Confirmed: 2014 4Runner to get changes

dekeman said:
Pic of the new Highlander.....oops sorry about size, not time to crop, should be working not feeding this beast!
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I like the boxy shape of my old '12 Highlander better imo.

The Highlander's current shape is still somewhat boxy which translates to interior room in the cargo area.

EDIT: I just saw some other pics from the side and the roof isn't quite as severely sloped as I thought from that one pic angle.
 
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crunchcity said:
I like the boxy shape of my old '12 Highlander better imo.

The Highlander's current shape is still somewhat boxy which translates to interior room in the cargo area.

EDIT: I just saw some other pics from the side and the roof isn't quite as severely sloped as I thought from that one pic angle.
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Completely agree. I prefer my wife's 2012 version over the 2014 update since it looks less like a minivan blob shape that seemingly all of the CUVs are morphing into.

Not sure about cargo spacing though - I think I saw that it is 3" longer, 1.5" wider, but that it is also slightly shorter in height. Might be a wash or slightly more room.
 
Supercharger?

Six speed AT / Direct Injection / Forced Air Intake

If so....of course I would WANT a new one. However, as long as the 2012 has no critical issues.....I will keep it. In other words: NO new Runner in my immediate future:decision:

Critical issues:
crashed
stolen / trashed
rust
blown motor / trans
fire
multiple quality problems (crap loads of little things breaking)
 
crunchcity said:
Cool!

Looking forward to seeing the refresh.

Other than the usual minor body/lights/interior changes that come with mid-cycle refreshes I wouldn't be all that suprised to see if they update the auto to a 6 speed AT.

Direct injection V6/Diesel would be more suprising but nice to see imo.

If they offer a white TE I would really have to hold myself back lol...
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I share similar thoughts about what is anticipated with the exception of the diesel. The increase of diesel prices at the pump due to more restrictive fuel standards and other reasons, will discourage many to go that route, unless tax incentives are introduced to offset the cost premiums.

I hope they introduce new color choices. The cement grey of the FJ with B&W tires and orange and black body parts is very good.
 
For me, wish list include:

1. Multi-mode 4wd on Trail at the very least
2. Direct injection + 6 speed auto (or 8-speed auto would be grand) + further optimization of powertrain = 18/24 or better fuel economy on regular gas for 4wd
3. Projector headlamps + LED tails (HIDs maybe?)
4. Window antenna
5. Bring back JBL audio option!!
6. Blind spot monitoring...even better see Honda Accord's blind spot tech!
7. Long shot...but would also love to see Adaptive Cruise Control available

That's all I can think of now...price should remain the same since the competition is rapidly advancing too.
 
You all know darn well that when they change the 4Runner it will be turned into another useless crossover like the Pathfinder or Explorer.

It will have a transverse engine with front wheel drive, all wheel drive will be an option. It will have a nice roomy plush interior with lots of room for the kids and a soft comfy ride.

It will be nice and low to the ground for easy entry and exit, and will have greatly improved gas mileage to appeal to the widest market.
 
^isnt that that the Highlander is for? Can't see the Runner going crossover unless they are eliminating it altogether. North American sales are pretty strong and those sensitive to fuel prices have already been weeded out of the SUV market. I hope they don't change it too much. I like the grandeur of the look and feel of the ride.
 
Great! Another SoMiMo.......

Soccermom Milf(wanna be) mobile

We don't want you.....the cuv either....take the me/be or subie to ur nail/yoga/hair appt.... Sheesh......the p***y-ification of EVERYTHING is unreal!
 
At ease, gentlemen. It's time for a long sip of Jim Beam - the 4R will stay body on frame at least for another generation. The Highlander does indeed compete with the Pathfinder, which has not always been BOF. If anything, the Xterra-ble competes with the 4R - and a new body on frame XT is just around the corner.

Toyota said today they are proud to have one of the last remaining body on frame SUVs. Proud that it has rock crawlers in FJs. I was almost proud of them for saying it.
 
dekeman said:
At ease, gentlemen. It's time for a long sip of Jim Beam - the 4R will stay body on frame at least for another generation. The Highlander does indeed compete with the Pathfinder, which has not always been BOF. If anything, the Xterra-ble competes with the 4R - and a new body on frame XT is just around the corner.

Toyota said today they are proud to have one of the last remaining body on frame SUVs. Proud that it has rock crawlers in FJs. I was almost proud of them for saying it.
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As the previous owner of an R51 Pathfinder which I liked a lot, it's true the X took the place the Pathy used to hold. So Nissan needed to groceryerize the Pathfinder to compete with other delicious (ha) crossovers.

As the owner of a 13' trail, projection headlights and LED tails would definitely interest me, but that would be what, $1,500 bucks or so to upgrade to?
 
Mid-cycle refresh. I don't expect any powertrain changes (engine, absolutely not - it is not yet 4 years old from a clean sheet design, transmission.... maybe, transfer case, nah). We'll see a nip-tuck on the nose and tail, maybe some improvements to the interior materials. New colors, possibly.

If they finally get off their arse and offer a special edition offroad version, like the TRD trail teams, I'd be very tempted to trade. I hate that the FJ gets all the love for special editions.

The Highlander redesign is fantastic for the intended purpose... families with 2 or 3 kids that refuse to buy a Sienna. It is a minivan that doesn't look like a minivan. That is what that segment is clamoring for. My sister in law has a 9 year old and infant twins. She asked about putting them in a 3rd row 4Runner. I said she was insane and she should get a Sienna instead. Then she asked about the Highlander. This new Highlander could possibly work because she really doesn't want a van. I have to say, though, that the new Highlander has an impressive cargo area with the 3rd row down.

2014_toyota_highlander_crg_13-ny-as_32713_717.jpg

2014_Toyota_Highlander_035_49926_2524_low.jpg


Then again, I'm a weirdo. I'd totally drive a Sienna. Take out all of the seats except for one captain's chair in the 2nd row for Essie and I have the perfect bike hauling ride.
 
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My magic eight ball says a very minor facelift is most likely. Relatively cheap changes like taillights, headlights, and fascia. Probably mirrors, too. Changes to the stereo/nav system wouldn't be too surprising. I'd like to see them redesign the instrument cluster and loose the dated orange illumination.

If they decide to dive any deeper than that I'd expect changes to improve fuel economy. Some subtle aero improvements, like automatic shutters for the radiator, and a 6 (or more) speed automatic trans. They could also add an integrated start/stop motor if it packages in the bellhousing, but that's a lot of buck for not much bang. I'd say cylinder deactivation could also be within the realm of possibility. But, it's more likely they will save these features for the next re-design.

I think Japan is way too risk averse to spend much money on this platform with the uncertainty of long term fuel prices. Plus, they already own this segment and don't have any significant competition.
 
Stifler said:
I hear it is getting a stubby antenna and chrome delete option:gossip:
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Yeah, I was really surprised the 5th gen had a fixed mast antenna. My 3rd gen had a power one, and most vehicles now have in glass or at least a smaller one.

Had to add a stubby to my 5th...
 
I'll stick with my original opinion that 2014 will be a carryover model year with minor facelift changes if any at all.
 
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