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Fans and followers of Toyota 4Runner already know the proud legacy of this tough and rugged SUV. After all, 4Runner has been transporting families both on the road and off since 1984, with no plans for slowing down in sight.
All signs are pointing to a new 6th-generation Toyota 4Runner for the 2022 model year. We polled an online forum of more than 36,000 Toyota 4Runner loyalists, enthusiasts and fanatical fans to see what next-gen suggestions they have for the engineering and design team working hard to deliver a product we will all be proud of.
What is so special about 4Runner now?
Toyota 4Runner is designed with body-on-frame construction, which is unique from most other SUV’s. This means the body is mounted to a relatively rigid frame. Because of this, 4Runner excels at off-roading where your vehicle is often up against uneven, rocky, tough terrain. It also performs well in hauling your toys like boats, campers and trailers. The 4Runner has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
The powertrain consists of a 4.0L V6 engine that delivers 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. torque combined with a 5-speed automatic transmission. It is available exclusively with automatic transmission, as manual is not a current option.
Popular trims TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro offer many resources for when you want to drive and play off the beaten path. Multi-terrain select and crawl control help guide you in low-traction situations. One feature demanded for by loyalists is locking rear differential, and 4Runner TRD owners will be pleased this is standard. Also standard on TRD models is active traction control and hill start assist.
Watch as I Compare 4Runner TRD Pro vs. Tacoma TRD Pro vs. Tundra TRD Pro and Subscribe to Torque News Youtube Channel for Daily Reports on Toyota and Auto Industry
What changes will we see in 2020 Toyota 4Runner?
Although extremely popular with SUV owners, one of the main critiques for the 2019 Toyota 4Runner is the need for upgraded safety and technology. Just like the 2020 Toyota Tacoma, the 2020 4Runner will receive some beneficial safety and multimedia upgrades.
For people concerned with safety, Toyota Safety Sense-P (Pedestrian) will be added to all trim levels of the 2020 Toyota 4Runner.
Toyota is also adding Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa to its 2020 4Runner model year. Expect standard SiriusXM on all 4Runner trim levels as well. In fact, Toyota is making SiriusXM a standard feature on all levels of every model across the board by summer of 2020.
Expect larger multimedia screen sizes on most or all trim levels as well. For example, 2020 4Runner TRD Pro has already been announced with an 8-inch screen.
What would we like to see with the 2022 Redesigned 4Runner?
There are many online forums dedicated to specific car brands and models. None may be quite as passionate and loyal to their favorite SUV as the “Toyota 4Runners” online group. We asked them for ideas and suggestions for improving the current 2019 Toyota 4Runner as it evolves into its new 6th generation model.
As you can imagine, the hundreds of responses were very well thought out and diverse, as well as being extremely informative and enlightening.
4Runner Performance suggestions
Many ideas for improving powertrain and safety came up, and this was certainly a hot topic with forum members. Most agreed that improvements to both power and the all-important miles per gallon were most important. However, the answers branched off from there.
“I hope they keep it as an off-road capable truck. Maybe a Diesel engine?”
“Functional hood scoop (because turbo diesel); front (in addition to rear) lockers standard on Off-Road/Pro.”
“Manual transmission and diesel.”
“V8!!!! Maybe even turbo diesel!”
“Please add front locking diff along with rear locker.”
“Bring the v8 back and improve the fuel efficiency again.”
“Way more power and 8 speed transmission. Better fuel economy.”
“Put a manual back in it and add a V8 option again.”
“I hope they increase mpg so I’m not constantly filling up.”
“LED headlights/DRL and TSS+, they are useful for the daily drive!”
Exterior and Interior Ideas
Toyota has continually earned the reputation for a strong fit and finish over its entire product line. Clean exterior with flowing aerodynamic lines. Interior with high-scale parts and finish that lends itself nicely to luxury and sportiness.
However, just like every new generation of every model, the time has come to modernize both the outside and the inside of Toyota 4Runner. The “Toyota 4Runners” forum had some very practical, useful ideas and suggestions:
“I want to see something that still looks tough, not something that looks weak and bubbly.”
