Toyota 4Runner – Toyota‘s widely admired SUV has undergone its first significant redesign in 15 years. Primarily targeting the North American market, this model is also known as the Hilux Surf in select countries. The latest version of the 4Runner now features a new modular platform, enhanced design, additional features, and improved off-road capabilities.
Updated Toyota 4Runner: What’s New?
The updated 4Runner is built on the TNGA-F truck architecture, which it shares with models like the Tacoma and the new Land Cruiser Prado. This redesign replaces the old 4.0-liter V6 petrol engine and 5-speed automatic transmission with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 282 hp. This engine variant is also found in other Toyota SUVs, such as the Land Cruiser Prado, which generates 330 hp. Both powertrains are paired with a new 8-speed automatic gearbox.
The 4Runner offers a 2WD option along with part-time and full-time 4WD variants. The 2WD model features a standard limited-slip differential. At the same time, the 4WD versions include a 2-speed electronically controlled transfer case with high and low ranges. It also gets Toyota’s new Active Traction Control technology, A-Trac. Off-road modes like Mud, Dirt, and Sand, along with a Crawl Control function, enhance its capabilities. The new 4Runner boasts a 32-degree approach angle and a 24-degree departure angle.
Trailhunter Trim: A pure Off-roader version
The new Trailhunter trim offers a rugged appearance and off-road enhancements, including 33-inch off-road tires with bronze alloy that raise the front ride height by 2 inches and the rear by 1.5 inches. It also features 2.5-inch Old Man Emu forged shocks, an ARB-designed roof rack, a 20-inch light bar, and steel skid plates at both ends. This trim sports a distinctive all-black grille with Toyota lettering, while other variants retain the standard Toyota logo on the grille. A huge fully functional air vents on the bonnet and a high-mount snorkel. The purpose of the snorkel is to provide extra purified air to the engine. In this variant, the new Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM) helps you navigate every terrain with ease. With just a button press, the stabilizer bar disengages, increasing the front wheel articulation. This ensures that all four wheels maintain contact on the ground, improving stability and control on rough surfaces.
New Toyota 4Runner: Features and Technology
The standard 4Runner has heated front and second-row seats, a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and a 7.0-inch digital instrument panel. Higher trims offer a 14.0-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and USB-A and USB-C ports. It has the JBL audio system with 14 speakers and some speakers are also detachable. 4Runner still maintains its iconic presence and classic power rear glass window.
In terms of safety, the new 4Runner includes ADAS as standard, featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, road sign recognition, and high-beam assist.
Toyota’s 2024 SUV Line-Up and Beyond
In India, Toyota currently offers the Fortuner and the Land Cruiser 300, alongside monocoque SUVs like the Hyryder & the Innova Hycross. The company is developing a new rugged SUV to be positioned below the Fortuner. Its global debut is expected by the end of the year. This new model will be aimed primarily at emerging markets.
