Toyota 4Runner
1996-2002 modelsMODERATE OVERLAP FRONT TEST
OVERALL EVALUATION:
| Structure/safety cage | Injury measures | Restraints/dummy kinematics | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head/neck | Chest | Leg/foot, left | Leg/foot, right | ||
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Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.
Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Test details:
The Toyota 4Runner was redesigned for the 1996 model year.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of the 4Runner in a 40 mph frontal offset crash test into a deformable barrier.
Note: Airbag and safety belt changes beginning with 1998 and 1999 models improved the 4Runner's performance in the federal government's full-width crash test at 35 mph, which evaluates other important aspects of frontal crashworthiness. These changes are not expected to affect the results of the Institute's test, because measures indicate that significant injury to the upper body was unlikely in the tested 1996 model (these measures are most likely to be affected by airbag and safety belt changes).
Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement was reasonably well controlled. After the dummy moved forward into the airbag, it rebounded into the seat without its head coming close to any stiff structure that could cause injury. However, there was far too much upward movement of the steering wheel.
Injury measures — Measures taken from the head, neck, chest, and left leg indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on the right tibia indicate that injuries to the lower leg would be possible.
Left to right:
- Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test.
- The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates the driver's upper survival space was maintained well, but there was more footwell intrusion than is desirable.
- The dummy stayed in position throughout the crash. During rebound, its head hit only the head restraint.
- The 4Runner's bumpers are very poor. They allowed excessive damage in low-speed impacts.
Additional features:
- Electronic stability control (beginning with 2001 4-wheel-drive models)
- Antilock brakes (standard beginning with 2001 models, optional on 2000 and earlier models)
Tested vehicle specifications:
- 1996 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4wd
- Class: Midsize SUV
- Weight: 3,942 lbs.
- Side airbags: none
- Wheelbase: 105 in.
- Length: 179 in.
- Width: 67 in.
- Engine: 3.4 L V6
- EPA ratings: 17 mpg city | 19 mpg highway