“Blind spot monitoring and power tailgate.”
“…and cooled front seats and auto trunk I’m short I need the help!”
“Please keep the power sliding rear window.”
“Better heating/ cooling for the 2nd and 3rd row seats.”
“Flat cargo space, comfortable driver’s seat.”
“More padding for my elbows on the door and center arm rest.”
“A customizable digital gauge cluster and heated and cooled seats as an option.”
“Heated seats standard, the ability to remove the 3rd row and slide the 2nd row back.”
“ALL windows power down.”
“TRD with 3rd row seating option.”
“Larger multimedia screens and colored multi-information display that is modernized.”
“More head room for back seat. I’m 5’9” and I come close to bonking my head, let alone family members that are over 6’. And it would be nice to have a V8 option again.”
“I’ll take Potpourri for $200 please Alex”
Then, there are those who had ideas that encompassed all facets of the new 2022 Toyota 4Runner redesign.
“New transmission, infotainment center, shifter on a steering column, updated lighting.”
“Bring back the removable top and add turbo diesel!”
“Turbo Diesel or at least V8 option (needs more power for sure). Lockers on front and rear. Solid front axle. I also wouldn’t mind remote start, a/c cooled seats on Off-Road models. Also I like my manual shifter for my 4wheel drive in the trail (I don’t want a dial or buttons but that’s probably just me).”
“Turbo diesel, 8 speed transmission, better headlight bulbs, 360 cameras, auto climate.”
“More power, better mpg, removable top and doors, bigger and better A/T tire option, LED lighting, better infotainment system, all window down button, more USB ports, apple car play, better roof rack, cool DRLs, better suspension.”
And the comment of the day goes to Pete…
“I’m cashing in my kids’ college funds if they bring out a diesel.”
As we know, it is highly unlikely the new redesigned Toyota 4Runner will be able to accommodate all of these brilliant update ideas. But, it will be interesting to see when the time comes what ones they end up using.
Watch 6 Changes Coming To The 2020 Toyota 4Runner and Subscribe to Torque News Youtube Channel for Daily Toyota News and Automotive Analysis.
What ideas did you like from this list? Time for you to be an engineer / designer: write down your thoughts on what would improve the next 4Runner.
Thanks for reading. See you next story where I am discussing 5 Facts to Know About 2019 Toyota Prius Prime Before You Buy One.
Jeff Teague is a Toyota news reporter at Torque News. You can reach Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Twitter @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories. Jeff also shares Toyota news videos on his Youtube Channel at ToyotaJeff1.
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Comments
How about a 2.8 Cummins
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In reply to Forgetting about luxury. by Alexander (not verified)
How about a 2.8 Cummins diesel
I think the 4 runner is fine
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I think the 4 runner is fine the way it is, i like the limited model. I think the reason why the 4 runner has been so popular is because it's dependable. I would like to see blind detection and all the other safety precautions applied to the 4 runner. as for a bigger engine V8, i think that should be optional. Now i am sorry for those people who want better fuel economy. I don't know of any V8 with good fuel economy. I have to say i miss not having my 4 runner any more. That's the one car I would go back to in a heart beat. 10 years and not one problem, as it stands right i have a 2017 Lexus RX and I have to say, i'm not pleased or impressed at all. 12.3" screen and all the little toys that come with it, why doesn't Toyota put those features in the 4 runner limited. Now that would be something!
Don't give it the Tacoma
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Don't give it the Tacoma "Duck lips" grille.
The new Toyota 4 runners need
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The new Toyota 4 runners need more ground clearance for off-roading.
They are too low . Need to be higher !!!
i'd like a 4 cylinder with no
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i'd like a 4 cylinder with no rear glass please
3.0 liter diesel with 350
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3.0 liter diesel with 350 torq at 1500 rpm, 10 speed auto, 30 mpg hwy with 4x4, 7,000 lb towing, TRD trims with front/rear lockers. all 4x4 trims with rear locker, bigger screen in center console, more power plugs throughout, more blank switches for upfitting,
4runner is all about efficiently durability, moving people/cargo, offroading and providing good value. not about power, not about crazy offroad ability. not about costing as much a raptor or loaded rubicon jeep.
