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2003 Toyota 4Runner Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2003 Toyota 4Runner Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2003 Toyota 4Runner Review
Toyota redesigns its truck-based midsize SUV for 2003. 4Runner gains side airbags and its first available V8 engine, but retains 2-row, 5-passenger seating. Compared to the 1996-2002 version, 4Runner's wheelbase is longer by 4.5 inches, its body by 5.7, and it's wider, taller, and 200 lb heavier. It shares a basic design with the new 8-seat GX 470 SUV from Toyota's Lexus division.
SR5, Sport, and Limited models are offered. Their liftgate includes 4Runner's traditional power tailgate window. A 245-hp 4.0 liter replaces a 183-hp 3.4 as the V6 engine. 4Runner's first V8 is available in all models and with 2WD or 4WD. The 4.7-liter V8 has less horsepower but more torque than the V6. Both engines use automatic transmission, the V6 a 4 speed, the V8 a new 5 speed. The V6's 4WD can be left engaged on dry pavement. V8s have all-wheel drive. Both systems include low-range gearing and 4Runner's first hill descent control. New hill ascent control is standard on all models, as is a traction/antiskid system and antilock brakes, now with 4-wheel discs. SR5 has 16-inch wheels, the others have 17s. Sports have a nonfunctional hood scoop. A firmer sport suspension is standard on Sport and optional on the Limited. A load-leveling rear air-spring suspension is optional on V8 Limiteds. 4Runner's first side airbags come as an option combining front torso side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Other new options include a navigation system and rear-seat audio with wireless headphones. Towing capacity is 5000 lb.
SR5, Sport, and Limited models are offered. Their liftgate includes 4Runner's traditional power tailgate window. A 245-hp 4.0 liter replaces a 183-hp 3.4 as the V6 engine. 4Runner's first V8 is available in all models and with 2WD or 4WD. The 4.7-liter V8 has less horsepower but more torque than the V6. Both engines use automatic transmission, the V6 a 4 speed, the V8 a new 5 speed. The V6's 4WD can be left engaged on dry pavement. V8s have all-wheel drive. Both systems include low-range gearing and 4Runner's first hill descent control. New hill ascent control is standard on all models, as is a traction/antiskid system and antilock brakes, now with 4-wheel discs. SR5 has 16-inch wheels, the others have 17s. Sports have a nonfunctional hood scoop. A firmer sport suspension is standard on Sport and optional on the Limited. A load-leveling rear air-spring suspension is optional on V8 Limiteds. 4Runner's first side airbags come as an option combining front torso side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Other new options include a navigation system and rear-seat audio with wireless headphones. Towing capacity is 5000 lb.
Competition
New to the class this year, Honda Pilot has taken the lead as a Best Buy. It offers ample cargo space, seating for eight passengers, all-wheel drive with a locking rear differential for added traction, and above-average refinement. Toyota Highlander is our other Best Buy, chosen for its on-road competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner. For 2003, all now offer optional V8 engines and--with the exception of 4Runner--three rows of seats.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner. For 2003, all now offer optional V8 engines and--with the exception of 4Runner--three rows of seats.
News
4Runner has just been redesigned, so we'll have to get back to you on future developments. But the '03s arrive not a moment too soon, as this truck-based SUV has been on the sales skids the past few years--down 14.7 percent in 2002, for example. Can the new models reverse the slide, given the fast-growing buyer shift from truck-based SUVs to car-based "crossovers" like Toyota's own Highlander? We'll have to get back to you on that, too.
