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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
I hope to see 3rd row seating
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I hope to see 3rd row seating options for TRD models mostly, and removable top and doors would be an added plus!
The main reason we don't own
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The main reason we don't own a 4runner yet has been due to the low fuel mileage. I have been hoping Toyota would at the minimum change to an 8 speed transmission to increase fuel mileage. We live out of town and commute. We have four seasons in the area we live in and a 4runner would be an excellent choice for our commute and other out door activities we enjoy.
We hope the new 4runner will maintain the durability and off road prowess it is known and loved by their owners. Maintain body on frame and add front lockers with already included rear lockers. A solid front axle would be nice. I see a lot of people would like an upgrade in electronics. I hope there is an option to avoid a massive amount of electronics. GPS is a nice option and additional USB, and 120v outlets in the back and front. To many electronics is just additional problems that could fail off trail.
An optional tow package with a hitch bolted to frame and two outlets for two different type of plugs. RV outlet and utility trailer outlet. Or at least run a pigtail to the back for accessories to be added.
Lastly, I hope the cost will remain the same as the current versions. If the cost keep climbing, it will just go the way the Land Cruiser has gone which is priced out of most people's price range.
Headlights. Current ones are
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Headlights. Current ones are horrible in snow white out conditions. They need headlights like the Acura RDX. They should add AWD as an on/off feature. Blind spot monitoring. Update to a V8 to get the old towing capacity back. You are not buying this for its gas mileage.
a grill that looks like a
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a grill that looks like a grill. i would buy a 4runner today if the nose wasn't so hideous. otherwise i love that car. are there any aftermarket grill swaps that remove (or obscure) the stupid ass bar?
As a sales consultant my
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As a sales consultant my customers are all saying a Power lift gate.
Probably been said, II’m 6’3
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Probably been said, II’m 6’3 and heard there’s not much room and cramped. Well, it’s RWD and your going to have a transmission hump. If it’s an issue, make the vehicle wider by a couple of inches and set the front seats back a half inch. Redesign the dash to give extra room for knees. If the new transmission is more narrow, that will help. If they offer the turbo six, you’re not going need an eight.
Thye need to make the 4
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Thye need to make the 4 runner AEROdynamic. The box look is terrible. Increase the acceleration to make it agile. KEEP the TRD Off-Road but DO make the changes.
The people saying they want V8 are trash.
I like the boxiness. If you
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In reply to Thye need to make the 4 by Jay Webster (not verified)
I like the boxiness. If you make it "aero" it ends up looking like the rest of the SUVs do now, a mini-van. YUCK!
move the trailer hitch wiring
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move the trailer hitch wiring plug to someplace you need to lay on your back to plug into. Thanks
One of the things that
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One of the things that prevent the average Joe from purchasing a Toyota 4 Runner is the lack of width of the SUV which can be a safety issue causing roll overs, the back seat is so bad that only 2 adults are comfortable. Adding width to the 4 Runner would be amazing.
Totally agree with a V8
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Totally agree with a V8 option, as well...power tailgate and 1 button tilt/open sunroof like every other vehicle with a sunroof, lastly a bid 2022 screen
I have 96 4 runner and when I
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I have 96 4 runner and when I fold the seats down the back is almost completely flat which enables me to sleep back there if it rains when camping- I hope the 2022 does this again
I would like to see the new
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I would like to see the new 4Runner have a easily removable hard top, bikini top, removable doors, roll bars, V8, diesel option, removable 2nd and 3rd seating option, options for larger off road tires, side mounted mirrors that stay on when removing doors, factory lift and suspension options. I had a 1998 4Runner and it was a lot fun to drive but if toyota could make some of these changes I would for sure buy another one!
Toyota has slid into the
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Toyota has slid into the realm of being directed by accountants rather than engineers. So many of their products are out of date, it's borderline mismanagement. Updating the antique (5-speed auto anyone?) 4Runner isn't hard - there's almost no aspect they couldn't tweak and make it materially better. It's that stale.
1. Keep the off pavement capability. Toyota has plenty of mall-cruiser SUVs/CUVs in it's line-up already.
2. Improve fuel economy and - important for people who actually take their vehicle off road - range per tank.
3. How about a modern transmission Toyota?
4. Retain class-leading cargo capacity.
5. Please, at least give us last-century cabin tech. Better still, how about - perish the thought - current century cabin tech. Toyota's battle with Google over Android Auto was a tone-deaf joke. If I don't want Google to have my data, I won't use Google devices and services in the car. No need for Toyota to look out for me.
6. How about a *real* off-road model with steelies, lockers front and rear standard, sway bar disconnect, etc.; keep your TRD cosmetic crap for the fanbois.