I still want to be able to buy a moderately equipped 4runner 4x4 for $40k with improvements. i don't want the thing pushing $50k with a fully loaded 2021/2022 trd pro at $60k
Currently own a 2012 T4R ltd 4x4 with trail edition wheels/tires. Camping, MTB and snowboarding are a regular occurence.
Agree with the pricing. If
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In reply to 3.0 liter diesel with 350 by Achilles (not verified)
Agree with the pricing. If these 4Runners go over 50k that’s gauging just like wrangler. It’s insane! Need to be able to select trim and do a la cart like ford so people can get what they want without spending crazy money. KISS method.
maybe give the TRD Pro some
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In reply to 3.0 liter diesel with 350 by Achilles (not verified)
maybe give the TRD Pro some Toyo Overlander tires. That would be nice!
I'd love to see them offer a
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I'd love to see them offer a hybrid version! Who else makes an off-road capable SUV that gets 30mpg (non-diesel)?
Want auto assist parking..
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In reply to I'd love to see them offer a by Adam Knochowski (not verified)
Want auto assist parking.. and Toyota coffee makerm.
Seats that don't tear and
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Seats that don't tear and fade, fronts wheels that don't shimmy down the road, steering wheel grip that doesn't wear out, better floor carpets, rubberized floor covers.
It’s called all-weather floor
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In reply to Seats that don't tear and by Ron (not verified)
It’s called all-weather floor mats. And nothing a human being makes will last forever, although Toyota probably comes the closest.
I have been a Toyota guy my
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I have been a Toyota guy my whole life. My first car (still have it) was an '84 Celica GT-S, later a '01 Camry XLE, then a 2010 Venza, now I have a 2012 Venza and a 2015 4Runner Trail Premium, added shrockworks front and rear full plate steel bumpers, winch, and LED exterior lights.
Having said this, I grew up on the old Land Cruiser BJ40, FJ40, FJ45, HJ43/47, 70 series, etc, and to me, the 4Runner has always been the poor man's off road vehicle since the Land Cruisers just keep going up and up in price. With that in mind, I would like to suggest that the TRD or TRD Pro or an off-road specific trim (Dakar/Monteverde/Rubicon, something like that) have the following or similar standard features:
-LED lights for the whole vehicle
-Locking rear differential needs to stay (mine has it).
-Plate steel bumpers such as the shrockworks or one of the others of similar strength on front and back, or manufactured by Toyota.
-Full length skid-plate underneath.
-All-terrain/off-road tires (max 33" size)
-Turbo-Diesel!!! (Almost ALL my buddies and I want this in a turbodiesel! Better for fuel economy, engine longevity, torque, WATERPROOFING [hating that I have to waterproof a gas engine compartment after growing up on diesel land cruisers], and just general resilience other than in cold weather.
-A few options for the rear cargo-seating space:
1. Bench seats on both sides that fold up flush to the walls. (Ups your possible seating when you need it but also ups your total cargo space the rest of the time) 2 rows up front and then two parallel (perpendicularly aligned to the front two rows) rear benches.
2. Locking in floor storage (think pelican case set into your floor where you set up your foam in desired shape or remove foam and use as a cooler or safe).
3. Locking cargo points to click in cargo modules (boxes that compartmentalize cargo and hold it securely, but could also switch for fewer but larger dog kennel options that lock in)
-Spare on a swing out carrier (either attach to steel bumper as is on mine, or attach to door and make tail-gate swing out again, too).
-Built in winch with a wireless and wired controller option, 10k lbs.
-Front and rear-facing (at least) LED spot bars that can be turned on when driving or independently for showing where you are driving in night off roading or for campground setup.
-Ensure the electronics in the engine compartment and other systems are waterproofed.
-Better suspension.
-Towing setup (full, mechanical, electrical, and hitch)
Then have optional add ons of the following:
-Roof basket with 4 direction LED spot bars that can be turned on from the cab separately or in any combination, running or stopped.
