The 2005 Toyota 4Runner 4WD (UZN215) is a midsize, body-on-frame SUV built for people who want real truck capability with daily comfort. It sits between Highlander and Land Cruiser in Toyota’s lineup and belongs to the fourth-generation 4Runner (N210). For 2005, the 4.7-liter 2UZ-FE V8 gained variable valve timing (VVT-i), raising output to 270 hp, paired to a 5-speed automatic and a full-time 4WD system with a lockable Torsen center differential and low range. This article focuses narrowly on that configuration—V8, 4WD, 2005 model year—covering the specs that matter, what the drivetrain and chassis are like to live with, where maintenance money goes, and the checks a smart buyer should make on a two-decade-old truck. Expect calm highway manners, stout low-rpm pull, confident towing when properly equipped, and simple, proven systems. Trade-offs are predictable: modest fuel economy, a scheduled timing belt service, and the need to watch for frame corrosion and ageing rubber parts in salty climates.
Fast Facts
- Full-time 4WD with lockable Torsen center diff and low range; composed towing and winter traction.
- 2UZ-FE V8 with VVT-i (270 hp) and broad torque; 5-speed A750F automatic is robust with fresh WS fluid.
- Caveat: timing belt service (~90,000 miles / 9 years) and frame/crossmember corrosion checks.
- Typical oil interval: 5,000 miles / 6 months (severe use sooner); coolant first at 100,000 miles, then 50,000 miles.
Guide contents
- 4Runner 4WD V8 (UZN215) brief
- Specs and data: 4Runner 4WD V8
- Trims, options, and safety — UZN215
- Reliability and known issues
- Maintenance plan and buyer’s guide
- On-road feel and performance
- 4Runner rivals and alternatives
4Runner 4WD V8 (UZN215) brief
Toyota’s UZN215 code denotes V8 + 4WD on the fourth-generation 4Runner. The 2005 update brought VVT-i to the 4.7-liter 2UZ-FE, increasing rated power to 270 hp (201 kW) while preserving the engine’s hallmark: smooth, early torque and a relaxed demeanor at cruise. The transmission is the A750F 5-speed automatic with electronically controlled shift logic and a locking torque converter. Unique to the V8 trucks is the full-time four-wheel-drive system. A Torsen center differential apportions torque front-to-rear in real time; a dashboard switch locks the center diff for a fixed split on low-μ surfaces, and the two-speed transfer case adds low range for steep or technical terrain.
The chassis blends on-road precision with truck toughness. Up front, an independent double-wishbone layout improves steering feel and camber control versus older torsion-bar setups, while the rear retains a coil-sprung solid axle for durability and load stability. Stability control (VSC), traction control (A-TRAC), and four-wheel disc brakes with EBD/Brake Assist were standard. Trim-dependent features add flavor: X-REAS (Sport Edition) cross-links shock absorbers diagonally to reduce pitch and roll; selected Limited models offer rear self-leveling air springs that keep the truck level with cargo or tongue weight.
Inside, the 4Runner is upright and practical. The power rear window—a signature feature—helps with long cargo and cabin ventilation. Cabin materials age well, controls are intuitive, and the rear seat folds nearly flat. Compared with crossovers, you sit higher and feel a bit more roll in corners; compared with larger body-on-frame SUVs, the 4Runner is easier to park and more efficient, yet still stout enough for frequent towing within its ratings.
