What my fifth gen would be

[Ron4RNevada]

If I were a Toyota Engineer and I were going to do a face lift version; or even to be considering a sixth gen, I would make mostly functional changes:

First of all I'd pretty much keep the body, frame and running gear we've all come to like on the 2013 SR5. It's almost perfect as is; changes I would make:

1. Add steel bumpers at both ends - less deep and none of the air dams plastic underneath so that we could gain perhaps 4 or five degrees of approach and departure angles.
2. A standard, integrated steel rock slider set at about 12 inches of ground clearance - while at it keep the minimum ground clearance of the frame and skid plates at about 11 inches.
3. All cosmetic, entertainment stuff about the same as '13 SR5 (Air conditioning, power windows, power remote door locks, power brakes and steering, part time 4wd, A-Trac, AM/FM radio) except I'd delete a few things: get rid of the remote buttons on the steering wheel, NO entune, blue tooth, voice actuated crap. Keep it simple.
4. Standard Lt-265-17 C rated AT tires - optional E rated AT or Mt tires.
5. Interior would come with the basic cloth seats and carpets.

"Limited packages' would be available in several categories where you could individually order such things as leather seats, third row seats, upgraded AC, full time 4wd, and all the various entertainment stuff. The totally urban users could even delete the LT- AT tires.

"Rock Packages" would also be available where functional things such as lockers, KDSS, etc. could individually be ordered.

 

[Ron4RNevada]

BTW: The steel bumpers and rock sliders could be had in CHROME, BLACK powder coat, or PAINTED BODY COLOR.

There would be no TRD - I always thought that was just too close to turd.

We would have to get rid of the CARP GILLS too. No non-functiona hood scoops.

How come the people around here all do the same things to their trucks to "individualize" them? What no hood louvers? No lakes pipes? No whitewalls? No racing stripes? No one running hoodless? No chopped and channeled? No removed door handles? Oh well I guess I'm junst antiquated -

 

[Grug556]

Likely wont pass crash standards with a metal bumper. Also plenty of mall crawlers need max traction tires... jumping the shopping cart pen is about the same as doing the rubicon....:zoom:

The truck needs a decent option like ARB beer fridge and custom pop out lawn chairs for drinking..or maybe a mattress in the back that is inflatable for easy storage...make this humpin truck full on pimpin for pulling over anywhere and do it with the ladies...:rofl:

 

[Dravur]

You would never get this past the corporation. They would NEVER offer this many options. You normally get 3-4 trim levels and that is it. You can get some "Packages" but you almost never get to choose each individual thing. They may make an Off Road Version, but it is going to come with the entire package.

 

[Leucifer]

Yes to body and frame. But not the 2013. I frankly like my 2017's appearance. That said....

1) Agree with the bumpers. I would extend it all the way across the bottom of the front (see: my ghetto MS Paint quickie drawing). I'd consider aluminum instead of steel. Bumpers tend to be a heavy part, so aluminum on these would be a benefit. Body panels... aluminum can be a PITA for these. I'm not a fan of mixing metals, but for bumpers... probably the easiest place to do it.

2) With the clearance, part of the issue (at least on the 2017) is the nose comes out pretty damn far. They could probably shorten the front end about 4-6" and improve the approach angle. The rear, I'd have the angle on the rear. bumper come up a little more aggressively. then again, I'm not as worried about hiding the spare as someone at Toyota might be.

3) I'd agree with the rock slider and would add additional skid plates as part of a TRD Off Road Package. For SR5's, no.

4) Agree with buttons on wheel. Just too many. It's overkill. Simplify it. Directional pad with push button middle.

5) The current Limited style/set-up I'd MAYBE retain for our fancy-pants crowd. See next....

6) I'd seriously consider ditching the RWD only models. Simplify production. make all 4WD. If you want a 2WD SUV, go get a Highlander or Sequoia. Make the 4Runner your true SPORT utility vehicle. Make the SR5 the base. TRD Off Road the "Rubicon" model (feel dirty even saying that). Put LT Tires, sliders, skids, with a slightly upfitted suspension on it. Make your TRD PRO your top-line special edition.

7) Seriously consider a diesel powerplant. Sure, you might get a break with the whole mess with the EPA and current administration right now. If you're not looking ahead though, you're going to get your butt whipped in the long run. Or, if you really don't want to do diesel, take that 3.5L Tacoma engine and turbocharge it. Lord knows there's enough space in the front end right now for an intercooler.

