The next version of the off-road dinosaur, the Toyota 4Runner arrives as part of the 2024 model year. Should you wait for this SUV?
Toyota couldn’t hit the quality expectations of a new 4Runner in time to bring it to the market for 2023. Instead, this project has been delayed by a year and will arrive next year with some new engine technology and features. If this SUV follows a similar path as other newly upgraded Toyota models, we’ll see a hybrid powertrain that could be the same system which is part of the latest Tundra.
Should you wait for the new 4Runner? Here are ten reasons you should wait.
1. New engines should be part of the mix
Very few SUVs carry as much old-school baggage as the 4Runner. While most of us admire this Toyota SUV for this quality, its about time to trade out the 4.0-liter V6 engine for a more efficient model. Toyota has proven it can pull plenty of power out of a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. The current 4Runner might be the final naturally aspirated version, with new, currently unconfirmed powertrains under the hood in the 2024 version.
2. Recent Toyota design upgrades should make it to this SUV
The next generation Toyota 4Runner should adopt most of the new design elements we see in the latest versions of the Tundra and Sequoia. This means more soft-touch materials and finishes to bring some amazing style and packaging to this SUV. This new 4Runner should have a complete interior update with high quality materials that look great. This is part of the delays for the 4Runner, but these delays should be worth the added wait time.
3. Off-Road driving remains a priority
Toyota isn’t changing the qualities of this iconic off-roader. Unlike the return of the Chevy Blazer, the next generation 4Runner should continue to be a highly capable off-road SUV. These qualities are what make this SUV special and fun to drive. The 4Runner has been found crossing rocky trails, traipsing through the mud, and covering sandy desert areas. The impressive Multi-Terrain Select System sets the drivetrain to fit the terrain conditions through electronic adjustments.
4. This new model should be better on the roads
The Toyota 4Runner has had the same problem as the Jeep Wrangler for years. This Toyota SUV isn’t the smoothest and best-performing vehicle on the roads. The next generation of the 4Runner should be an evolution in driving that provides a much better on-road experience for those waiting for the next version of this Toyota SUV. An improved package of standard safety features helps ensure this SUV will be more enjoyable when you’re not taking it out on the trails for some fun in the wilderness.
5. The new 4Runner delivers expected durability
Toyota is well-known for having unkillable machines. The 4Runner is one of these models. Its hard to find another vehicle that’s nearly as durable, even when punished through some of the toughest and most rugged terrain elements. Four more than four decades, the Toyota 4Runner has been one of the most impressive vehicles offered. This impressive SUV holds its resale value, is concerned a reliable choice, and it takes on the challenge of off-road trails without breaking a sweat.
6. Could we see the iForce Max hybrid powertrain?
The same powertrain that offers more power and performance in the Tundra and Sequoia could make it down to the 4Runner. This new generation Toyota SUV could be the most fun and active version yet if it receives the iForce Max hybrid powertrain that delivers 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This is an incredible powertrain that could easily propel the 4Runner to higher speed and across the wilderness where it loves to romp and play. Will you be behind the wheel of one of these incredible machines?
7. The next 4Runner will be extremely capable
The 2024 Toyota 4Runner could be a little larger than the current model. We currently enjoy 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats while the area expands to 89.7 cubic feet when the rear seats get folded. This model also carries up to 1,600 pounds and tows as much as 5,000 pounds. With the addition of Tundra powertrains, the next 4Runner can be much more capable than the current model.
8. No more outdated electronics
Its been a while since Toyota improved the 4Runner. Since that time, infotainment technology has come a long way. The new 2024 version should have the latest in Toyota infotainment packaging. We expect to see a new Multimedia system with a 12.3-inch display and the connectivity of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The next audio system could be a JBL 12-speaker unit which might be the standard offering for this new Toyota SUV. We won’t know for sure what the 4Runner will include, but it should have tons of updated tech.
9. Its time for a new transmission in the 4Runner
The current 5-speed automatic transmission used in the Toyota 4Runner is outdated and has been for some time now. Along with new engines, the next generation of this Toyota SUV should include the 10-speed automatic transmission that’s in other new Toyota models. This new system allows for much smoother shifting and excellent performance on and off the roads. The new 4Runner could easily be the smoothest-driving and most efficient version of this SUV ever made.
10. The 4Runner should include a new design
The exterior of the 4Runner brings a new design that could easily reflect the same style elements found in the Tundra and Sequoia models. The next generation 4Runner will ride in the same TNGA-F platform that underpins these other new Toyota models. This platform should become popular across all body-on-frame trucks and SUVs wearing the Toyota logo. Of course, that means the 4Runner and Tacoma will be the smallest vehicles made using this platform. Still, expect this rugged off-road SUV to have a modern but aggressive build when it arrives.
Will you hold out long enough for the 2024 Toyota 4Runner to arrive? It will be here before you know it and ready to give you the best package ever put into a 4Runner.
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