Were side curtain airbags standard on 4th Gens?

[p nut]

We are getting ready for our firstborn and I am wanting to get rid of the wife's Corolla for a 4th Gen 4Runner. I am a big believer in the side curtain airbags and will not buy a car without one.

I am curious what year/model the 4th Gens came with the side curtain airbags standard (or if they ever did).

I will, unfortunately, have to sell my 01 Tacoma :crybaby: , but I am looking forward to a new-ish 4Runner.

 

[074.0Runner]

They were a $680 option in 2007.

 

[p nut]

Thanks. So still an option on the SR5's in 07. You don't know if the SE or Limited got them standard, do you?

EDIT: Looks like they were still an option for all trim levels in 07. In '08, they became standard on all trim. This is all according to MSN autos.

 

[olsen_karl]

EDIT: Looks like they were still an option for all trim levels in 07. In '08, they became standard on all trim. This is all according to MSN autos.

This is accurate. I have a 2008 model. Getting the side curtain airbags standard was part of the reason I bought the 2008 (new, in early 2008) -- I figured it would be difficult to find a used one with that option.

 

[p nut]

This is accurate. I have a 2008 model. Getting the side curtain airbags standard was part of the reason I bought the 2008 (new, in early 2008) -- I figured it would be difficult to find a used one with that option.

Thanks for the confirmation. We'll probably start looking at 08's.

 

[THEROK]

Thanks for the confirmation. We'll probably start looking at 08's.

i think my 2003 limited has the side curtains? i remember seeing it on the window sticker as an option that it came with along with rear spoiler.

 

[p nut]

i think my 2003 limited has the side curtains? i remember seeing it on the window sticker as an option that it came with along with rear spoiler.

Yeah, they were an option for 03-07's. I'm not seeing too many with that option, though.

 

[titaniumsport]

our 2006 SE has them.

 

[charlier180]

In 2004 when I was shopping for an SUV I found something VERY interesting when comparing safety ratings.
The Toyota 4Runner WITHOUT side airbags had a BETTER rating than another mid-sized SUV on my short list that HAD side air bags.
Not saying that side air bags are not a good feature to have, just some food for thought.....

 

[p nut]

In 2004 when I was shopping for an SUV I found something VERY interesting when comparing safety ratings.
The Toyota 4Runner WITHOUT side airbags had a BETTER rating than another mid-sized SUV on my short list that HAD side air bags.
Not saying that side air bags are not a good feature to have, just some food for thought.....

Yes, another reason why I stick to Toyotas is they are one of the safest.

But anybody in the collision analysis field will tell you side curtain airbags are one of the best safety features being produced. Also, I'm sure a 4Runner WITH side curtain is better than without.

 

[M1911]

i think my 2003 limited has the side curtains? i remember seeing it on the window sticker as an option that it came with along with rear spoiler.

They were optional in 2003. My 2003 has the side curtain airbags and XREAS. Side curtain airbags were a hard requirement for me. In a top-heavy vehicle that is more prone to roll-over, I definitely wanted the protection of the side curtain.

 

[THEROK]

They were optional in 2003. My 2003 has the side curtain airbags and XREAS. Side curtain airbags were a hard requirement for me. In a top-heavy vehicle that is more prone to roll-over, I definitely wanted the protection of the side curtain.

i think side curtains are more for when a car T-bones you rather than when a car falls which will never equal the force of a car gunning at you from the side, no?

 

[p nut]

i think side curtains are more for when a car T-bones you rather than when a car falls which will never equal the force of a car gunning at you from the side, no?

It depends how hard the rollover is. If it's just a slow tip, then it probably won't be enough to set off the sensor. But severe rollovers will set them off and could help tremendously.

They're also deployed at head-on collisions, which has also proven to be helpful.

 

[MikesToy]

The Toyota 4Runner WITHOUT side airbags had a BETTER rating than another mid-sized SUV on my short list that HAD side air bags......

Those ppl who know that they don't have side airbags drive more carefully than those ppl who know that they do have side airbags.

 

[charlier180]

But anybody in the collision analysis field will tell you side curtain airbags are one of the best safety features being produced. Also, I'm sure a 4Runner WITH side curtain is better than without.

:iagree: on both of your points.

Just thought it interesting.

 

[074.0Runner]

It depends how hard the rollover is. If it's just a slow tip, then it probably won't be enough to set off the sensor. But severe rollovers will set them off and could help tremendously.

If you slide down your icy driveway, do a 320 and end up in the colvert pipe hard enough, they go off. Trust me, they are not fun.

 

[MikesToy]

Would it go off if someone T-bones you?

 

[p nut]

Would it go off if someone T-bones you?

Yup.

YouTube - Crash Test 2008 Toyota 4-Runner ( Side ) IIHS

YouTube - Crash Test 2008 Toyota 4 Runner / Hilux Surf (NHTSA) Side Im

 

[M1911]

i think side curtains are more for when a car T-bones you rather than when a car falls which will never equal the force of a car gunning at you from the side, no?

They will also go off in a side collision, but I think you are underestimating the forces of a rollover at high speed.

 

[p nut]

Ok, this may be an obvious question, but what is the best way to CONFIRM that the rig has side curtain airbags? Is there an indicator light on the cluster or dash (other than the SRS). I know some have the insignia on the b-pillar and shoulders of the seats. Just want to be absolutely sure. I know of some dealers that put "TRD Off Road" stickers on Tacomas. Just don't want to avoid something like that.