In January 1997, the fourth generation Kijang was launched with a more rounded, aerodynamic shape.
It was originally planned to be introduced in 2000, but since Mitsubishi wanted to push the Kuda in 1998, it was instead launched three years in advance.
It was more powerful and more refined than its predecessors.
The wagon model, often colloquially known as "Kijang Kapsul" (meaning "Capsule Kijang"), was designated either the F70 series (short wheelbase) or the F80 series (long wheelbase), and features a rear liftgate rather than a side-opening rear door, with some coachbuild versions still retain the latter.
The pickup model was designated as the F60 series.
For the first time, the 2L diesel-powered Kijang was offered and later became the most popular model.
Either the carburetted 7K or the fuel-injected 7K-E-powered Kijang was also the most popular model due to its low maintenance cost, despite being underpowered compared to the 2.0-litre 1RZ-E unit.
It was built on the same platform as the sixth-generation Hilux.

The fourth generation wagon model Kijangs were generally released in four different trim levels, depending on wheelbase options:
SX (F70/71/72) and LX (F80/81/82): Base model without air conditioning, cassette tape player, power windows, tachometer, sun visor and other amenities.
The 1997-2000 model have a fixed front passenger seat and a 4-speed manual transmission.

SSX (F70/71/72) and LSX (F80/81/82): Standard model,  equipped with air conditioning, cassette tape player and tachometer.

SGX (F70/71/72) and LGX (F80/81/82): Deluxe model, equipped with double-blower air conditioning, cassette tape/CD player, power windows, alloy wheels, rear window wiper and exterior garnish.
A 4-speed automatic transmission option is also offered in the LGX model, being the first Kijang to have an automatic transmission.

Rangga (F70): Sports edition for the short wheelbase model, similar to SSX trim but equipped with SUV-inspired body kit, higher ground clearance, rear-mounted spare tyre and refined interior with suede seat cover and door trim.
This trim is only offered in the 1997–2000 model.

Krista (F80/81/82): Sports edition for the long wheelbase model, similar to LGX trim but only available in blue, red, black, silver or green colour option, equipped with body kit and refined interior; the trim also included specially-made door trim and center console.
Unlike the LGX, the 1997–2000 Krista trim had no automatic transmission option.

Limited Krista (F80/81/82): extra spare tire mount from the "Rangga" and came with a 4-speed automatic.
it was not confirmed how much were built, but can be identified by factory Invoice and other paperworks
The pickup model was offered in Standard Deck and Flat Deck variants.

Some versions called Grand Rover Ace and Jantan Raider, which were made by local coachbuilders, was also sold only in a few units.
The Grand Rover Ace is based on the LSX trim and has an SUV-like body, resembling the J80 series Land Cruiser.

The Short wheelbase wagon has a 7-seat capacity using jumpseats in the rear while the 8-seater Long wheelbase wagon uses a bench type front facing third row seats albeit without seatbelts.

The fourth generation Kijang has undergone several changes:
Pre-facelift (January 1997 – November 1999): The bumpers and side skirts are still made of steel.
The window was still equipped with a rubber seal.
It used either a 1.8-litre 7K petrol engine or a 2.4-litre 2L diesel engine option.
The lowest trim, SX and LX, is offered with a 4-speed manual transmission as opposed to 5-speed seen in higher trims.
Automatic transmission option was only available in the LGX trim.

First facelift (December 1999 – August 2002): Thinner body-steel was used to decrease production cost; therefore, this model was sold as the same price as the pre-facelift model.
The front and rear fascias got some redesigns.
It used compound sealant for the rear window, while the front windscreen was still using rubber seals.
The design of the front panel was slightly changed (mostly on the driver's side).
For this model (and upward
In January 1997, the fourth generation Kijang was launched with a more rounded, aerodynamic shape. It was originally planned to be introduced in 2000, but since Mitsubishi wanted to push the Kuda in 1998, it was instead launched three years in advance. It was more powerful and more refined than its predecessors. The wagon model, often colloquially known as "Kijang Kapsul" (meaning "Capsule Kijang"), was designated either the F70 series (short wheelbase) or the F80 series (long wheelbase), and features a rear liftgate rather than a side-opening rear door, with some coachbuild versions still retain the latter. The pickup model was designated as the F60 series. For the first time, the 2L diesel-powered Kijang was offered and later became the most popular model. Either the carburetted 7K or the fuel-injected 7K-E-powered Kijang was also the most popular model due to its low maintenance cost, despite being underpowered compared to the 2.0-litre 1RZ-E unit. It was built on the same platform as the sixth-generation Hilux.
The fourth generation wagon model Kijangs were generally released in four different trim levels, depending on wheelbase options:
SX (F70/71/72) and LX (F80/81/82): Base model without air conditioning, cassette tape player, power windows, tachometer, sun visor and other amenities. The 1997-2000 model have a fixed front passenger seat and a 4-speed manual transmission.
SSX (F70/71/72) and LSX (F80/81/82): Standard model,  equipped with air conditioning, cassette tape player and tachometer.
SGX (F70/71/72) and LGX (F80/81/82): Deluxe model, equipped with double-blower air conditioning, cassette tape/CD player, power windows, alloy wheels, rear window wiper and exterior garnish. A 4-speed automatic transmission option is also offered in the LGX model, being the first Kijang to have an automatic transmission.
Rangga (F70): Sports edition for the short wheelbase model, similar to SSX trim but equipped with SUV-inspired body kit, higher ground clearance, rear-mounted spare tyre and refined interior with suede seat cover and door trim. This trim is only offered in the 1997–2000 model.
Krista (F80/81/82): Sports edition for the long wheelbase model, similar to LGX trim but only available in blue, red, black, silver or green colour option, equipped with body kit and refined interior; the trim also included specially-made door trim and center console. Unlike the LGX, the 1997–2000 Krista trim had no automatic transmission option.
Limited Krista (F80/81/82): extra spare tire mount from the "Rangga" and came with a 4-speed automatic. it was not confirmed how much were built, but can be identified by factory Invoice and other paperworks
The pickup model was offered in Standard Deck and Flat Deck variants.
Some versions called Grand Rover Ace and Jantan Raider, which were made by local coachbuilders, was also sold only in a few units. The Grand Rover Ace is based on the LSX trim and has an SUV-like body, resembling the J80 series Land Cruiser.
The Short wheelbase wagon has a 7-seat capacity using jumpseats in the rear while the 8-seater Long wheelbase wagon uses a bench type front facing third row seats albeit without seatbelts.
The fourth generation Kijang has undergone several changes:
Pre-facelift (January 1997 – November 1999): The bumpers and side skirts are still made of steel. The window was still equipped with a rubber seal. It used either a 1.8-litre 7K petrol engine or a 2.4-litre 2L diesel engine option. The lowest trim, SX and LX, is offered with a 4-speed manual transmission as opposed to 5-speed seen in higher trims. Automatic transmission option was only available in the LGX trim.
First facelift (December 1999 – August 2002): Thinner body-steel was used to decrease production cost; therefore, this model was sold as the same price as the pre-facelift model. The front and rear fascias got some redesigns. It used compound sealant for the rear window, while the front windscreen was still using rubber seals. The design of the front panel was slightly changed (mostly on the driver's side). For this model (and upward
Toyota Kijang