86-522: The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) technology was employed initially in the Lexus GX 470 , and subsequently the 200 Series Toyota Land Cruiser . The system was invented and developed by Kinetic Pty Ltd, a small R&D company based in Dunsborough, Western Australia . It optimally adjusts front and rear stabilizers based on a set of interconnected hydraulic cylinders. The interconnection
172-427: A Torsen center locking differential . The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) became standard. Power came from a new 4.6-liter 1UR-FE V8 engine producing 224 kW (301 hp) and 446 N⋅m (329 lb⋅ft) of torque, mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy was improved over the prior generation, while maximum towing capacity was 2,950 kg (6,500 lb). The drag coefficient
258-516: A software fix . The same day, vehicle maker Toyota expressed concern, thanked the magazine, and temporarily suspended GX 460 sales. While noting that the SUV met all U.S. federal requirements, on April 16 Toyota confirmed that its testing had duplicated the results. On April 19, 2010, a voluntary recall of the GX 460 was issued, along with the left-hand-drive Land Cruiser Prado, for a software update to fix
344-710: A 2003 model, with sales commencing in November 2002. The GX development program began in 1999 following the J120 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in 1997, with design work by Shoichi Fujiyoshi concluding in the first half of 2000. The suspension shared its layout with the Toyota 4Runner equipped with the rear air suspension , while adding Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). AVS could adjust damper firmness continuously while DAC modulated descents down slopes. Power came from
430-620: A 3.0L 1KZ-TE turbodiesel engine with a maximum output of 130 hp (97 kW). This turbodiesel was available with either the 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. In 1996, the 4Runner was dropped from sale in the UK, to be replaced by the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado , which was badged as the Toyota Land Cruiser Colorado. The 1997 model year received a few minor updates, including the addition of
516-427: A 30:70 ratio during cornering, and a 50:50 ratio when rear-wheel slippage was detected. Added safety features included whiplash-reducing active headrests and ten airbags, including front knee airbags and rear side torso airbags. New safety options include a Pre-Collision System , Driver Monitoring System , lane departure warning system , and Lexus Enform with Safety Connect telematics. Optional cameras located at
602-524: A 4.7-liter, 32-valve, four-cam 2UZ-FE V8 engine originally rated at 175 kW (235 hp) at 4,800 rpm and 434 N⋅m (320 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,400 rpm. Towing capacity was rated at 2,300 kg (5,000 lb) for the 2003 model year. Midway through the 2004 model year, the GX received an upgraded towing capacity of 2,900 kg (6,500 lb) with the addition of a much stronger frame-bolted tubular hitch. Ground clearance measured 211 mm (8.3 in), with an approach angle of 30° and
688-546: A color keyed cargo cover. In Japan, an intercooled version of the 1KZ-TE turbodiesel was introduced in July 1996, increasing maximum output to 140 hp (100 kW), with availability limited to the Hilux Surf SSR-G only. The 1998 model year remained largely unchanged, save for a few changes in the electronics. More ergonomic switch control panels and a newly designed 4 spoke steering wheel, which also necessitated
774-463: A departure angle of 29° raised (25° normal). The GX 470 carried a drag coefficient of C d =0.38. The interior came equipped with two rows of seating, while an optional third row allowed up to eight passengers to be carried. However, the folding third row was tight with only 630 mm (24.9 in) of legroom. A Mark Levinson audio system along with a Rear Seat Entertainment System were available as options. A side-opening rear tailgate
860-631: A normally aspirated 2.8 L diesel 3L I4, a 2.0 L 3Y I4 naturally aspirated gasoline engine, and 2.4 L 22R-E I4 gasoline engine. The majority of gasoline versions of the Hilux Surf received the 3VZ-E 3.0 L V6. Various trim levels were offered in Japan ranging from the base model 'SSR' through 'SSR Ltd', 'SSR-V' 'SSR-X' and 'SSR-X Ltd' to the range topping 'SSR-G'. The first and second generation 4Runners were both targeted as unsafe SUVs. 1980s and early-1990s crash regulations in
946-453: A redesign of the airbag system. The Hilux Surf introduced a new 'Sports Runner' trim line in August 1998, which was available with either the 2.7L I4 or 3.4L V6 gasoline engines; the 'Sports Runner' was rear-wheel drive only. For the 1999 model year, there were both major cosmetic and interior enhancements. A new "fat lip" bumper was designed to allow for an extended crush zone on the front of