2003 Toyota 4Runner Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Cargo room | Entry/exit |
| Instruments/controls | Fuel economy |
| Visibility | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
Test AWD V8 Sport averaged 15.5 mpg. No opportunity yet to measure with V6. Toyota recommends 91-octane premium fuel for both engines.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 35 | |
| Average Score | 51 | |
| High Score | 66 |
2003 Toyota 4Runner Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/03/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD SR5 V6 4-door wagon | $27,055 | $24,159 | $510 |
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| 2WD SR5 V8 4-door wagon | $28,305 | $25,276 | $510 |
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| 4WD SR5 V6 4-door wagon | $29,330 | $26,190 | $510 |
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| AWD SR5 V8 4-door wagon | $30,580 | $27,306 | $510 |
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| 2WD Sport V6 4-door wagon | $28,220 | $25,138 | $510 |
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| 2WD Sport V8 4-door wagon | $29,470 | $26,253 | $510 |
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| 4WD Sport V6 4-door wagon | $30,495 | $27,167 | $510 |
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| AWD Sport V8 4-door wagon | $31,745 | $28,285 | $510 |
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| 2WD Limited V6 4-door wagon | $33,255 | $29,696 | $510 |
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| 2WD Limited V8 4-door wagon | $34,505 | $30,813 | $510 |
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| 4WD Limited V6 4-door wagon | $35,530 | $31,727 | $510 |
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| AWD Limited V8 4-door wagon | $36,780 | $32,842 | $510 |
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
4.0-liter dohc V6 or 4.7-liter dohc V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission (V6), 5-speed automatic transmission (V8), traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, hill ascent control, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver-seat height and lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows including tailgate window, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper, cargo cover, power liftgate locking, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, fog lights, running boards.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer hitch, skid plates, full-size spare tire, 265/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD/AWD adds: 4-wheel drive (V6), all-wheel drive (V8), 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip center differential, hill descent control.
Sport adds to SR5:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, heated power mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Sport suspension, 265/65R17 tires, 4WD/AWD adds: 4-wheel drive (V6), all-wheel drive (V8), 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip center differential, hill descent control.
Limited adds to Sport:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, rear radio controls, wireless headphones, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: sport suspension.
4WD/AWD adds: 4-wheel drive (V6), all-wheel drive (V8), 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip center differential, hill descent control.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Preferred Accessory Pkg.
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||
|
Limited, SR5, Sport
|
$261
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$165
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First-aid kit, cargo mat, floormats.
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Safety |
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Front side airbags and curtain side airbags
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SR5, Sport
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$530
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$454
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Limited
|
$500
|
$430
|
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Daytime running lights
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Limited, SR5, Sport
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$40
|
$32
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power sunroof
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Limited, SR5, Sport
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$900
|
$720
|
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Navigation system
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SR5, Sport
|
$2,475
|
$2,047
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Limited
|
$2,325
|
$1,927
|
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Includes JBL sound system, rear radio controls, wireless headphones. SR5 requires leather-wrapped steering wheel.
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JBL sound system
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SR5, Sport
|
$625
|
$476
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Limited
|
$475
|
$356
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Includes rear radio controls, wireless headphones. SR5 requires leather-wrapped steering wheel.
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JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
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Limited
|
$725
|
$544
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SR5, Sport
|
$875
|
$664
|
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Includes rear radio controls, wireless headphones. SR5 requires leather-wrapped steering wheel.
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Rear-seat radio controls
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SR5, Sport
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$150
|
$120
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Includes wireless headphones.
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Leather-wrapped steering wheel
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SR5
|
$220
|
$176
|
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Includes radio controls.
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AC power point
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SR5, Sport
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$100
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$80
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
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SR5, Sport
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$150
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$120
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Universal garage-door opener
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SR5, Sport
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$125
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$100
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Floormats
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Limited, SR5, Sport
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$184
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$112
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Includes cargo mat.
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Double-decker cargo system
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SR5, Sport
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$100
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$80
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Includes cargo net and mat. Std. Limited
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Roof rack
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SR5
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$220
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$176
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Theft-deterrent system
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SR5, Sport
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$220
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$176
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Rear spoiler
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Limited, SR5, Sport
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$200
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$160
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Sport suspension
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Limited
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$450
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$360
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Rear air suspension
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Limited V8
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$1,400
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$1,120
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Includes sport suspension.
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265/65R17 tires
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SR5
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$100
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$80
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2003 Toyota 4Runner Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Toyota 4Runner 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 109.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 187.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4280 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 75.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 23.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.7 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.0 /241 | 4.7 /285 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 245 @ 5200 | 235 @ 4800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 283 @ 3400 | 320 @ 3400 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 4-speed automatic | 17/21 | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | 15/19 |
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 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
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 | 8/100,000 on Prius hybrid-related components. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | 3/36,000 on Prius. |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | First three visits free up to 30 mos/37,500 miles on Prius. |
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:
all-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Toyota 4Runner Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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