The 4Runner has one of the best chassis and suspension arrangementsin its class. While some mid-size sport utilities have front suspensions
of struts or even live axles, the 4Runner has an independent suspension
with upper and lower control arms and coil springs. The rear axle is
mounted with a multi-link arrangement and coil springs instead of the more
common, and less sophisticated, leaf springs.
The result is a combination of ride comfort and handling ease that's
exceptionally good for a vehicle of such outstanding off-road and rough-road
capabilities. It also has the precise feel of rack-and-pinion steering
and a tidy turning circle of 37.4 feet.
All this means that living with, and driving, the 4Runner, day-in and
day-out, is easy and free of hassles. It doesn't drive exactly like a car,
of course, but it's no truck, either. It rides nice, it handles nice, the
engine runs great, it's nimble in tight quarters (like the dreaded shopping
mall parking lot), and it basically does all the things you'd like it to
do in the ways you'd like it to do them. Next Page