2001 Model Year History

The following changes are made for 2001 model year.

1. Model Line-Up
Base models are no longer offered, therefore no more 4cylinder engines. The optional electric rear differential lock has been discontinued. The 3RZ-FE engine models and the 5VZ-FE engine models with a manual transmission have been discontinued. The 4Runner is now available only with the 5VZ-FE engine with an automatic transmission in the 2WD or 4WD models. The following models have been added. VZN180L-GKPSKA, VZN185L-GKPSKA

2. Exterior
The design of the radiator grille has been redesigned to express the vehicle’s strength. The multi-reflector type rear combination lights have been adopted to express innovation and high quality. A pre-wired trailer hitch harness becomes standard. New wheels debut on the SR5 Sport and Limited.

3. Interior
The Limited gets a new rich wood trim color. Extension visors that reduce the glare entering the vehicle from the sides and an illuminated vanity mirror are standard equipment on the Limited grade model and optional equipment on the SR5 grade model. Power door locks are now standard on all models.

4. Engine
The ETCS-i (Electronic Throttle Control System-intelligent) system, which realizes excellent throttle control in all the operating ranges, has been adopted. ORVR (On-Board Refilling Vapor Recovery) system has been adopted to reduce the discharge of fuel vapor to the atmosphere during refueling. The method for detecting evaporative emission leaks has been changed from the previous internal pressure monitor type to the vacuum type. The air-fuel ratio sensor and the WU-TWC (Warm Up Three-Way Catalytic Converters) for improving exhaust emissions have been adopted.

5. Automatic Transmission
A 2nd start mode that enables the vehicle to start off in the 2nd gear when the transfer unit is in the L4 mode and the transmission shift lever is in the 2nd range has been added.

6. Propeller Shaft
The construction of the double-cardan universal joint of the rear propeller shaft has been changed.

7. Transfer
The shift mode has been changed along with the adoption of the A-TRAC (Active Traction Control) function in the brake system. The shift pattern of the transfer shift lever has been changed. A center differential lock switch has been provided in the instrument panel so that the locking and unlocking can be controlled by the push of a button, rather than through the 4WD shifter. A plastic cover is used on the transfer shift actuator to achieve a compact and lightweight configuration.

8. Differential
An electric motor type actuator has been adopted for the A.D.D. (Automatic Disconnecting Differential) actuator.

9. Brakes
The ABS with EBD & Brake Assist & A-TRAC & VSC system is provided as standard equipment. ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), A-TRAC (Active Traction Control), VSC (Vehicle Skid Control) A hydraulic brake booster has been adopted. The incremental type hydraulic auto adjuster has been adopted for the rear brake to adjust the clearance between the shoes and the drum. The proportioning valve has been discontinued along with the adoption of the ABS with EBD.

10. Steering
The construction of the steering gear box has been changed.

11. Seat
CRS (Child Restraint System) anchor brackets for outer rear seat have been provided on the back surface of the rear seat. CRS anchor bracket for center rear seat has been provided on the center hinge between the rear seat back.

12. Combination Meter
An indicator has been added along with the adoption of the VSC system.

13. Air Conditioning
A rotary switch type heater control panel that transmits the operating conditions of the switches in the form of electric signals has been adopted. A servo motor to switch the dampers has been provided in the heater unit and the blower unit along with the adoption of the electric type heater control panel.

14. SRS Airbag
The construction of the airbag sensor that is built into the airbag sensor assembly has been changed. The inflator of the SRS airbag for the driver has been made more compact and lightweight.

15. Seat Heater
A seat heater that automatically switches between the high and low heater output temperatures is standard equipment on the models with power seats.

16. Cruise Control System
A cruise control system that uses the throttle control motor, which is a part of the ETCS-i, has been adopted. The basic construction and operation are the same as in the 1998 Land Cruiser.

17. Power Seat
The power lumbar switch that was previously provided on the seat back has been relocated to the garnish portion of the seat cushion in the same way as with the other power seat control switches.

18. Garage Door Opener
A garage door opener is integrated with the driver side sun visor to operate the garage door, gate, etc. from the inside of the vehicle. This opener is standard equipment on the Limited grade model and option on the SRS grade model. The basic construction and operation are the same as in the 1999 Camry Solara.

19. Audio
An integrated, 2DIN size radio, cassette, and CD changer unit is provided on the SR5 and Limited grade models as optional equipment.