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#17327982632711032-520: A roll-sensing feature for the side curtain airbags , a tire pressure monitoring system , and an optional rear backup camera system. In 2004, for the 2005 model year, the GX 470's engine gained 26 kW (35 hp) with the addition of VVT-i for a total of 201 kW (270 hp). This allowed the SUV to be certified as an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II) in the U.S. Other upgrades included an enhanced navigation system, Bluetooth compatibility, and more voice commands. A Sport model joined
1118-511: A single unit, instead of the fiberglass tops used in the first generation 4Runners. Two-door cars of the second generation are extremely rare, and they were priced higher than the four-door model due to the chicken tax applied to light-duty imported trucks. US sales of the two-door body ended in August 1992, but it continued to be available in the Canadian market through 1993, and Japan until May 1993. Most competing full-body SUVs produced at
1204-607: A towing capacity of up to 3,600 kg (8,000 lb). Lexus announced a hybrid powertrain is to come later. The GX 550 comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and Lexus Interface with 14-inch multimedia touchscreen. Sales data for the Lexus GX are as follows, sourced from manufacturer yearly data: Toyota 4Runner (N210) The Toyota 4Runner is an SUV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota and marketed globally since 1984, across six generations. In Japan, it
1290-414: A wide-body version was introduced featuring extended wheel arch flares along with wider wheels and tires. The Hilux Surf also had as options a Recaro interior, TEMS shocks with a NORMAL and HARD setting, a limited slip differential, front bullbars and a swing-out spare tire mounted on the tailgate. Additional cosmetic changes occurred between 1993 and 1995, the last year of the second generation. Because
1376-515: Is a mid / full-size luxury SUV sold in North American and Eurasian markets by Lexus , a luxury division of Toyota . The GX is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado , from which it derives its off-road capability. Lexus introduced the first generation, known as the GX 470 in 2002, and subsequently became the third SUV to enter the Lexus lineup. A full-time four-wheel drive system
1462-443: Is made up of hydraulic piping and a control cylinder which is located at the frame rail. KDSS, which is fully mechanical, can disengage the stabilizer bars (the bars are jointed, allowing movement independent of one another). This system will not engage during normal driving conditions, when hydraulic pressure is equal. In off-road conditions, KDSS activates when it senses that a wheel has dropped. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System
1548-473: Is significantly rarer than the base 22R-E . With the 22R-TE , the 4Runner was rated at 17 mpg ‑US (14 L/100 km) on the city driving cycle; testing showed real-world economy was 14.5 mpg ‑US (16.2 L/100 km). It appears that all turbocharged 4Runner models sold in the US were equipped with an automatic transmission , though a five-speed manual could still be ordered in
1634-459: Is standard with low-range gearing. The 4.7-liter V8 engine in the GX 470 was the same as used on the larger LX 470. The firm next introduced the second-generation model in 2009, badged GX 460 to reflect the switch to a 4.6-liter V8 engine. Lexus later released a lower displacement GX 400 in 2012 for the Chinese market, with a 4.0-liter V6 engine . The third-generation model introduced in 2023 uses
1720-541: The 22R-E , though the carbureted engine remained available until 1988. Additionally, rear seats were available in all 1985 4Runner trim levels, not just the more upscale SR5. For model year 1986, the Surf/4Runner underwent a major front suspension design change as it was changed from a solid front axle to the Hi-Trac independent front suspension . Track width was also increased by three inches. These changes made
1806-644: The Hino Motors (a Toyota subsidiary) plant in Hamura . The name "4Runner" was created by copywriter Robert Nathan with the Saatchi & Saatchi advertising company as a play on the term "forerunner". The agency held contests to invent new names for Toyota's forthcoming vehicles. According to Toyota, the "4" described the vehicle's 4-wheel drive system while "Runner" was a reference to its all-terrain capabilities and how it could "run" off-road. For some markets,
