6th gen 2017 4R, will it exist?

[Gecko]

That paragraph got me a little concerned -- it implies "calendar year" 2017. Given that we'd expect the 2018 "model year" to be introduced before the end of 2017 (generally, but not always), it seems like we won't see any major changes to the 4Runner even for the 2018 model year.

I've been thinking the same thing, actually.

5th gen would have an unusually long run... 2010 to the very end of 2017, technically 2018 MY, which seems rather absurd.

A mid/late 2017 introduction for the 2018 model 6th gen model is what myself and many others have been expecting, and hearing that these safety systems won't be on the GX and 4Runner before then is a little unsettling.

I am hesitant to say something like this, but... is Toyota planning to pull the plug on these two? With years of standout sales success, that seems hard to imagine.

I will also say that from the sources I have at Toyota, there seems to be a lot of internal chaos with the move to Texas, new global architectures, TNGA and leadership shuffles in Japan and here. Product planning for 12-18 months from now should be pretty "set" though... which again is unsettling. From what I was told, at the 2015 dealer meeting, Toyota told dealers to expect a 4Runner refresh for 2017 with a 6 speed automatic, new front and rear fascias and revised interior. We already know that isn't happening. Now it's looking like 2018MY will be a carryover or possibly worse.

 

[NuclearN8]

If we think about it... It's hard to argue the current 5th Generation 4runner isn't in the exact same market climate the 2nd Gen Tacoma was in 2012. (Minimal to zero competition in the segment, with high sales volume and high QDR and high resale). The more I think about this analogy the more I think Toyota isn't going to fix what isn't broken... and the current 5th gen may run until 2020...
Then in 2020, discontinue the 4Runner (the FJ Cruiser and Sequioa will already be discontinued) and bring the entire australian LC200 lineup to the USA... (Sans the diesel engines due to EPA restrictions)

Toyota LandCruiser 200 homepage

it would simplify the procurement and manufacturing process for Toyota on a global scale and also satisfy the customer base... a utility offroad version (the GX) a couple middle price versions (GXL and VX) and the flagship version (Sahara).

One can dream anyway....

 

[Gecko]

If we think about it... It's hard to argue the current 5th Generation 4runner isn't in the exact same market climate the 2nd Gen Tacoma was in 2012. (Minimal to zero competition in the segment, with high sales volume and high QDR and high resale). The more I think about this analogy the more I think Toyota isn't going to fix what isn't broken... and the current 5th gen may run until 2020...
Then in 2020, discontinue the 4Runner (the FJ Cruiser and Sequioa will already be discontinued) and bring the entire australian LC200 lineup to the USA... (Sans the diesel engines due to EPA restrictions)

Toyota LandCruiser 200 homepage

it would simplify the procurement and manufacturing process for Toyota on a global scale and also satisfy the customer base... a utility offroad version (the GX) a couple middle price versions (GXL and VX) and the flagship version (Sahara).

One can dream anyway....

Dream indeed, but I don't think it will happen much like that in reality.

There was some talk of Toyota adding lesser trims to the Land Cruiser once/if the Sequoia goes away - think "SR5, SR5 Premium, Limited" vs. one trim as we have now - but LC200 is big, heavy, expensive and not a great people hauler either. There are a lot of compromises.

I think the more realistic option would be that the GX goes unibody and 4Runner becomes a straight rebadge of the Prado with minimal changes. That streamlines the manufacturing process even more than it is now, and keeps the same size and footprint.

Who knows? I was thinking we'd know more by now, but the safety announcement seems to prolong the uncertainty even more.

 

[chmura]

After seeing the new Tacoma Habitat I think I will purchase a Tacoma next. I was always a die hard 4runner fan.

The new Habitat setup is amazing and an excellent setup if you like camping/overlanding. Even can sleep 3 or 4 people if you choose.

This is a access cab but they are making a Habitat for a Tacoma DCSB next.

News: AT Overland announces new Tacoma Habitat | Expedition Portal

 

[NuclearN8]

After seeing the new Tacoma Habitat I think I will purchase a Tacoma next. I was always a die hard 4runner fan.

The new Habitat setup is amazing and an excellent setup if you like camping/overlanding. Even can sleep 3 or 4 people if you choose.

