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Toyota 4Runner III 3.0 TD (125 Hp) 4x4 Automatic
Overall Rating
Toyota 4Runner:
The Toyota 4Runner is an SUV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota and marketed globally since 1984, across six generations. In Japan, it was marketed as the Toyota Hilux Surf and was withdrawn from the market in 2009. The original 4Runner was a compact SUV and little more than a Toyota Hilux pickup truck with a fiberglass shell over the bed, but the model has since undergone significant independent development into a cross between a compact and a mid-size SUV. All 4Runners have been built in Japan at Toyota's plant in Tahara, Aichi, or at the Hino Motors plant in Hamura....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III Overview:
Toyota 4Runner (III). With 295 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1730 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.7 s). The top speed reaches 150 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Toyota 4Runner III was not tested by Euro NCAP. As a vehicle from the late 1990s, it lacks many modern safety features, but its robust construction offers a degree of passive safety for its era.
3.0 TD (125 Hp) 4x4 Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides strong low-end torque, making it excellent for towing and off-road crawling. However, its acceleration is notably slower, as indicated by the 14.7 sec 0-100 km/h time.
Fuel Economy
Generally offers better fuel economy than its petrol counterparts, especially on longer journeys, making it a more economical choice for high mileage drivers.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Legendary Toyota reliability and durability
- • Exceptional off-road capability, especially with 4x4 trims
- • Spacious interior and generous cargo capacity (1263-2257 liters)
- • Strong resale value due to reputation
- • Robust body-on-frame construction
Cons:
- • Fuel economy is generally poor across the petrol lineup
- • Ride quality can be firm and truck-like, especially on rough roads
- • Interior design and features are dated by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features (e.g., side airbags, stability control)
- • Some engines can feel underpowered for highway passing (2.7L and 3.0 TD)
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 1992 - 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Toyota |
| Model: | 4Runner |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.0 TD (125 Hp) 4x4 Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 125 Hp @ 3600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 41.9 Hp/l [49mm more] |
| Torque: | 295 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 1KZ-TE More details about the engine 1KZ-TE |
| Engine displacement: | 2982 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7 l |
| Coolant: | 10 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 103 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 21.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 15 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 14.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 14.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 150 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13.8 kg/Hp, 72.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.9 kg/Nm, 170.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 14 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1730 |
| Max. weight: | 2430 |
| Max load: | 700 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2257 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 1263 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4539 mm mm [49mm more] |
| Width: | 1689 mm mm [1mm less] |
| Height: | 1689-1745 mm mm [56mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2675 mm mm [50mm more] |
| Front track: | 1506 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1496-1509 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 216-241 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.4 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 32-36° |
| Departure angle: | 26-29° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/75 R15; 265/70 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 15; 7J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Toyota 4Runner!