On- and simulated off-road testing of the Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 presented us with many pleasant sensations, a moment or two of minor alarm and just one bona fide disappointment.The plus side of our test drive ledger is long and impressive. Bumpy roads were flattened by the 4Runner's independent front suspension. Braking was swift and sure with the front disc brakes and anti-lock rear drum brakes. (A four-wheel anti-lock system is available as an option.) The four-speed electronic-control automatic transmission delivered smooth, precise shifting and response in both the Economy and Power modes.
Most impressive, you really need the 4WD indicator light to tell you that Toyota's swift and smooth automatic disconnecting differentials have transferred from 2WD to 4WD and back.
The minor alarm stemmed from the 4Runner's noticeable lean during two relatively sharp cornering tests, attributable to the vehicle's high profile and road clearance.
Granted, we felt no loss of control and the vehicle quickly stabilized itself as the contoured seats kept us firmly in place. But lean it did.
The 4Runners 3.0-liter 150-hp V6 falls short of the effortless passing, stump-pulling power plant that many prefer in a sport utility vehicle. The phrase kinda sluggish" crept from our test-driver's lips in high-speed (40-to-70 mph) highway acceleration tests."
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