6th Gen 4Runner Predictions!

[shrub1]

I'm left asking myself why would I give up my 2014 Trail? It's paid off and has been extremely reliable. Having a tailgate mounted spare would be nice. Having better approach/break-over/departure angles sure (nothing a slight lift and slightly upsized tires won't resolve for my needs). Getting rid of Entune and getting something that is compatible with wireless CarPlay.

Toyota has their work cut out to get me out of my current 4Runner... especially considering the price point. Paid 36k (before taxes), and almost $41k for the same MSRP today!

I'm sure the latest will come with the auto braking, blind spot monitoring, blah blah blah stuff. Might be nice, but isn't why I bought a 4Runner and won't get me to upgrade.

Maybe a hybrid version with enough battery juice for ~50 miles and gas for longer trips.

I may be on the 4Runner new purchase sidelines until 2030... which by then gasoline might be banned.

I'd be a player if the solid front axle version was ruggedly good looking.

 

[mo_mo]

I'd be a player if the solid front axle version was ruggedly good looking.

Portals or it ain’t worth the trade off.

 

[shrub1]

Portals or it ain’t worth the trade off.

Portals?

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

Portals?

Google Portal axles.

 

[shrub1]

Portals or it ain’t worth the trade off.

Says the guy who is seeking a hybrid version.

 

[msp]

Portals or it ain’t worth the trade off.

I heard they're adding portal axles right after they convert the fuel source to unicorn tears. The price of the 4Runner will double, but totally worth it. I have a very reliable source, who is the 2nd cousin of a sales trainee who started last week.

 

[epjfsa]

I'm left asking myself why would I give up my 2014 Trail? It's paid off and has been extremely reliable. Having a tailgate mounted spare would be nice. Having better approach/break-over/departure angles sure (nothing a slight lift and slightly upsized tires won't resolve for my needs). Getting rid of Entune and getting something that is compatible with wireless CarPlay.

Toyota has their work cut out to get me out of my current 4Runner... especially considering the price point. Paid 36k (before taxes), and almost $41k for the same MSRP today!

I'm sure the latest will come with the auto braking, blind spot monitoring, blah blah blah stuff. Might be nice, but isn't why I bought a 4Runner and won't get me to upgrade.

Maybe a hybrid version with enough battery juice for ~50 miles and gas for longer trips.

I may be on the 4Runner new purchase sidelines until 2030... which by then gasoline might be banned.

Agreed. Only way I'd trade is for a PHEV version that isn't mellowed out. The fuel savings over the next 20 years would cover my losses in doing so and a hybrid BOF 4WD SUV would be amazing to drive.

 

[mo_mo]

Says the guy who is seeking a hybrid version.

Better make it worth it...Go big or I'm keeping my '14!

 

[shrub1]

Better make it worth it...Go big or I'm keeping my '14!

Based on your aforementioned criteria you'd be correct in that you'll have your 2014 until 2030.

Me? I'd like solid front axle even if it's not the fancy pants version you're after.

 

[TEN613RPro]

Solid front axles? lol, I had those on my brand new '81 deluxe 4x4 long bed. I'll take the one I have now any day.

 

[NoDak]

I posted this back in April in one of the other 6th Gen threads;

I apologize in advance for resurrecting this topic since it brings out a lot of emotional responses, but I am in a position to emphatically say that there will be a 6th Gen 4Runner. I was recently invited to participate in a couple of styling exercises with Toyota. I am under NDA so I will tiptoe around some details.

Timing: Direct quote, "we are three years out", so I anticipate a release in late 2020 as a 2021 model. This lines up with some of the speculation I've read on this forum based on known release dates of other models.

Mechanicals: All indications are that it will be based on the same 150 platform as the 5th Gen. Another direct quote, "it will be the exact same size as the current generation", which reinforces the speculation that it will be based on the 150 platform. Plus all the exterior styling artist renderings showed running gear that looked exactly like the 5th Gen. No discussion of engine.

Exterior Styling: Those who like the rugged appearance of the 5th Gen will not be disappointed. There were four different versions shown that ranged from mild to wild on my scale and all of them were what I would call "bold". Common themes of all of them were large front grill, very modern looking lighting (front and rear), much more aggressive flares (some versions more than others), very good front and rear approach and departure angles, barn door type rear hatch and rear hatch mounted spare tire. My feedback and that of others that I was privy to was 1) do not lose the retractable rear window, 2) keep the lift gate if you can, but keep the retractable rear window at all cost, and 3) if you must move the spare tire to the rear, use the space opened up underneath for additional fuel capacity. All of the styling studies reminded me of an updated 4 door FJ Cruiser.

Interior Styling: Much more car like, but also much more refined than the current interior. It appeared that many of the hard switches and buttons will become soft switches on the large center display screen. My feedback, and again that of those I was privy to, was there was a disconnect between the rugged exterior styling and the (too) refined interior styling. Recommended using large buttons and dials rather than soft buttons on a glass screen (have you ever tried to press a button on a screen when bouncing down a trail or dirt road?).

