2004 Toyota 4Runner: Road Test
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2004 Toyota 4Runner ▼
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- MSRP: $27,270 -$37,070
- Invoice: $24,350 -$33,102
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Our road test for the 2004 Toyota 4Runner includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Toyota 4Runner from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Toyota 4Runner, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Toyota 4Runner help you decide if a 2004 Toyota 4Runner is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | 2WD Sport, V8 | AWD Limited, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
V6 more than adequate for most needs. V8 feels no faster in most situations, though its extra muscle is handy for towing or with a full passenger or cargo load. Both engines refined; Lexus-developed V8 runs with uncanny smoothness. Kudos for standard traction control. Hill descent control can be useful off-road.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | 2WD Sport, V8 | AWD Limited, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.8 |
Test AWD V8 Sport averaged 15.5 mpg. No opportunity yet to measure with V6. Toyota recommends 91-octane premium-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | 2WD Sport, V8 | AWD Limited, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 |
Not as smooth as car-based SUVs like Toyota's own Highlander. Copes well with small bumps, but rough surfaces cause bounce and "aftershock" jiggle typical of truck-based SUVs. Sport suspension only slightly stiffer. Load-leveling setup doesn't affect ride.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | 2WD Sport, V8 | AWD Limited, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3.7 |
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, afford great pedal modulation. Standard antiskid system enhances control.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | 2WD Sport, V8 | AWD Limited, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.4 |
Among the quieter SUVs. Wind rush, tire roar evident at highway speeds, but neither is severe. Sunroof's unique angle-adjusting deflector cuts buffeting. Both engines quiet in normal operation. V8 emits only a muted whine under full throttle.
CONTROLS
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | 2WD Sport, V8 | AWD Limited, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Deeply recessed gauges can be tough to read. Controls conveniently arrayed, work with typical Toyota smoothness, but markings may be too small for some eyes. Standard automatic climate system simple, versatile. All trim levels feature nicely appointed 2-tone interiors. No opportunity yet to test touch-screen navigation system, which incorporates some radio functions.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | 2WD Sport, V8 | AWD Limited, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Seats comfortable, though set relatively low to floor. Driving position easily tailored with available tilt/telescope steering wheel, height-adjustable seat, power lumbar adjustment. Plenty of cupholders, small-items 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. Available running boards can be a hindrance on exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | 2WD Sport, V8 | AWD Limited, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Nicely contoured seat, but low mounting means adults sit knees-up. Head room generous, but 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. Rear DVD entertainment not available on Limited due to its standard sunroof. We have not tested a model with the optional 3rd-row seat.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | 2WD Sport, V8 | AWD Limited, 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. Liftgate has power open/close and a power window instead of flip-up glass.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | 2WD Sport, V8 | AWD Limited, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 5.1 |
Some rivals offer a smoother ride and sharper on-road handling, but few comparably priced truck-type SUVs beat 4Runner for powertrain polish, off-road ability, and overall refinement. And few match its array of available safety features and traction enhancers, not to mention Toyota's reputation for reliability and high resale value.
Total Score
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | 2WD Sport, V8 | AWD Limited, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 59 | 59 | 59 | 52.3 |
Total Score: 59
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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