Here are my 2 cents - like em or not...
Toyota will either get rid of the 4runner or the highlander. Why else did they make the new rav4 over a foot longer?
I would guess based on the fact that Toyota is smart when it comes to doing what makes the most sense in the American car market that they will keep the 4runner, since it has more appeal due to it's off road heritage. But expect changes we won't like.
My guess is, the next "4runner" will be more car based with better mileage - i.e. a highlander/4runner mish-mosh, offering a 4cylinder, with the 6 as the upgrade. Byebye V-8's. By 2009 Americans will be getting out of the trend of buying way more off road capability than they need, just because it's fun to drive. We will slowly realize it's not worth the money to drive a 17mpg truck when most of the time your on-road anyway.
We can always keep our fingers crossed, but I just don't think a new 4runner in 2009 that's similar to our 4th gens (capabilies, power, size, "truck") will continue to sell well.
Toyota will either get rid of the 4runner or the highlander. Why else did they make the new rav4 over a foot longer?
I would guess based on the fact that Toyota is smart when it comes to doing what makes the most sense in the American car market that they will keep the 4runner, since it has more appeal due to it's off road heritage. But expect changes we won't like.
My guess is, the next "4runner" will be more car based with better mileage - i.e. a highlander/4runner mish-mosh, offering a 4cylinder, with the 6 as the upgrade. Byebye V-8's. By 2009 Americans will be getting out of the trend of buying way more off road capability than they need, just because it's fun to drive. We will slowly realize it's not worth the money to drive a 17mpg truck when most of the time your on-road anyway.
We can always keep our fingers crossed, but I just don't think a new 4runner in 2009 that's similar to our 4th gens (capabilies, power, size, "truck") will continue to sell well.