Again, I am under NDA, which I don't feel I have violated with what I have shared, but this is the extent of the information I am comfortable sharing at this time. What we see in three years may or may not be what I saw, but I'm confident it will be very close. I am also very confident there will be a 6th Gen 4Runner and it will be body on frame.



Since then I've learned a few more facts about the 6th Gen as well as some interesting info on other, companion models that most likely will be produced.

As for the 6th Gen it is confirmed October 2020 release as 2021 model, following the release of the 2020 Prado. It will be sitting on a new platform, but don't expect too many changes. The exact quote was "consider the differences between the 120 and 150 platforms; it will be along those lines". No new info on power plant or transmission. Also, no new info on styling which makes me feel that what I have already seen will make it to production, either as one of the versions I saw or a combination of two or more versions. I am not disappointed by any of them other than the barn door rear hatch and non-retractable rear window.

Now, here's the really interesting part - there are two additional models that are very likely to make production: a two door model based on the two door Prado platform that will be a "throwback to the FJ40". And there will is a four door model that is loosely based on the FJ55 and is being called internally the FJ5.

I have no idea if one or both of these will see the light of day, but Toyota is going after Jeep. We might even see a solid front axle in the line-up. I think we could see all three variations, one a follow-on of the 5th Gen, the two door as a more off-road oriented model and the four door as a more overlanding variation.

None of this info seems to be a big secret within the walls of Toyota HQ, but very little seems to get out. I am not a Toyota employee, I just know several who are in the right places.

I expected 21 model year release as that would follow how they are pushing gen release out to 12 years on the bof vehicles.

The barn door will be a disaster just like it was for the RAV4. It just doesn't work in the USA compared to the rest of the world. Had a RAV4 with one and it was a nightmare in parking lots and don't get me started on parallel parking spots. They need to keep the lift gate and make it powered like the RAV4 and Highlander.

Losing the back roll down window will be sacrilegious since it's been on the 4runner since gen2 I think. It's a defining feature.

Final thing, the surge of interest in the current gen 4runner is mostly being pushed by soccer mom's. These changes may push them to go Highlander or other brands.

 

[shrub1]

Solid front axles? lol, I had those on my brand new '81 deluxe 4x4 long bed. I'll take the one I have now any day.

I can tell you the new JL's ride very nice with 35s or 37s with their solid front axle. Now..there are a host of other issues with the JL's, but SFA isn't one of them.
So IF Toyota came out with cool looking SFA vehicle I'd be interested. Many folks love their IFS and that's cool.

 

[wfo9]

I posted this back in April in one of the other 6th Gen threads;

I apologize in advance for resurrecting this topic since it brings out a lot of emotional responses, but I am in a position to emphatically say that there will be a 6th Gen 4Runner. I was recently invited to participate in a couple of styling exercises with Toyota. I am under NDA so I will tiptoe around some details.

Timing: Direct quote, "we are three years out", so I anticipate a release in late 2020 as a 2021 model. This lines up with some of the speculation I've read on this forum based on known release dates of other models.

Mechanicals: All indications are that it will be based on the same 150 platform as the 5th Gen. Another direct quote, "it will be the exact same size as the current generation", which reinforces the speculation that it will be based on the 150 platform. Plus all the exterior styling artist renderings showed running gear that looked exactly like the 5th Gen. No discussion of engine.

Exterior Styling: Those who like the rugged appearance of the 5th Gen will not be disappointed. There were four different versions shown that ranged from mild to wild on my scale and all of them were what I would call "bold". Common themes of all of them were large front grill, very modern looking lighting (front and rear), much more aggressive flares (some versions more than others), very good front and rear approach and departure angles, barn door type rear hatch and rear hatch mounted spare tire. My feedback and that of others that I was privy to was 1) do not lose the retractable rear window, 2) keep the lift gate if you can, but keep the retractable rear window at all cost, and 3) if you must move the spare tire to the rear, use the space opened up underneath for additional fuel capacity. All of the styling studies reminded me of an updated 4 door FJ Cruiser.

Interior Styling: Much more car like, but also much more refined than the current interior. It appeared that many of the hard switches and buttons will become soft switches on the large center display screen. My feedback, and again that of those I was privy to, was there was a disconnect between the rugged exterior styling and the (too) refined interior styling. Recommended using large buttons and dials rather than soft buttons on a glass screen (have you ever tried to press a button on a screen when bouncing down a trail or dirt road?).

Again, I am under NDA, which I don't feel I have violated with what I have shared, but this is the extent of the information I am comfortable sharing at this time. What we see in three years may or may not be what I saw, but I'm confident it will be very close. I am also very confident there will be a 6th Gen 4Runner and it will be body on frame.



Since then I've learned a few more facts about the 6th Gen as well as some interesting info on other, companion models that most likely will be produced.