-Auxiliary battery (overland option)
-Role-bars and removable top (optional please...I don't want it, but I know a lot of people do)
-Jerry Cans mounted on rear swing out/tailgate.
-Optional retracting (roll out) shades for all the rear windows.
2014 trail premium. Love it!
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2014 trail premium. Love it! Under powered? Try shifting manually and run it up to the red line in each gear, it does well. As for the tech crap, thanks Toyota for the KISS approach. I like to drive my 4 runner not have my 4 runner tell me what to do all time. Really need more power? Contact Urd racing and slap a supercharger on it. 10 speed tranny? Ask your local trans guru how long one of those will last and how much coin to rebuild? Very happy with all 3 of my Toyotas.
I have a 2018 SR5. The 4.0
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In reply to 2014 trail premium. Love it! by Tony (not verified)
I have a 2018 SR5. The 4.0 motor runs great. It feels slow because of the accelerator pedal tip in. If you mash it, the 4R takes off like a scared cat. It out accelerated a Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi V8 in one magazines test. It is way faster than the 4.6 Tundra I had before, talk about underpowered. The 4R is much easier on gas as well.
Dependability and reliability
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Dependability and reliability should never be compromised. Not interested in high tech, pain in the butt "safety" improvements coming. Don"t need accident avoidance tech. This Is A Drivers vehicle. Keep it that way. Does need a bit more power. V8 or diesel option as well as a manual trans option would be great. A heated steering wheel would go a long way getting me to upgrade. For those who tow, like me, a transmission temp gauge would be fantastic. You would know how far you could push the rig without incurring undue transmission wear and tear or damage. Current 4runner size is pretty ideal. No smaller, but just a bit larger would be ok. Keep that rear locker and consider a front locker as well. It would be nice to have an indicator to tell you what gear you are in. Of course wih the manual, you always know. Also, make it ready to give with electric trailer brakes. Better frame rust protection would be great. Make a new england rust fighter version and people will flock to it. Keep it looking unique and aggressive like the 5th gen. Have the 2018 TRD off road and love the looks but please drop the silver bumper for this trim level.
I love my 4-runner 4.0 but I
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I love my 4-runner 4.0 but I would also like to see Toyota develop 1/2, 3/4, and 1Ton electric pick-up trucks, with serious hauling power and mileage capabilities.
I own a 4runner sr5 Premium
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I own a 4runner sr5 Premium and love it, BUT it definitely could use some improvements. I should have been a car designer because I can not find the perfect car ANYWHERE! lol
Here is what I absolutely love AND WHY I choose the 4runner over other SUVS...
- Reliability was number one
- Rear window auto roll down
- Pull out rear Cargo tray
- Large FLAT cargo space when 2nd row seats flattens
The things that need improvement...
- Option for V8 AND LOWER FUEL COST
- STORGE, more storage, more storage - can't say that enough.
- Easier or better designed seat flattening on second row seats
- Controls and technology Updated (WAAAAAY behind compared to other SUVs)
Some NEW IDEAS for the designers....
- Having third row windows that have AUTO roll down - NO ONE HAS IT and IT WOULD BE A HUGE SELLING POINT!
- Having a pull out ramp for the back and/or side doors - for old people, heavy people, dogs, kids etc.
Agree with ya on everything
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In reply to I own a 4runner sr5 Premium by Mary B. McGillycuddy (not verified)
Agree with ya on everything especially the idea of roll down windows in the third row for the kids or dog! I Love our 2019 sr5 but would have loved to be able wait a little longer to get the new added standard features of the 2020 model. Whatever changes Toyota does they got to “out do” Jeep and Ford but keep it reliable and simple.