News: AT Overland announces new Tacoma Habitat | Expedition Portal

$7900, yikes!

 

[CO-Cygnus]

A mid/late 2017 introduction for the 2018 model 6th gen model is what myself and many others have been expecting, and hearing that these safety systems won't be on the GX and 4Runner before then is a little unsettling.

I am hesitant to say something like this, but... is Toyota planning to pull the plug on these two? With years of standout sales success, that seems hard to imagine.

Well that's kinda what I worry about. If the GX -> TX Rumor is true then it would explain why the GX won't get the new safety systems.

I expected to see the Sequoia on the list since Toyota said it was supposed to be dead 2 years ago, yet keeps lumbering on unchanged like a low-selling, 3-ton zombie.

So what's up with the 4R? It's lumped in with a supposedly retiring GX, the extremely limited volume Hydrogen FCV, an orphaned Mazda re-badge, and a low volume sports coupe with a questionable future.

 

[chmura]

$7900, yikes!

Yeah a bit pricey but prices will probably go down once they start selling more these. The first 12 being built now are spoke for.

If you think about a regular premium hard shell rtt costs $4k. With the habitat you get more room, an awning when opened, you can install a flat roof rack still on the cab. Win/win for me.

I would definitely budget in $7k for one when I purchase a Tacoma.

 

[NuclearN8]

Well that's kinda what I worry about. If the GX -> TX Rumor is true then it would explain why the GX won't get the new safety systems.

I expected to see the Sequoia on the list since Toyota said it was supposed to be dead 2 years ago, yet keeps lumbering on unchanged like a low-selling, 3-ton zombie.

So what's up with the 4R? It's lumped in with a supposedly retiring GX, the extremely limited volume Hydrogen FCV, an orphaned Mazda re-badge, and a low volume sports coupe with a questionable future.

I believe you're answering your own question...
It appears the last thing Toyota Japan wants to do is keep the 4Runner alive (at least with that nameplate) but Toyota America is fighting to keep it in the lineup because it's such a cash cow for them with high sales... who wins this battle will be intersting for sure.

what [MENTION=114416]Gecko[/MENTION] said seems like the most likely scenario, namely...

"I think the more realistic option would be that the GX goes unibody and 4Runner becomes a straight rebadge of the Prado with minimal changes. That streamlines the manufacturing process even more than it is now, and keeps the same size and footprint. "

 

[1engineer]

I think all you guys are dreaming lol. There are other reasons to keep (or get rid of) a vehicle besides profit and ease of manufacturing, and that knowledge is being kept a secret.

I owned a 1984 4Runner SR5. I bought it new off the showroom floor. I remember taking it in for a TSB (sensor) a few years later and the manager told me to enjoy my 4Runner because they were going to be discontinued. That was 32 years ago and the rumors still go on.

Nobody who can say anything knows anything. My engineering friends at Toyota know there is a redesign. They don't know when it will happen. Why? Need to know fellas. What makes sense to us very rarely makes sense to people running Toyota.

 

[philsey]

Nobody who can say anything knows anything. My engineering friends at Toyota know there is a redesign. They don't know when it will happen. Why? Need to know fellas. What makes sense to us very rarely makes sense to people running Toyota.

This is as close to the facts as is going to happen in public - until Toyota chooses otherwise. It should end the pointless speculation - but it probably won't.

:mmph:

 

[elemint]

Over the years people who thought they were in the know told me dozens of times Apple would go bankrupt in months.

I think all you guys are dreaming lol. There are other reasons to keep (or get rid of) a vehicle besides profit and ease of manufacturing, and that knowledge is being kept a secret.

I owned a 1984 4Runner SR5. I bought it new off the showroom floor. I remember taking it in for a TSB (sensor) a few years later and the manager told me to enjoy my 4Runner because they were going to be discontinued. That was 32 years ago and the rumors still go on.

Nobody who can say anything knows anything. My engineering friends at Toyota know there is a redesign. They don't know when it will happen. Why? Need to know fellas. What makes sense to us very rarely makes sense to people running Toyota.