7. A big fuel tank. A big fuel tank. A big fuel tank.
8. (Desert rat here) How about standard heat rejecting ceramic tint in the rear and clear ceramic film on the untinted windows to reduce the load on the AC and improve cabin comfort when the user isn't just off road but instead is off road in an inferno.
9. How about a classy rather than tacky interior? Classy - lots of options here; throwback with leather and wood (real), Industrial, etc. But NOT red piping on black trim and big red logos. Makes me taste throw-up in my mouth. What is your target buyer an avid comic book reader suffering arrested development?
10. More traditional exterior styling. Look Toyota, Transformers weren't cool even when those cartoons and films aired. That look certainly isn't cool now. As ugly as the TRD-ified interiors are, the exterior of the current truck is embarrassingly juvenile. Literally I would be embarrassed to be seen driving the current generation it's so "beaten with the goofy stick and the ugly stick".
Let's please put some Better
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Let's please put some Better Design Engineering in this Vehicle PLEASE.....
Keep Body On Frame
Fix youre Fuel Mileage ( Transmission?)
Ability to Full Lock
Lane Depature / Blind Spot Mon in Pro
Interior Updates ( Its Needed )
Let's give JL Wrangler and Run and Surpass
Right Now for $ 4 Runner is 3 yrs Behind But still Increase $$ ea Year ??
Seats need to be Re-Designed
Also Heat & Cooled Seats are 2nd in Industy for Worst !!!.
Lets Surprise the Loyal Toyota Die Hards and Design a Awsome 4 Runner Pro, then people Won't Mind Paying youre Yearly Increase.
There has been a New 4 Runner in Driveway
Every 2 yrs as ive Owned for 32 yrs
This year was Last Straw, RUBICON!!!
And i might Add Average 26.mpg
22mpg city, So Engineering, Lets get with the Times, Please build us a Vehicle that isn't
Ancient, Please, Please, Please
Then you will see another Loyal Customer!!!
The tailgate needs to lift
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The tailgate needs to lift higher. I'm 6'3" which puts the tailgate just about my line of sight when wearing a hat so that I bang my head into it.
AIR VENTS IN THE REAR!!! My
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AIR VENTS IN THE REAR!!! My groceries and kid get HOT in the Alabama summers. Owner of 2002, totaled, not my fault. Purchased new 2008 limited which is still in use and drives like it did when I drove it off the lot. Guess I'll wait till 2022...I've waited this long.
AGAIN, REAR AIR VENTS!!!
They should team up with
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They should team up with Dodge and put a 6.2L Supercharged V8 in a 4runner.
Please put a hidden
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Please put a hidden compartment in the back of the forerunner like the Honda pilot has and then the forerunner will be perfect
I have owned 3 4-Runners,
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I have owned 3 4-Runners, favorite was 1999, driving a 2011 LTD at present, need a 5 passenger not 7,bring back the V8 and improve fuel consumption
Own 2011 limited. It's not a
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Own 2011 limited. It's not a pavement princess. Things I'd like changed for the limited.. get rid of those stupid 20 inch by 7 inch wide rims. Normal 18 or 17's please. I shouldn't have to go out and buy extra rims for a brand new vehicle so I can have a normal selection of off road tires. Bigger brakes. Please... make it stop... better... and the placement of the trailer wiring harness is just stupid. Yeah, I fixed it with a cheap extension and velcro. It's what, 10 inches behind the bumper tucked up next to the spare tire? Why? Yes, to those out there wondering why it's got dated tech for drivetrain.. reliability. I traded in my hybrid that needed 7500 in normal maintenance after 65000 miles. (1st gen altima hybrid) Yeah, it got 33 miles to gallon. My 4runner gets 15. 7500 is a lot of gas:-) worth the trade. I keep saying it could use more power... more room... but then when I add up all the things I want in my 4runner, I realise you already make it... its called a land cruiser. . . Haha.. I don't have 90k to toss at one. So I dial it back and enjoy my ride. Stupid 20 in rims.. seriously... good idea fairy bit somebody twice on that decision...
How about the new 2022
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How about the new 2022 forerunner will have a compartment in the back like the Honda pilot under the floor good idea!!
The 4Runner needs more power
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The 4Runner needs more power and torque, better fuel economy, and an eight speed auto trans. Toyota has made it into an overly big and heavy vehicle, that is, as a result, underpowered with its dated engine and transmission. They call it a serious off road machine, and it doesn't even have a locking front differential. It has way too many weaknesses for me.
The 4Runner needs more power
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The 4Runner needs more power and torque, better fuel economy, and an eight speed auto trans. Toyota has made it into an overly big and heavy vehicle, that is, as a result, underpowered with its dated engine and transmission. They call it a serious off road machine, and it doesn't even have a locking front differential. It has way too many weaknesses for me.