By The legendary off-roader has been a household name in the business and the current generation, even it’s quite old, still makes pretty good sales numbers. It’s been around since 2009 and not many things have changed since then. However, everything comes to an end, so is the current generation of this capable off-roader. According to the latest reports, the next generation will arrive already in the next year, like the 2023 Toyota 4Runner.
At this point, we don’t know many details about the new model, but some of the things can easily be predicted. That particularly refers to the overall layout, which is expected to remain untouched. The new model will continue as a genuine body-on-frame SUV, with a focus on off-road capability and overall practicality. Still, we also expect to see a lot of improvements regarding on-road ride quality, new technologies and efficiency. The officials are still quiet, so take the following paragraphs with a reserve.
2023 Toyota 4Runner Redesign
As we’ve just mentioned, the officials are still quiet about details, but some aspects of the new 2023 Toyota 4Runner are quite easy to predict. Of course, we are talking about the base layout, which will remain the same. We are about to see a genuine body-on-frame design again, an SUV that offers some serious off-road performance. So, the first thing that comes to mind is the platform.
From what we know so far, the new 2023 Toyota 4Runner will ride on the new TNGA-F platform, the same one that’s about to debut in the new Tundra. We still don’t know the details, but we presume that this platform will bring lots of improvement regarding weight savings, efficiency etc. Also, the new platform will feature a notably lower center of gravity, which should have a highly positive impact on on-road driving performance.
Exterior
When it comes to the exterior design, one of the first things that come to mind is styling. Of course, it will be completely new and we count on a lot of influence from the new Tundra, as well as the new Land Cruiser. Still, we don’t believe that the overall shape could change significantly. Moreover, we are also pretty sure that the new model won’t be much bigger. The current model features around 110 inches in wheelbase, which makes it quite maneuverable and great in terms of off-road potential.
Speaking of the off-road potential, standard models should feature at least 9 inches in ground clearance, while more capable versions should offer even more. Of course, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro will once again sit at the top of the offer, with upgrades like locking differentials, two-speed transfer case, upgrades suspension and other off-road hardware.
Interior
On the inside, not many things have changed since the initial launch in 2009. That’s why the current model looks a little bit old by today’s standards. We expect that the 2023 Toyota 4Runner will bring significant improvements in this aspect, especially in terms of aesthetics. On the other hand, we don’t expect that the company will insist on too many areas with soft-touch materials. Instead, the new cabin will rather feature mostly hard-touch surfaces, which promises excellent durability.
Of course, the new model will come packed with all kinds of advanced tech features, including a new infotainment system and more safety and driver-assistance goodies.
We could on slight improvement regarding passenger space, but keep in mind that we already mentioned that the overall size of the SUV probably won’t change too much. The same thing goes for the cargo area.
2023 Toyota 4Runner Engines
This aspect of the SUV opens a lot of possibilities. The current V6 engine will certainly be replaced, as it is old, inefficient and underpowered. However, we can’t say which engine could come as a replacement. One of the possibilities is to see the same turbo V6 that’s about to debut in the new Tundra. That engine puts out 389 horsepower and it would certainly bring a huge improvement over the current unit.
We shouldn’t drop the possibility to see a hybrid powertrain option either. If that happens, we presume that the 2023 Toyota 4Runner would use something smaller and more efficient, based on a four-cylinder engine.
Besides the engine, the new model will also get a new transmission. The current 5-speed unit is outdated by any standards. Most likely, the new model will get the same 10-speed unit as the new Tundra.
2023 Toyota 4Runner Release Date and Price
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner should arrive sometime during 2022, though the exact date is still unknown. We estimate that base versions will cost around 38.000 dollars.
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