Specs and data: 4Runner 4WD V8
Engine and Performance (2UZ-FE VVT-i, 2005)
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Architecture | 4.7-L 90° V8, DOHC, 32 valves |
| Displacement | 4,664 cc (4.7 L) |
| Compression ratio | ~10.0:1 |
| Induction / fueling | Naturally aspirated / sequential multi-port injection |
| Rated power | 270 hp (201 kW) @ ~5,400 rpm |
| Rated torque | ~330 lb-ft (447 Nm) @ ~3,400 rpm |
| Timing drive | Belt (service on interval) |
| Fuel type | Regular unleaded (AKI 87 / RON ~91) |
| Fuel tank | 23.0 gal (87 L) |
| Aerodynamics | Cd ~0.36–0.37 (typical body style) |
Transmission and Driveline
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Transmission | A750F 5-speed automatic (ECT-i) |
| 4WD system | Full-time with Torsen center diff; lockable; low range |
| Axles / differentials | Open front and rear; A-TRAC brakes simulate limited-slip |
| Final drive | ~3.91 (varies with axle build) |
| Crawl ratio (low range) | Suited for steep launches and maneuvering trailers off-pavement |
Chassis and Dimensions
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Frame / body | Ladder frame with mounted body |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, coilover shocks, stabilizer bar |
| Rear suspension | 4-link solid axle, coil springs; optional rear air self-leveling (Limited) |
| Steering | Rack-and-pinion, hydraulic assist |
| Brakes | 4-wheel discs with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
| Wheels/tyres | 16–18 in (trim-dependent); common OE sizes P265/70R16 or P265/65R17 |
| Wheelbase | 109.8 in (2,790 mm) |
| Length × width × height | ~189 × 74 × 69 in (~4,800 × 1,880 × 1,750 mm) |
| Ground clearance | ~9.1 in (231 mm) |
| Approach / departure | ~30° / ~26° (tyre and suspension condition dependent) |
| Turning circle | ~37 ft (11.3 m) |
| Curb weight | ~4,550–4,750 lb (2,065–2,155 kg) depending on trim/options |
| GVWR | ~5,700–5,950 lb (2,585–2,700 kg) |
| Cargo volume | ~42 cu-ft up / ~75 cu-ft down (~1,190 / ~2,120 L) |
Fluids and Capacities (verify by VIN/label)
| System | Spec | Capacity / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | 5W-30 (API SL/SN or later) | ~6.6 qt (6.2 L) with filter; drain plug ~29 lb-ft (39 Nm) |
| Coolant | Toyota Long Life (red) or Super Long Life (pink) | First 100,000 mi, then 50,000 mi; total fill ~3.2–3.6 gal (12–14 L) |
| Transmission | Toyota ATF WS (A750F) | Service drain-fill ~3–4 qt (2.8–3.8 L); temp-check fill procedure |
| Transfer case | 75W-90 gear oil (per manual) | ~1.5–1.7 L |
| Front differential | GL-5 75W-90 | ~1.4–1.6 L |
| Rear differential | GL-5 75W-90 | ~3.0 L |
| Brake fluid | DOT 3 (DOT 4 acceptable) | Flush every 2–3 years |
| Power steering | Dexron-type ATF | As needed |
| Wheel lug nuts (torque) | — | 81–83 lb-ft (110–113 Nm), star pattern |
Performance and Economy (representative)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 0–60 mph (0–100 km/h) | ~7.8–8.3 s (stock tyres) |
| Top speed (governed) | ~112 mph (180 km/h) |
| EPA-style economy (V8 4WD) | ~15 city / 18 highway / ~16 combined mpg (US) ≈ 14.7–15.7 L/100 km |
| Real-world highway @ 75 mph | ~16–18 mpg US (13–15 L/100 km), load/tyres/wind dependent |
| Towing (properly equipped) | Up to ~7,000 lb (3,175 kg) with weight-distributing hitch; 5,000 lb weight-carrying |
| Payload (typical label) | ~1,200–1,500 lb (545–680 kg) |
| Roof load | ~120–150 lb (54–68 kg) with factory rack/crossbars |
Practical towing note: The V8 4WD rating steps up with a weight-distributing hitch and functional trailer brakes. Confirm receiver label, door-jamb sticker, and your trailer’s tongue weight (target 10–12% of trailer mass).
