For anyone following, I have a new-to-me, 2001 Toyota 4Runner as a daily driver, the type of vehicle I swore off growing up as a small-car fanatic. However, life happens and the need for a larger vehicle to haul more stuff like children, takes precedence over all-out race car shenanigans. Off-road and truck enthusiasm is also at the peak of its popularity, more vehicles like the 4Runner are being sold today than at any other time in history, as a matter of fact, between Toyota and Lexus there are a whopping 29 separate models, ranging from compact hybrid SUVs to all-out land roamers like the Lexus LX. So, what's it all about? This massive enthusiasm for vehicles like the T4R (this I learned, is how those in the know refer to their indestructible workhorses), and if I pick up the modding bug for this chassis, which way should i go? For that, we visited a special 4Runners and Coffee by STP4R at Courtesy Toyota of Brandon to take notes and learn about these exceptional vehicles.
The third generation N180 was the oldest to attend this event, which was very helpful since I own one of the same era. They came with a few options, 3RZ inline-four or the 5VZ V6, manual or automatic transmissions, and of course rear or 4-wheel drive, the common feature they all share is that timeless look that harkens back to the original converted cars of the mid-1980s.
Unlike newer generations of 4Runners, the 3rd iteration existed well before the current boom of mainstream off-road enthusiasm. Back then, vehicles were capable but the marketing for that outdoor lifestyle was something only for hardcore enthusiasts, the N180 didn't come with a TRD Pro trim, but the owner did make it more trail-ready with a lift kit and Mickey Thompson All-Terrain tires that wrap a set of 9Six9 SIX-1 wheels. Other pieces like the roof cage and rear-mounted jerry can provide an extra layer of useability, whether it's being able to carry more travel gear or having a few gallons when you're on a trail miles away from a gas station...these rides get thirsty with larger wheels and tires.
Most of the "old 4Runner" perks involve enjoying them in any, and all situations. This particular T4R sports a True North Fabrications front bumper, mesh grill, a roof rack, and Falken Wild Peak tires that have helped the owner acquire all of those stickers on the side rear-quarter window. This well-traveled Toyota truck has a platform for overnight trips and space for a furry, loyal companion as pictured above. This 3rd gen 4Runner is just another example of a car having a story that's worth its weight in steel, unfortunately between this event and finally writing this article, it was totaled in an accident.
The only 4th generation Toyota 4Runner that showed up just so happens to be my favorite. From 2002-2009 there was an option for the first and last time in the T4R's long history, a V8, and a good one too as the 4.7 iron block 2UZ is known for its bulletproof reliability and low-end torque. This combination of eight cylinders in an SUV like the 4Runner provided a full-size towing capacity of 7,000 lbs (7,300 lbs for RWD) in a smaller footprint than the then brand-new full-size Toyota Sequoia. This particular example has the typical light bar, crash bar, roof rack, lift kit, and bronze TE37-styled wheels that bring an edge to the visually softer 4th gen model.
Fun fact: The 5th generation Toyota 4Runner had a 14-year production run making the N280 the longest-sold T4R. If other 4Runners from the past were a sleeper choice for off-road adventurists and value seekers alike, this generation put this mid-size do-it-all SUV at the forefront for anyone shopping in the segment. This TRD Pro in particular represents the top trim available and the most off-road capable with Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, TRD springs, a TRD front skid plate, a TRD roof rack, and those iconic wheels painted in a satin black finish.
One of the coolest features of the TRD Pro family of vehicles is the annual exclusive color, for 2021 was the eloquent Lunar Rock, a shade of green that gives off Nardo grey vibes but in a way that doesn't look like clearcoat over primer. The owner of this 5th gen 4Runner upgraded the front bumper with a Lil B's custom fab unit that comes with awesome-looking fog lights and tow hooks along with a bash bar that compliments the TRD skid plate.
The STP4R and Courtesy Toyota of Brandon are both known for bringing together Toyota enthusiasts. The very active STP4R Facebook page consistently posts events and random meet-ups to engage the local 4Runner community. While the social media mastermind behind the Brandon, FL dealership connects car people with Toyotas both new and old, their next event, Toyota Bash, takes place January 5th, 2025, and brings in the new year by showcasing some of the best cars from the local community.
Some talk the talk and others walk the walk, this lifted 5th gen 4Runner has a roof rack, steel bumper, aftermarket wheels, and off-road tires like the others but proudly wears a layer of mud on the tires and up the sides that says "yes, I actually do this."
Snorkels are important if you are taking your rig across rivers, and streams, or diving into a few feet of mud, as Floridians do; it's important to keep water out of your intake. For this owner, a Dobinsons Snorkel was used, it requires some cutting into the passenger side fender to gain access to the intake tract so it works properly. While most snorkels have a square opening to suck in as much air as possible, this one has a round top, the Sy-Klone snorkel pre-cleaner has a few tricks, first, the shape allows for air to only be sucked up from the bottom while keeping out the elements and bugs; inside a small propeller helps force air in while pushing out moisture, love bugs, and sand, it's an extra layer of protection for the durable 1GR-FE.
While taking in all of the details from the cars in attendance I couldn't help but drool over the new Toyota Sequoia. Lunar rock is definitely one of my favorite colors and the black badging with the TRD wheels adds a level of toughness to this full-size do it all SUV. Regardless of the bad press received by Toyota from recalls, the dizzying amount of truck options for sale right now (including the brand-new 4Runner) make it peak truck time for the brand as there's a vehicle for every lifestyle.
With the all-new Toyota 4Runner going with a turbocharged four-cylinder or adding a hybrid motor to that same turbo-four, the 4.0 V6 models may see a spike in value as enthusiasts chase the reliability they know. The 1GR-FE isn't a powerhouse but with 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, it provides more than enough performance where it matters, this isn't a truck with sporting intentions, but a durable workhorse that is a companion for the treks to come.
Landcruisers are what most people consider the best overlanding rig but in recent years that has come up for debate, this is recognized through the upcoming Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter; a factory-developed off-road vehicle that intends to provide customers with the ability to do it all. The 4Runner has a more compact footprint than the last few generations of full-size Landcruisers and also has come in at a much lower price than Toyota's flagship SUV, and enthusiasts have fully bought into the looks, capabilities, and accessibility offered by the T4R, the signature rear drop-down window is a nice touch too. This white 4Runner is shod with accessories to go Overlanding, it reminds me that it might be about time to indulge in some of the adventures in nature that make the experience behind the wheel so memorable.
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