Third row windows can't roll
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In reply to I own a 4runner sr5 Premium by Mary B. McGillycuddy (not verified)
Third row windows can't roll down - they would be in the wheel wells and/or compromise suspension travel. The third row seat is a cruel place to be. There are much better options the market place, buy one of those if you need one. Small block diesels are done - have you noticed that they BMW, MB, Audi aren't importing them any more - the turbos crap out somewhere between 60k and 100k miles, the injectors the same.I've been there with a VW and and a BMW. That is why I've gone back to the 4runner.DEPENDABILITY and it honestly functions as it was designed to do. It isn't a sports car. It isn't a van. It's small enough to get around on the two tracks. It hauls a fair amount of stuff. I can throw dead ducks and a dirty dog and dirty gear in the back and wash it out - the kind of stuff it was designed to do and it does it reliably and it does it well.
This vehicle has endured because it is what it is. If they hang half the crap some people are asking for, It couldn't do what it built to do. If you need that stuff, buy a different vehicle or you can find lots of that crap in the after market and install it on your own. I guess what I am saying is, vehicles are a compromise and they are designed to a purpose, a market. Toyota has stayed loyal to their market and they market has stayed loyal to Toyota.
Whatever happens - Please do
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Whatever happens - Please do not make it into a freaking station wagon-esky soccer mom buggy. That's what everyone else has done. If that happens, bring back the FJ.
Agreed. No worries, the
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In reply to Whatever happens - Please do by Frank Lee (not verified)
Agreed. No worries, the 4Runner has been a body on frame vehicle and always will be or they will just discontinue it if it’s not selling anymore. After all, they have the Highlander and Sequoia. Toyota sold close to 140,000 units last year and 129,000 units in 2017. Thats good profit margins for a decade old SUV! They’re not going to do what Nissan did with the Pathfinder and Chevy with the Blazer (unibody conversions are very sad). That’s just not a good business decision to keep a vehicle name but change it drastically. Toyota makes decisions off of hard facts, what’s been reliable, consumers feedback and what’s profitable for them (not trends of other suv manufacturers)!
Toyota pretty much destroyed
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In reply to Agreed. No worries, the by Tigers11 (not verified)
Toyota pretty much destroyed the RAV4 in 2013. It's now a toy, but still called a RAV4. But city folk love it when it snows 1-2". My latest RAV4 was/is a 2012 V6. Pretty handy, but it's my last one. Having to look at the 4Runner and other options now. Let's hope Toyota doesn't ruin the 4Runner in future designs. Considering the TRD off-road.
Right?! Have you seeeeeen
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In reply to Whatever happens - Please do by Frank Lee (not verified)
Right?! Have you seeeeeen what they did to the Pilot? Used to be competitive to 4RNR, no more!
And not for nothing but Toyota plans to have hybrids in all models by 2025. There will never be a diesel, WRONG direction of Toyota’s brand!
Right?! Have you seeeeeen
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In reply to Whatever happens - Please do by Frank Lee (not verified)
Right?! Have you seeeeeen what they did to the Pilot? Used to be competitive to 4RNR, no more!
And not for nothing but Toyota plans to have hybrids in all models by 2025. There will never be a diesel, WRONG direction of Toyota’s brand!
Alright after reading more
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Alright after reading more comments than I should have, we have 2 groups of buyers: the dedicated offroaders, outdoor enthusiasts, and overlanding community. Then there are the weekend warriors who enjoy a comfortable suv that can get to the top of a tough trail to enjoy views for the entire family. The first group sounds like they want minor updates to the interior but major mechanical updates, and the second wants more mpg and creacher comforts.
The answer is simple, Toyota needs more engines. My suggestion is offer a base 3.5l v6 thats directly from the Tacoma with some tuning/updating for added weight. Higher trims (trd pro/trail) could receive a small block revised 4.7l v8 mated to a 7 speed automatic. Give it 370hp and more torque to beat the dodge durango rt and jeep grand Cherokee standard v8. For gear heads with deep pockets offer an affordable TRD supercharger package with intake, exhaust etc to allow 500horses. For the Limited/Premium trim offer a hybrid engine mated to a 8 or 10 speed engine offering around 300hp and a bit more torque. Create real differences in trim packaging, not just different badging. A Limited should feel more premium over a Pro/Trail version but not more offroad ready. Mpg for the base and hybrid should be much improved over the current 4.0. People DO NOT BUY A V8 FOR MPG. Break the mold and keep the Funrunner fun. Lastly please above all else keep it absolutely reliable...like Top gear destroying a Toyota Truck at sea, lighting it on fire, and dropping it 500ft yet it still stsrts reliable. My .02 cents that could turn into tens of thousands of dollars should these turn into fruition.
