Toyota has posted the 2019 on their website
- Thread starter williamson36
- Start date
thennen
New member
Not sure about the 4Runner being one of their most profitable vehicles. I think they sold 128k in 2017, and that was perhaps their biggest sales year ever for the T4R (maybe second biggest year). I believe they've sold less than a million in the past 11-12 years combined. It's one of their lowest sellers by numbers.
To be sure, every year they can avoid re-tooling for a whole new model, the current config gets a little more profitable per vehicle. Profit is a GOOD thing, and something everyone strives for.
I'm hoping to get a 2018/2019 Runner here in the next couple months, and what I CRAVE is the "out-datedness" of the 4Runner. Here, "outdated" = "Rock Solid". Not only that, Toyota has kept it true to its original roots (look at the Pathfinder for just one example of an emasculated vehicle). The current design is only WAY more off-road capable than my 1988 was, and that one was great.
Up-to-date 'SUVs' today have tons of bells and whistles, and much of it is good stuff. Several automakers make vehicles in the same price range as the 4Runner. With those, a good percentage of what you pay for is the latest niceties. Absolutely nothing wrong with that - choices are great and everyone is different. As for me, I'd rather they leave some of that stuff out or not update it, and instead give me a frame and drive train that has some guts.
As for paint colors and their costs, I can guarantee Toyota's marketing department crunches those numbers regularly, and they're better at it than I am. I'm guessing that at best a new color would be a wash rather than a sales boost. At worst it would be an added manufacturing expense with a negative ROI.
So rather than be grouchy that the T4R is 'outdated', I'm happy we even have it. What's option B?
To be sure, every year they can avoid re-tooling for a whole new model, the current config gets a little more profitable per vehicle. Profit is a GOOD thing, and something everyone strives for.
I'm hoping to get a 2018/2019 Runner here in the next couple months, and what I CRAVE is the "out-datedness" of the 4Runner. Here, "outdated" = "Rock Solid". Not only that, Toyota has kept it true to its original roots (look at the Pathfinder for just one example of an emasculated vehicle). The current design is only WAY more off-road capable than my 1988 was, and that one was great.
Up-to-date 'SUVs' today have tons of bells and whistles, and much of it is good stuff. Several automakers make vehicles in the same price range as the 4Runner. With those, a good percentage of what you pay for is the latest niceties. Absolutely nothing wrong with that - choices are great and everyone is different. As for me, I'd rather they leave some of that stuff out or not update it, and instead give me a frame and drive train that has some guts.
As for paint colors and their costs, I can guarantee Toyota's marketing department crunches those numbers regularly, and they're better at it than I am. I'm guessing that at best a new color would be a wash rather than a sales boost. At worst it would be an added manufacturing expense with a negative ROI.
So rather than be grouchy that the T4R is 'outdated', I'm happy we even have it. What's option B?
Devil_4runner
New member
I don't get why everyone is screaming for a redesign! In my opinion, this is a Jeep Wrangler like type vehicle.. Capable and perfect out the box, and can be upgraded to be a beast.. Why redesign??
What is the redesign going to do beside make it worse???
I wish the 4Runner Off-Road and TRD Pro never see a redesign! That way we can have a cult following too! Like Jeep Wrangler Rubicon owners.. ;-P
What is the redesign going to do beside make it worse???
I wish the 4Runner Off-Road and TRD Pro never see a redesign! That way we can have a cult following too! Like Jeep Wrangler Rubicon owners.. ;-P
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In no particular order, here's what could be improved without making the next 4runner worse: Engine, transmission, suspension, interior design, seats, headlights, Entune, fuel economy, modern safety tech, noise insulation, brakes.
But you're right, other than those things.
JKLNHYD
New member
Thanks! Wisconsin might be a bit far but I'd entertain it for the right deal. Keep me posted! PM me if you want to work something out.
Pathfinder!
New member
OH SHIT YOU ARE RIGHT. How was I so blind. I'm gonna go trade mine in for a Ford explorer right meow!
I'm just talking changing or adding paint colors. It's a simple change that isn't going to hose up Toyota's carefully cultivated process.
