Truckin' Magazine was a sport truck magazine published by TEN: The Enthusiast Network .
99-524: 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Japan, it was marketed as the Toyota Hilux Surf ( Japanese : トヨタ・ハイラックスサーフ , Hepburn : Toyota Hairakkususāfu ) and was withdrawn from the market in 2009.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
198-619: 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
297-538: A 5% import tariff, compared with 10% for passenger cars. In February 2024, voters in Paris mandated a triple parking charge rate for SUVs, citing environmental impact and street capacity; this followed similar decisions in Lyon and Tübingen with similar ordinances being considered by London, Brussels and Amsterdam. Many years after most passenger cars had transitioned to unibody construction, most SUVs continued to use
396-410: A broad range of vehicles with four-wheel drive." Some definitions claim that an SUV must be built on a light truck chassis; however, broader definitions consider any vehicle with off-road design features to be an SUV. A crossover SUV is often defined as an SUV built with a unibody construction (as with passenger cars); however, the designations are increasingly blurred because of the capabilities of
495-532: A coil-sprung independent front suspension . The relatively compact Niva is considered a predecessor to the crossover SUV and combines a hatchback-like passenger car body with full-time four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, and lockable center differential. Nonetheless, unibody SUVs remained rare until the 1984 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) was introduced and became a sales success. The introduction of the 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee resulted in all Jeep SUV models using unibody construction, with many other brands following suit since
594-545: 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
693-468: A common, rear-wheel drive vehicle, any 4WD (four-wheel drive) needed many essential extra components, including a transfer case , a second differential, and constant-velocity joints for the driven front axle—which were expensive due to the precision involved in this required manufacturing gears and other specialized parts. Before World War II, these were produced in the United States by only
792-409: A crash than regular cars and that SUV roofs were more likely to cave in on passengers than in other cars, resulting in increased harm to passengers. Between 1991 and 2001, the United States saw a 150% increase in sport-utility vehicle rollover deaths. In 2001, though roll-overs constituted just 3% of vehicle crashes overall, they caused over 30% of occupant fatalities in crashes; and in crashes where
891-483: A day, with electric cars reducing oil demand by under 100,000 barrels a day. Whereas SUVs can be electrified , or converted to run on a variety of alternative fuels , including hydrogen , their (manufacturing) emissions will always be larger than smaller electric cars. On average, SUVs consume about a quarter more energy than medium-size cars. Furthermore, the vast majority of these vehicles are not converted to use alternative fuels. Between 2010 and 2018 SUVs were
990-400: A few specialized firms with limited production capacity. Due to the increase in demand for parts for the war effort, in the spring of 1942 Ford , Dodge , and Chevrolet joined in fabricating these parts in mass quantities, boosting their production more than 100-fold. An early usage of the term was the 1947 Crosley CC Four Sport Utility model, which used a convertible wagon body style and
1089-682: 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 (a Toyota subsidiary) plant in Hamura . The name "4Runner" was created by copywriter Robert Nathan with the Saatchi & Saatchi advertising company as
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#17327902086821188-510: A gas that is linked to global warming. According to the International Energy Agency , from 2010 SUVs have been the second-largest contributor to the increase in global CO 2 emissions, second only to the power sector. SUVs were responsible for all of the 3.3 million barrels a day growth in oil demand from passenger cars between 2010 and 2018, whereas efficiency improvements in smaller cars saved over 2 million barrels
1287-892: A long-bodied version of a full-size SUV, which is called an "extended-length SUV" like the Ford Expedition EL and the Chevrolet Suburban . The additional length is used to provide extra space for rear passengers or cargo. As per the full-size SUVs they are based on, most extended-length SUVs are built on dedicated platforms, full-sized pickups ( 1⁄2 ton ), or heavy-duty pickups (3⁄4 ton or more). Extended-length SUVs are mostly sold in North America but may also be exported to other markets in small numbers. Some SUVs or crossovers with sloping rear rooflines are marketed as "coupe crossover SUVs" or "coupe SUVs", even though they have four side doors for passenger access to
1386-577: 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
1485-538: 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
1584-485: 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, the Hilux Surf was replaced in 2005 by the lower cost but similar Fortuner , which is based on the Hilux platform. As of 2021,
1683-452: 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
1782-461: A separate body-on-frame method, due to being based on the chassis from a light truck , commercial vehicle , pickup truck , or off-road vehicle . The first mass-produced unibody four-wheel-drive passenger car was the Russian 1955 GAZ-M20 Pobeda M-72 , which could be considered the first crossover car. The 1977 Lada Niva was the first off-road vehicle to use both a unibody construction and
1881-508: 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
1980-462: A study by the U.S.-based IIHS found that, of a sample of 79 crashes from three urban areas in Michigan, SUVs caused more serious injuries compared to cars when impacts occurred at greater than 31 km/h (19 mph). The IIHS noted the sample size of the study was small and that more research is needed. The popularity of SUVs contributed to an increase in pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. during
