VSC came in 2001. In my 2001 it has come on once or twice in the snow. There are no major changes in 2002. The biggest thing to me was the skid plate in the sport model is now aluminum. There was a new color in 2002, Golden Pearl. Bottom line no major changes between 2001 & 2002. There were some big changes in 2001.
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Here are the changes for 2001:
This was rumored to be the last year the 4Runner was to be manufactured in Japan, but it was not true.
Base models are no longer offered, therefore no more 4cylinder engines.
Manual transmissions are no longer offered.
The optional electric rear differential lock has been discontinued.
Power door locks are now standard on all models.
A new SR5 air conditioner control panel now has the fan speed as a rotary dial, and the air recirculation control is a button rather than the old slide type.
A pre-wired trailer hitch harness becomes standard.
Standard anti-lock brakes now come with brake assist, which detects emergency braking and applies supplemental line pressure to help maximize the effectiveness of the ABS system.
All 4Runners (SR5 and Limited) feature standard Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC) and 4x4 models will receive standard multi-mode four-wheel-drive (4WD) and four-wheel traction control (Active-TRAC).
A center differential lock switch has been provided on the instrument panel so that the locking and unlocking can be controlled by the push of a button, rather than through the 4WD shifter.
The Limited gets a new rich wood trim color.
New wheels debut on the SR5 Sport and Limited.
Revised sun visors with extensions and a HomeLink programmable transmitter come standard on the Limited and can be ordered on SR5.
Also standard on the Limited are driver and front passenger heated seats.
Also new is a premium 3-in-1 audio system with an in-dash CD changer.
A new grille and slightly different taillights was introduced.
Three new colors replaced two old ones.
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Here are the changes for 2002:
The 4Runner enters 2002 with more equipment, improved option packages, and no change in MSRP from 2001. All 4Runner SR5 models now have standard 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels with P225/70R15 tires, while the SR5 and Limited grades have a new chrome license plate garnish.
What was called the "4Runner Highlander" in 1999 & 2000 and the "Sport package" in 2001 is now called the "Sport Edition 4Runner". The package is enhanced with perforated aluminum front skidplate, new interior sport fabric, Sport Edition badges, and embroidered floor mats. This Sport Edition is now available only in Thunder Cloud, Black, Sunfire Red and Stellar Blue Pearl color schemes.
A new Chrome Package is available on the SR5 grade to provide a more upscale appearance. This package includes chrome front grille, side mirrors, door handles, wheel arch moldings, taillamp garnish, rear license plate garnish, exhaust tip, and available 16-inch high-gloss alloy wheels.
Tube steps are available as an accessory. 4Runner's MSRP ranges from $26,335 for the SR5 2WD model to $36,105 for the Limited 4WD model.
One new color makes its' debut...Golden Pearl.