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#17327982632711892-543: The Land Cruiser Prado . Despite moving upmarket with the rest of the mid-size SUV market, the new 4Runner differentiated itself by retaining the rugged off-road character its competitors were sacrificing for highway comfort. The third generation 4Runner featured new engines shared with the first generation Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks: In the United States, the 4Runner was available in three trims;
1978-506: The 1987 model year. In 1988, the 22R-TE engine was replaced by an optional 3.0 L V6 engine, the 145 hp (108 kW) 3VZ-E , available with the SR5 trim package; the standard engine remained the 22R-E . By this time, the SR5 package added automatic locking front hubs for both the I4 and V6 engines. The V6 engine was significantly larger and more powerful although not as reliable as
2064-427: The 1990 model year and four-wheel anti-lock brakes were an option. Developed under chief engineer Masaaki Ishiko from 1990 to 1995 under the project code 185T, in late 1995 (for the 1996 model year) a significant redesign of the 4Runner was introduced, with an all-new body shell on an all-new chassis. It shared many parts, including engine and transmission, with the new Tacoma , and shared its chassis with
2150-416: The 1999 model's 2 sliders and 2 knobs. 2001 models were equipped with Vehicle Stability Control standard, and 4WD models came standard with the "multi-mode" transfer case. The optional "e-locker" locking rear differential was dropped in 2001. This was replaced by the new advanced traction control system that offered similar performance by applying the individual brakes to direct power to whichever tires needed
2236-615: The 2025 model year, KDSS became a Lexus-exclusive feature. Toyota will instead use a Stabilizer with Disconnection Mechanism (SDM), only for the front sway bar, which debuted in the 2024 Land Cruiser . This is a conventional stabilizer bar with an electronic actuator directly mounted to the bar at the front axle, activated by a button inside the cab. Models that have adopted the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System to date include: Lexus GX The Lexus GX ( Japanese : レクサス・GX , Hepburn : Rekusasu GX )
2322-522: The 4-cylinder models. There was also a choice of an open differential, or in Japan and Europe, a limited slip unit similar to the one found in the A70 Toyota Supra , parts are also interchangeable. In the United States, the 4Runner carried over the same engine options from the previous generation: the 22R-E 2.4 L I4 and 3VZ-E 3.0 L V6. With the V6 and four-speed automatic transmission,
2408-528: The 4-cylinder option was discontinued in North America. It also received new transparent tail lights and new front grille design. The wheels were changed to a five-spoke design rim. Limited models received newly designed five spoke wheels as well, however different from SR5 and base model. Also included was a new, sleeker side view mirror design. SR5 and base model 4Runners also have redesigned climate control units utilizing 3 knobs and 2 buttons, contrary to
2494-412: The 4-speed automatic as the sole transmission option. This would mark the last time any 4Runner would be offered with a manual transmission. The turbodiesel engine for the equivalent Hilux Surf (sold July 2000 to December 2001) was replaced by the 3.0L 1KD-FTV , which offered an increased maximum output of 170 hp (130 kW) using a common rail direct injection design. For the 2001 model year,
2580-462: The 4Runner received minor cosmetic updates, including one-piece front bumpers and modular headlamps instead of the increasingly outdated rectangular sealed beams, as well as a differently styled interior with a new pattern on the seats and door cards and a different horn button. This facelift distanced the 4Runner somewhat from the Hilux pickups which did not receive the same cosmetic changes. At this time
2666-498: The 4Runner was equipped with the 3Y 2.0 L I4 engine instead, followed more rarely by the 4Y 2.2 L gasoline engine in later versions. This was a decision by Toyota New Zealand to reduce parts required to be stocked by dealers as no other Toyotas sold in New Zealand at the time utilised the R series engines. The 3Y / 4Y also were equipped, albeit rarely, in the Japanese domestic market pickups and never were used in
Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System - Misplaced Pages Continue
2752-684: The 4Runner. After the Land Cruiser FJ40 was discontinued, Jack Safro, who operated a Toyota dealer in Brookfield, Wisconsin , approached Winnebago with the idea to convert the Hilux into a four-passenger vehicle as a potential replacement. The resulting Trekker was produced from early 1981 through 1983. In total, approximately 1200–1500 Trekkers were built and sold in the United States, with many shipped to Colorado. An additional unknown number of Trekker kits, likely less than 200, were shipped to Canada to be installed on Canadian trucks at