2079-414: 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
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#17327902086822178-440: Is less than a quarter of what it was for 2004 models. With ESC dramatically reducing rollover risk, the inherent advantages offered by SUVs' greater size, weight, and height emerge more clearly. Today's SUVs have the lowest driver death rate of any vehicle type." The high danger for cyclists and pedestrians of being seriously injured or even killed by SUV drivers has caused some public protests against SUVs in urban areas. In 2020,
2277-471: 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
2376-422: Is sometimes defined as a crossover being built using a unibody platform (the type used by most passenger cars), while an SUV is built using a body-on-frame platform (the type used by off-road vehicles and light trucks). However, these definitions are often blurred in practice, since unibody vehicles are also often referred to as SUVs. Also, crossover is a relatively recent term and early unibody SUVs (such as
2475-590: Is therefore unrelated to the design of later SUVs. Several models of carryall wagons began to be offered with four-wheel drive, beginning in 1949 when the Willys Jeep Station Wagon introduced the option of four-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive versions of the Chevrolet Suburban were introduced for 1955, followed by the International Harvester Travelall in 1956 (credited as being the first full-size SUV) and
2574-539: 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
2673-477: 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;
2772-573: The Power Wagon Town Wagon in 1957. Truckin%27 Magazine In 1974, then-publisher of Street Rodder and Street Chopper magazines, Tom McMullen, saw a growing trend in custom vans and pickups cruising around the Southern California street rod shows. Using the popular saying " Keep on Truckin' " as a basis, Truckin’ magazine was created. In 1975, the first issue went on sale at newsstands for $ 1.00 under
2871-513: The "Utility Vehicle" category per the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) definitions and carry a 27% excise tax. Those that are 4 metres (13 feet) long, have a 1,500 cc (92 cu in) engine or larger, along with 170 mm (6.7 in) of ground clearance, are subject to a 30% excise duty. In Australia, SUV sales were helped by having lower import duties than passenger cars. Up until January 2010, SUVs were subject to
2970-498: The 1984 Jeep Cherokee) are rarely called crossovers. Due to these inconsistencies, the term SUV is often used as a catch-all for both crossovers and SUVs. Outside of the United States, the term crossover tends to be used for C-segment ( compact ) or smaller vehicles, with large unibody vehicles—such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class , BMW X7 , and Range Rover —usually referred to as SUVs rather than crossovers. In
3069-500: 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
Toyota 4Runner - Misplaced Pages Continue
3168-413: 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
3267-401: The 1990s and early 2000s was partly due to buyers perceiving that SUVs provide greater safety for occupants, due to their larger size and raised ride height. Regarding the safety of other road users, SUVs are exempted from U.S. regulation stating that a passenger car bumper must protect the area between 16 and 20 inches (41 and 51 cm) above the ground. This often increases the damage to
3366-416: 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
3465-559: The 2010s, alongside other factors such as distracted and drunk driving. A 2021 study by the University of Illinois Springfield showed that SUVs are 8 times more likely to kill children in a collision than passenger cars, and multiple times more lethal to adult pedestrians and cyclists. SUVs generally have poorer fuel efficiency than smaller cars, and thus contribute more to environmental degradation and global warming . SUVs emit about 700 megatonnes of carbon dioxide per year,
3564-521: 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,
3663-465: 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
3762-411: 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,
3861-548: 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 the same components. The 4Runner came in at number five in a 2019 study by iSeeCars.com ranking
3960-462: 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
4059-498: 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
Toyota 4Runner - Misplaced Pages Continue
4158-680: 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
4257-461: The CAFE regulations were changed to classify small, two-wheel-drive SUVs as passenger cars. However, the licensing and traffic enforcement regulations in the United States vary from state to state, and an SUV may be classified as a car in some states but as a truck in others. For industry production statistics, SUVs are counted in the light truck product segment. In India, all SUVs are classified in
4356-487: 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 the rear wall and added a bench seat in the bed, protecting these occupants by
4455-457: 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
4554-824: The PT Cruiser, being classified as light trucks. This classification as trucks allowed SUVs to be regulated less strictly than passenger cars under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act for fuel economy, and the Clean Air Act for emissions. However, from 2004 onwards, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began to hold sport utility vehicles to the same tailpipe emissions standards as cars for criteria pollutants, though not greenhouse gas emissions standards as they were not set until 2010. In 2011,
4653-464: 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
