I love the 4Runner. Even two years ago I was sick of waiting for an update.
Toyota/Lexus, in the GX has proven you can get 15 city, 19 highway, 16 combined with a 300hp/320 tq full time 4WD vehicle that weighs 5200 pounds.
Yet in the 4200 pound 4Runner we are stuck with 17/20/18 at 270/278 hp/tq.
In the LC or LX we get 380hp/400 torques with full time AWD in a 6000 pound vehicle at 13 city/18 hw/ 15 combined.
In a trail rated Grand Cherokee weighing 4500 pounds with full time AWD and a true 4L- and a true SUV in line drive train- despite being unibody instead of frame on, as capable as any of the above before modifications,
You get 295hp, 260 ft lbs with 18/25/21 mpg or 360/390 at 14/22/17.
And there are more powerful options,
Toyota needs better mpg in a base 4Runner and it needs a stronger option.
Jeep has been selling about 200k grand Cherokees a year.
They have been selling about 200k Wranglers a year.
Toyota had been selling less than 50k 4Runners a year. They gained most of the former XTerra and FJ Cruiser buying market when those ended, and the current reinterest in outdoorsy overlandy stuff has helped them get up around 120k unit’s a year over the past five years.
They need to update the 4Runner base drivetrain.
They need an upgraded option- probably the GX drivetrain would be easiest to do.
If I was god emperor of Toyota I would look hard at the poorly selling LC and Seqouia.
I would probably look at the 4Runner platform, tell the engineers to get the GX drivetrain in it.
I would also tell them to give me an LC70 Wagon / troop carrier looking set of body panels for the 4Runner, with door panels and a roof panel removable in Wrangler fashion.
Drop the sequoia and LC,
And bring that on as the Toyota Land Cruiser Classic.
“Where weapons may not be carried, it is well to carry weapons.”
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