Definitely not handy nor do I have the tools for it so I'd have to get someone to do it, but yeah just like you said I'd still have issues with the engine. I honestly don't plan on going to the track frequently. Maybe once every 2-3 months and that would be the only time I'd tow so I guess it wouldn't be that big of a deal. I live in Florida and have no plans to tow something up in the mountains lol so I should be good with the elevation part.

I did consider the Sequoia, but it doesn't have that much of a low ground clearance and wouldn't make for a good off-roader. The LX570 doesn't do it for me, it looks just as ugly as the GX. Really not a fan of the full size Lexus SUVs. The RX350 and new NX look pretty cool, but the other ones are just bad imo.

I know I am being picky right now, If I am going to spend that kind of money on a car I better get something that I really like. I was very patient and was able to get an ultra rare GT350 (its the Heritage Edition) and I absolutely love it and have an emotional bond with it. If I get something that I don't really like that I won't form that bond and really won't care (I am still a 'car guy')

Whats ironic about all of this talk about the 4Runner being so old and Toyota being underwhelming is that this entire website is old as hell and is a time machine of car forums back in the early 2000s. I have been on the Mustang forums and its a night and day difference compared to this one.

I do some towing and that’d be a dealbreaker for me. These big vehicles with turbo fours (all brands) will not have a long life. Too much engine strain long term IMO.

I agree with above.

I think the next engine (2.4 turbo) is planned obsolescence. It will bridge a gap between the 4.0 and the all electric vehicles that are supposed to be coming in 7-10 years. The cafe numbers need to be met in Can/US and putting a 2.4t in will help the overall average. By the time these engines show their problems from use in a 4Runner they will be onto the prime version.
As far as I know Toyota doesn't put a turbo gas engine in the Hilux or Prado.

I have stopped posting generally on forums going forward, but only do so now to correct myself.

New claims are coming out that the 4Runner will once again be redesigned for 2023 model year next year, as known from February 2020 to June 2021. Although I am skeptical of these claims, the sources of this recent information are not sketchy enough to be ignored. They seem just as credible.

My bigger question is, why any of my previous information has been misleading? I have seen 2024 in some ways, so it's conflicting information.

I can only wait and see, as I don't like asking too many questions to other professionals, not within my social circle or beholden to their own NDAs as well.

Secondly, Toyota have not made any announcements regarding TMMGT production for 4Runner, despite some charts listing it there for January 2024 start of production.

Sounds like Tahara will be producing this vehicle still, because TMMTX in Texas has not been announced as a production site either.

There are no spy shots of this alleged 2023 model, but it doesn't mean anything, as that can be manipulated for marketing purposes.

2024 Tacoma mules are running about, for both marketing and general testing purposes. (NOT PROTOTYPES)

Tundra program mules, first appeared on camera in January 2019, but no prototypes until December 2020. Generally it is ideal not to expose production styling test vehicles until 1 year out from market.

By now, you would expect to hearing and seeing something more tangible than just random guesses.

Not sure what's happening, stay tuned. Whatever the 2023 4Runner is, that's due for sale in October 2022 per scheduling. Just doesn't make sense for it to be a redesign.

Interesting! I appreciate you joining back in to share your insight. I was fearful of waiting too long for the 6th gen so I grabbed a 2022 GX460, coming soon!

Oddly enough this is what David from Automotive press is reporting. Not that his channel it has value necessarily.

I’ve been waiting for the 6th gen for a long time, so this is pleasant news

Just watched this with wifey a few days ago. I hope he's right about most of it! Not a fan of the tail lights, but overall I think there are solid upgrades.

Totally agree. When the bronco was released in 2021 there was a ton of speculation and a board like this with a lot of posts and pictures from 2016 onward. Toyota has nothing. Love the engineers mock up, but Toyota is either tight with the leaks or they aren’t anywhere close to ready with a new model.

RE: spy shots.

If we go back to the 2010 4Runner, C&D ran these spy shots in July 2009, just a few months before the 5th Gen was revealed in September 2009.

2010 Toyota 4Runner Loses V-8, Gets Base Four-Cylinder Option

Autoblog ran this blurry shot in August 2009:

Spy Shots: Toyota 4Runner snagged ahead of Texas debut

Other than that, I can’t find anything earlier where the 4Runner was spotted. I could’ve sworn there were other photos taken back then, but that was (unbelievably) over 12 years ago. My memory is not that great.

So, seems like there could be credence in it being produced in Japan and a 2023 MY launch. Or, put another way, the lack of spy shots at this point doesn’t necessarily DQ a 2023 launch if 4Runner production remains in Japan, as the other Toyota models that have been captured in spy shots a year or more ahead have all been North American factory-produced vehicles.

Side note: it’s interesting reading the comments back in 2009 and the reaction to the spy shots. Some thought it was a sign Toyota was on the verge of failing. Who would have thought 12 years later, Toyota is basically printing money and selling every 4Runner it can make.

You make a very good point. If manufacturing happens in Japan then probably less leaks.

Lol, mine came with 32s and auto headlights…. Just saying…

What I’d LOVE is the ventilated ac seats… because where I live, we have 10 months of summer and two months of what I refer to as “spring-fall” weather…

I really appreciate the solid logic from all sides here… not kidding… as others have mentioned, reading a physicist and and engineer debate valid points is absolutely engaging.

From a layperson’s perspective, a Range Rover with a larger towing capacity (we’re ignoring reliability of course) and a seemingly small tongue weight capacity would suggest to me that Range Rover expects an extremely well balanced load on a tandem axle trailer, so it it can pull like hell, just not sag its ass…. But that’s just my common sense kicking in.

If I’m being critical of the 4Runner, I’d say the Pro (and a few other trim models) should come with full aluminum under armor past the t-case and optional actual rock sliders to protect the body (not crappy overpriced “predator step bars” bolted to the body. Also, A/C seats as an add-on option would be awesome. Full aluminum skids and sliders should at least be an option comparable to aftermarket prices equal to or better than American made after market options… Not excessively overpriced… practical. Who wouldn’t pay a little extra to protect past the transfer case and the body as I and so many others have done?

Over all, I’m a huge 4Runner lover, as you can tell… it’s my 4th one, and the best one yet.

New model years concern me… bugs and all that. I’d buy one on about the third year of a new model… which explains my buying years…

That’s just me though. Merry Christmas to all…

Good read.

Anybody seen this article? Electric truck and "baby landcruiser"? May give some hints regarding upcoming styling/ designs-

MSN





While I'm at it, I ran across this a couple years ago and thought it was cool. Not that Toyota will produce it but fun to imagine-

What’s missing is the 4runner. Toyota wants to be all electric by 2030. So will they drop the 4unner? If so, when? Are they working on an electric one?

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Only rumors so far are for a hybrid one, much better for middle of nowhere driving.

Agree, they must be thinking hybrid, based on their line up going forward.