2838-461: The GX 400, which replaces the GX 460 in China. The engine option is now changed to the 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 engine that outputs 202 kW (271 hp) combined with a five-speed automatic transmission. Due to the power reduction, it takes 9.8 seconds for the GX 400 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph). Compared with the outgoing GX 460, most standard equipment on GX 400 remains
2924-557: The GX 470 was largely unchanged, with upgrades for cabin electronics including a new generation navigation system, auxiliary input jack for devices like an iPod, DVD video playback when parked, and larger optional rear entertainment video screen. Finally, in 2007, for the 2008 model year, the GX 470 received styling updates, including a dark metallic grille, liquid graphite wheels, added exterior and interior chrome, revised turn signal lights, and added wood and body color options. The Lexus GX has won various awards including "Four Wheeler of
3010-450: The GX 550 moniker with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine and GX 550h with a turbocharged hybrid electric 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. As of 2024 , the GX is positioned between the larger LX or TX and the smaller RX . Though it is thought the GX has always been larger than the RX, from 2015 to 2022, the RX is slightly longer and slightly wider than the GX and therefore the GX
3096-405: The GX received a first facelift with the Lexus spindle grille design, new LED headlamps, and LED daytime running lights standard; LED fog lamps are optional. In the US pricing has been reduced by $ 4,750. The third generation GX, marketed as GX 550 and GX 550h was revealed in a prototype form on 8 June 2023, ahead of its sister model J250 Land Cruiser Prado . It has a more squared-off design than
3182-632: The Hilux Surf was replaced in 2005 by the lower cost but similar Fortuner , which is based on the Hilux platform. As of 2021 , the 4Runner is marketed in the Bahamas, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, the United States and Venezuela. Many markets that did not receive the 4Runner, such as Europe and the Middle East, instead received the similarly designed Land Cruiser Prado , another SUV that shared many of
3268-457: The Hilux. The 4Runner and corresponding Hilux shared similar body-on-frame construction which meant parts like the front suspension of the 4WD models, differentials, engines, drivetrain parts and front fascias were interchangeable; however, instead of the Hotchkiss drive design with leaf springs used on the Hilux and first-generation 4Runner, the rear suspension of the second-generation 4Runner
3354-465: The SSR-G trim. Additionally, Hilux Surf versions immediately moved to 16-inch wheels and gained a center differential, enabling the use of four-wheel drive on hard surfaces without complication for the first time. The prior system was retained to give on-the-fly shifting between rear- and four-wheel drive as before. For Japan, in addition to the two gasoline engines, the Hilux Surf also was available with
3440-464: The SUV was quickly turned with no pedal input, causing a sideways slide before the vehicle stability control (VSC) initiated a full stop. Consumer Reports said that the VSC acted too slowly, and if a wheel hit a curb or slid off the pavement, a rollover accident could occur. The shared platform Toyota 4Runner passed the test, and while Consumer Reports said it knew of no actual incidents, it recommended
3526-527: The Trekker conversion installed, returned after completion to the dealership for national distribution. Most of the Trekker conversions sold went to the west coast of the United States. The Trekker conversion involved removing the bed and rear cab wall from the donor truck, then replacing them with a fiberglass tub, bed sides, a non-removable canopy and rear hatch. The kit included a folding rear seat that could be folded forward to lay flat and add cargo space to
Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System - Misplaced Pages Continue
3612-463: The Trekker; the SR5 was to be equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, vented canopy windows, and a more finished rear interior than the Deluxe, which was to be equipped with a 4-speed manual and fixed windows. Regardless of trim level, all 1981 Trekkers had vented canopy windows. Non-vented canopy windows were installed on the Trekker for the 1982 model year (again, regardless of trim level) because