Trims, options, and safety — UZN215
Trim walk (4WD V8 availability in 2005):
- SR5: Cloth seats, 16-inch alloys, power rear window, cruise, keyless entry. Options: roof rack, running boards, sunroof, convenience/audio packages.
- Sport Edition: Adds X-REAS cross-linked shocks, 17-inch wheels, larger front rotors, hood scoop, sport trim, upgraded audio controls. X-REAS noticeably flattens body motions without ride penalty when healthy.
- Limited: Leather, heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate, JBL audio, 17–18-inch wheels, more sound insulation, and available rear air self-leveling for load/towing.
Mechanical and functional differences that matter
- X-REAS: Diagonally linked dampers limit pitch/roll; leaks require replacing components as a system or converting to conventional shocks.
- Rear self-leveling air (Limited): Keeps stance correct with cargo or tongue weight; inspect bags/lines/compressor for leaks and sensor corrosion.
- Full-time 4WD: Unique to the V8; includes center-diff lock and low range. This differs from some V6 models that used part-time 4WD.
Quick identifiers (shopping shortcuts)
- Build code UZN215 on documentation; V8 badge on fender/tail.
- Center-diff lock switch near the shifter, 4LO selector, and A-TRAC/VSC buttons on the dash.
- Sport Edition shows the scoop and usually 17-inch wheels; Limited has color-keyed cladding.
Safety and child-seat notes (period context)
- Crash tests: Moderate-overlap frontal performance was Good for this generation; head-restraint/seat whiplash evaluation of the era scored Poor. Side and small-overlap protocols of later years were not applied to 2005 at launch.
- Airbags: Dual front; side curtains with rollover sensor were increasingly common—verify on the specific VIN.
- LATCH: Outboard second-row positions; check anchor access for large, rear-facing seats.
- Stability systems: VSC, TRAC, EBD, and Brake Assist standard; these also help stabilize light trailer sway via brake application.
ADAS and calibrations
- No radar/camera ADAS on these years. After suspension/alignment work, perform steering-angle and yaw-rate zero-point calibration; no forward camera to aim after glass replacement.
Reliability and known issues
The 2UZ-FE/A750F/transfer-case package is among Toyota’s most durable when serviced on time. Age, miles, and climate drive most repairs. Use this prevalence/severity map to plan.
Common (low–medium severity)
- Timing belt overdue → Symptom: age/mileage past interval; maybe belt chirp or pulley growl. Remedy: full timing kit (belt, tensioner, idlers, water pump, thermostat), fresh coolant, accessory belt.
- Brake pulsation → Cause: rotor thickness variation from heat or seized slide pins; Fix: quality pads/rotors, pin service, wheel-nut torque 81–83 lb-ft.
- Accessory belt/tensioner noise → Fix: belt and any noisy idlers/tensioner; inspect each oil change.
Occasional (medium severity)
- Front lower ball joints / LCA bushings → clunks on sharp impacts, vague on-center; Fix: replace components, torque at ride height, align after.
- X-REAS leaks (Sport / some Limited) → oily shock bodies/lines, floaty ride; Fix: replace or convert to conventional shocks.
- Rear air self-leveling leaks → rear sags, compressor cycling; Fix: new bags/lines or coil-spring conversion if failures recur.
- EVAP small leak codes (P044x) → cracked hoses, loose cap, canister issues; Fix: smoke test and repair.
Cooling system aging
- Radiator end-tank seep, brittle heater “T” fittings, soft hoses; Fix: radiator/hoses/tees/cap and proper burp with the correct Toyota coolant.
Rare but high-severity
- Frame/crossmember corrosion (salt belts) → scale or perforation near rear lower control-arm mounts, hitch crossmember, body mounts; Fix: remediation/welding or walk away if severe.
Transmission/driveline
- A750F is robust; lazy shifts usually improve with WS drain-and-fill and adaptation relearn.
- Driveshaft stop-start thunk → dry slip-yoke splines; Fix: clean and lube with moly grease; check U-joints for play.
