Fortuner: 4Runner Replacement outside US/Japan

[Offroader]

I just found out from my Toyota representative that my country (Dominican Republic) will no longer import the Toyota 4Runner.

Instead, following Toyota's IMV (Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle) Project, the Fortuner will begin replacing the 4Runner starting next year.

The Fortuner shares engine, chassis, dashboard, grille, lights and many other parts with the Hilux, but has a modern body design that reminds the Lexus RX330.

For Latin America, the Fortuners will be assembled in Argentina, supplied with Diesel engines manufactured in Thailand and Gasoline engines from Indonesia.

The platform will be shared by three versions of the Hilux (single cab, extra cab and double cab), a minivan and SUV (Fortuner).

It has the same modern look as the VW Touareg, doesn't it?

 

[Offroader]

Now I understand why Toyota stopped offering the Diesel engine for the HiluxSurf(4Runner) in Japan: to use the same version for US and Japan.

 

[Offroader]

Another interesting detail:

Even though the Fortuner is 0.79inch shorter, 1.38inches narrower and 0.59inch lower than the Prado (Stripped down Lexus GX470), it's 165 pounds heavier. This clearly shows it's not a newtered city driver, but a beautified 4Runner.

 

[UoD]

Wow --- I REALLY like the look of that thing. Maybe not as much as the 4Runner .... but definitely a nice looking vehicle.

 

[Sac State]

Very attractive vehicle. I would buy it with a diesel.

 

[CGY_LTD_V8]

i think that looks pretty nice, definitely a far cry from the 4runner though. the back looks like the old RX300 kind of.

 

[Kmvreter]

Since it is based on the Hilux (pickup) platform I assume it has a frame chassis rather than a unibody. Can you confirm this?

 

[Koz]

Nice looking truck!

Koz

 

[Offroader]

Since it is based on the Hilux (pickup) platform I assume it has a frame chassis rather than a unibody. Can you confirm this?

Correct. Body on frame. Same transmission, same tough bare bones 4WD system as Hilux (no electronic traction control, hill descent, etc.).

 

[JungleJim]

I'll bet the new Highlander might look a lot like this next year. I don't think Toyota would ever make the 4Runner look as car-like as this picture.

 

[Offroader]

I'll bet the new Highlander might look a lot like this next year. I don't think Toyota would ever make the 4Runner look as car-like as this picture.

You're definitely right! Toyota should be ashamed to have such an outdated design as the Highlander.

 

[pokerface]

the soft and rounded proportions make it look smaller than the T4R though.

They sell these in the Philippines. I'll be travelling in a few weeks and I'll let you know how they look IRL.

 

[Solice]

Yeah, it definately looks like a cross between an RX300 and a 4Runner. The pictures do make it look sort of smaller. The front end looks a bit shorter then the 4Runner and it definately has a more "car-ish" appearance. I like it, but I still prefer the more rugged look of the 4Runner.

 

[BenSD]

looks like a soccer mom mall cruiser...... not a truck. I sure hope it doesn't replace the 4runner here. The 4runner should be on par with the Tacoma in terms of offroad capibility and styling. That vehicle looks like a cross between a highlander and a Lexus. While going to work today, I saw an older Mercedes SUV (horrible styling) that looked just the same in the rear.

 

[Offroader]

looks like a soccer mom mall cruiser...... not a truck. I sure hope it doesn't replace the 4runner here. The 4runner should be on par with the Tacoma in terms of offroad capibility and styling. That vehicle looks like a cross between a highlander and a Lexus. While going to work today, I saw an older Mercedes SUV (horrible styling) that looked just the same in the rear.

Well, first of all, even though it looks modern, it's as tough, or even a little tougher than the 4Runner, in the sense that it uses less electronics. For example, it uses an old-fashioned manual lever for 4WD instead of an electronic switch, and it's designed for third world country's offroad, where a mechanic is not readily available and your car needs to be more reliable.

That's why you see so many Toyota Land Cruisers in African Safaris and the Australian Outback.

And second, it won't replace the 4Runner in the US, the same way that the Hilux hasn't replaced the Tacoma in the U.S.
It's OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES/JAPAN:

It looks so lifted from the ground that it reveals its off-road nature:

The Fortuner is being called by many a "Baby Prado", and the Prado certainly ain't no soccer mom mobile:

 

[Offroader]

Link to Prado Movie

Here's a LINK to a Prado Movie.

Enjoy! :

 

[Koz]

I'll bet the new Highlander might look a lot like this next year. I don't think Toyota would ever make the 4Runner look as car-like as this picture.

This will be the new redesigned Highlander for 07.

 

[JungleJim]

This will be the new redesigned Highlander for 07.

That's a picture of the FT-SX concept vehicle Toyota had at some shows this past year. Edmunds predicts, "The Highlander will become even more humanized in its next version, borrowing plenty of cues from the FT-SX concept vehicle."

Only time will tell how much the new Highlander will be like the FT-SX concept vehicle. I personally think that they should lean more toward the Fortuner in styling the next Highlander.

(I do like the Fortuner styling, especially the dash.)

 

[BenSD]

You're definitely right! Toyota should be ashamed to have such an outdated design as the Highlander.

I don't think there's anything wrong with the highlander's styling. It looks more current than the 4runner styling in 03 through 05 --- especially the headlights. For what it is, it's a pretty sharp looking vehicle. A friend of mine from work has one, and I relaly like the headlights.

 

[toybox]

You're definitely right! Toyota should be ashamed to have such an outdated design as the Highlander.

What exactly is outdated about the design of the Highlander.


Outdated to me is something like the Jeep Cherokee (when it was still around) or some other models that makers let stand on the market for too long without substantial changes. The Highlander is in its' first generation and will get revised on schedule, so I don't see how you can call it outdated. Some may not like it but that is different than outdated.