upcoming redesign

[Falls]

I predict the 5th gen. will have lockers front and rear . it will come with 35 tires from factory , ARB bumpers front & rear with winch.

V6 4.0 , 4.7L , and turbo diesel as options .

Manual or auto locking hubs as option as well as floor mounted 4wd shift lever.


ok , just dreaming .



No one knows what the heck it will be , its all speculation . It maybe be even a better off roader , you never know . IMO the 4R fills the 4dr FJ void although not quite as capable off road ( which some beg to differ), that can easily and relatively cheaply be rectified.

The end of 2009 is not that far off . I'm sure they have the design already , and everything else started and planning for tooling already and probably out testing them . They are just not letting the cat out of the bag yet.

 

[04 sc V8]

Hey Falls, you forgot the straight front axle and optional 6 speed manual transmission! Oh wait............I must be dreaming too! LOL . It would really be nice to see some of the features (locking hubs, manual transmission, lever actuated transfer case, etc) that made the early 4Runners so bad a$$. Become availible options again. Don't get me wrong, the 5.7l is definitely a bad a$$ powerplant, I would just love to have some of the simple, rugged, old school 4x4 options back!(I'm sure it will never happen)

 

[JB.]

4th gens have been an amazing value.

The 2008 Land Cruiser only now has a Torsen-c center differential that is prominently featured in the brochure. Our 4th gens have had it since 2003. Amazing to think that in those 5 years, 4runner had a more advanced transfer case than Land Cruiser or its Lexus counterpart.

Though the time gap in new generation introduction for the 5th gen will be much less than the 6 years between LC 100 and 4th gen 4runner, it will be interesting to see if any significant tech goes into the new 4runner that leapfrogs LC and produces another outstanding value.

 

[jtateny]

It is indeed sad and distressing that the price of gas will likely rise to $4 or more per gallon this Spring. That being said, the 5.7 with the 6 speed tranny does get better gas mileage than the current 4.7 with the 5 speed tranny. Also, many folks will continue to opt for the V8 option(s) due to trailering, smoothness, or just because they can. Face it folks, the 5.7/6speed option in the T4R would be a winner and well accepted, whether it supplements the 4.7 or replaces it.....

 

[alaskaman]

well for re-design I cant see them changing much. the current model is wildly popular. in terms of gas mileage, the safety of the vehicle was my first criteria and with the side curtain and side seat airbags as standard it made sense. what's 5 more mpg if an impact trashes you? Toyota has a winner. I don't see them moving much IMHO.

 

[Thai]

well for re-design I cant see them changing much. the current model is wildly popular. in terms of gas mileage, the safety of the vehicle was my first criteria and with the side curtain and side seat airbags as standard it made sense. what's 5 more mpg if an impact trashes you? Toyota has a winner. I don't see them moving much IMHO.

You're probably right...with the current crops of SUVs from Toyota/Lexus, it sure doesn't seem like Toyota cares too much about the rising gas prices. Toyota cars are just getting bigger and bigger, heavier and heavier, and with bigger and bigger engines. Granted, the overall fuel economy has not changed much from generation to generation, but Toyota cars are not getting any more fuel efficient.

Unfortunately, i think that once gas prices hit $4 and up, more and more people will stay away from the gas guzzlers.

 

[alaskaman]

I know that with the increase in gas my driving habits have changed. I used to roll to San Fran every other week just for fun and that trip is way down.....just my opinion but I would rather be a safe vehicle and spend the extra on the fuel. I see to many traumas to believe that I would be ok if hit hard.

 

[jtateny]

Granted, the overall fuel economy has not changed much from generation to generation, but Toyota cars are not getting any more fuel efficient.

Unfortunately, i think that once gas prices hit $4 and up, more and more people will stay away from the gas guzzlers.

