6th gen 2017 4R, will it exist?

[chmura]

Why do people keep saying this? I still see more of these on the road than all models of comparable year 4Runner combined.......

2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - Trail Rated 4 Door SUV

I was mainly talking about Japanese competitors.

I believe not many people cross shop between domestic and japanese. I'm sure many do, but I never considered a jeep wrangler. Do I like them? Yes. But I would probably never own one.

 

[Ghetro]

For those of you citing CAFE standards as a reason to discontinue the 4Runner - Don't.

....





Second, because these CAFE requirements are based on size, every car company actually ends up with a different CAFE requirement, depending on the mix and size of cars and trucks that it actually sells. For every model year, each company must calculate the CAFE requirement for all models it markets and then determine the sales-weighted average for its actual mix. Therefore, a company such as General Motors, with its heavy share of large pickups and SUVs, will have a lower CAFE requirement than Suzuki, which primarily produces smallish cars and SUVs.



.....

Then there’s extra credit for electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel-cell vehicles. These machines already garner very high CAFE ratings, as they use little or no gasoline, but to encourage their sales, the government will factor each sale of an electric vehicle by 2.0 in model year 2017. In other words, if you sell 10,000 electric vehicles—either battery powered or fuel cell—they will be counted as 20,000 when calculating that company’s fleet fuel economy. This factor will phase down to a multiplier of 1.5 by 2021. For plug-in hybrids, the factor will start at 1.6 in 2017 and phase down to 1.3 in 2021."

Finally and thank you. Yes, CAFE is going to change the look of the Toyota line, as well as the lines of all other automakers in the U.S. No, it probably won't impact the 4Runner - when you have Priuses (Prii?) flying off the lot, the average fuel economy numbers stay down when weighted against sales figures. Nissan doesn't sell nearly as many Leafs (Leaves?) as Toyota sells Prii, necessitating they change their lineup to meet standards.

 

[peter78]

I have been through 2 body changes on this forum. Toyota is usually pretty silent about any changes. Here is one article about a new 4Runner. I would say, the article really doesn't know what it will look like, despite the pictures, but I would think 2017 for a new 4Runner is a good guess.

New 2017 Toyota 4Runner Redesign | Newest Cars 2016

 

[jl2222]

I have been through 2 body changes on this forum. Toyota is usually pretty silent about any changes. Here is one article about a new 4Runner. I would say, the article really doesn't know what it will look like, despite the pictures, but I would think 2017 for a new 4Runner is a good guess.

New 2017 Toyota 4Runner Redesign | Newest Cars 2016

They just stole a picture of a limited and called it 2017 hahaha.

 

[05Rrunner]

Click bait

 

[Captain Texas]

I would be incredibly happy if they drop that 4.0L V8 in there.

 

[Sneaky77]

Hopefully it's not as awful as the 5th gen, bloated pig

 

[jtex]

I spoke with a dealer GM in Houston recently he told me the TRD Pro 4runner will not be produced for 2016 but will be reitroduced for 2017 model year with update that will appear in 2016, so 2016 will see updated design and 2017 will see trd pro for the new update.

 

[DAGNABIT]

Hopefully it's not as awful as the 5th gen, bloated pig

when did this thread shift from the PRO to your girl?

 

[Meyercord]

I spoke with a dealer GM in Houston recently he told me the TRD Pro 4runner will not be produced for 2016 but will be reitroduced for 2017 model year with update that will appear in 2016, so 2016 will see updated design and 2017 will see trd pro for the new update.

He's wrong.

 

[Dalko43]

I have no idea what the 6th gen 4runner will actually look like (appearance and performance wise) but I sincerely hope keeps the traditional formula in place:

-Body on Frame
-Optional Off-road gadgets (locking diff, swaybar disconnects/extension, Advanced traction control)
-Torquey engine (I would love to see a turbo V-6, but only so long as they can make it reliable)

As long as the next gen 4runner has those main ingredients, I will be in line to buy one. However, if Toyota tries to turn it into a Cross-over, unibody soft-roader, with little appearance mods to make people think its an off-roader (think Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk), then the brand is dead to me.

As many have pointed out, there really aren't many true BOF SUV's left (at least in the mid-sized market). Toyota should have no problem selling its next gen 4runner with that lack of competition.

 

[Peyto]

As long as the next gen 4runner has those main ingredients, I will be in line to buy one. However, if Toyota tries to turn it into a Cross-over, unibody soft-roader, with little appearance mods to make people think its an off-roader (think Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk), then the brand is dead to me.

As many have pointed out, there really aren't many true BOF SUV's left (at least in the mid-sized market). Toyota should have no problem selling its next gen 4runner with that lack of competition.

