Quote:
Originally Posted by exokomp
Wow this topic is depressing.
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Depends on your viewpoint, I guess. I don't find it depressing at all.
Seems to me like Toyota is getting the 4runner back to its roots as a rugged, off-road capable SUV.
If you don't go off road and want full time 4wd plus the 3rd row seat, Toyota will be happy to sell you a Highlander or a RAV4.
If you pull a big trailer and need that V-8 power, Toyota will be happy to sell you a Sequoia.
If you demand all the bling and are willing to pay for it, Toyota will sell you a Lexus GX (AKA Prado) or a 200 series LC.
As for the price, we won't really know what the price is until they start selling. Few vehicles sell at MSRP unless they're in high demand. My guess is that like the FJC the 5th gen 4runner will be in high demand for a while and then as demand tapers off we can expect prices to fall.
Also, depending on whether the economy rebounds and/or gas prices stay low, I could see Toyota introducing a V8 option in a year or so. Ditto for the multimode T-case.
My only gripe would be that the rear locker will apparently only be on the TE model which will account for a small portion of the total made, meaning that when these vehicles hit the used market, the vast majority will be SR5s without the rear locker. Of course, for most of its life the 4th gen wasn't even available with a rear locker, so it's not like that's a huge negative. And obviously anybody who really wants a rear locker can add an ARB unit for around $1k, so, really that's a minor quibble.
It will be interesting to see how ARB and the other aftermarket companies figure out how to outfit the 5th gen.