Future of the 4Runner

[CJ3Flyr]

I'd love a stretched, 4 real door FJC. Make sure it has high-tech 4wd like the 4Runner. Have some type of removable top similar to the 1st gen 4Runner. Offer a V8 version and keep the V6/V8 tow ratings similar to what they are... I love the retro, tough look of the FJ.

I'd by one tomorrow! :bigok:

GM has made some very interesting strides with hybrid tech lately too. I'd consider a truck-tough hybrid. (I know Toyota knows hybrid but GM's setup is all about towing etc...):cheers:

 

[charlier180]

I was actually over on toyota120.com last night where i read that the 4runners sales still top 100,000 vehicles a year and outsells the FJ 2 to 1. i dont have any other information other than what someone posted up there, so dont take these numbers at face value.

Yearly 4Runner sales for the last few years:

2004 = 114,212
2005 = 103,830 (-8.8%)
2006 = 103,086 (-0.4%)
2007 = 87,718 (-15.2%)

In case anyone is interested in FJ Cruiser Sales:

2006 = 56,225
2007 = 55,170 (-2.2%)

The following figures were taken from Toyota's own press releases at:

http://pressroom.toyota.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2006010484765

http://pressroom.toyota.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2007010356633

http://pressroom.toyota.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2008010326480

Personally, I agree with others here that the 4Runner is not going to disappear anytime soon or be downsized to a cross-over.
Toyota needs the name, size and price point of the 4Runner.
If Toyota would change the 4Runner drastically and it no longer fit my needs they I would say goodbye.

If Toyota wants to keep the 4Runner as a viable product long term they will have to explore both Hybrid and Diesel technology
for the next generation model. Toyota has the financial and engineering means to do so.
The ultimate question is can it be done at a selling price the market will bare.

If anyone doubts that (including Toyota Management) just look at the sales figures posted above.

 

[JungleJim]

I agree that more tow and wheel. The new Highlanders only have a tow capacity of 2000 or 3500lbs or something like that. So that could be a selling point, too. However, that's really the only advantage I can see. I guess we'll see how well the 4Runner does in 08 now that it has the new, bigger Highlander out in the market.

I believe the new Highlander can tow 5000 lbs with the tow package.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Yearly 4Runner sales for the last few years:

2004 = 114,212
2005 = 103,830 (-8.8%)
2006 = 103,086 (-0.4%)
2007 = 87,718 (-15.2%)

In case anyone is interested in FJ Cruiser Sales:

2006 = 56,225
2007 = 55,170 (-2.2%)

I wonder how the platform sales are doing worldwide. In the case of the 4Runner it's "not all about us" I suspect. I am not sure the Highlander would sell in other parts of the world. Truth is, except for the enthusiast crowd the Highlander might be better. The rigors of the Outback or the jungles of Costa Rica would tear up a Highlander in a week.

 

[JungleJim]

Who is gonna fight the Nissan Pathfinders and Ford Exploders of the world??

It sounds like the next Explorer will compete more with the Highlander. It will be a unibody design. Ford says it will have a towing capacity of 3500 lbs (according to AutoWeek).

I think that the midsize full-frame SUV vehicle days are numbered.
If Toyota keeps the 4Runner, it might end up with a monopoly on the segment of the market.

Are the sales numbers being listed for the North American or World market?
Since the 4Runner is sold around the world (under different names), it will probably be around for a while.
But I could also see Toyota combining the FJ and 4Runner in some way, since they both carry on a positive history for Toyota.

 

[p nut]

It sounds like the next Explorer will compete more with the Highlander. It will be a unibody design. Ford says it will have a towing capacity of 3500 lbs (according to AutoWeek).

I think that the midsize full-frame SUV vehicle days are numbered.
If Toyota keeps the 4Runner, it might end up with a monopoly on the segment of the market.

Are the sales numbers being listed for the North American or World market?
Since the 4Runner is sold around the world (under different names), it will probably be around for a while.
But I could also see Toyota combining the FJ and 4Runner in some way, since they both carry on a positive history for Toyota.

I believe that the full-frame SUV's will still be around for a long time, but the popularity and sales figures will decline.

I believe those sales are just for the US market.

I could see Toyota lengthening the FJC to a 4 door, thus taking the place of the 4Runner. That would be interesting...

EDIT: Oh, you're right, the towing capacity with the towing package on the Highlander is 5000 lbs.

