After the success of the 2002 model, it would have been easy for Toyota to sit back and enjoy few changes for the next model year. Instead, the 2003 Toyota 4Runner is completely redesigned, inside and out.

Toyota replaced the 3.4-liter V6 with a 4.0-liter V6 rated at 245 horsepower and 283 lb/ft torque, with a 4.7-liter V8 rated at 235 horsepower and 325 lb/ft of torque available as an upgrade.  The V6 gets 18/21 (4x2) or 17/20 (4x4) city/highway fuel efficiency, while the tow-intended V8 gets 16/19.

The 4Runner manages to maintain the comfort of a car while getting near the strength of a full-size SUV and true off-road vehicle. Reviewers love the strong ride and seem to only complain about the mileage.