The 4Runner is one of the rare SUVs that still sticks to its roots. Unlike modern crossovers, it rides on a traditional, body-on-frame platform, which makes it one of the most capable mid-size SUVs around. Strong off-road performances and utility capabilities are some of its main characteristics. Still, the current generation is pretty old and feels outdated in many aspects, such as ride quality, handling
A complete overhaul is expected sometime in a year or two, most likely for the 2021 models. We have no doubt it will come with a plethora of upgrades. Unfortunately, we can only speculate at the moment.
Toyota 4Runner Redesign Schedule
As we already mentioned, a complete overhaul in about a year or two. Various unofficial reports suggest the following Toyota 4Runner redesign schedule. The 2020-year model is most likely to come without bigger changes. The current generation is present for about a decade and it looks like it will carry on for another year. Therefore, we don’t expect bigger changes in terms of design characteristics. It will continue with familiar styling, which has been updated several years ago, as well as with identical mechanics.
On the other side, the first year model of the next generation will probably be the 2021 4Runner. According to the Toyota 4Runner redesign schedule, the new model will probably come sometime in the second half of the next year. We count on plenty of changes, starting from a new platform, new styling, engine and much more.
Redesign
As we already mentioned, most reports suggest a Toyota 4Runner redesign schedule that indicates a complete overhaul in about a year or two. For that occasion, we will see a whole palette of significant changes. The current generation rides since 2009, so it feels outdated in many aspects. The first that comes to mind about this redesign is the platform. Most likely, the new 4Runner will borrow the architecture from current generations of Tacoma and Hilux,
Engines
The exact Toyota 4Runner redesign schedule may be a mistery at the moment, but there is on things that seems quite certain. That would be the engine. The current versions come with a large 4.0-liter V6, which is very capable and reliable. However, it definitely isn’t the most efficient solution for the new model. Therefore, a little bit younger 3.5-liter V6 seems like a good replacement. It is the same engine that powers Tacoma, whicle delivers practically the same amout of power as the current 4.0-liter units.
Another big issue of the current generation is an outdated 5-speed automatic transmission. The new 4Runner will switch to something much more up to date, probabaly to a new 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Styling and Interior
Of course, this overhaul will bring completely new interior as well. According to Toyota 4Runner redesign schedule, we will have to wait at least one more year to see how the new model will look like. At this point, we can only presume that the new 4Runner is about to come with a completely new look, more attractive compared to the current model.
Same goes for the interior desig. The cabin of the current models definitely shows its age. It looks outdated and lacks some of the latest tech goodies. Many surfaces are made of hard plastics, which isn’t a common thing in today’s automotive industry, even among classical SUV like this one.
Price
When it comes to the price, we presume that the new generation won’t feature bigger changes. The current model starts at around 35.000 dollars and the new one shouldn’t go far away from this tag.