Size of next gen T4R

[JungleJim]

I was curious about people's thoughts on how much larger the next generation 4Runner might be.

If it got too big, might it have an effect on it's off-road abilities?

And the big trend currently is for third row seats that fold into the floor. But I would think that might require IRS?

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I think the next gen Runner will be moving further from it's off road heritage

 

[Thai]

Mark my words...it will have body-on-frame and solid rear axle. I doubt that it will get THAT much bigger because the 4runner is already roomy for it's class (midsize SUV). It will be no bigger than it's sister, the Highlander. And because it will have a solid axle, it will have similar 3rd row seating arrangement as now. Just remember, the upcoming Lexus LX570 has solid rear axle and similar 3rd row seating.

Well, i am hoping that i am right....

 

[Camprunner]

After much thought on the matter I think the next gen 4runner should look just like the original 1966 Batmobile with a lift and a full frame ............ "O" and you can have any color you want as long as it's "BLACK"

 

[Falls]

"its sister the Highlander" ????

Every new design they are coming out with is bigger than the prev. Rav , Highlander , Tundra , Tacoma ..... I would think it would be bigger if Toyota follows the same trend. They would not restyle and leave it the same size.

Ron , you may be right about being not off road friendly , but I sure hope your totally off on your guess......lol

If it follows the rounded egg look the the Rav , Highlander , that will suck !!!!

 

[Thai]

Every new design they are coming out with is bigger than the prev. Rav , Highlander , Tundra , Tacoma ..... I would think it would be bigger if Toyota follows the same trend. They would not restyle and leave it the same size.

You may be right...i am sure the packaging will be more efficient (aka more space efficient) and that the size maybe a tad bigger, but i do NOT think that it will jump from 4runner size to current Sequoia size.

 

[rook]

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Originally posted by Falls
Every new design they are coming out with is bigger than the prev. Rav , Highlander , Tundra , Tacoma ..... I would think it would be bigger if Toyota follows the same trend. They would not restyle and leave it the same size.

You may be right...i am sure the packaging will be more efficient (aka more space efficient) and that the size maybe a tad bigger, but i do NOT think that it will jump from 4runner size to current Sequoia size.

Regarding size, the Tundra has slowly evolved into the full size monster is now is after being 7/8 scale for so long. I dont see this truck as a trend towards bigger as much as finally being on par with the other players in the field. It is finally a no excuses full size.
The Highlander is in the competitive crossover suv field and is facing competition from no less than 15 other models. Including less expensive Korean units. It needed to grow to remain competitive with the Pilot et al.
The Rav was in the same boat, only in the sub 30k bracket, enlarging it was a very good decision, blendng efficient packing with fuel economy.
With the 4runner, what will customers cross shop? Of the major players, only the Exploder and Commander are significantly larger. I'm not sure how much longer the aerodynamic brick Commander will be around. Nissan just added a dose of vitamin H to the Pathfinder with the 5.6 mainly to make the truck more interesting. Their 4.0 was already on par with many V8 engines.
If the 4runner gets bigger, it will really be felt at the scales, not to mention making it even more difficult to offroad. Increasing the size of a full frame vehicle also has a significant impact on weight. The 4runner must remain true to its roots: off road capability with on road civility. There is no reason to buy one otherwise. A few tweaks on the packaging, maybe a higher roofline for more headroom and cargo room and a little more room for 3-across seating in the rear would only enhance its appeal. For the most part, its competitors are not forcing Toyota's hand to make it bigger.


edit: just found an Nov '02 C&D article when Toyota introduced the gen 4..
"Toyota's professed ambitions for the 4Runner were to improve roadgoing stability and comfort without compromising the off-road potential that many consumers treasure, while upgrading the power, space, and safety of the vehicle. In its attempt to do so, the company has added about 350 pounds to the 4Runner. That may be regrettable, but the new 4Runners are nonetheless better in every way than their predecessors. What's 350 pounds between friends, anyway?"

Lets hope they hold true to their professed ambition again.

 

[Uneek]

I'm not sure about the 4Runner growing again, but for Japanese automakers it's a trend that the small car that was introduced continues to get bigger with each successive generation. Then a new model is introduced to fill the void that the smaller vehicle has left. The current Civic is as big as the original Accord and now the Fit is introduced. Ditto for the Corolla with the Yaris filling the small car niche, Altima and the Versa, respectively.

As far as the Tundra is concerned I don't think that truck will grow anymore. It's within an inch of requiring side markers and running cab lights almost pushing it into commercial truck territory.

 

[Thai]

BTW, the Commander will end production in 2009 due to poor sales.

 

[Thai]

One more thing to remember...the 4runner is a global platform. The Sequoia is not...and i don't think the Tundra is either.

On the other hand, Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX570 share a global platform...and thus, they have body-on-frame design and solid rear axle, which are required equipments for people in more hostile environments. And this platform is made with most of it's competitors going the minivan route (Mercedes GL550, Porsche Cayenne, VW Touareg, etc.). You can see where Toyota is required to keep certain traditions (BOF, solid rear axle) because of it's global production.

And because 4runner is a global platform (shared with Prado overseas), it cannot grow in size nor be a sissy-mobile. It must still be tough enough to endure the various environments and conditions. Thus, i am sure that it will still have off-road capability along with body-on-frame & solid rear axle design. If 4runner/GX went the sissy route, then what platform is Toyota going to use for their next gen Prado or even FJ Cruiser??

Although Toyota is rich, i do not think that they will dedicate a new platform just for the 4runner and another one for the FJ/Prado...remember, they already have TWO platforms currently for the midsize SUV category (Highlander/RX and 4runner/GX). And thus far, the 4runner and GX have been doing very well in sales...so, no reason to change the course.

On a worldwide scale, Toyota cannot afford to drift too far away from it's current heritage. As it stands now, FJ, GX, 4runner, Prado all share the same platform. So, it's definitely doable to modify the future 4runner platform to accomodate the next gen FJ Cruiser.

My guess: the next gen 4runner will be better (in most ways) than the 4th gen, as was 4th gen better than 3rd gen, etc.. Just look at the new LX570...it is better off-road (and on-road i am sure) than the LX470.

 

[Indy4Runner]

On a worldwide scale, Toyota cannot afford to drift too far away from it's current heritage. As it stands now, FJ, GX, 4runner, Prado all share the same platform. So, it's definitely doable to modify the future 4runner platform to accomodate the next gen FJ Cruiser.

I agree, I have seen 4Runners (or Prados) performing demanding tasks that only a truck can do in Africa, Australia and Iraq. Toyota cannot afford to give up the capabilities of this truck. In Iraq, it is the only medium SUV that I've seen them put armor on. Not even the Nissan Patrols (another tough truck) get armored up here. All the others armored SUVs are either Land Cruisers (what a freakin' awesome vehicle), Suburbans or Excursions.

For the record, any of the civilian contractors that work on these trucks over here will tell you that the Toyotas are bullet proof. Another reason that led me to buy a 4Runner.