SR5 HIGHLANDER (Sport)
-This trim model was available from 1999 to 2000. It was never officially 'badged' as the highlander, the only place it actually says highlander is on the original window sticker. Most people simply call these Sport 4runners.
-Notable features include the standard Hood Scoop, black or wood grain interior trim pieces, cloth sport seats, color-keyed bumpers, fender flares (black SR5 flares in ’99, color-keyed limited flares in ’00), Limited '5-star' wheels, roof rack, fog lights, Larger brakes, Optional 5-speed manual transmission and optional Rear electronic locking differential. It is very common to find these with the e-locker option, but not a guarantee.
-4.10:1 diff gear ratio without elocker, 4.30:1 with elocker. (usually)
-Highlander models with the rare combination of 4x4, 5-speed, and E-locker are commonly regarded as the most ‘off-road capable' of all 3rd gen 4runners, and are very desirable.
Colors:
The highlander trim model was available in
Imperial Jade Mica green and
Black. In 2000, this package was additionally available in
Millennium Silver.
-
In 2001 the ‘Highlander’ package was removed from 4Runners and made into a completely new vehicle. The all new Toyota Highlander. The new Toyota highlander was a unibody, car-based SUV compared to the 4runner’s rugged body-on-frame design.
Resource:
Toyota 4Runner Highlander Information
Photo courtesy of
@
genmarks
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SR5 - SPORT EDITION:
-Available from 2001-2002, the Sport is the continuation of the highlander package. In 2001 it was known as the ‘Sport Package’ and in 2002 it was finally badged as the ‘Sport Edition’.
-Notable features include the standard Hood Scoop, Silver sport interior trim pieces, premium sound, cloth sport seats, color-keyed bumpers, Limited style fender flares, fog lights, keyless Entry, moon roof, roof rack, 4.10:1 Differential Gears, Larger brakes, perforated front aluminum skid plate(only on 2002) and Sport edition door badges (only on 2002).
-These Sport models, when equipped with 4x4, had the Multi-mode transfer case covered earlier. Also, since these models are only offered in 2001-2002, they unfortunately did not have the option of 5-speed, or e-locker.
Colors:
The 2001 Sport package was available in
Millennium Silver,
Imperial Jade Mica Green and
Black.
In 2002, the Sport Edition was additionally available in
Thundercloud Metallic Grey,
Sunfire Red Pearl,
Stellar Blue Pearl and was no longer available in
Millennium Silver or
Imperial Jade Mica Green.
Photos courtesy of J.A’s Top 4Runners.
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LIMITED:
-The limited is the luxury trim level of 4Runner, it was available all throughout the 3rd gen 4Runner years (1996-2002).
-Notable features include anti-theft system, leather seats, wood grain trim, moon roof, roof rack, fog lights, side body cladding, running boards, Limited style fender flares, 5-star limited wheels, Larger Brakes, 4.30:1 differential gears, and optional electronic locking Rear differential on models up to 2000.
-In 1999, Limiteds gained the standard features; Multi Mode 4wd/AWD system, Premium Sound system with 6-CD changer, Automatic Climate Control, Keyless Entry, and Integrated Garage door openers.
-In 2001, Limiteds gained the standard features; Heated Leather seats, Traction control.
-The limited did
NOT have a hood scoop and was
NOT available with a 5-speed manual transmission.
-The ’99-’00 limited’s with the Rear e-locker and the multi-mode 4x4 transfer case are also VERY desirable 4runners.
They were the only 4Runners with BOTH of those options.
Colors:
The limited was available in a HUGE range of colors; many of them had a 2-tone color scheme as well.
Lately, many Limited owners have been having issues with the auto climate unit. It is fixable for about $150.
Resource threads:
Climate Control - Your problems? fixes? experiences?
Auto climate control on 2001 only blows really hot or really cold
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BASE / SR5
-In 1996, the base 4Runner's standard features included: three-way adjustable fabric bucket seats, cut pile carpeting and fabric headliner, power rear window, tinted glass, deluxe AM/FM ETR radio with four speakers, mist cycle windshield wipers, dual front cup holders, entry/exit assist grips, dual fabric sun visors with passenger vanity mirror, tachometer, trip-meter, oil pressure and voltmeter gauges.
-The SR5 model of 4runner was just a step above the base version.
Additional standard features on 4Runner SR5 models are chrome bumpers and grille, dual color-keyed outside mirrors, rear window defogger, power mirrors and door locks, digital clock, lighting package, tilt steering wheel, variable intermittent windshield and fixed intermittent rear window wipers, privacy glass, dual rear cup holder and spring back antenna.
Almost all upgrade options were available for the base and SR5 models. This includes the slender black SR5 fender flares and wider limited style flares, different types of seats, wheels, interior trim, roof rack, etc..
Colors:
The base and SR5 models were available in just about every color Toyota offered.
Resource:
Toyota 4Runner History 1996
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Here is a comprehensive Color chart for all years:
Chart courtesy of
Toyota Reference.
A 1999 Brochure