 

[Falls]

I don't feel right now the 4R has a competitor . Its NOT the Pathfinder and Explorer since neither is built like the 4R and has more of a family suv/crossover type thing going on in a larger size , IRS and basically an on road 4wd. The new Pathfinder is just like buying an Explorer for off road.

The 4R has roots being off roader and very capable tough truck with an suv body , not to mention the name identity. There is not much in that market to pick from and compete. They still market the commercials here as being rugged and off road capable. I think the Xterra is a competitor to the 4R ( it has 4 doors ) HUGE drawback to the FJ over the Xrerra is more of road capable that the Xterra (all subject ) The FJ is small inside which is also a drawback as well as the back seat and suicide doors and the lack of vision , some slight creature comforts.

I personally would like to see the 4R follow the Tacoma as it has in the past for design( except for the 4th gen.) It has a nice wide , high stance. Non of us know any direction that they are going with this new. gen. They may very well make it more off road worthy like an FJ , but maybe will be the 4dr alternative to the FJ with more refinement.

No matter what type of truck / suv / Jeep Wrangler / Rubicon / Hummers that are purchased new never see off road use. Its not limited to the 4R's any more than anything else. With all the vehicles mentioned above I see driving here most of them all have mall duty or driven by "adventure" seeking wanna be's , the like to play the part and would never hit the trails . (Kinda like the Harley craze a few years ago , everyone becomes a biker.)

 

[charlier180]

I think that the midsize full-frame SUV vehicle days are numbered. If Toyota keeps the 4Runner, it might end up with a monopoly on the segment of the market.

Are the sales numbers being listed for the North American or World market?
Since the 4Runner is sold around the world (under different names), it will probably be around for a while.
But I could also see Toyota combining the FJ and 4Runner in some way, since they both carry on a positive history for Toyota.

The sales figures I posted were for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA.
Toyota does sell the 4Runner in other countries but I have no idea about those figures.
From what I have read Toyota also sells diesel versions of the 4Runner outside the USA.

One way to combat the decline of midsize, SUVs would be to make them more fuel efficient.
That would help with the new CAFE Standards and may contribute to more sales.
Other automakers have or will introduce diesel engine options (Jeep, VW, Mercedes, etc) for their mid-sized SUVs.
The big unknown about diesel powered vehicles still seems to be how widely accepted they will be by the vehicle buying public.
Only time and higher fuel prices will tell for sure.

 

[dingo]

But I could also see Toyota combining the FJ and 4Runner in some way, since they both carry on a positive history for Toyota.

I just hope it's not that drastic as they did for SEMA

 

[2003-4x4runner]

All SUV sales ared down!

4 Runner

 

[Even Steven]

I don't feel right now the 4R has a competitor . Its NOT the Pathfinder and Explorer since neither is built like the 4R and has more of a family suv/crossover type thing going on in a larger size , IRS and basically an on road 4wd. The new Pathfinder is just like buying an Explorer for off road.

Yeah, but hardly anyone buys a 4Runner for off road either. That's why the current Explorer and Pathfinder are absolutely competitors for the 4Runner. Those vehicles are definitely cross-shopped with the 4Runner. Also, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander are also very strong competitors with the 4Runner. They are very similar in size and have good 4wd systems. The Xterra is another vehicle that I consider a competitor to the 4Runner, although it is a bit of a downgrade.

 

[Hirox]

There's a rumor in JPN.
We will not have next generation of Hilix Surf(4Runner) in JPN.
but US market it will be continue to sell with 4Runner name.

If it comes true, I wonder that what vehicle will be called 4Runner...FJC?
(theres no FJC sold in JPN)
What I miss most is back door window opening.

 

[p nut]

There's a rumor in JPN.
We will not have next generation of Hilix Surf(4Runner) in JPN.
but US market it will be continue to sell with 4Runner name.

If it comes true, I wonder that what vehicle will be called 4Runner...FJC?
(theres no FJC sold in JPN)
What I miss most is back door window opening.

Interesting. Did they say WHY the Hilux Surf was being discontinued?

 

[boston_kevin]

For SUV's, I noticed that Toyota is moving against the grain... Their newest SUV's (Land Cruiser and Sequoia) have some of the worst gas mileage in their class (13 mpg city for the 5.7L). Compare this against the 5.3L suburban or the 6.0L suburban and the numbers are comparable (but you are comparing an 8 year old platform to a brand new one). Compare the new Tahoe hybrid with the same HP/Torque and 20 mpg city is a big jump.