4752-551: The SUV. Automotive websites' descriptions of SUVs range from specifically "combining car-like appointments and wagon practicality with steadfast off-road capability" with "chair-height seats and picture-window visibility" to the more general "nearly anything with available all-wheel drive and raised ground clearance". It is also suggested that the term "SUV" has replaced "jeep" as a general term for off-road vehicles. American dictionary definitions for SUVs include: In British English,
4851-604: The TRM Publications (which stood for Tom and Rose McMullen) family of auto magazines. From 1975 to May 1995, Truckin’ was published by McMullen Publications and McMullen-Yee Publishing. It was purchased by K-III's Primedia Inc. in June 1995 in a merger worth $ 55 million. In 2007, Source Interlink Media acquired more than 78 consumer magazines, including Truckin’ . In December 2019, the Motor Trend Group,
4950-526: 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
5049-461: 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
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#17327902086825148-485: 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
5247-460: 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,
5346-748: The United Kingdom The Collins English Dictionary defines a sport utility vehicle as a "powerful vehicle with four-wheel drive that can be driven over rough ground. The abbreviation SUV is often used." In Europe, the term SUV is generally used for road-oriented vehicles, described as "J-segment" by the European Commission . "Four-by-four" or the brand name of the vehicle is typically used for off-road-oriented vehicles. Similarly, in New Zealand, vehicles designed for off-road use are typically referred to as "four-wheel drives" instead of SUVs. In
5445-584: The United Kingdom, a crossover is sometimes defined as a hatchback model with raised ride height and SUV-like styling features. The smallest size class of SUVs is the "mini SUV". In Japan, SUVs under 3,400 mm (133.9 in)—such as the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini —are included in the kei car category and therefore attract lower taxes. Many recent vehicles labeled as mini SUVs are technically subcompact crossovers and are built on
5544-416: 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
5643-516: The United States, many government regulations simply have categories for "off-highway vehicles" which are loosely defined and often result in SUVs (along with pick-up trucks and minivans ) being classified as light trucks . For example, corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) regulations previously included "permit greater cargo-carrying capacity than passenger carrying volume" in the definition for trucks, resulting in cars with removable rear seats, like
5742-458: 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
5841-418: 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
5940-499: 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
6039-499: 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
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#17327902086826138-451: 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
6237-478: The design of modern SUVs was the 1940 Humber Heavy Utility , a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle built on the chassis of the Humber Super Snipe passenger car. The most prohibitive initial factors to the potential civilian popularity of an SUV-like car were their cost and the availability of certain critical parts. Before the war, adding four-wheel drive to a car almost doubled its cost. Compared to
6336-399: 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
6435-559: The final company that published Truckin' , announced that Truckin' would cease publication along with 18 other magazines. Robert K. Smith, the production manager with Street Rodder magazine, headed up the inaugural issue of Truckin’ . This also included managing editor Steve Stillwell, who in 1985 would run the title into the late 1990s. Other editors include Dick DeLoach, Kevin Wilson, Dan Sanchez (2000–2002), Steve Warner (2002–2008), and Dan Ward (2008–2014). The final Editor-in-Chief
6534-417: 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
6633-417: 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
6732-409: 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
6831-605: 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
6930-430: The future under the sense of security, all the while increasing the rate of fatalities of pedestrians. There is no universally accepted definition of the sport utility vehicle. Dictionaries, automotive experts, and journalists use varying wordings and defining characteristics, in addition to regional variations of usage by both the media and the general public. The auto industry also has not settled on one definition of
7029-546: The largest size of commonly produced SUVs. Some, such as the Ford Expedition , and Chevrolet Tahoe , are marketed for their off-road capabilities, and others, such as the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade , are marketed as luxury vehicles. While a few full-size SUVs are built on dedicated platforms; most share their platforms with full-size pickup trucks . Some North American SUVs are available as
7128-436: 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 was paired with the longbed Toyota truck chassis and sold as a less expensive, more economical alternative to larger motorhomes. In
7227-497: The mid-1990s. Today, most SUVs in production use a unibody construction and relatively few models continue to use body-on-frame construction. SUVs are typically of a two-box design similar to a station wagon . The engine compartment is in the front, followed by a combined passenger/cargo area (unlike a sedan, which has a separate trunk/boot compartment). Up until approximately 2010, many SUV models were available in two-door body styles. Since then, manufacturers began to discontinue
7326-482: 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
7425-403: The most traction. SUV A sport utility vehicle ( SUV ) is a car classification that combines elements of road-going passenger cars with features from off-road vehicles , such as raised ground clearance and four-wheel drive . There is no commonly agreed-upon definition of an SUV, and usage of the term varies between countries. Thus, it is "a loose term that traditionally covers
