport 2WD, V8 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3.5 |
Considerable heft, tall stance contribute to noticeable body lean in turns. Never feels nimble, but Sport suspension helps reduce body lean, bobbing motions. Steering nicely weighted. Brakes feel strong, pedal modulation outstanding. Standard antiskid system enhances control.
QUIETNESS
| SR5 2WD, V6 | SR5 4WD, V6 | Sport 2WD, V8 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.1 |
Among the quieter SUVs. Wind rush, tire roar evident at highway speeds, but neither intrudes. Sunroof's unique angle-adjusting deflector cuts buffeting. Both engines quiet in normal operation. V8 emits only a muted whine in full throttle.
CONTROLS
| SR5 2WD, V6 | SR5 4WD, V6 | Sport 2WD, V8 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Gauges set deep in coves, too dark for easiest readability. Controls work with typical Toyota smoothness. Conveniently arrayed, though some testers want larger markings. Standard automatic climate system simple, versatile. All trim levels come with nicely appointed 2-tone interior. No opportunity yet to test touch-screen navigation system, which incorporates some radio functions.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SR5 2WD, V6 | SR5 4WD, V6 | Sport 2WD, V8 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Seats comfortable, though set relatively low to floor. Driving position easily tailored with standard tilt/telescope steering wheel, height-adjustable seat, power lumbar adjustment. Plenty of cupholders, small-item storage. Visibility fine to all quarters. Models without upgraded audio system get novel wide-angle mirrors inside rear roof pillars that expose some blind spots when backing up. 4Runner's off-road stance creates lofty step-in. Though illuminated, running boards can be a hindrance on exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SR5 2WD, V6 | SR5 4WD, V6 | Sport 2WD, V8 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Generous head room. Nicely contoured seat, but low mounting means adults sit knees-up. Poor toe space unless front-seat cushions are elevated. Three across a squeeze. Clever bag holder folds from rear of front console. Entry/exit hampered by tall step-in. Many rivals offer factory rear-seat DVD entertainment.
CARGO ROOM
| SR5 2WD, V6 | SR5 4WD, V6 | Sport 2WD, V8 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
Split rear seat folds without removing headrests. Cargo area has handy tie downs, nets, cubbies. Useful double-deck cargo shelf folds from floor; it's standard on Limited, available on SR5 and Sport. Rear power window a neat alternative to flip-up glass. Power-assistance eliminates need to slam liftgate shut. Full-size spare tire mounts under vehicle.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SR5 2WD, V6 | SR5 4WD, V6 | Sport 2WD, V8 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 5 |
Some competitors ride smoother, have sharper on-road handling, and offer 3rd-row seating. But no comparably priced truck-type SUV beats 4Runner's blend of powertrain polish, off-road capability, and refinement. And few match its array of standard safety features and traction enhancers, not to mention the high resale value and reputation for reliability that comes with the Toyota badge.
Total Score
| SR5 2WD, V6 | SR5 4WD, V6 | Sport 2WD, V8 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 60 | 59 | 60 | 51.2 |
Total Score: 59
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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