Best Car Reviews - 1998 Toyota 4Runner 2WD

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Introduction

The 1998 Toyota 4Runner 2WD is a traditional, body-on-frame midsize SUV aimed at buyers who value durability, cargo versatility and a commanding driving position more than modern efficiency or sophisticated technology. This rear-wheel-drive V6 model combines Toyota’s 3.4-litre engine with a four-speed automatic transmission, offering a more road-focused alternative to four-wheel-drive 4Runners. Its tough construction, usable five-seat cabin and long-standing reputation for longevity remain central to its appeal.

Design and Exterior Features

The 1998 4Runner belongs to the third generation introduced for 1996, which moved the model toward a more refined four-door SUV shape while retaining truck-based toughness. It has a tall, upright profile, a broad tailgate and substantial glass area that help it look and feel practical. At approximately 178.7 inches long, it is compact by current SUV standards but still has a purposeful stance. Updates for 1998 were modest, including revised audio controls, rotary HVAC controls and a new four-spoke steering wheel rather than a wholesale redesign.

Four-door, five-passenger SUV body with a rear liftgate.
Rear-wheel-drive layout for buyers who do not need four-wheel drive.
Wide-opening cargo area and available roof rack equipment.
Available alloy wheels, running boards and body-color exterior details on higher trims.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin is straightforward and durable, with large controls, a high seating position and a layout designed for daily use rather than luxury theatre. Materials are predominantly hard-wearing plastics and cloth in SR5 models, while higher-spec versions could add leather upholstery and more convenience equipment. There is room for five occupants, although rear-seat legroom and seat support reflect the 1990s design. The 4Runner’s tall roof and practical cargo area are major strengths for family errands, outdoor gear and pets.

Five-passenger seating with a useful rear bench and practical cargo access.
Simple dashboard controls designed for easy operation while driving.
Available power accessories, cruise control and air conditioning depending on equipment.
Available leather trim and upgraded comfort features on more expensive versions.

Performance and Handling

This 1998 Toyota 4Runner 2WD uses Toyota’s 3.4-litre 5VZ-FE V6, rated at 183 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 217 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. Power reaches the rear wheels through a four-speed electronically controlled automatic with overdrive. It is not a fast SUV by modern standards, and a verified acceleration figure for this exact 2WD automatic configuration is not consistently available, but the V6 delivers useful low- and mid-range pull for everyday traffic and towing duties. Its body-on-frame chassis rides with more truck-like motion than a modern crossover, while rear-wheel drive gives it predictable on-road behaviour in dry conditions. Period fuel-economy listings for the V6 2WD automatic are approximately 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, equivalent to about 13.8 and 11.2 L/100 km; real consumption varies greatly with condition, tyres, load and driving style.

3.4-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 with 183 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque.
Four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
Rear-wheel drive reduces mechanical complexity versus a four-wheel-drive model.
Approximate period economy: 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology is firmly from the late 1990s. The standard experience centres on an AM/FM radio and cassette player, with upgraded audio equipment available on some versions. The 1998 update brought revised audio controls, but there is no factory Bluetooth, navigation, touchscreen interface, USB port or smartphone integration. For a well-kept example, an aftermarket head unit can add modern phone connectivity, although buyers should preserve the vehicle’s wiring quality and avoid poorly installed accessories.

AM/FM audio system with cassette-era equipment.
Revised factory audio controls for the 1998 model year.
No factory smartphone integration, navigation or touchscreen infotainment.
Aftermarket connectivity upgrades are possible on well-maintained examples.

Safety Features

Safety equipment includes front airbags and seat belts, while anti-lock brakes and other equipment can vary by trim and options. The 4Runner was designed before electronic stability control, rear-view cameras, automatic emergency braking and modern side-curtain airbags became common. IIHS frontal-offset test information applies to the 1996-2002 4Runner body style and records an Acceptable overall result for the tested vehicle. A separate crash rating for this exact 1998 2WD V6 automatic configuration is not clearly verified, so shoppers should not assume that ratings from later vehicles or different drivetrains apply directly.

Driver and front-passenger airbags.
Three-point seat belts for primary seating positions.
Anti-lock brakes may be fitted depending on specification.
No modern stability control, automatic braking or blind-spot monitoring.

Pricing and Variants

The V6 rear-wheel-drive SR5 automatic carried a base MSRP of approximately $25,248 when new. The 1998 range included base four-cylinder models, SR5 V6 models and the more richly equipped Limited, with drivetrain and transmission availability differing by trim. The 2WD V6 version was positioned as a practical alternative to four-wheel-drive truck SUVs such as the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer and Nissan Pathfinder. Today, price depends far more on rust, service records, originality and mechanical condition than on the original trim level.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Durable 3.4-litre V6 with a strong reputation when properly maintained.
Useful cargo space and practical five-seat SUV layout.
Rear-wheel drive suits dry-climate commuting and light-duty utility use.
Simple mechanical design compared with newer SUVs.
Strong enthusiast support and broad parts availability.

Cons

Fuel consumption is high compared with modern crossovers.
No contemporary infotainment or driver-assistance technology.
Truck-based ride and handling can feel dated on rough or winding roads.
Rear-wheel drive provides less traction than four-wheel drive in snow, mud or on loose surfaces.
Age, corrosion and deferred maintenance can turn an inexpensive example into a costly project.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A current model-wide repair-and-maintenance estimate for the Toyota 4Runner is about $514 per year, but that should be treated only as a broad reference rather than a prediction for a 1998 vehicle. At this age, annual spending can be much higher if major catch-up work is required. Common owner-reported concerns for this generation include chassis and frame corrosion, worn lower ball joints and suspension bushings, ageing automatic-transmission shifting issues, cooling-system and radiator problems, and worn interior, electrical or body components. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on structural rust, suspension play, fluid condition, cooling-system health and proof of timing-belt service.

Rating

Overall rating: 7.2/10. Design: 7.5/10 for its functional, durable SUV shape. Comfort: 6.8/10 because the cabin is practical but dated. Performance: 7.2/10 for dependable V6 torque rather than speed. Technology: 4.0/10 due to its era-correct but basic equipment. Safety: 5.5/10 because it has essential restraints but lacks the protections and active systems expected in newer SUVs.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly praises the 4Runner’s durability, useful size and straightforward mechanical character. Satisfaction is usually highest among owners who buy a clean, well-serviced example and accept its age-related limits. Negative feedback often concerns fuel costs, ride quality, rust and the expense of repairing neglected vehicles.

Owners often value the V6 engine’s dependable feel and long-service potential.
The upright seating position and cargo practicality are frequently appreciated.
Many buyers prefer the simpler, less electronic ownership experience.
Fuel economy is regularly viewed as a weak point for a 2WD SUV.
Rust history and maintenance records strongly influence ownership satisfaction.

Best Cars in This Category

1998 Nissan Pathfinder 2WD
1998 Ford Explorer 2WD
1998 Chevrolet Blazer 2WD
1998 Jeep Cherokee 2WD
1998 Isuzu Rodeo 2WD

Summary

The 1998 Toyota 4Runner 2WD is best for buyers seeking an old-school SUV with a durable V6, practical interior and rear-wheel-drive simplicity. It is not the right choice for buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency, modern safety systems or seamless phone connectivity. A rust-free, thoroughly inspected example with documented maintenance can still offer distinctive value and character, but its condition matters more than its badge or mileage alone.