I like to think the 4Runner is protected from this fate with the existence of the Highlander, but I suppose you never know.

 

[Meyercord]

Hoping for a more powerful engine with the power band shifted lower, modern transmission, and all of the limited options available on the trd pro.

 

[Gecko]

Focus for Toyota right now is the Tacoma and there hasn't been a peep related to a next generation 4Runner, though I assume that around this time next year, we should know much more. Once the Tacoma launch is complete, then comes the new Land Cruiser and then all eyes will switch to the Tundra and 4Runner (not clear on the timetable of which will come first).

There are a few points to consider though, in no particular order:

1) Going forward, Toyota's priority is to massively improve operating efficiency by streamlining products, platforms and engines across the globe so I can assume that there will be some impacts to the next 4Runner. Worldwide, Toyota now builds roughly 100 different platform variants and 800 engine flavors and they're looking to cut way back. It's very possible that we could see a closer relationship with the GX, Tacoma, Land Cruiser Prado, etc.

2) Toyota has been on a streak of heavily refreshing certain models before fully redesigning them, namely lower volume ones - consider the Tundra, Lexus LS and LX/Land Cruiser that are just about to come out. Pic:

3) I do know that there is a massive rift between TMS USA and ToMoCo regarding body on frame SUVs. Quite frankly, Toyota doesn't want them and the retailing arms in North America and the Middle East say, "We have to have them." This is an ongoing disagreement about how future products will be handled. As of about two years ago, Toyota had not internally committed to build a 6th generation 4Runner. I assume that considering the continued sales success of the 5th generation and close relation to other products, Toyota has changed their minds, if only for one more generation.

4) I would look to the new Tacoma to get an idea for what to expect with the next gen 4Runner, if it is to be "redesigned": somewhat lighter due to of new manufacturing methods, 6 speed automatic, new V6 with Atkinson cycle, addition of TRD models (probably a TRD Sport as well as return of the TRD Pro), more tech features across the lineup like push button start and blindspot monitor, etc.

5) Regarding powertrains, leaked brochures for the 2016 LX 570 and 200 Series Land Cruiser show the following:
4.0L V6 (1GR-FE) gets a 6AT
4.6L V8 (1UR-FE) gets an 8AT
5.7L V8 (3UR-FE) gets an 8AT.

Most notable of those to us is the 1GR-FE getting a six speed automatic. The wildcard would be whether or not we get a version of the Tacoma's new V6, which is rated at 270hp and 261 lb-ft.

With a full Tundra redesign postponed with a heavy refresh (2014), and the same thing about to drop for the Land Cruiser, I think we stand a very good chance of the same approach happening to the 4Runner next year.

I personally think we will very likely see:
- New front and rear fascias and bumpers, hoods and fenders for all models
- LED DRL headlight optional on SR5 Premium, standard on Trail Premium and Limited
- New 6AT but 1GR-FE is carried over for all models
- Smartkey and push button start standard on SR5 Premium and Trail Premium
- Slightly redesigned instrument cluster and dashboard with larger multimedia screen for all models
- JBL sound system available as a stand-alone option on Trail Premium and possibly SR5 Premium
- Blindspot Monitor with RCTA as a stand-alone option on SR5 Premium and Trail Premium
- Faux leather-style wrapped dash on Limited
- Small trim changes across all models
- New wheel options on all models

 

[Bevo]

[MENTION=114416]Gecko[/MENTION] just out of curiosity, where did your info come from? Are these just your opinions?

 

[LUVDA4RUNNER]

can you get us a trail with a 3rd row or put in a good word

 

[Gecko]

Ha, no pull with 4Runner product planners. Sorry man!

 

[jwkilgore]

My guess is that the 4R will be back for at least one more generation as a BOF. Right now there are three manufacturers with both a mid-size offroad capable BoF and a mid-size CUV in their lineup:
Toyota Land Cruiser, Highlander, 4Runner, and FJ
Nissan Pathfinder and XTerra
Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Wrangler Unlimited

There's also the Ford Explorer, but they're trying to cram too many capabilities into a single vehicle. That said, it probably would have met my needs when I was researching back in 2011. But at the time I was buying the Explorer was a brand-new redesign, and I like to let other people work out the kinks first.

The CUV's are primarily highway vehicles, and this post is about off-roaders. Yeah, I know the Cherokee is off-road capable just like a Land Cruiser, but it's also a Chrysler.

If you want pure off-roading ability, the Jeep Wrangler is it. Either stock or with minor mods you can go places a 4Runner would require MAJOR mods to get to. But it's a Chrysler, and I personally just don't trust that company right now. And the ride in a Wrangler is horrid. I very briefly considered a Wrangler back in 2011, but that lasted a single test drive. Plus it just didn't have the interior cargo space I needed.