7524-412: 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
7623-401: 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,
7722-547: The other car in a collision with an SUV, because the impact occurs at a higher location on the other car. In 2000–2001, 60% of fatal side-impact collisions were where the other vehicle was an SUV, an increase from 30% in 1980–1981. The introduction of electronic stability control (ESC) and rollover mitigation, as well as increased analysis of the risks of a rollover, led the IIHS to report in 2015 that "the rollover death rate of 5 per million registered vehicle years for 2011 models
7821-499: 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
7920-537: The platform of a subcompact (also called supermini or B-segment) passenger car. The "compact SUV" is the next bigger-size class after mini SUVs. Many recent vehicles labeled as compact SUVs are technically compact crossovers and are built on the platform of a compact (C-segment) passenger car. The next larger size is called the "mid-size SUV". Some mid-size SUVs are based on platforms shared with passenger cars and therefore, are crossovers. Other mid-size SUVs are based on compact or mid-size pickups. Full-size SUVs are
8019-499: The popularity of SUVs significantly increased, often at the expense of the popularity of large sedans and station wagons. SUVs accounted for 45.9% of the world's passenger car market in 2021. SUVs have been criticized for a variety of environmental and safety-related reasons. They generally have poorer fuel efficiency and require more resources to manufacture than smaller vehicles, contributing more to climate change and environmental degradation . Between 2010 and 2018, SUVs were
8118-435: 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
8217-485: 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
8316-407: 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
8415-502: The seats and rear hatches for cargo area access. Just before and during World War II , prototypes and low-volume production examples of military cars with sedan or station wagon-type bodies and rugged, off-road capable four-wheel drive chassis began to appear around the world. These early models included the 1936 Kurogane Type 95 from Japan, the 1938 GAZ-61 from Russia as well as the 1941 Volkswagen Kommandeurswagen and 1936 Opel Geländesportwagen from Germany. An early predecessor to
8514-512: The second largest contributor to the global increase in carbon emissions worldwide. The "crossover SUV" segment (also known as "CUVs" or simply "crossovers") has become increasingly popular since around 2010. Crossovers are often based on a platform shared with a passenger car, as a result, they typically have better comfort and fuel economy, but less off-road capability (many crossovers are sold without all-wheel drive) than pickup truck-based SUVs. The difference between crossovers and other SUVs
8613-460: 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
8712-435: The second-largest contributor to the global increase in carbon emissions worldwide. Their higher center of gravity increases their risk of rollovers . Their higher front-end profile makes them at least twice as likely to kill pedestrians they hit. Additionally, the psychological sense of security they provide influences drivers to drive less cautiously, and may in-turn, cause others with smaller vehicles to opt for SUVs in
8811-403: The terms "4x4" (pronounced "four-by-four"), "jeep", four wheel drive, or "off-road vehicle" are generally used instead of "sport utility vehicle". The sardonic term "Chelsea tractor" is also commonly used, due to the perceived popularity of the vehicles with urban residents of Chelsea, London , and their likeness to vehicles used by farmers. However, in the 2020s, the term SUV has entered usage in
8910-409: 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,
9009-463: 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
9108-470: 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
9207-576: The two-door models as the four-door models became more popular. A few two-door SUVs remain available, such as the body-on-frame Suzuki Jimny , Mahindra Thar , Toyota Land Cruiser Prado , Ford Bronco , and Jeep Wrangler as well as the Range Rover Evoque crossover SUV. SUVs typically have high ground clearance and a tall body. This results in a high center of mass , which made SUVs more prone to roll-over accidents . In 2003, SUVs were quoted as 2.5 times more likely to roll over in
9306-401: The vehicle did roll over, SUV occupants in the early 2000s were nearly three times as likely to be killed as other car passengers. Vehicles with a high center of gravity do sometimes fail the moose test of maneuverability conducted by Swedish consumer magazine Teknikens Värld , for example, the 1997 Mercedes-Benz A-Class and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee . The increasing popularity of SUVs in
9405-425: The vehicles, the labelling by marketers, and the electrification of new models. The predecessors to SUVs date back to military and low-volume models from the late 1930s, and the four-wheel-drive station wagons and carryalls that began to be introduced in 1949. Some SUVs produced today use unibody construction; however, in the past, more SUVs used body-on-frame construction. During the late 1990s and early 2000s,
9504-401: Was Jeremy Cook (2014–2020). In 1975, the first issue was to be a "one-shot," a publishing term for once a year. The magazine was immediately turned into a quarterly, and within one year it was monthly. In 2003 Truckin’ added an extra issue entitled the "Fall Issue." In 2004, it was called the "Spring Issue," and has since been dubbed "Issue 13". At the peak of magazine sales, the magazine
9603-406: 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
9702-744: 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
9801-409: 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
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