Toyota needs to move forward with higher efficiency and less emissions to win back some of their bigger SUV customers. With gas over $100 per barrel and the ecologists putting up more of a fight against these bigger vehicles, I hope Toyota has something else in mind...

 

[Falls]

Interesting. Did they say WHY the Hilux Surf was being discontinued?

Maybe because the 5th gen will be made in the U.S. ? Just a guess . Being the fact that is will be made here kinda scares me.

 

[Hirox]

Interesting. Did they say WHY the Hilux Surf was being discontinued?

This is not official at all but I heard was pretty bad sales of 4th gen Hilux Surf (T4R) in JPN.
Also rumor came from following reasons... I picked few.

---Highlander---
Already Sales of Highlander (called KLUGER and KRUGER Hybrid) is Finished for JPN market from April 2007 but still making Hilander for US in JPN.

---RAV4---
Sales of 3gen RAV4 (long body) is finished from June 2007.
V6 3.5L engine was only for US.

---VANGUARD (Highlander x Rav4 long)---
Mixed with these 2 model. New SUV called VANGUARD but This sales is worst.

---LEXAS GX470---
It called TOYOTA Landcruiser Prado. (not Lexus)
A lot better sales than 4th gen T4R. Price range is not very diffrent from T4R too. Many auto website announce TOYOTA going to focus for only Prado in this price range in JPN.

---NISSAN Pathfinder---
2nd gen Pathfinder (called TERRANO) is no longer sold in JPN from August 2002. There are no 3gen TERRANO(Pathfinder) in JPN but US.

This Lexus GX470 and Pathfinder thing makes all Hilux fun worried.
I strongly WISH this is only rumor. I want them to make an 5th gen T4R in JPN!

 

[Falls]

Yeah, but hardly anyone buys a 4Runner for off road either. That's why the current Explorer and Pathfinder are absolutely competitors for the 4Runner. Those vehicles are definitely cross-shopped with the 4Runner. Also, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander are also very strong competitors with the 4Runner. They are very similar in size and have good 4wd systems. The Xterra is another vehicle that I consider a competitor to the 4Runner, although it is a bit of a downgrade.

I agree I guess I was looking more at the capabilities and strength end of things because the one I have drive just don't hold a candle in how strong a frame and hoe solid the 4R is compared to them.

Even like I stated with the Hummers , H2 for example , I've never seen one around that has not been a blinged out with huge rims ect...

I must admit even though I like going off road as often as I can find a trail , its still hits the grocery store for food , takes me daily travel , so I guess many , many of us would fall into the 99% too if you calculated miles traveled on road vs off road.

 

[p nut]

I must admit even though I like going off road as often as I can find a trail , its still hits the grocery store for food , takes me daily travel , so I guess many , many of us would fall into the 99% too if you calculated miles traveled on road vs off road.

That's what I'm getting at. For an average Joe with a family, Highlander's ride, interior space, power and better MPG's start to look really good. 4Runners are left standing there holding its.....exhaust pipe.

I really do hope that the 4Runners stays in the line-up. But if they did, I believe that they need to go through a big change (READ: going back to their roots of better OR capabilites, or a diesel/hybrid option).

 

[slyfox75]

In JPN they also have the Prado(our Lexus LX470). In Japan you can get the Prado with spare tire on rear door, and also a 2 door model! Not as luxurious as our US Lexus either.
As mentioned earlier in other posts, there are MANY configurations of the 4R that ship all over the planet. LH drive, RH drive, Gas, Diesel,......the US is only 1 of their markets. They make them for everyone else.....might as well keep US happy.
I hear model change this summer for 4Run and 6-8 months later for Prado/Lexus. Both are designed by different Toyota divisions, but both built at Tahara.

 

[V8Limited4wd]

The Prelude was actually right at the Integra's price range. I remember there were a ton of threads on "Should I buy a Prelude or an Integra GSR/Type R?", because they really shared almost the same target market. This is exactly why Honda decided to drop the RSX line recently. The RSX sales declined dramatically after the Si was introduced, which offered BETTER performance at a much less price.

I believe this is what will happen with the 4Runner. I'm not saying the next year or the following. But like RonMAIDEN said, unless it can distinguish itself from the Highlander and FJ, thus increasing sales and targeting a different market, I can't see a reason why Toyota would keep it in its line up.

its too bad they discontinued the prelude... i really liked the last generation. It seems honda used that model to test their new technologies, ie 4 wheel steering, SH, etc. i'm thinking that since the prelude and the accord coupe were too similar they stopped making the prelude.