Will the 4Runner Ever Get a Facelift?

In the ever-changing automotive world, one vehicle hasn’t changed since 2009. The Toyota 4Runner is certainly due for an upgrade, but when?

The old-school charm of the 4Runner is hard to beat but can become tiresome after a while. This off-road-focused SUV brings impressive trail-riding capabilities, an inefficient powertrain, and an antiquated transmission that makes some people smile while others shake their heads in disgust. Toyota has revamped nearly every other traditional vehicle in its lineup; when will the 4Runner have its turn to join the modern era of driving?

A new 4Runner is on the horizon

Although a reveal date for the new 4Runner hasn’t been set, we’ve learned the new model should arrive late in 2024 as part of the 2025 model year. If this is the case, the new 4Runner will receive much more than a simple facelift; it will enter a whole new generation, bringing a sixth-generation model to the market. For those looking forward to this new and improved model, this means the current model of the 4Runner will continue for at least one more model year.

Will this new Toyota SUV be easy to recognize?

Some vehicles undergo a generational change, and the entire look is updated. Thankfully, suggestions tell us that the new 4Runner should be styled similarly to the current model. It should share front-end styling features with the new 2024 Tacoma and bring a more upright C-pillar, which makes it much easier for passengers to enter the second row.

The front end should be angular, aggressive, and rugged, which is certainly an expectation for this off-road SUV. This look makes it easy to see a few changes in the new 4Runner while still maintaining a highly recognizable appearance. A new TRD Pro model should also be part of the mix, which continues the pleasant nature of this off-roading SUV with the most hardcore equipment.

What powertrain should Toyota use in the 4Runner?

The new Toyota 4Runner will ride on the TNGA-F platform, which is utilized by the new Tacoma. The powertrain upgrades for this new SUV will be the greatest change for this vehicle. Currently, the 4Runner receives power from a 4.0-liter V6 engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The new model could utilize the same range of engines as the new Tacoma.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Powertrains

• 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder plus 8-speed automatic – 228 horsepower/243 lb-ft
• i-Force 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder plus 6-speed manual – 270 horsepower/310 lb-ft
• i-Force 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder plus 8-speed automatic – 278 horsepower/317 lb-ft
• i-Force Max hybrid 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder plus 8-speed automatic – 326 horsepower/465 lb-ft of torque

If these powertrains become part of the Toyota 4Runner lineup, new shoppers will finally have some variety in this rugged SUV. The most exciting part is the possibility of a manual transmission in the 4Runner. Toyota committed to ensuring the new Tacoma would have the manual transmission; it would be pretty easy to use the same powertrain as part of the 4Runner lineup.

Will Toyota offer an overlanding version?

The new Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter is an overlanding truck that’s made for some deep off-road adventures with weeks away from civilization at a time. Could the new Toyota 4Runner also offer a Trailhunter trim? The 4Runner has an advantage over the Tacoma by being an SUV, which makes it better suited as a home away from home out in the wilderness. There should be a new 4Runner Trailhunter added to the lineup, giving off-road enthusiasts the perfect vehicle for some deep wilderness fun.

Expect interior improvements

Aside from the new powertrains, the most significant upgrades we expect to see in the new 4Runner will be the style, tech, and build of the cabin. The new dashboard should feature a large touchscreen that measures up to 14 inches. The new 4Runner could resemble (no surprise here) the new Tacoma in many ways. The Tacoma is serving as a basis for this new off-road Toyota SUV, as it has in the past. Of course, most Toyota loyalists don’t mind the pairing of truck and SUV in this manner, especially considering the reliability and rugged performance that’s always been part of the Toyota brand lineup.

Will the new 4Runner continue to be built in Japan?

The Toyota 4Runner is one of the most popular off-road SUVs in North America. This new SUV shared its platform with the Tacoma and new Land Cruiser. Although Toyota will still build the American Land Cruiser in Japan, it would be easy to see a production shift for the 4Runner to be built much closer to where it is sold.