Long time lover and owner of an 07 Limited v8 4x4 Toyota Funrunner
Here are my thoughts... For
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Here are my thoughts... For the interior: 1. A/C or air vent in seats. 2. Apple Car Play 3. A FLAT rear cargo area. 4. Standard thermostat in all models. 5. GPS coordinated current Speed Limit located in speedometer cluster. 6. Option for higher wattage inverter. (1500?). 7. Better interior lighting. 8. Standard auto on/off headlights on all models. 9. Lumbar support that doesn't inflate
Exterior: 1. Lift capable suspension from the factory. (up to 3") 2. Imagine ride hight control from the inside. 3. A wheel well that will accommodate larger tires.
4. Adjustable control arms. 5. Larger spare tire well to accommodate larger tires.
6. larger fuel tank. option for second tank. 7. Factory Breathers. 8. Swing out rear door, maybe. 9. Improved protective cover for rear bumper. 10. If you want to get techie... under carriage cameras to help with true off-roading. 11. front scoop looks cool... but dang that sun reflection is bad.
Engine: 1. V8 nice to see back. 2. Option for factory second battery. 3. Increased tow capability.
pleaseeee make an AWD !!!!
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pleaseeee make an AWD !!!! Going to snow up in Tahoe or big bear (CA) sucks to have ton use chains. I mean even the hylanderbhas an AWD for heaven sakes!
Have the tech screen at an
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Have the tech screen at an angle so the driver can monitor it more easily. When in the direct sun glare the camera/screen is blurred and is a hazard waiting to happen.
Also, with the SR-5 standard model, make the passenger seat power assisted.
Keep the rock solid Japanese
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Keep the rock solid Japanese built quality. Increase tow capacity to 7000lbs. with temperature monitor for fluids. Put the tow plug up higher so you don’t have to get on the ground to hook up a trailer. Lighten it up by about 500 lbs. with some high strength steel, magnesium alloy and aluminum body and frame. Give it better mpgs (21city 25highway is very doable!). Give it some Falken a/t tires on Trd off-road and pro. Bigger, faster and better quality infotainment screen and dash like tacoma with tire pressure monitor on all 4 wheels (please no tablet style screen on top of the dash like the new RAV4 that looks Terrible!) . Have wireless charger for phones. Better quality backup camera with backup sensors standard. Power lift gate (for height challenged and bad back people). Better lighting inside and out with DRLs. Larger fuel tank for longer road trips (like 5 more gallons). More color options to be more competitive with Jeep Wrangler. Keep power down window in rear. Have an optional ladder to get up to roof rack. Need a little more power and torque. Need a 7 or 8 speed automatic and optional 6 speed manual for the old schoolers. Removable 3rd row in an off-road trim with air vents and usbs for kids. Bring back the trd supercharger for enthusiasts that want the extra power of a v8 (due to cafe’ standards we’ll never see a v8 in 4Runner again). Have trim level pricing like ford does (a la carte) people would spend more money with Toyota instead going aftermarket. Dual climate zones (everyone has it now standard). Better standard sound system (current one sounds like it’s coming out of a tin can). 10 way power seats on driver and passenger side. Better rust proofing on frame. More soft touch for elbows that’s it (it is an off-road suv) and put the window controls down lower like on previous generations. More lumbar supportive seats. Higher wattage inverter. Standard rubber floor mats that go up over door trim. Offer an optional air compressor. Make crawl control less jerky and whiny. Have a removable top again Toyota does things better than anyone else! Come on Toyota quit taking it safe, be bold and fun! Step up your game or people are going to start buying the jeep jl wrangler or the Ford Bronco (I hear it’s going to be beastly) when it comes out! Offer some cool free outdoor stuff with the purchase of an off-road or pro models.