As for the 6th Gen it is confirmed October 2020 release as 2021 model, following the release of the 2020 Prado. It will be sitting on a new platform, but don't expect too many changes. The exact quote was "consider the differences between the 120 and 150 platforms; it will be along those lines". No new info on power plant or transmission. Also, no new info on styling which makes me feel that what I have already seen will make it to production, either as one of the versions I saw or a combination of two or more versions. I am not disappointed by any of them other than the barn door rear hatch and non-retractable rear window.

Now, here's the really interesting part - there are two additional models that are very likely to make production: a two door model based on the two door Prado platform that will be a "throwback to the FJ40". And there will is a four door model that is loosely based on the FJ55 and is being called internally the FJ5.

I have no idea if one or both of these will see the light of day, but Toyota is going after Jeep. We might even see a solid front axle in the line-up. I think we could see all three variations, one a follow-on of the 5th Gen, the two door as a more off-road oriented model and the four door as a more overlanding variation.

None of this info seems to be a big secret within the walls of Toyota HQ, but very little seems to get out. I am not a Toyota employee, I just know several who are in the right places.

I think the marketing guys are talking about going after jeep..... and that is about it. I really doubt they would do it.

Would be beyond fantastic to see a solid axle Toyota sold again in the US, but I just don't think it would happen. You just can't beat them for general off-road use... and they would sell like crazy if they did it right. Just not in the Toyota culture anymore from what I can tell. Just a marketing thing.

 

[thennen]

I expected 21 model year release as that would follow how they are pushing gen release out to 12 years on the bof vehicles.

The barn door will be a disaster just like it was for the RAV4. It just doesn't work in the USA compared to the rest of the world. Had a RAV4 with one and it was a nightmare in parking lots and don't get me started on parallel parking spots. They need to keep the lift gate and make it powered like the RAV4 and Highlander.

Losing the back roll down window will be sacrilegious since it's been on the 4runner since gen2 I think. It's a defining feature.

Final thing, the surge of interest in the current gen 4runner is mostly being pushed by soccer mom's. These changes may push them to go Highlander or other brands.

Actually, the roll-down window was introduced with the 1st Gen.

 

[matoolie]

Don't forget Ford is re-entering the body-on-frame 4x4 market with the upcoming Bronco. Going after Jeep as well. 4runner will have some new competition with the Bronco.

 

[Grape Ape]

I'm confused, his insider info says that it will be both on the existing platform and a new platform if I read that correctly.

 

[Craigy]

Rear-mount tire with larger fuel capacity would be a wonderful thing.

Prado gets a 150L capacity, no reason that the sportier 4runner shouldn't.

Yeah it looks more and more like we won't get anything new until 2020, 2021, and if history repeats itself, we'll probably see a new landcruiser, and probably a new tundra, before the new 4runner and GX, so that means we'd be waiting an extra year beyond that.

From what I understand though, and gathering all of the misc speculation from the internet, all of the new Toyota body-on-frame vehicles are going to be on a new global architecture platform, including Tundra, Landcruiser, 4runner, etc. So a carryover platform doesn't really make sense here. But who knows for sure.

Regardless I am happy to wait and continue driving my J150 Lexus GX.

 

[Glenac]

Don't forget Ford is re-entering the body-on-frame 4x4 market with the upcoming Bronco. Going after Jeep as well. 4runner will have some new competition with the Bronco.

Been lurking for a while and planning on buying an 18 TRDOR 4 Runner, but I couldn't help but jump in to this discussion because I was completely disgusted when I saw THIS article. Looks like Ford is just as lame as Chevy. Did you see the revival of the Blazer that is on lots now??? based on FWD car chassis and looks like every other car based Japanese/Korean/American SUV.

Ford to Offer Unibody Baby Bronco Built on Focus Platform

 

[matoolie]

Been lurking for a while and planning on buying an 18 TRDOR 4 Runner, but I couldn't help but jump in to this discussion because I was completely disgusted when I saw THIS article. Looks like Ford is just as lame as Chevy. Did you see the revival of the Blazer that is on lots now??? based on FWD car chassis and looks like every other car based Japanese/Korean/American SUV.

Ford to Offer Unibody Baby Bronco Built on Focus Platform

Does suck for the “baby bronco” (another new model). But the “regular” 2020 Bronco will be body on frame. Based on the new Ranger chassis/drivetrain.

 

[matoolie]

True, they are re-entering with the Bronco. Interested to see how it plays out there and how it looks. I think the extra competition is good for Jeep and Toyota. Lack of competition breeds complacency.

Hopefully it has the old school Bronco look. I love the 4runners I have owned with their reliability. And plan on a 6th gen at some point in the future. But I have a soft spot for the old Broncos. My dad had red ‘73 that I was hoping to get when I got my license. Didn’t work out, but if it did I assure you that little bad boy would still be in my possession today some 25+ years later.