Most of Toyota's major domestic competitors produce even more standard power, and the
Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer both offer V8 options. But Toyota's new V6 closes the
power gap considerably, and it's distinctly stronger than the standard V6 in the
Explorer. One measure of the difference is trailer-towing ability: The 1996 model can
pull as much as 5000 lbs., up from 3500 last year.
The standard transmission with both powerplants is an easy-shifting 5-speed manual,
while the 4-wheel drive setup continues to be Toyota's on-demand system with a
separate lever for the transfer case and shift-on-the-fly capabilities. However,
there's no full-time 4-wheel drive system available, another area where the 4Runner
lags behind the Grand Cherokee, Explorer and GM's Blazer/Jimmy twins.
If the V6 is worthwhile on the highway, it is almost indispensable for off-roading.
The key here is torque, which the larger engine produces in abundance. Extra grunt can make all the difference when you're asking your vehicle to traverse a bog, and the 4Runner's supple suspension does a good job when you're picking your way through terrain strewn with boulders and logs.
Aside from performance, the V6 brings along the added benefit of ABS, an extra-cost addition to the 4-cyl. models. Next Page