3698-487: The US EPA rated the 4Runner at 15 mpg ‑US (16 L/100 km) on the city driving cycle; in testing, 14.28 mpg ‑US (16.47 L/100 km) was observed. The Hilux Surf version for the Japanese market was also available with a range of diesel engines, including a 2.4 L turbodiesel 2L-TE I4 up to 1993, followed by a 3.0 L turbodiesel 1KZ-TE I4. Small numbers were also made with
3784-462: The US market. Small cosmetic and option changes were made in 1988 for the 1989 model year, but the model was left largely untouched in anticipation of the replacement model then undergoing final development. Toyota released a second generation of Hilux Surf and 4Runner in 1989 for the 1990 model year. Known as the N120/N130 series, these models continued to be based on the Hilux pickup. However,
3870-475: The US, the GX 550 will be available in six grades: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and the newly-added Overtrail and Overtrail+ off-road oriented models. The new Overtrail grade comes with standard 33-inch All-Terrain tires and 18-inch wheels. All models will feature the V35A-FTS 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 which produces 260 kW (349 hp) and 649 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft) of torque. The GX 550 has
3956-416: The United States were not very strict for light trucks, and all early model 4Runners were fitted with doors that offered little protection in the event of a side collision. In most areas, there was little more than two pieces of sheet-metal and the window to keep incoming vehicles from impacting passengers. Later, more strict crash regulations mandated doors that offered as much protection as passenger doors. In
4042-461: The United States, the 1994 and 1995 model years added side-impact beams in the doors. The crash test rating for the second generation 4Runner was one to two stars (out of five) for the driver's side in a frontal collision while the passenger side received a three to four-star rating. The rear wheels were equipped with an anti-lock braking system as standard equipment for the SR5 V6 starting from
4128-421: The V6 engine was limited to the two higher trims (SR5 and Limited). For 4WD models, the transfer case selector allows the driver to select between 2WD high range (H2), 4WD low range (L4), or 4WD high range (H4); Limited models use a pushbutton to select H4. Airbags for both the driver and passenger were added with the introduction of the third-generation 4Runner in 1995 for the 1996 model year. The new 4Runner
4214-603: The VSC response. With the software update in place, sales resumed on April 29. Vehicle stability control had been criticized by Wheels magazine for slow response speed on such models as the Toyota Kluger (known as the Highlander in North America), while Drive noted that VSC had also been said to intervene too soon. The Wall Street Journal pointed the lack of VSC a decade ago. In September 2013,
4300-815: The Year" in 2003 and 2004 from Four Wheeler Magazine , and Automobile Magazine All-Star for 2003 in the Mid-Size Sport-Utility category. J.D. Power and Associates named the GX 470 the highest ranked premium luxury SUV in initial quality in 2005, and Kelley Blue Book gave the GX 470 its Best Resale Value Award in 2006. The GX 460 debuted in China at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in November 2009. The redesigned model continued with body-on-frame construction, full-time four-wheel drive, an electronically controlled hi-lo transfer case , and
4386-500: The back. There was no tailgate on the Trekkers. The factory Toyota vinyl cab headliner was replaced and matched to the custom rear canopy headliner. Suggested retail price in 1981 was US$ 13,000 (equivalent to $ 44,000 in 2023). All Trekkers were given the SR5 trim designation by both Winnebago and Toyota, regardless of the actual VIN denotation. Originally there were to be Deluxe (Model 7141) and Deluxe SR5 (Model 7147) versions of
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#17327982632714472-499: The body behind the B-pillar ; in fact, because the rear springs were not upgraded to bear the additional weight from the rear seats and fiberglass top, early models tended to suffer from a sagging rear suspension. In North America, they were sold for the 1984½ model year starting from May 1984. For this first year (March to July 1984 production), all models were equipped with black or white fiberglass tops. The base (DX) model omitted
4558-452: The dealerships. 20 to 30 of the Trekker kits were sold and shipped to Saudi Arabia for installation. Toyota shipped all trucks from Japan as cab and chassis in order to avoid the 25% assembled truck customs tax . All Trekkers were built on the short wheelbase Hilux chassis. The trucks destined for production as Trekkers were shipped to the dealership handling the national distribution of the Trekker. From there they went to Winnebago to have
