The 2024 Toyota 4Runner has come a long way since its inception as a modified Hilux pickup truck in 1984. It has transformed into a rugged SUV known for its off-road capabilities and touch of refinement. However, the fifth generation, introduced in 2009, is showing signs of aging. Its fuel efficiency falls short, with less than 20 mpg on the highway, and its five-speed automatic transmission lags behind competitors like the new Ford Bronco. Thankfully, Toyota is expected to address these concerns by unveiling an upgraded version of the 4Runner in the near future. While specific details about the highly anticipated sixth-generation 2024 Toyota 4Runner are not widely available, there are some details available to shed light on what we can expect.
A 4-cylinder Engine
It is highly likely that the Toyota 4Runner will undergo an engine downsizing trend seen across Toyota’s truck and SUV lineup. The current 4Runner is equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, but it is expected to transition to a four-cylinder powertrain. The leading contender for the base engine option is Toyota’s turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four, which is already used in the all-new Lexus NX 350. This engine delivers an impressive 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the torque output of the current V6 engine.
What about a hybrid powertrain?
It appears probable that the Toyota 4Runner will offer hybrid options, considering Toyota’s commitment to providing hybrid variants for all its vehicles by 2025. One potential option is the 2.4-liter Hybrid Max powertrain, currently producing 340 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque in the Crown. This could serve as a performance-oriented upgrade, positioning the 4Runner to compete with higher-level trims of the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. Additionally, Toyota has confirmed that the Tacoma will receive the more powerful iForce-Max V6 engine, specifically for the TRD Pro grade. It is therefore conceivable that this engine could also find its way into the 4Runner.
An Electric 2024 Toyota 4Runner?
It is unlikely that a 4Runner electric vehicle (EV) will be introduced in the near future. Toyota provided an overview of its EV roadmap in 2021, but recent reports suggest that the company is reevaluating its plans. While a concept resembling an electric Tacoma has been observed, there have been no indications or sightings of an electric 4Runner. It is plausible that an electric version of the 4Runner will be released in the future, but that would likely be part of a future seventh-generation model.
A New Interior Design is Most Likely
It is highly likely that the Toyota 4Runner will receive a significant interior upgrade, similar to the modernization seen in the new Tundra. The 4Runner is expected to feature Toyota’s latest infotainment system, which debuted on the Lexus NX and may include an optional 14-inch touchscreen. While Toyota is not known for emphasizing interior material quality, substantial improvements can be expected to maintain competitiveness against rival vehicles.
Toyota 4Runner 2024 Release Date
The exact release date for the 2024 Toyota 4Runner has not been confirmed, but it is anticipated to be close in timing to the unveiling of the new Tacoma. The Tacoma reveal is expected to happen soon, with a short gap of a couple of months between the Tacoma and 4Runner reveals at most. Regardless of the precise timeline, it is likely that the new 4Runner will be available at dealerships by the end of 2023.
2024 Toyota 4Runner Price
No official pricing information has been released for the 2024 Toyota 4Runner yet. However, based on the starting MSRP values provided on Toyota’s US website, the 2023 4Runner is priced between $40,000 and $55,000. It is anticipated that the price of the 2024 4Runner will not experience a significant increase.