The Toyota and Nissan were almost directly comparable. I went with the 4Runner over the Xterra, but it was close.

With FJ and XTerra leaving the market for 2016, that leaves the 4Runner and Wrangler Unlimited competing for the off-road SUV market in the USA. Two choices instead of four. And Chrysler is seriously struggling right now.

For people who want a mid-size SUV with a comfortable highway ride, well above average stock off-road capability, and an excellent backbone capable of supporting serious off-road customizations, there is exactly one choice starting in the 2016 model year. Toyota would be crazy to pull out now.

So again, my guess is for at least one more generation as a BOF now that it's essentially alone in the class. But by the time the 2025 CAFE requirements roll around the 7th gen will be a CUV just like the Explorer and Cherokee.

 

[R Burgundy]

Focus for Toyota right now is the Tacoma and there hasn't been a peep related to a next generation 4Runner, though I assume that around this time next year, we should know much more. Once the Tacoma launch is complete, then comes the new Land Cruiser and then all eyes will switch to the Tundra and 4Runner (not clear on the timetable of which will come first).

There are a few points to consider though, in no particular order:

1) Going forward, Toyota's priority is to massively improve operating efficiency by streamlining products, platforms and engines across the globe so I can assume that there will be some impacts to the next 4Runner. Worldwide, Toyota now builds roughly 100 different platform variants and 800 engine flavors and they're looking to cut way back. It's very possible that we could see a closer relationship with the GX, Tacoma, Land Cruiser Prado, etc.

2) Toyota has been on a streak of heavily refreshing certain models before fully redesigning them, namely lower volume ones - consider the Tundra, Lexus LS and LX/Land Cruiser that are just about to come out. Pic:

3) I do know that there is a massive rift between TMS USA and ToMoCo regarding body on frame SUVs. Quite frankly, Toyota doesn't want them and the retailing arms in North America and the Middle East say, "We have to have them." This is an ongoing disagreement about how future products will be handled. As of about two years ago, Toyota had not internally committed to build a 6th generation 4Runner. I assume that considering the continued sales success of the 5th generation and close relation to other products, Toyota has changed their minds, if only for one more generation.

4) I would look to the new Tacoma to get an idea for what to expect with the next gen 4Runner, if it is to be "redesigned": somewhat lighter due to of new manufacturing methods, 6 speed automatic, new V6 with Atkinson cycle, addition of TRD models (probably a TRD Sport as well as return of the TRD Pro), more tech features across the lineup like push button start and blindspot monitor, etc.

5) Regarding powertrains, leaked brochures for the 2016 LX 570 and 200 Series Land Cruiser show the following:

• 4.0L V6 (1GR-FE) gets a 6AT
• 4.6L V8 (1UR-FE) gets an 8AT
• 5.7L V8 (3UR-FE) gets direct injection, Atkinson cycle and 8AT. New output is 395hp/394lb-ft of torque for LX 570 (NOTE: It seems that the Land Cruiser may keep the existing unit with 381hp/401lb-ft and 6AT)

Most notable of those to us is the 1GR-FE getting a six speed automatic. The wildcard would be whether or not we get a version of the Tacoma's new V6, which is rated at 270hp and 261 lb-ft.


With a full Tundra redesign postponed with a heavy refresh (2014), and the same thing about to drop for the Land Cruiser, I think we stand a very good chance of the same approach happening to the 4Runner next year.

I personally think we will very likely see:
- New front and rear fascias and bumpers, hoods and fenders for all models
- LED DRL headlight optional on SR5 Premium, standard on Trail Premium and Limited
- New 6AT but 1GR-FE is carried over for all models
- Smartkey and push button start standard on SR5 Premium and Trail Premium
- Slightly redesigned instrument cluster and dashboard with larger multimedia screen for all models
- JBL sound system available as a stand-alone option on Trail Premium and possibly SR5 Premium
- Blindspot Monitor with RCTA as a stand-alone option on SR5 Premium and Trail Premium
- Faux leather-style wrapped dash on Limited
- Small trim changes across all models
- New wheel options on all models (I would assume except for TRD Pro)

This is the best speculation post regarding the 2017 I have read on the internet. Bravo.

Theres tons of wild speculation, here and other places. Safe bet is the Tacos engine and 6spd transmission and a bunch of little electronic gizmos, IMO.

 

[Meyercord]

This is the best speculation post regarding the 2017 I have read on the internet. Bravo.

Theres tons of wild speculation, here and other places. Safe bet is the Tacos engine and 6spd transmission and a bunch of little electronic gizmos, IMO.

That with 350ish bhp would make the 4Runner a lot more livable.