1994 Toyota 4Runner Review (continued)
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Walkaround

With its sleek, high profile and 10.5-inch road clearance, the 4Runner SR5 VO makes a unique and decidedly positive statement in favor of sports utility vehicles in general, and Toyota's in particular. Out front, an optional full black brush and grille guard proclaims the vehicle's readiness for off-road excursions. Behind the guard, a Toyota-signature chrome grille is flanked by dual halogen headlamps and side marker lamps encased in high-impact plastic lenses. Amber cornering lamps are embedded in the bumper.

In profile, the 4Runner SR5 V6 showcases distinctive flared fenders with chrome/black vinyl lips and matching trim on the running boards that tuck gracefully underneath the vehicle's four doors. These are a $409 option we judge to be well worth the money for protection on- and off-road, and for ease of entry and exit. Irregularly shaped but cosmetically pleasing wheel openings flow over styled-steel 15-itich wide track wheels shoed with P235 Goodyear Wranglers.

Up top, an optional deep-tinted power sunroof is accompanied by an optional black, full-width vinyl roof rack and power-down wind deflector. Oversize tail lamps flank a drop gate with a retractable power window, rear windshield wiper and defroster combination. We were pleased to note that the defroster system also extends to the rear quarter windows to minimize blind spots. A chromed rear step bumper carries a trailer hitch.

Toyota's masterful fit-and-finish experts obviously played a role in the design and manufacture of our 4Runner SR5. The lustrous, dark Evergreen Pearl finish appeared flawless and seemingly impervious to minor scratches or stone chipping. Our count of seam and trim irregularities and the like: zero. Nothing new for Toyota.

Interior Features

Sliding behind the wheel and closing the driver's door, we isolated ourselves from street noises and surrendered to the sumptuous optional leather interior that may be without peer in the sports utility vehicle biz. The seats placed us very close to the floor that-given the vehicle's high road clearance-was flat and virtually devoid of a transmission tunnel. We enjoyed the stability and support afforded by the contoured seatbacks, full-length armrests and a perfectly placed center armrest. The rear seats were also contoured and folded down for more cargo capacity.

A typical Toyota-brand curve dashboard and instrument panel cluster reveals graduated graph gauge for temperature, oil pressure and the like with an easy-reading analog speedometer and tachometer. The optional premium sound system, centered on the instrument panel, even alerts intruders that the vehicle contains a built-in anti-theft system.

Controls for the power windows, door locks, tailgate window and optional sunroof are effortlessly reached just off the driver's left hand or on the full center console that separates the front seats. Floor-mount levers for the 4WD transfer case and the four-speed overdrive automatic transmission are positioned side by side near the front of the center console.

The ergonomic control configurations, the supple leather, the light flowing in from the oversize sunroof-these are characteristics convincing us that the word luxury" should be added to this vehicle's sports utility designation."