4644-399: The drive train was still developed from the same source, the available engines and drivetrains were identical to the corresponding Hilux. The new 4Runner used the independent front suspension that had been developed on the previous generation. The older style gear driven transfer case was phased out on the V6 models and they now had a chain driven case. The older gear driven case was retained on
4730-417: The first generation N60 series Hilux Surf and export specification 4Runner introduced in 1983, Toyota, instead of developing an entirely new model, modified the existing Hilux (N50/N60/N70) with short-bed pickup body. The Hilux had undergone a major redesign in 1983 for the 1984 model year. Compared to the pickup, the Surf/4Runner changes included the removal of the panel with integrated rear window from behind
4816-419: The forward-facing vent windows on the 1981 Trekkers developed leaks. As tested by Truckin ' in 1981, the observed fuel consumption was 19.3 mpg ‑US (12.2 L/100 km) in combined (city and highway) driving, dropping to 17.4 mpg ‑US (13.5 L/100 km) with off-road use. The enclosed cargo area was 60 cu ft (1.7 m ) with the rear bench folded. For
4902-409: The frame, as well as new multi-parabola style headlights, projector style fog lamps, and updated side marker lights and front turn signals. Vehicles with "Limited" and "Highlander" (later called "Sport Edition") trim received color-keyed running boards, front and rear bumpers, mud flaps and flares. The ergonomics of the interior was completely changed, moving all the controls to the center of the dash for
4988-677: The front seats, and adding rear seats, a roll bar , and a removable fiberglass canopy. The concept was borrowed from both the second generation Ford Bronco , and the Chevrolet K5 Blazer , which were both based on existing short-bed pickup trucks with the addition of removable fiberglass shells over the rear sections and bench seats installed in the back. Like the Bronco and the Blazer, the Hilux Surf/4Runner also removed
5074-505: The lineup, including the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and different styling such as smoked bezel headlamps, added chrome trim, and black birdseye maple wood. In 2005, for the 2006 model year, changes in SAE engine testing procedures resulted in a slight drop in the amount of stated power for the V8 to 196 kW (263 hp), and Lexus Link telematics was offered in North America. For 2007,
5160-485: The more rugged and capable, if less refined, solid axle configuration. With the 1986 update, the Surf/4Runner grille changed from the three segment type to the two segment grille. Tops were color-matched on blue, red and some gold models, while other body colors were still sold with black or white tops. A turbocharged version of the 22R-E engine (the 22R-TE ) was also introduced in the 1986 model year, increasing output to 135 hp (101 kW), although this engine
5246-414: The optional V6 increased from 3,500 to 5,000 lb (1,600 to 2,300 kg). The equivalent Hilux Surf for the Japanese market was sold initially in four distinct trims, each of which used part-time four-wheel drive: SSR (standard body), SSR-X (standard body with luxury equipment), SSR-V (wide body), and SSR-G (wide body with luxury equipment). The 3.4L V6 was available only with the 4-speed automatic on
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#17327982632715332-401: The original 4-cylinder offering. Trucks sold with the V6 engine were equipped with the same heavy duty rear differential that was used in the turbocharged trucks, as well as a completely new transmission and transfer case; the transfer case was chain driven, although considered less rugged, created less cab noise than the old gear-driven unit used behind the four-cylinder engine. In New Zealand,
5418-503: The pickups at this time as well, but it appears that no diesel-powered 4Runners were imported to the United States. During 1984 to 1986 many 4Runners were imported to the US without rear seats. With only two seats the vehicle could be classified as a truck (rather than a sport vehicle) and could skirt the higher customs duties placed upon sport and pleasure vehicles. Most had aftermarket seats and seat belts added by North American dealers after they were imported. No changes were made for
5504-617: The previous generation and is built on the GA-F platform, shared with the J250 Land Cruiser Prado. This is also the first GX model to be officially sold in Japan and Australia. Production started in November 2023. The third generation GX is larger than the previous generation, with its width increasing by 95 mm (3.74 in) (overtrail by 115 mm (4.52 in)), wheelbase increasing by 60 mm (2.36 in), and length increasing by 70 mm (2.75 in). In