Personally, I do like the current motor. It has a lot going for it. I know they'd probably make a LOT of people happy if they offered a V8, since the current Land Cruiser is ... a far cry from what it used to be. I'll leave it at that. My worry is that the 4Runner will continue along that same line. My Aussie buds pointed this out to me....

Range & Specifications - Fortuner SUV - Toyota Australia

.... And yeah. I know our market is different. They had the Prado for the longest time as their counterpart. That has become more and more of a "luxury" vehicle, leaving a gap. They still love their HiLux.... and don't see the Fortuner as a replacement (they live up in Cairns in BFE).

 

[Jetboy]

You probably just really want a LC70. They have pretty much every option you would like OEM. Plus a few more. Just not North America EPA/NHTSA compliance.

 

[Quentin]

I'd be happy with a facelift (less snout), aluminum body panels (hood, roof, tailgate), 8AT, and a ****ing sunroof on the Pro. I wouldn't kick the V6 TT that will eventually propagate across the line out of bed, either.

I drove an 8 speed "direct" automatic transmission Highlander today. I liked the feel. Way less like a slush box and way more like a manual as far as how the power was applied. It apparently has different lock-up mechanism in the torque converter that is locked up way more often.

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[Leucifer]

I'd be happy with a facelift (less snout), aluminum body panels (hood, roof), 8AT, and a ****ing sunroof on the Pro.


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The only issue I have with aluminum body panels, on my side of things, is the cost to fix/replace. Aluminum can be fantastic, but can also be a mofo to work with. Less weight is always a plus.

From Toyota's end, I can understand any hesitation they might have in utilizing it. That's why I think using it on the bumpers would be a win/win. Expense vs weight vs ease in mfg... probably the best bang for everyone's buck.

And I think Canada gets a sunroof on the PRO. I saw someone on here mention that..... let's see...

https://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/build-price/4runner

Yes sir.
Moon roof on their TRD PRO.

 

[Kashoggio]

And no one would ever buy that besides a few off road enthusiasts. Sorry but Toyota is more interested to selling what's more appealing to the masses

 

[Quentin]

The only issue I have with aluminum body panels, on my side of things, is the cost to fix/replace. Aluminum can be fantastic, but can also be a mofo to work with. Less weight is always a plus.



From Toyota's end, I can understand any hesitation they might have in utilizing it. That's why I think using it on the bumpers would be a win/win. Expense vs weight vs ease in mfg... probably the best bang for everyone's buck.



And I think Canada gets a sunroof on the PRO. I saw someone on here mention that..... let's see...



https://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/build-price/4runner



Yes sir.

Moon roof on their TRD PRO.

That is why I picked roof, hood, and rear hatch. For the most part, those panels are rarely damaged (roof) or just replaced.

And I'm aware of the Canada Pro. Sons of *****es.


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[CF_Machete]

Sorry OP, people are still complaining about how dated the 4Runner design is currently, no way corporate would backslide to the 2013 aesthetic. If anything, newer 4runners will look more futuristic like the Jeep Cherokee

 

[philsey]

.... What no hood louvers? No lakes pipes? No whitewalls? No racing stripes? No one running hoodless? No chopped and channeled? No removed door handles?

Do you realize how many youngsters here had to Google most of that?

 

[dekeman]

Most certainly a hole in roof and blinky side mirrors in Canuck trucks...

 

[Ray Dunakin]

I agree with the need for a shorter snout and better clearance.

Disagree about the Entune, bluetooth, and voice! Also, I don't really care for the '13 styling.

 

[Leucifer]

That is why I picked roof, hood, and rear hatch. For the most part, those panels are rarely damaged (roof) or just replaced.

And I'm aware of the Canada Pro. Sons of *****es.

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Fair. But the weight savings on that would be ... iffy?

The bumpers, consider the Pelfrybuilt. 62lbs (not counting the paint/coating).
2014-2017 4Runner Aluminum Front Plate Bumper | Pelfreybilt

.... versus the steel version clocking in at 130lbs.
2014-2017 4Runner Steel Front Plate Bumper (PRO) | Off Road Bumper | Pelfreybilt

That's one of the heavier things you can swap.

And I feel your pain on the Canada thing. I'm envious of my Canadian friends myself, but mostly because those lucky jerks live in BC and Western Alberta, and daaaaaaaaaaaaaamn is that some gorgeous country.

 

[changingtime]

This is a great. The Wrangler has many special packages that come and go...

Why not have more special editions...love the picture.

Large corporations can do this type of "thing" very easily, all it take is the right person at the company to hear and push these concepts.

 

[dekeman]

California isn't exactly lacking in gorgeousness either, well maybe LA is...