2017 Wish List

Threev8s

Threev8s

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I thought I would start a thread with a 2017 wish list in the hope that someone with some level of influence at Toyota stops by here once in a while. I might be dreaming, but it gets me through the day. Also, if it’s not a BOF, I will go into a brief but deep depression and then start calling around to try to corner the 2016 market via creative financing.

Engine/Drivetrain:
Optional 5.7 Liter V8 from Sequoia, LC, Tundra (not the 4.6 from the GX460)
Availability of a manual transmission for the V6 and V8 (any 4WD set-up would be acceptable, I’d even be willing to reverse to unlock the hubs)
(I’m not going to ask for a diesel powerplant since Toyota thinks Americans only want hybrids and hasn’t even offered it in the Tundra, in spite of dangling the idea in front of us for years)
Optional full-time 4WD on all trim levels

Other/Minutiae:
Wheels at least 7.5 inches wide on all 4Rs with anything but Dunlops wrapped around them (it’s enough already)
Option for sunroof on base SR5 and base Trail
Heated/Ventilated Seats in Trail Premium/SR5 Premium
Locking gas door
Soft close rear hatch
A cargo cover more like the 4th gen

I would be willing to pay significantly more for all of these things, and I think a lot of 4R enthusiasts would as well. Please feel free to add, comment, or even insult. I’m married so I can take it.

BTW, Before I get flamed for putting this in the 5th gen section and not in the general section, I thought I would explain that I put this post here since the 5th gen will be the predecessor for the 6th gen, and ultimately, the 5th gen forum probably has the most T4R.org members/viewers that like new vehicles.
 
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For me I hope they will put in the 4.6 V8. 5.7L would be nice but lets be realistic Toyota would put in the 4.6 in the 6th 4runner before the 5.7 V8.

The lower end Tundra and Lexus GX has the 4.6L. Lets hope the 6th gen 4runner has it.

If the 6th gen 4runner has a V8 I'll probably buy it.
 
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Better gas mileage. There are full size pickups with more power getting better gas mileage than the 4runner.

Also, a slight bump in towing capacity.
 
I read in a Four Wheeler or one of those magazines a while back saying the 5th gen 4runner will most likely be the last of the body on frame models.
 
We're talking Toyota, so I'll try to be realistic. They are all about streamlining the process through the factory to maximize efficiency. That said, here is what I'd like to see.

1. Keep BOF, and current size. No need to get any bigger, IMO.

2. Keep the styling a bit more on the "masculine" side. There are enough soft edged "cute-utes" already in the market. And please DO NOT turn it into a mini-van like Nissan did with the Pathfinder.

3. Bump power to something in the range of 300-325hp / 325-350tq.

4. Redesign cargo area behind seats to include built in, covered (lockable even?) storage compartments suitable to store basic recovery gear, towing gear, first aid kit, etc. Preferably in side panels as opposed to under the floor.

5. Offer Ventilated seats along with heated seats on leather and softex seating.

6. Move (or add) grab handles for front seat passengers to A pillar instead of right over the door.

Other than that, I'm pretty happy with the 5th Gen 4R as is.

Unlike the OP, I am NOT willing to pay "significantly more". I'd rather see a few minor tweaks and keep the MSRP price something south of $48K for Limited, $43K for Trail, and $38K for SR5.
 
Threev8s said:
I thought I would start a thread with a 2017 wish list in the hope that someone with some level of influence at Toyota stops by here once in a while. I might be dreaming, but it gets me through the day. Also, if it’s not a BOF, I will go into a brief but deep depression and then start calling around to try to corner the 2016 market via creative financing.

