The Toyota 4Runner is among the best SUVs ever conceived, and the ultimate crossover of all time. With a huge legacy that dates back to the early 1980s, this SUV currently holds the title for being the industry’s longest-lasting midsize SUV. So, what’s Toyota’s secret behind the success of the 4Runner? One word: versatility.
The 4Runner is the top choice for enthusiasts who are into off-roading, towing, family trips, or anyone who is simply looking for an everyday crossover. Whatever you need, the 4Runner seems to have you covered. Above its features, the Toyota 4Runner is famous for its good drive and powerful engine. Thanks to its extreme durability rating, the Toyota 4Runner holds its value very well today.
The 2002 Toyota 4Runner marked the introduction of the SUV’s fourth generation line-up. The five-seater SUV was equipped with a standard 183-hp V6 engine that harmonized with a four-speed automatic gearbox to drive all four wheels. The SUV came in the SR5, Sport Edition, and Limited models.
But just how much will you pay for a 2002 Toyota 4Runner today? We’ll be looking at its current price, specs, and other cool features that make the SUV so iconic.
The 2002 Toyota 4Runner Is A Reasonably-Priced SUV In Today’s Market
Typically, a 2002 Toyota 4Runner in moderate condition with a mileage of around 200,000 on the odometer should cost you close to $4,999. A good condition 4Runner with a mileage ranging from 170,000 to 190,000 is typically priced at $11,900. That leaves the average cost of a 2002 Toyota 4Runner at just over $6,900.
Any 4Runner below this mile count may need a deeper pocket. For Instance, a 4Runner with 130,000 miles was listed at $17,995 on Truecar.com. And in some cases, the price can go higher. This classic 4Runner in the images was recently auctioned out last week at an eye-watering price of $31,750 on bringatrailer.com. Considering that the SUV only had 61,000 miles, and the fact that it looks like it just rolled straight out of the assembly, we think it’s worth every penny.
But, let’s say it's your luck of the draw. The lowest price you can pay for a used 2002 4Runner is around $3,500. But that means you’ll be dealing with a few – and quite frankly, minor - maintenance issues, and counting miles from 250,000 miles. But the best part about the Toyota 4Runner is that the SUV is extremely durable.
After all, the “longest-lasting midsize SUV” label didn’t come out of the blue. Motorbiscuit.com reported that most classic 4Runners can even drive above 300,000 miles and still run perfectly. It all makes sense. These SUVs have the sturdiest body constructions, the best engines, and many more. With its impressive ability to trudge over any terrain, the classic 4Runner is a must-have.
The Heavy-Duty Engine Contributes To A High Performance
As an intro to a new generation, the 4Runner bared an all-new engine under the hood. The heart of this line-up was a robust 3.4-liter V6 engine, which came standard, propelling the SUV to a staggering 183 hp at 4,800 rpm and 217 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm – better than the modern Hyundai Kona.
A V8 engine was also available for any customer who wanted extra power. The V8 engine produced up to 235 horsepower and higher 320 lb.-ft of torque with a 4.7-liter displacement. If you’re in search of your very own classic 4Runner, preferably one from this generation, you may find yourself an SUV with either of these engines. We did our research and found out that the most common 2002 Toyota 4Runner SUVs have the standard V6 engine.
In regards to its performance, the 2002 Toyota 4Runner is like no other classic SUV we’ve seen. The standard engine pairs with a four-speed automatic gearbox and a four-wheel-drive to propel the car from a standstill to 60 mph in just under 9.6 seconds, and up to a quarter mile at 15.6 seconds.
Finding your very own 4Runner with the V8 engine will take a harder look. The 235-hp peak power and 320-lb-ft of torque are too desirable for anyone to want to give them up. And thanks to the higher torque levels, the V8-equipped 4Runner makes driving up steep inclines look like child's play, even with the 5,000-pound curb weight. It's also equipped with an advanced front and rear suspension system, which calls for a perfect off-road experience.
The classic 4Runner also comes with driver assistance features, such as stability control and traction control, cruise control, and an anti-lock brake system. The 2002 Toyota 4Runner has a top speed of 129 mph, making it faster than the Chevrolet Tahoe RST. Impressive!
The 2002 Toyota 4Runner Has The Best Retro Styling
Another fascinating feature of the 4Runner is the remarkable styling. As the SUV entered its fourth generation, substantial revisions were applied to its exterior design. Its then-new design and styling themes were inspired by the Land Cruiser Prado 120 series. The result was a stunning front, complemented by the “fat lip" bumper, and superb headlights, among many things.
In terms of its dimensions, the 2002 4Runner measures 183.3 inches in length, 66.5 inches in width, and 67.5 in height. The 4Ruuner was marketed as a high-performance mid-size semi-luxury SUV and offered in three trims: the SR5, Sport Edition, and Limited models.
The classic 4Runner was given a stylish interior. Like its exterior styling and powertrain, the inside of the 2002 4Runner was revamped to denote the fourth-generation line-up. One thing you’ll notice is that the 4Runner’s interior is incredibly spacious. It provides 39 inches of headroom for the front and rear seat occupants. The front occupants have 42.6 inches of legroom, and the rear occupants have access to 34.9 of legroom. Raising the power rear tailgate window gives you access to its 44.6 cubic feet of cargo space. With the rear seats folded, the 4Runner gives you up to 79.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
There are some cool interior features too, such as the single-zone automatic climate control, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power driver's lumbar support, a 10-speaker JBL Synthesis stereo, and a DVD-based navigation system, among many more.