 

[babygotfront]

2017 ForRanner

... i'm looking forward to the greatly updated 2017 T4R interior as well as the radar cruise, more comfortable leather seats (LONG overdue), updated 6 speed tranny, 3.5 high output engine (yes, my sources say the 3.5 will be replacing the 4.0L engine) ... low end torque to be GREATLY improved ... MPG will rise only 1mpg though ... order banks open 10/10/2016 ... first production run in 12/31/2016 (IRS tax purposes) ... more info to come

 

[catrains]

... i'm looking forward to the greatly updated 2017 T4R interior as well as the radar cruise, more comfortable leather seats (LONG overdue), updated 6 speed tranny, 3.5 high output engine (yes, my sources say the 3.5 will be replacing the 4.0L engine) ... low end torque to be GREATLY improved ... MPG will rise only 1mpg though ... order banks open 10/10/2016 ... first production run in 12/31/2016 (IRS tax purposes) ... more info to come

on the 2017 T4R this is what I found also.
on the torque change not really that much it is a small % increase.
engine HP slightly higher about 290HP. vehicle will be lighter and the interior will be larger. different exterior design.

 

[wsgoat]

... i'm looking forward to the greatly updated 2017 T4R interior as well as the radar cruise, more comfortable leather seats (LONG overdue), updated 6 speed tranny, 3.5 high output engine (yes, my sources say the 3.5 will be replacing the 4.0L engine) ... low end torque to be GREATLY improved ... MPG will rise only 1mpg though ... order banks open 10/10/2016 ... first production run in 12/31/2016 (IRS tax purposes) ... more info to come

Care to share your source....the 2017 will be a carryover and retain the 4.0/5 config...last year of the gen 5.

 

[Quentin]

... i'm looking forward to the greatly updated 2017 T4R interior as well as the radar cruise, more comfortable leather seats (LONG overdue), updated 6 speed tranny, 3.5 high output engine (yes, my sources say the 3.5 will be replacing the 4.0L engine) ... low end torque to be GREATLY improved ... MPG will rise only 1mpg though ... order banks open 10/10/2016 ... first production run in 12/31/2016 (IRS tax purposes) ... more info to come

The 2017 isn't changing. It has already been shown at the Chicago autoshow.

I don't think the 2018 model will change, either, because Toyota has mentioned that all of their vehicles will have auto braking systems by the end of 2017 except for the 4Runner, GX, and 86. That implies, to me, that the 4Runner won't be redesigned for the 2018 model year either.

 

[borfoo3]

... i'm looking forward to the greatly updated 2017 T4R interior as well as the radar cruise, more comfortable leather seats (LONG overdue), updated 6 speed tranny, 3.5 high output engine (yes, my sources say the 3.5 will be replacing the 4.0L engine) ... low end torque to be GREATLY improved ... MPG will rise only 1mpg though ... order banks open 10/10/2016 ... first production run in 12/31/2016 (IRS tax purposes) ... more info to come

Very curious to see how a NA 3.5l engine tuned for mpg's will have greatly improved low end torque vs the 4.0l..

 

[Balakay]

If they're putting the 3.5 in the 4Runner, they're going to have to change it up somehow from the 3.5 in the Tacomas. That thing is a completely gutless POS.

 

[CO-Cygnus]

... i'm looking forward to the greatly updated 2017 T4R interior as well as the radar cruise, more comfortable leather seats (LONG overdue), updated 6 speed tranny, 3.5 high output engine (yes, my sources say the 3.5 will be replacing the 4.0L engine) ... low end torque to be GREATLY improved ... MPG will rise only 1mpg though ... order banks open 10/10/2016 ... first production run in 12/31/2016 (IRS tax purposes) ... more info to come

:fishing:

 

[4runnervol]

Worried about 17 4runner

I hope the pictures and video in this link are not accurate? any info?

2017 Toyota 4runner: release date, specs, video, price

No roll down rear window? Plus this losses the classic 4runner look we've known for decades. This looks ho hum like any other "crossover" SUV on the market. Please tell me this isn't what will be released in the US?

 

[4runnervol]

NM. I'm new around here. I see in the comments that this is mislabeled and these pictures are of a "frontier" not a 4runner. THANK GOD!