As you've said, this is basically Toyota's most mature vehicle. Swapping out a paint color isn't going to wreck their profits on it.
I'm talking about profit per vehicle, not total profit for the model.
Jernik
New member
I feel the need to point out all the whining, crying, and hand-wringing over the new engine/transmission and horrible seating position that came after the Taco was "updated". So be careful what you wish for is all I'm saying.
Have you considered the AWD Highlander? Newer engine, 8 spd auto, 27 mpg hwy, still 5K towing (although max payload is 200 lbs less), more passenger room, very close to the same exterior dimensions L, W, H, track, and wheelbase (but 200 lbs lighter). Same pricepoint (Limited vs Limited trim). On paper (using Toyotas " vs. Competition" tool), the Highlander looks like it is everything you're asking the 4R to be, so why would Toyota build 2 identical vehicles and just put a different nameplate on them? That is GM's specialty.
On edit: I never realized how similar the Highlander is in size/capability to the 4R. Obviously minus off road capability. It appears to be, basically, a unibody version of the 4R for people who don't play in mud and rocks.
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As a hard-top/soft-top JK owner who can’t hear himself think anymore... 4Runner interior is pure bliss regarding noise level
mynameistory
New member
That might be because I'm not impressing product mix on you enough. In your head, you might be picturing cars as a single piece on a conveyor belt going through a single paint booth. Just change the color of paint in the gun, right? But that's not how automated assembly lines work.
True, bodies-in-white travel through the paint booth(s) in that fashion. But what about trim pieces? Bumpers? Grill assemblies? Door handles? Sideview mirror caps? Spoiler? Those are integrated later as the car moves through the assembly line. They are delivered just in time to be installed (JIT manufacturing), not waiting in piles of inventory on the floor. Those allocations must be made carefully to match the order of cars coming down the line, and disaster waits when they are not. Let's all take a second to laugh at FCA's handling of product mix on the new JL Wrangler.
Could you imagine a red 4Runner arriving at the dealer with blue bumpers? No, because that would be ridiculous and the undoing of Toyota's fastidious image of building things correctly. Jeep gets a pass because, well, Jeep guys are willing to put up with a lot of bullshít to be seen as "Jeep guys" including watching their trackbars shearing off at the frame.
I'll bet that the one-off colors for the 4Runner Pro had to be hard fought with the bean-counters over in Tahara. I am guessing that there is more flexibility in San Antonio because there is less automation, and more people on site to accommodate line errors.
eyerolleddapiece
New member
I’m super impressed by some of the manufacturing knowledge in here.
Pathfinder!
New member
The contrast of sheer ignorance from some posters and the incredible indepth knowledge of others on this site is quite something. But I guess that sums up the internet in general.
jrandom
New member
Well you have to do something with the 400 left over barrels of pigment don't you? :madgrin:
Bought my mom a Highlander and that is what it exactly is, a 4runner but not an "off-road" 4runner. But they are very similar in a lot of areas. I really think some people would be better off with the Highlander as it still can do some very light off-roading, yet has a lot more on-road things/manners, and that is what seems a few people are really wanting.
jrandom
New member
With 8in. of advertised clearance it would do 99% of the off-roading most people buy a 4runner for. Hell it would do 98% of the four wheeling they have been doing in the latest episodes of XO
Forest service/logging/easements would handle it fine. AND you can get it in hybrid. My Dad picked up a 2017, the thing is pretty plush.
I don't think anyone was not expecting that. It has been the trend for Tacoma's and Tundra's that the Pro colors ended up on next year models.
thennen
New member
I don’t know what the per-unit profit is. I’ve only found production numbers, and those aren’t huge. I would imagine a company takes a somewhat broad look at a product line when deciding where and how to invest, including paint changes.
The majority of 4Runner buyers want a 4Runner specifically, from what I’ve seen. Not many 4Runners are sold to people who simply stumble across it in their search for a suitable vehicle. Toyota knows that. As a result, they price them according to that specific demand. Just business, in my view.
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