- Rear axle seal seep → oil at backing plates; Fix: seals/bearings and ensure breather is open.
Electrical/other
- Tailgate harness wire breaks → intermittent rear glass/locks; repair sections as needed.
- Blend-door actuators can click as gears age; re-index or replace.
Recalls/TSBs (verify by VIN)
- Airbag inflator campaigns (Takata family) affect many Toyota trucks and SUVs—completion is critical.
- Miscellaneous TSBs address brake actuator logic and driveability refinements; get a dealer printout tied to the VIN.
Maintenance plan and buyer’s guide
Practical maintenance schedule (distance/time; shorten for towing, heat, or short-trip duty)
- Engine oil & filter: 5,000 mi / 6 months (5W-30; ~6.6 qt / 6.2 L).
- Engine air filter: Inspect each oil service; replace 30,000–45,000 mi (earlier in dust).
- Cabin filter: 15,000–20,000 mi or annually.
- Spark plugs (iridium): 90,000–120,000 mi; replace sooner if misfire or gap growth.
- Timing belt: ~90,000 mi or 9 years, with water pump, tensioner, idlers; new coolant and accessory belt recommended.
- Coolant: First 100,000 mi / 10 years, then 50,000 mi / 5 years (Toyota LLC/SLLC).
- Automatic transmission (A750F): Drain-fill WS every 50,000–60,000 mi if towing or mixed duty; pan service at ~120,000 mi when opened. Use temperature-check fill procedure.
- Transfer case & differentials: GL-5 75W-90 every 30,000–60,000 mi (towing/heat → shorter).
- Brake fluid: Flush every 2–3 years; inspect caliper pins/hoses each rotation.
- Suspension/steering: Inspect ball joints, LCAs, tie-rods, shocks/struts every 30,000 mi; check X-REAS lines; verify rear air self-leveling height.
- Tyre rotation & alignment: Rotate 5,000–7,500 mi; align annually or after impacts/parts changes.
- 12-V battery: Load-test yearly after year 4.
- A/C & cooling: Pressure/temperature check at season start; consider radiator/hoses proactive refresh at 15–20 years if original.
Essential torque values (typical; verify by VIN)
- Wheel lugs: 81–83 lb-ft (110–113 Nm).
- Oil drain plug: ~29 lb-ft (39 Nm).
- Front caliper bracket bolts: ~87–94 lb-ft (118–128 Nm).
- Rear shock lower bolts: ~66–74 lb-ft (90–100 Nm).
Buyer’s inspection checklist
- Frame & underbody: Probe inner frame rails near rear lower control-arm mounts, hitch crossmember, body mounts, and fuel-tank straps. Walk if perforation is present.
- Cooling system: Look for pink crust at radiator end tanks/heater tees; pressure-test cap; check for steady temps on a road test.
- 4WD system: Confirm center-diff lock engages/disengages cleanly and low range selects with the truck stopped in neutral; no binding on pavement when unlocked.
- Driveline: Check slip-yoke grease condition; feel for rear axle seal seepage at the backing plates.
- Suspension: Ball-joint play, LCA bushing tears, and shock leaks (especially X-REAS hoses/fittings).
- Brakes: Straight stops from 60 mph, firm pedal, no ABS warning.
- Electrical: Power rear window and tailgate latch work repeatedly; inspect tailgate harness for brittle insulation.
- Towing setup: Receiver integrity, 7-pin connector cleanliness, and evidence of a weight-distributing hitch if heavy towing is claimed.
What to seek or avoid
- Seek: Documented timing belt/water pump, fresh coolant, WS ATF service, clean frame, stock ride height with alignment records. Limited with healthy rear air or Sport with healthy X-REAS is a plus if maintained.
- Avoid/discount: Frame perforation, neglected fluids, mismatched suspension parts, chronic EVAP codes, or inoperative center-diff lock/low range.