Hey Thai,

Aren't you the one who took pains to point out how well Toyota had engineered the new 5.7L with 6 speed tranny that got more power, more torque and MORE fuel efficiency than the 4.7L??? How about the crazy Prius that was the only car recently to go from NYC to get Maine lobster (in Maine) and return on a single tank? How about your beloved Corolla which now comes with more power and great fuel economy? How does that dovetail with your statement that Toyota cars are not getting any more fuel efficient? Not to mention that every manufacturer is now subject to the new gov regs as to how EPA calculates "real world" fuel economy so virtually all numbers have dropped.... Don't you think that your global statement is being just a little unfair?

 

[Thai]

Hey Thai,

Aren't you the one who took pains to point out how well Toyota had engineered the new 5.7L with 6 speed tranny that got more power, more torque and MORE fuel efficiency than the 4.7L??? How about the crazy Prius that was the only car recently to go from NYC to get Maine lobster (in Maine) and return on a single tank? How about your beloved Corolla which now comes with more power and great fuel economy? How does that dovetail with your statement that Toyota cars are not getting any more fuel efficient? Not to mention that every manufacturer is now subject to the new gov regs as to how EPA calculates "real world" fuel economy so virtually all numbers have dropped.... Don't you think that your global statement is being just a little unfair?

You need to read my post again. I know that the new 5.7L/6-speed powertrain gets about the same fuel economy (real world numbers from LX570 owners) as the previous 4.7L/5-speed powertrain. However, despite the rising gas prices, Toyota overall fuel economy among it's cars have NOT improved much. For example, with the Land Cruiser, you get more power with the same fuel economy as before...but it is still pretty low on premium gas. (BTW, it's the same case with my G500...thus, i don't drive it much nowadays.)

The Prius is the exception...as we all know. However, you pay a premium to buy these hybrids...so, the money saved from buying a hybrid is not all that great (if at all). For example, an average Prius runs about $25,000. BTW, many Toyota dealers are charging a PREMIUM over MSRP for hybrids. My Corolla cost about $18,000 out the door (everything included). To make money from buying a Prius over a Corolla ($7000), i would have to drive the Prius at least 80-100,000 miles (if not more)!! And what happens at 100,000 miles for a Prius?? Yes, your powertrain/battery warranty runs out...and within a few more miles, you will need to replace the battery, which is a small fortune! So, in the end, it's not even worth it to get a Prius over a Corolla. And if you want to compare it to a Camry or Accord or Malibu, then you still need to drive quite many miles to realize the financial savings from driving a Prius. Same goes for other Toyota hybrids.

In other words, you buy a Toyota hybrid to be "green" and to save the environment. You should not look at it as a wise financial investment.

The new 2009 Corolla gets the SAME mileage as my Corolla because the new engine is more or less the same and it still uses the same transmission (4-speed for 1.8L). In fact, it would not surprise me that the new Corolla is slightly less fuel efficient because the new one is heavier than my Corolla.

BTW, i am fully aware of the new EPA ratings on fuel economy...i was one of the first to post about that on this forum.:

 

[mikeync]

Any new speculations

Any new educated speculations on a release date for the 2009 4Runner? I just haven't found any vehicle out there that is as capable for my needs except for the Touareg and cost of ownership is kind of prohibitive there....

And yeah - don't like the passenger seats in the current 4runner - especially with inability to raise the front passenger seat, which is why I want the 09....

 

[Uneek]

Re: Any new speculations

And yeah - don't like the passenger seats in the current 4runner - especially with inability to raise the front passenger seat, which is why I want the 09....

No guarantee the next gen would get it. Toyota at times has gone backwards with their vehicles. Third gen 4Runners have auto up/down on BOTH front windows in the later years. Fourth gen, only on the driver's side.

My cousin's '04 XLE Camry has 8-way adjustable power passenger front seats. The Lexus RX330 doesn't even have that, and it's a friggin' Lexus.

 

[mikeync]

True

True - no guarantees, but I can't imagine that new cars with premium options etc gets up and down on the front passenger seat. The Highlander offers it in the limited option only. We went and testdrove the GX470 and the sales lady didn't know that the front passenger seat couldn't be raised... she was very surprised and said she wouldn't even buy it Of course she was then trying to sell the RX350 instead...