5590-408: The rear door, rear-view mirror, and passenger-side mirror provided views of the vehicle's sides. Low-beam HID headlamp projectors were offered with an Intelligent High Beam feature which automatically dimmed the high beams depending on traffic conditions and an Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) that swiveled the headlamps in corners. On May 28, 2012, Lexus China announced the market launch of
5676-439: The rear seat. An SR5 trim package was offered that upgraded the interior: additional gauges, better fabrics, and a rear seat were standard with the package. All 1984½ models were equipped with the carbureted 2.4 L 22R I4 engine , paired with a 5-speed manual transmission; all were available with a four-wheel-drive system that drove the front wheels through a solid front axle with manual locking hubs. The Hilux Surf
5762-549: The rear wall and added a bench seat in the bed, protecting these occupants by a permanently-fixed fiberglass shell; in concept, it was similar to the Chevrolet K5 Blazer . The Trekker competed with similar third-party limited production Toyota conversions including the Breaker-Breaker and Trailblazer. The Trekker was discontinued in 1984 once Toyota started producing and selling the 4Runner SUV; these third-party conversions had in essence acted as marketing test vehicles for
5848-489: The rear wall behind the front seats in the corresponding pickup trucks. In that sense, all three vehicles were more modified than simply adding a fiberglass shell to conventional pickup trucks. Thus, the first generation is nearly mechanically identical to the Toyota Hilux 4×4. All first generation 4Runners had two doors and were indistinguishable from the pickups from the dashboard forward. Nearly all changes were to
5934-407: The rear window, and defrost, it also received a new instrument panel with a digital odometer. The Limited trucks also received a brand-new electronic temp control, and upgraded stereo. The "multi-mode" transfer case system became available as an option for 4WD 4Runners for 1999, giving the option of AWD operation. The 2000 model year would be the final year the 5-speed manual would be offered, leaving
6020-404: The same components. The 4Runner came in at number five in a 2019 study by iSeeCars.com ranking the longest-lasting vehicles in the US. The 4Runner had 3.9 percent of vehicles over 200,000 miles (320,000 km), according to the study. Toyota had partnered with third-party recreational vehicle manufacturers at least as early as 1973, when a Chinook Mobilodge-built popup truck camper
6106-419: The same. However, in November 2017, the GX 400 was discontinued in Chinese markets. On April 13, 2010, Consumer Reports in the United States urged customers not to buy the 2010 model year GX 460, giving it a "Don't buy, Safety Risk" label, its first such vehicle rating since 2001, following the results of a " lift-off oversteer " emergency test. This label was lifted on May 7, 2010. In the high-speed test,
6192-460: The second-generation Surf/4Runner represented a fundamental departure from the first generation model: Instead of an enhanced pickup truck with fiberglass cap, the new 4Runners featured a freshly designed, full-steel integrated body mounted on the existing frame. However, the 4Runner's appearance remained virtually identical to the Hilux from the B-pillars forward, and the powertrain was shared with
6278-409: The time (e.g. Nissan Pathfinder , Ford Explorer ) featured tailgates that opened upward with the glass closed. In contrast, the second generation 4Runner carried over the retractable-glass tailgate from the first generation. Opening these tailgates requires first retracting the rear window into the tailgate and then lowering the tailgate much like as on a pickup truck. In 1991 for the 1992 model year,
6364-448: The transfer case's floor-mounted shift lever, and the gauge cluster added a steering wheel angle display for off-road situations. Similar to before, a Mark Levinson sound system and two-display Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSES) were optional, while three-zone climate control, semi- aniline leather , and heated second-row seats and steering wheel were new options. Like its predecessor, Rear Adjustable Height Control (AHC) air suspension
6450-464: The trucks more comfortable on-road, and improved stability and handling. The new suspension also increased the space in the engine compartment (necessary to fit larger engines, such as the V6 introduced in 1987) but arguably decreased the truck's off-road capabilities. The North American specification Toyota Pickup also adopted this new suspension, but the regular Hilux for other markets at this point retained
