Toyota 4Runner third-generation through the years: A history lesson on the 1996-2002 models

The Toyota 4Runner has been on sale within the U.S. for the reason that mid-Eighties and can enter its sixth technology in 2024 as a 2025 model-year SUV. With the brand-new 2025 4Runner being revealed, we thought now can be a good time to look again at one of many earlier generations that helped set up the 4Runner identify in the USA.

Earlier 4Runner variants nonetheless maintain a particular place in lovers’ hearts, particularly for off-roading, as their rugged building, reliability, and basic styling make for a hard-to-beat combo. The primary 4Runner debuted in 1984 (the identical 12 months because the SUV segment-defining Jeep Cherokee); the second-gen hit the scene for the 1990 mannequin 12 months. The third-generation 4Runner that we’re specializing in immediately debuted in 1996, bringing quite a few beauty and mechanical updates to the SUV, defining the mannequin as one in every of “those to have” out of the 4Runner’s lengthy and storied historical past.

Toyota bumped the 4Runner’s general measurement for the third technology, making it longer general and giving it an extended wheelbase. The adjustments introduced extra inside house and higher cargo capability, and the brand new suspension setup gave it a smoother experience and stability off-road. Third-gen 4Runners had been additionally the primary to get an electronic-locking rear differential, although Toyota had supplied it for years within the Land Cruiser by that point.

The 4Runner acquired a mid-cycle refresh in 1999 that included a brand new front-end design with a revised bumper and headlights, in addition to working boards and different exterior touches for some trims. Extra substantive adjustments got here inside, the place Toyota reconfigured the management stack, shifting most to the middle of the sprint. The automaker additionally launched a brand new switch case for four-wheel drive fashions that enabled all-wheel drive in some conditions.

With the 2025 4Runner proper across the nook, let’s take a better take a look at the fascinating third-generation model.

Third-generation 4Runner powertrains

Toyota supplied diesel choices in Japan, however Individuals acquired a selection between a 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 3.4-liter V6. The four-cylinder, codenamed 3RZ-FE, made 150 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque when new. The 5VZ-FE V6 produced 183 horsepower and 217 pound-feet of torque, barely lower than the identical engine out there within the Tacoma pickup on the time. Toyota supplied a five-speed handbook or four-speed automated, although the handbook choice left the lineup after the 2000 mannequin 12 months. Toyota later supplied a supercharger package for the three.4-liter V6 via its manufacturing facility TRD accent arm.

Why is the third-generation 4Runner particular?

Earlier 4Runner fashions attracted the off-road crowd, nevertheless it hadn’t damaged into the mainstream as a day by day driver or household automobile. The third-gen SUV marked one of many earliest “crossover” occasions for the 4Runner, as everybody from soccer mothers to executives searching for a big, soft automobile gravitated towards its pleasant styling and beneficiant inside house. That shift meant that many 4Runners had been pushed into the bottom on family-hauling obligation, making them harder to search out in first rate situation immediately. The off-road crowd snapped up those who made it out of child transport comparatively unscathed due to their functionality and up to date styling.

At this time, the third-gen 4Runner is considerably available on the used market, however the mixture of excessive miles, a body that tends to rust in the event you take a look at it the unsuitable manner, and intensive off-road modifications make discovering a superb one a rarity. There isn’t any scarcity of 1996-2002 4Runners out there, however a fast scan via the Autoblog labeled listings reveals only some with affordable mileage numbers, they usually’re principally inflated in value. Unmodified examples with lower than 100,000 miles are commanding costs within the mid-to-upper $20,000 vary, with some creeping towards $30,000. Accepting greater miles will decrease that beginning determine fairly a bit.

Alternate options to the third-generation Toyota 4Runner

Whereas body-on-frame Japanese off-roaders are a dying breed immediately, there have been fairly a number of stable alternate options to the third-gen 4Runner in its day. Honda and Isuzu paired as much as produce the Passport and Rodeo, respectively, which supplied worthy off-road capabilities. The SUVs additionally had engaging 90s styling and cozy interiors, however some second-generation fashions suffered huge body rust points that led to a recall in 2010, with buybacks initiated if the issues had been unhealthy sufficient.

The Nissan Pathfinder acquired a generational replace for the 1996 mannequin 12 months, giving it a decent V6 engine, and later in its life, it gained the now-well-known VQ 3.5-liter V6. Nissan’s luxurious arm Infiniti additionally acquired a model of the SUV with a plusher inside and extra refined styling. Whereas this was occurring, Mitsubishi additionally had a participant within the recreation. The Montero, also called the Pajero or Shogun, relying in the marketplace, introduced legendary off-road functionality and Dakar Rally-bred efficiency that made it a fascinating different.

Lastly, we are able to’t ignore the Toyota Land Cruiser. The enduring SUV is likely one of the hardest and most fascinating off-roaders wherever, sporting a extra devoted and succesful configuration than the 4Runner. It’s equally as laborious to search out in first rate situation immediately, with many examples commanding excessive costs in first rate situation.

Ceaselessly requested questions in regards to the third-generation Toyota 4Runner

Which mannequin years had been included within the third technology?

Toyota offered the third-generation 4Runner for the 1996 via 2002 mannequin years.

How lengthy do third-gen 4Runners final?

A part of the 4Runner attraction is longevity, and the third-generation fashions can simply crest 200,000 miles if correctly maintained. Many homeowners declare to have reached 300,000 miles with little effort, although rust and beauty points are a chief concern for older examples.

Is the third-generation 4Runner well worth the value?

Third-gen consumers are searching for a selected really feel and perspective, which, for a lot of consumers, is sufficient to justify paying the premium. In case you’re searching for a contemporary off-road SUV with stable creature comforts, newer 4Runners or perhaps a Land Cruiser might be a superb different.

How laborious is it to change the third-generation 4Runner?

The simplicity of older automobiles makes them engaging to change and improve, nevertheless it’s essential to make sure fundamental upkeep and care have been addressed first. Most elements and mods are straightforward to search out, nonetheless, and their abundance makes them comparatively reasonably priced in comparison with elements for different fashions.