Durability outlook
With routine service and rust management, UZN215 V8s commonly reach 200,000–300,000 miles on the original long-block and transmission. Big bills typically trace to deferred timing-belt/cooling service, X-REAS leaks, or rust—not core engine or gearbox design.
On-road feel and performance
Ride/handling/NVH
The 4Runner’s road manners are calm and predictable. The independent front suspension adds precision in initial turn-in, while the coil-sprung solid rear keeps the truck composed over patched asphalt and with a trailer on the ball. Body motion is present but well-controlled; X-REAS trucks feel notably flatter in transitions. Steering weight is light-to-moderate with stable on-center tracking. At 70–75 mph, wind and tyre noise dominate; the V8 hums quietly unless pressed.
Powertrain character
The VVT-i 2UZ-FE pulls from low rpm with little throttle, making city driving and grade climbs easy. The A750F shifts cleanly and locks the converter early at cruise for efficiency. Passing from 50–80 mph triggers a decisive downshift; steady-state cruising often sits below 2,000 rpm, which helps comfort. Engage low range for controlled maneuvering on steep boat ramps, loose campsites, or when inching a trailer precisely; throttle response is progressive and predictable.
Efficiency and range
Plan on ~16 mpg (US) combined with stock tyres, rising on gentle two-lane trips and falling with lifts, all-terrain tyres, roof baskets, or winter warm-ups. At 75 mph (120 km/h), ~16–18 mpg is typical in neutral winds. The 23-gal (87-L) tank yields practical highway ranges of 350–400 miles (560–640 km) when driven moderately.
Towing and loads
Correct setup makes the difference. Keep 10–12% tongue weight, use a weight-distributing hitch above 5,000 lb (2,268 kg), and verify trailer brakes. Expect a 20–40% fuel-consumption penalty with a 4,500–6,000 lb camper at highway speeds. Fresh rear shocks and, on Limited models, functional rear self-leveling air help maintain rake and headlight aim. For snow, sand, or muddy ramps, center-diff lock + low range keeps launches composed without drama.
4Runner rivals and alternatives
Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK, 2005): Sportier steering and strong available V8s. As miles accrue, electrical and suspension wear can be more frequent. The Toyota counters with calmer NVH, simpler systems, and typically lower lifetime hassle.
Ford Explorer (U152, 2005): Comfortable ride and feature content, but high-mile examples often need front-end and transmission attention. The 4Runner’s V8 feels more relaxed and tends to hold alignment and interior quality longer.
Nissan Pathfinder (R51, 2005): Bigger interior and available three rows. Driveline complexity and age-related repairs can climb. The 4Runner’s full-time 4WD with a lockable center diff gives superior winter/towing stability and simpler upkeep.
Chevrolet TrailBlazer/Envoy (GMT360): Good power (I6 or 5.3 V8) and low purchase prices. Interiors and bushings show wear sooner; HVAC/electrical quirks are common. The 4Runner typically wins on long-term durability and resale.
Bottom line: If you value long-term reliability, towing stability, and straightforward service in a midsize package, the 2005 4Runner 4WD V8 (UZN215) remains one of the safest bets. Budget for fuel, the timing-belt service, and a careful rust inspection—then enjoy an SUV that still feels purpose-built.
References
- Gas Mileage of 2005 Toyota 4Runner 2005 (Fuel Economy)
- 2005 Toyota 4Runner 2005 (Safety Rating)
- Vehicle Detail Search – 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER | NHTSA 2005 (Recall Database)
- Look up Safety Recalls & Service Campaigns by VIN 2025 (Recall Lookup)
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or repair. Specifications, torque values, intervals, and procedures can vary by VIN, market, production date, and equipment. Always verify details against your vehicle’s official owner’s manual and Toyota service literature and follow appropriate safety procedures. If this guide helped you, please consider sharing it on Facebook or X/Twitter to support xcar’s work.