The Toyota 4Runner was never officially sold here. Yes, you see several of them roaming the streets thanks to gray imports and the influx of Japanese surplus units as the Hilux Surf. So, what gives?
Simply put, the 4Runner’s position is already occupied by another popular model, the Prado. It’s almost illogical to sell two models that are of the same size and segment.
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Still, that hasn’t stopped people from finding ways to get this model into the Philippines. Now, there’s an all-new 4Runner, and it’s the first redesigned model after nearly 15 years.
Like the past two generations of the 4Runner, its chassis is shared with the Prado. In this case, it uses the TNGA-F platform that also underpins model such as the Sequoia, Land Cruiser, and Tundra. In terms of design, it draws inspiration from past models.
Toyota highlighted three variants during its launch, namely the Limited, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter. The Limited shows the more luxurious side of the 4Runner. There’s more chrome on the outside and large alloy wheels look more suited to the road than on the rocks.
Moving to the TRD Pro, it ditches all the fancy trim in the Limited and adds black overfenders, a few extra inches of ground clearance, a more rugged suspension package, and smaller rims wrapped in chunky all-terrain tires. But for those who truly plan to venture off-road with it, the Trailhaunter is the one to choose.
The Trailhunter feature ARB’s Old Man Emu (OME) 2.5-inch forged shocks with rear external piggyback remote reservoirs, and comes standard with an ARB Roof Rack. It wears 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires, giving it even more clearance. Also fitted to the 4Runner Trailhunter is a snorkel, rock rails and high strength steel skid plates for serious off-the-grid-adventure capabilities.
Inside, it’s a massive leap over the outgoing model. It’s distinct from the Prado’s look with its own arrangement of screens, a unique dashboard, and interior panels that distinguish it from other Toyota SUV models. Depending on the variant chosen, each interior has a theme. But regardless of the model, all come with a wind down tailgate window, something the 4Runner has had for 40 years.
As for tech, there’s a whole host of driver convenience features available, along with off-road driving modes, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, and online services.
There are two powertrain options available for the all-new Toyota 4Runner. The first is an i-FORCE turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 278hp and 430Nm of torque. The other is the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain that punches out 326 horsepower and 630Nm of torque. Unlike the Prado, it’s unlikely that the 4Runner will come with a turbodiesel engine.
Over in the US, sales will commence around the third quarter of 2024. Again, it’s unlikely to be sold outside of North America, but we wouldn’t be surprised if we see this SUV make its way here via private importers.
