Toyota 4Runner III 2.7 16V (150 Hp) 4x4 Automatic


Overall Rating

7.8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 In Japan, it was marketed as the Toyota Hilux Surf and was withdrawn from the market in 2009.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 240 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1696 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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.

2.7 16V (150 Hp) 4x4 Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers adequate power for daily driving and light off-roading, but can feel sluggish on highways, especially with the automatic transmission and 4x4 system engaged.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is moderate for an SUV of its size and era, but the automatic transmission and 4x4 system can slightly increase consumption compared to 2WD manual variants.

Best Use Case: Mixed driving, light off-road trails, and daily commuting where outright speed isn't a priority.

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):2.7 16V (150 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:150 Hp @ 4800 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:55.7 Hp/l [49mm more]
Torque:240 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:3RZ-FE More details about the engine 3RZ-FE
Engine displacement:2694
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:5.4 l
Coolant:10 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:95 mm mm
Piston Stroke:95 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:10.6 l/100 km
Weight-to-power ratio:11.3 kg/Hp, 88.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.1 kg/Nm, 141.5 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1696
Max. weight:2381
Max load:685
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 wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size225/75 R15; 265/70 R16
Wheel rims size7J x 15; 7J x 16
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

Does the Toyota 4Runner live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!