If you’re looking to go on an off-road adventure, you’ll need a reliable vehicle built for the task. Not only will this keep you safe as you navigate uncharted roads, but you’ll also spend less time getting stuck and more time exploring. The hardest part is finding the right off-roader when there are so many choices—good and bad—on the market.

Jerry

, the top-rated

car insurance

broker and automotive

super app

, is here to break down the 2000 Toyota 4Runner’s off-road capabilities and offer a few alternatives to this SUV.

Can the 2000 Toyota 4Runner go off-road?

Yes, the 2000 Toyota 4Runner is built for trailblazing through rugged terrains. The 4Runner has a 3.4-liter V6 engine option with four-wheel drive, which allows it to tackle the stickiest situations. This burly SUV has crisp handling and high-speed stability that will give drivers the confidence to navigate the back roads.

The 2000 Toyota 4Runner can be found used starting at $3,500. Find one with a V6 engine and 4WD and you’ve got the ideal road companion!

Ground clearance

The ground clearance height is an important number to look at, especially if you plan to traverse rocky paths. The 2000 4Runner’s minimum ground clearance is an impressive 9.8 inches, lending to its exceptional ability to handle uneven surfaces.

Ideally, when you’re looking for an off-road vehicle it should have a minimum ground clearance of 8.8 inches. The higher the clearance, the more effortless it is to conquer rocky roads without damaging the undercarriage.

Torque

The turning power is another important feature to look for in a good off-road vehicle. It is more important than the top speed as it allows you to power through loose grounds and slippery paths. Look for high low-end torque (torque at lower rpm) for a vehicle with better control.

The 2000 Toyota 4Runner’s 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine produces a maximum torque of 177 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM. On the other hand, the 3.4-liter V6 engine produces 217 lb-ft @ 3,600 RMP of torque. This is sufficient to handle a variety of situations and will unlikely leave you stranded in the middle of your off-roading trip.

Tires

The 2000 4Runner comes with 15-inch wheels with P225/75R15 all-season tires.

If you want to increase the 4Runner’s performance,

all-terrain tires

, or A/T tires, are recommended. With A/T tires, the 4Runner will be more equipped to handle different terrains, from paved highways and gravel-laden roads to slippery ones. However, they also tend to wear out faster and would require more tire changes, adding to the overall ownership cost.

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Drivetrain

The2000 Toyota 4Runner comes standard with rear-wheel drive. There’s also an option for a part-time 4WD system with an optional locking rear differential. Drivers can lock both rear wheels and one of the front wheels together to ensure three tires will always be working to plow through much or slush.

Angles

The approach angle and departure angle of the vehicle determine what types of obstacles and slopes it can handle—including boulder formations.

Approach angle: the maximum angle of a ramp at which the vehicle can climb without interference

Departure angle: the maximum angle of a ramp at which the vehicle can descend without damage

The 2000 4Runner‘s approach and departure angles are 33 and 28 degrees respectively. Given that the ideal angles are 28 degrees and above, the 4Runner’s angles give it an advantage when handling sharp slopes.

To extend the range, lift kits and larger tires compatible with the 4Runner can also be installed. Just remember that modifications should be performed by a professional to ensure correct installation.

Off-road rating: Trail boss

We’ve rated the 2000 Toyota 4Runner using

Jerry’s

DIRT rating system, which stands for:

Rating	Meaning	Description
D	Don’t Try It	Vehicles better suited for highway conditions
I	In a Pinch	Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions under dire circumstances
R	Rough and Ready	Vehicles capable of handling casual off-roading
T	Trail Boss	True off-road vehicles that can tackle a range of terrain and road conditions

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After looking at the key features, the 2000 4Runner earns our top-tier T rating. This trail boss is off-road ready and you can be assured of a reliable ride.

MORE:

The best old-school off-road vehicles

The best off-road alternatives to the Toyota 4Runner

If you want a vehicle for serious off-roading, the 2000 4Runner is one of the best choices of this model year. However, if you’re looking for a ride with a less gritty persona, here are the best alternatives to the Toyota 4Runner:

Alternative	Model	Price	Description
Best comparable alternative	2000 Ford Explorer	$4,500	Powered by a 4.0L V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 RPM. There is even a V8 engine option. However, the ground clearance height is only 6.7 inches, making it less capable of bumpy roads than the 4Runner.
Best affordable alternative	2000 Nissan Pathfinder	$2,100	This alternative is more affordable and is still rugged but the 3.3L V6 engine with 170hp isn’t as powerful as other V6 engines on the market.

MORE: Cheap off-road trucks

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How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles

Whether you get a 2000 Toyota 4Runner or an alternative, you’ll be ready to go on an adventure. You’ll just need to update your insurance policy for your new car. However, off-road vehicles often have higher insurance rates so it’s worth looking for the best deals available.

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