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Introduction

If Toyota ever unlocks the secret of combining a responsive, muscular power train with its innate sense of style, fit and finish, the ultimate sport utility vehicle may emerge. The 1994 4Runner SR5, despite a host of highly commendable styling, interior design and engineering attributes, still gives indication that Toyota has yet to put together the entire package.

Our 4Runner SR5 V6 test vehicle was outfitted with the options the typical sports utility vehicle owner wants-everything including air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo with a tape and CD player, a power sunroof, a roof rack, running boards and a step bumper with tow hitch.

That took us from a base MSRP of $22,258 to a bottom line of $30,314 after a $1,000 Extra Value Package allowance. Notable inclusions in our 4Runner SR5s comprehensive standard equipment complement -were a nimble, independent Hi-Trac front suspension and one of the smoothest, fastest, shift-on-the-fly 4WD systems we've ever tested.

Walkaround

With its sleek, high profile and 10.5-inch road clearance, the 4Runner SR5 VO makes a unique and decidedly positive statement in favor of sports utility vehicles in general, and Toyota's in particular. Out front, an optional full black brush and grille guard proclaims the vehicle's readiness for off-road excursions. Behind the guard, a Toyota-signature chrome grille is flanked by dual halogen headlamps and side marker lamps encased in high-impact plastic lenses. Amber cornering lamps are embedded in the bumper.

In profile, the 4Runner SR5 V6 showcases distinctive flared fenders with chrome/black vinyl lips and matching trim on the running boards that tuck gracefully underneath the vehicle's four doors. These are a $409 option we judge to be well worth the money for protection on- and off-road, and for ease of entry and exit. Irregularly shaped but cosmetically pleasing wheel openings flow over styled-steel 15-itich wide track wheels shoed with P235 Goodyear Wranglers.

Up top, an optional deep-tinted power sunroof is accompanied by an optional black, full-width vinyl roof rack and power-down wind deflector. Oversize tail lamps flank a drop gate with a retractable power window, rear windshield wiper and defroster combination. We were pleased to note that the defroster system also extends to the rear quarter windows to minimize blind spots. A chromed rear step bumper carries a trailer hitch.

Toyota's masterful fit-and-finish experts obviously played a role in the design and manufacture of our 4Runner SR5. The lustrous, dark Evergreen Pearl finish appeared flawless and seemingly impervious to minor scratches or stone chipping. Our count of seam and trim irregularities and the like: zero. Nothing new for Toyota.

Interior Features

Sliding behind the wheel and closing the driver's door, we isolated ourselves from street noises and surrendered to the sumptuous optional leather interior that may be without peer in the sports utility vehicle biz. The seats placed us very close to the floor that-given the vehicle's high road clearance-was flat and virtually devoid of a transmission tunnel. We enjoyed the stability and support afforded by the contoured seatbacks, full-length armrests and a perfectly placed center armrest. The rear seats were also contoured and folded down for more cargo capacity.

A typical Toyota-brand curve dashboard and instrument panel cluster reveals graduated graph gauge for temperature, oil pressure and the like with an easy-reading analog speedometer and tachometer. The optional premium sound system, centered on the instrument panel, even alerts intruders that the vehicle contains a built-in anti-theft system.

Controls for the power windows, door locks, tailgate window and optional sunroof are effortlessly reached just off the driver's left hand or on the full center console that separates the front seats. Floor-mount levers for the 4WD transfer case and the four-speed overdrive automatic transmission are positioned side by side near the front of the center console.

The ergonomic control configurations, the supple leather, the light flowing in from the oversize sunroof-these are characteristics convincing us that the word "luxury" should be added to this vehicle's sports utility designation.

Driving Impressions

On- and simulated off-road testing of the Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 presented us with many pleasant sensations, a moment or two of minor alarm and just one bona fide disappointment.

The plus side of our test drive ledger is long and impressive. Bumpy roads were flattened by the 4Runner's independent front suspension. Braking was swift and sure with the front disc brakes and anti-lock rear drum brakes. (A four-wheel anti-lock system is available as an option.) The four-speed electronic-control automatic transmission delivered smooth, precise shifting and response in both the Economy and Power modes.

Most impressive, you really need the 4WD indicator light to tell you that Toyota's swift and smooth automatic disconnecting differentials have transferred from 2WD to 4WD and back.

The minor alarm stemmed from the 4Runner's noticeable lean during two relatively sharp cornering tests, attributable to the vehicle's high profile and road clearance.

Granted, we felt no loss of control and the vehicle quickly stabilized itself as the contoured seats kept us firmly in place. But lean it did.

The 4Runners 3.0-liter 150-hp V6 falls short of the effortless passing, stump-pulling power plant that many prefer in a sport utility vehicle. The phrase "kinda sluggish" crept from our test-driver's lips in high-speed (40-to-70 mph) highway acceleration tests.

Summary

A unique styling signature, a borderline-sinful level of luxury and comfort and an ample degree of on- and off-road performance capabilities place the Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 high on our list of preferred sports utility vehicles. But when so loaded with options, it's pricey - right up there with the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Ford Explorer Limited. You do, however, get a lot of sport utility for the base price of $22,258, but you're also in the base Ford Explorer country, and a modestly equipped Jeep Cherokee is substantially less. And, both of those vehicles have more powerful V6 engines. The limitations of the 4Runner's 150-hp 3.0-liter V6, together with its comparatively low EPA ratings (1 4 city/ 1.6 highway), make us hope there's a stronger V6 or small V8 in the works at Toyota.

One final positive note: You couldn't hope for a more effortless and confidence-inspiring on-demand 4WD system than what is on the 4Runner.