6536-472: The turbocharged pickups. Most turbocharged 4Runners were equipped with the SR5 package, and all turbo trucks had as standard a heavier rear differential later used in the V6 model. Low-option models had a small light in the gauge cluster to indicate turbo boost, while more plush vehicles were equipped with an all-digital gauge cluster that included a boost gauge. Turbocharged and naturally aspirated 2.4 L 2L-T and 2L diesel engines were also available in
6622-407: Was a multilink coil spring design locating a solid axle, which unfortunately proved to be just as prone to sagging as the leaf springs on the rear of the previous models. Nearly all second generation 4Runners were four-door models; however, two-door models also were produced from launch in 1989 to May 1993. These models are similar to the four-door models of the time in that the bodies were formed as
6708-744: Was also available with a factory installed selectable electric locker in the rear differential , a first for the 4Runner but available since 1993 in the Toyota Land Cruiser . Other significant changes from the second generation models include a larger body on a 2.3 in (58 mm) longer wheelbase and 1 in (25 mm) wider track, increased interior space, increased cargo space, dual airbags, ABS , lift-up tailgate, coil-spring suspension all around, rack and pinion steering, and aerodynamic contour designed glass headlights. Ground clearance decreased by 1 ⁄ 2 in (13 mm) to 8.5 in (220 mm). Maximum towing capacity with
6794-696: Was considered smaller. All GX production has occurred at the Tahara plant in Japan, alongside the Land Cruiser Prado and the export-minded Toyota 4Runner . Some countries classify the GX as a full-size vehicle (e.g., Australia ), while some classify it as a mid-size vehicle (e.g., US ), depending on local regulations. Lexus introduced the GX 470 at the North American International Auto Show in January 2002 as
6880-483: Was first available as an option on the model year 2004 Lexus GX 470 , a sport utility vehicle that was only sold in North America, and based roughly on the 120 Series Land Cruiser Prado . The system was also introduced in similar form on the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser . For the 2008 Lexus LX 570 , an electro-mechanical suspension was employed, retaining the function of the KDSS design but adding electronic components. For
6966-554: Was marketed as the Toyota Hilux Surf ( Japanese : トヨタ・ハイラックスサーフ , Hepburn : Toyota Hairakkususāfu ) 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
7052-412: Was offered in two trim lines (SR and SSR), with either a 2.0 L 3Y gasoline or 2.4 L 2L diesel engine. Model year 1985 (which began production in August 1984) saw the arrival of the electronically fuel-injected 2.4 L 22R-E (and 22R-EC with California emissions controls). This increased the power output from 96 hp (72 kW) for the 22R to 116 hp (87 kW) for
7138-451: Was offered on the GX 460 with an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). Additional electronic aids included the LX 570's Crawl Control system, Downhill Assist Control (DAC), and Active Traction Control (A-TRAC). The Torsen differential distributed a variable torque split when left unlocked, including a 40:60 (front: rear) ratio under normal driving conditions,
7224-542: Was paired with the longbed Toyota truck chassis and sold as a less expensive, more economical alternative to larger motorhomes. In the Chinook conversion, the bed and rear wall of the cab were removed and a fiberglass popup shell was added, allowing occupants to walk through from the motorhome section to the cab. The Trekker was a similar "walk-through" third-party conversion of the short-bed Toyota Hilux truck, built by Winnebago Industries from 1981 to 1983. Winnebago removed
7310-474: Was reduced to C d =0.35. The rear wiper was hidden under the rear spoiler, and while the tailgate remained side-opening, a flip-up glass panel was added. The interior added a power-folding, two-passenger third row which folded flat, allowing capacity for up to seven passengers, with the second row sliding or tilting for third-row access. Because the third row was no longer removable and used additional space, cargo capacity declined. A toggle switch replaced
7396-540: Was standard. In 2003, for the 2004 model year, the GX 470's transmission was upgraded to a sealed unit with no dipstick. An optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) became available as a late-year addition. KDSS freed and adjusted the vehicle's stabilizer bars for greater articulation allowing the wheels to move with less restriction over uneven terrain, and used front and rear hydraulic pressure-sensing valves and larger stabilizer bars to reduce body roll during on-road conditions. Safety upgrades for 2004 included
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