Engine/Drivetrain:
Optional 5.7 Liter V8 from Sequoia, LC, Tundra (not the 4.6 from the GX460)
Availability of a manual transmission for the V6 and V8 (any 4WD set-up would be acceptable, I’d even be willing to reverse to unlock the hubs)
(I’m not going to ask for a diesel powerplant since Toyota thinks Americans only want hybrids and hasn’t even offered it in the Tundra, in spite of dangling the idea in front of us for years)
Optional full-time 4WD on all trim levels

Other/Minutiae:
Wheels at least 7.5 inches wide on all 4Rs with anything but Dunlops wrapped around them (it’s enough already)
Option for sunroof on base SR5 and base Trail
Heated/Ventilated Seats in Trail Premium/SR5 Premium
Locking gas door
Soft close rear hatch
A cargo cover more like the 4th gen

I would be willing to pay significantly more for all of these things, and I think a lot of 4R enthusiasts would as well. Please feel free to add, comment, or even insult. I’m married so I can take it.

BTW, Before I get flamed for putting this in the 5th gen section and not in the general section, I thought I would explain that I put this post here since the 5th gen will be the predecessor for the 6th gen, and ultimately, the 5th gen forum probably has the most T4R.org members/viewers that like new vehicles.
Click to expand...

If you had named this thread "2022 4Runner Wish List" then some of the things you listed could maybe be considered . The prototypes I work on for large OEMs are usually 5-7 years out at a minimum. Changes to existing design around 5 years. Even our company has designs out 6 years.

The look, style and powertrain of the 6th generation has been designed completely. You might find it hard to believe but the "mid cycle refresh" for the 6th generation 4Runner has been completed as well, along with all the additional options. As a matter of fact I wouldn't be surprised if there were two cosmetic designs fully ready to go just waiting on the decision to pick one only. That puts us around 2020. What will be changeable is simple cosmetic changes, like paint and interior colors and that's about all they can change quickly.

Toyota is a huge company with the bureaucracy to go with it. Doing anything in a flash (two years is a flash) is next to impossible barring some catastrophe.

That's not to say some items on your list are not going to happen. Focus groups and marketing gurus from several years ago might have put many of those options out there. So keep the faith man but believe me options voiced now will be for the 7th generation.

03_4x4Runner said:
I read in a Four Wheeler or one of those magazines a while back saying the 5th gen 4runner will most likely be the last of the body on frame models.
Click to expand...

Yeah yeah yeah like they have any insider knowledge greater than a magic 8 ball. The best they have to offer on something like this is a slightly better guess based on past history. Those guys only know what's coming when they get a spy shot from a company or someone slips up and does a too good job with a patent illustration. Toyota rarely does that. As a matter of fact the next generation of Tacoma is running around wearing the current Tacoma skin! These guys can keep a secret.
 
I have a 15 on order so can't comment on what to change yet but one thing is I wish they would let you put a 3rd seat in what ever you want.

I would have ordered a TEP instead of an SR5P in a heartbeat if I could have it with a 3rd row.

Went through the same thing on my 4th gen. Wanted a sport but couldn't get it with a 3rd row.
 
As has been noted this is probably too late for 6th generation (even if Toyota were to listen to their customers) :tape: although hopefully some of this is in the works.

I agree with the main wishes drivetrain wise:

  • Bring back the Torsen center differential for everyone!
  • V8 power. I would say make this standard. Having only one engine is cheaper for production and I don't think there is a single person here wouldn't love a UR Series V8. Personally I'd put in the 5.7 and be done with it (then you can put the supercharger on it too!) ;) :biggrin2: but the 4.6 would be really nice too and get us an engine approaching the proper torque. I think with the better gearing possible and a 6 speed you would actually get improved gas mileage on the highway.
  • That 6 speed transmission. Ideally with a towing/sport mode that prevents the torque converter from locking up even in 6th.
  • If you are going to bother having an engine option at all make it a diesel, probably Cummins given what is probably happening with the Tundra.

Other:

  • Better painting/rust protect on underbody welds. Not sure what is going on here but mine are all rusty.
  • Stiffer stock suspension. This is a truck! If I wanted a Highlander or Sienna I would buy one.
  • Longer roof rack rails. Again, for god's sake, this is a true SUV. If you are not putting something up there get another vehicle.
  • Don't ruin the rear seating legroom. We found this best in class (JGC, Durango, Pathfinder, Pilot). Hell better than even some slightly larger SUVs (Yukon, Tahoe).