If I knew the 4runner was coming out before Oct / Nov I would wait and see - if not pick up another vehicle...

 

[jtateny]

Re: True

All cars, Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Mercedes, BMW, etc. have some odd option or other missing from their lineup or available only at an extra charge (even on their top of the line models and in addition to already premium prices). I still chuckle over the fact that my $44,000 top of the line T4R with almost every option known to man does not have dry cleaning hooks. What....real men don't pick up dry cleaning from time to time? Given that reality I hope I'm not hearing that anyone would make a choice on a vehicle because of the lack of something as relatively inconsequential as the lack of up/down adjustment in a passenger power seat or the lack of a passenger window auto up/down feature. IMHO that would be throwing out the baby with the bath water and just plain crazy! Despite the fact that Toyota may remove, or neglect, some options when they release newer models does not mean that the newer models have significant improvements which should be appreciated. If anyone knows of a car out there that is "perfect" for everyone, just let us know...

 

[mikeync]

Well

Well if you did lots of trips over 6 hours long and spent those with your knees at chest height then maybe you would understand why someone wouldn't buy a car that causes discomfort. In regards to not buying it due to an auto up and down for a freaking window - I completely agree with you....

If you compare the height over floor on the 4runner to other vehicles you would see my point. I didn't notice it at first since the drivers seat is fine...

 

[jtateny]

Re: Well

Hey Mikey,

I don't know how tall you are but I have to believe that Toyota failed to design the seat height for an average person. Are you telling us you get no relief from putting the seat back a few notches and permitting your legs to stretch out? If you can't achieve a comfortable position, no matter what you do, then your only option might be to get spacers installed under the guide rails for the seat. I have seen this done in the past and the cost is not all that unreasonable. You might even be able to do it yourself. Please know I wasn't trying to disparage you in any way.

 

[mikeync]

Interesting

Hadn't thought about that option. Definitely cheaper than buying a $10K more expensive car. Will look into it - thanks! Besides that the point I was trying to make is that being comfortable in the car isn't like throwing out the baby with the water - small stuff like if is automatic or manual (for windows etc) might work in that analogy.

I was probably exaggerating when I said chest height, but the fact was that neither me nor my wife was comfortable in front passenger seat. Maybe we have gotten spoiled or something else, but it took no more than five minutes before the we were both bothered. And yes this was with the seat all the way back.

Anyways - will look into raising the seat. Back to the original thread - anyone know when the 09 is coming out

 

[jtateny]

Re: Interesting

I seem to remember that Thai had mentioned that the next gen T4R would be the 2010 to be released in Fall 2009. I really am not sure after all the back and forth regarding the 5.7L as being part of the next gen. If the next gen is due for release this Fall I can't believe there are no spy photos on the web. No matter how well they do the security it is always breached. For example, there are numerous photos now online of the next gen Honda Pilot although Honda tried to keep this under very close wrap.

 

[mikeync]

Actually

Actually there are pics link below. The thoughts I have read on this board is that the 2009 4runner will be made in the US with a fall release date, but that was awhile ago.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/toyota-4runner-lexus-gx-future.html


In regards to the Pilot - that vehicle was shown at the auto-shows by Honda, so not surprised there are pictures of it What they have completely kept under wrap are all the technical specs (at least as far as I can find). Big question is if the engine gets a few extra hp's...

 

[jtateny]

Re: Actually

I doubt the Honda will get any significant improvements in the oomph category. I recall all sorts of promises regarding the new CRV (e.g. 6 cyl option, 3rd row seating, etc., all to match the RAV4 and none of which came to pass. It looks like Honda is trying to make everything look more like Acura, not the wisest move IMHO.

In regard to the nex gen T4R, those have to be the worst spy photos I have ever seen! Hopefully some better photos, together with some additional info, will make their way onto the web sooner rather than later.

 

[JB.]

Spoke to a technical rep at a local function today where a Toyota dealer had a Sequoia and Tundra on display. He said if he had to bet, he would bet on the 5th gen 4runner being independent suspension on all 4 wheels. Also said 2010.