Really minor and possibly fringe:
  • Rear seat 12V port on center console.
  • Auto headlights/tail lights standard since with that darn brightly lit dash everyone seems to forget when in the city.
  • Let me keep the lower driving/fog lights on when on high beam. Currently this requires a relay hack. Although I think this may be some silly regulation about not having more than 4 lamps for an on road vehicle.
  • More effective use of rear LHS space around wheel well with pocket shelves, door, etc. I currently stuff some soft, little used things past the jack to use the space. E.G. Tow straps, jumper cables wrapped in padding, poly to lay on, etc.
  • Dual battery option. I.E. Mounts and tie in points for it and coil etc. OK this might be a little less popular but very handy for the camping/trail/offroad crowd and the increasing number of gadgets. Hell tie this in with some funky, ultra durable, hood solar cell kit and it might be really neat; now I'm probably really getting silly.

I'm actually pretty happy with most of the the 5th Gen 4Runner beyond the drivetrain; except for that rust.
 
8086bruce said:
I have a 15 on order so can't comment on what to change yet but one thing is I wish they would let you put a 3rd seat in what ever you want.

I would have ordered a TEP instead of an SR5P in a heartbeat if I could have it with a 3rd row.

Went through the same thing on my 4th gen. Wanted a sport but couldn't get it with a 3rd row.
Click to expand...

Interestingly I had the reverse problem. I hated the near useless third row. Was tempted by the Limited but got the SR5 since you had to have with 3rd row in 2012 with your Limited. I think that changed in 2013.
 
1engineer said:
If you had named this thread "2022 4Runner Wish List" then some of the things you listed could maybe be considered . The prototypes I work on for large OEMs.
Click to expand...
Agreed, I do the durability testing for these vehicles. When I started in 2011, we were running drivetrain's out to 2018. They were all put into existing vehicles and run until they broke (repeatedly). It's impossible for people who don't see the this side of the industry to realize that the decisions have already been made. All of the 6th gen parts are already driving around, and the 7th gen is being tested as a mule. At this point, the odds of a diesel are super remote and having a very (must be) efficient V8 are basically out the window. What I would ask most 4Runner owners is this: what are we really lacking? A Rubi is only better on its namesake(very harsh terrain) only, A Highlander is better at towing the kids around. JGC gets you there in great comfort until the day it doesn't and its little brother the Cherokee has a ton of reliability issues. My wishlist would be pretty short, a gearbox that has 1 more gear, a radio I can see while wearing sunglasses and, throttle response that makes the vehicle feel as lively as it really is.
 
FrontRange4Runner said:
Agreed, I do the durability testing for these vehicles. When I started in 2011, we were running drivetrain's out to 2018. They were all put into existing vehicles and run until they broke (repeatedly). It's impossible for people who don't see the this side of the industry to realize that the decisions have already been made. All of the 6th gen parts are already driving around, and the 7th gen is being tested as a mule. At this point, the odds of a diesel are super remote and having a very (must be) efficient V8 are basically out the window. What I would ask most 4Runner owners is this: what are we really lacking? A Rubi is only better on its namesake(very harsh terrain) only, A Highlander is better at towing the kids around. JGC gets you there in great comfort until the day it doesn't and its little brother the Cherokee has a ton of reliability issues. My wishlist would be pretty short, a gearbox that has 1 more gear, a radio I can see while wearing sunglasses and, throttle response that makes the vehicle feel as lively as it really is.
Click to expand...

Great!!!! post FR4R. Your wishlist is right on.

I'm going to bookmark your post so I can link it every time this silly topic comes up.
 
- Coin holder, I ended up buying the "smoker's package"/ ashtray to keep change in which uses up one of the cup holders.

- A flip up small compartment on the lid of the console. My only console storage is the big compartment

- KDSS option on every model, and finding one not being a needle in a haystack

- V-8 optional engine

- Go back to higher quality carpet, my 2004 had nice carpet, my 2014 TE has felt covered cardboard

- Under floor storage in rear

- Built in trailer brake controller
 
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