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Considering that the 2023 Toyota 4Runner is already the 14th installment in the model’s 5th generation, it’s quite amazing that this sporty and rugged mid-size SUV is still one of the five best-selling models in its category in the US market. However, as rival SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco roll out with new upgrades, the 4Runner’s popularity may not hold out for much longer. Fortunately, the market may be able to see an all-new 2024 Toyota 4Runner soon.
Toyota launched the 4th-generation Highlander last 2019. In addition, the 3rd-generation Tundra and Sequoia debuted in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Finally, in March 2023, Toyota USA released a teaser for the 2024 Tacoma. All these recent developments indicate that a 4Runner redesign is in the works – and we may hear official news about it by the 2nd half of 2023.
So what changes can we expect from the 2024 Toyota 4Runner redesign?
Exciting Exterior Changes For The 2024 Toyota 4Runner
The 3rd-generation Tundra and Sequoia, as well as the 4th-generation Lexus LX, all used the same Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-F) platform for their recent full-model changes. Although there’s no official news yet from the Japanese carmaker, this same body-on-frame platform will most likely serve as the foundation for both the new Tacoma and the 2024 4Runner redesign. As such, it’s reasonable to expect that the 2024 4Runner will share overall design concepts with its large and mid-size SUV and pickup truck stablemates.
Some creative digital artists like Rotislav Prokop visualized these expected exterior design changes through digital renders of the 2024 Toyota 4Runner, like the two images above. In these predictive renders, the 2024 4Runner redesign will use a front fascia design similar to (but more rugged than) those of the 2023 Highlander, Tundra, and Sequoia. A prominent diamond-shaped grille, accompanied by sharper LED headlamp enclosures, a pronounced bumper lip, and four air dams will highlight the 2024 4Runner’s rugged persona. The 4Runner redesign may also include tailgate and rear design elements similar to those of the current Sequoia.
As Toyota seems to be increasing the overall dimensions of its SUV and pickup truck models, it’s fair to expect that the 2024 4Runner will be larger than its current model year. If this forecast holds true, then the 2024 4Runner redesign may also upsize its tires from the current 265/70/R17 (31.6 inches diameter) up to 32-inch or even 33-inch tires. After all, Toyota may want to address the demands of many 4Runner owners who upsize their tires for both aesthetic and practical purposes.
Of course, Toyota will also need to consider tweaking or upgrading the 2024 4Runner’s suspension to accommodate the overall vehicle size increase. Currently, the 4Runner’s optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), X-REAS sports enhancement suspension system, and the TRD FOX shocks allow this mid-size SUV’s underbelly to float between 9 and 9.6 inches above the ground, depending on the trim. Although this is already quite high compared to the Toyota Highlander’s 8.0-inch ground clearance, the 4Runner’s most trail-capable TRD Pro trim still rides low compared to other off-road SUVs like the Wrangler (9.7 to 10.8 inches ground clearance) and the Bronco (8.3 to 13.1 inches ground clearance). Following these cues, Toyota may give the 2024 4Runner’s off-road trims more front suspension lift and perhaps – a big “perhaps” – a load-leveling rear air suspension system similar to that of the new Sequoia.
Important Interior Updates For The 2024 Toyota 4Runner
One of the 2023 Toyota 4Runner’s most obvious clues about its age is its interior design. For starters, the impressive-sounding “Optitron instrumentation” is actually just a fancily-lit analog instrument cluster with a tiny LCD screen at the center. For the 2024 4Runner redesign, Toyota will probably use the same 7-inch digital instrument cluster of the base and mid-spec Highlander and RAV4 trims. Additionally, the 2024 4Runner redesign will also include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as a standard feature for the range-topping trims.
Along with an instrument cluster upgrade, the 2024 4Runner will also receive a new 8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system head unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Moreover, to appease audiophile 4Runner customers, Toyota may still carry over or even upgrade the 15-speaker JBL premium audio system from the current generation.
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner still uses either a glare-resistant mechanical rearview mirror or an auto-dimming rearview mirror, depending on the trim. For the 2024 4Runner redesign, Toyota will likely offer customers an optional upgrade to digital rearview mirrors. Using a rear-facing camera mounted high on the inner side of the rear windshield, the digital rearview mirror will give the 2024 4Runner drivers a wider and clearer rearward view even if they fill up the rear cabin space with cargo.
Probable Powertrain Upgrades For The 2024 Toyota 4Runner
As part of an industry-wide campaign towards environmental sustainability, Toyota and other carmakers have been dropping large-displacement engines and adopting smaller, forced-induction mills across different vehicle segments. For instance, the Toyota Tundra lost its 310-hp, 4.6-liter V8 block and gained a 3.4-liter, twin-turbo i-FORCE V6 that currently provides 348 to 389 hp. Similarly, Toyota replaced the Tundra’s and Sequoia’s 5.7-liter, 378-hp V8 with the new i-FORCE MAX hybrid system that produces 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque using the same 3.4-liter V6s paired with electric motors.
The 2024 Toyota 4Runner redesign will likely follow suit and retire the 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 engine that faithfully served this mid-size SUV since 2009. Although this old engine’s 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque are still decent for highways and mild trails, its power output and efficiency simply can’t compete with today’s modern internal combustion blocks. Toyota will likely replace this V6 with the same 2.4-liter turbocharged I-4 engine that currently resides under the hoods of the current Toyota Highlander, Toyota Crown, and Lexus RX.
But don’t mock a four-banger 4Runner just yet.
The 2024 4Runner’s forced-induction engine already gives the Highlander 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. For the RX350, Lexus dialed in more aggressive settings to make the same four-cylinder engine pump out 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of twist. In short, this spirited inline-4 has a similar horsepower rating but a significantly higher torque output when compared to the old V6.
And that’s still only when we’re talking about pure internal combustion operation.
Industry insiders, Toyota fans, and off-road enthusiasts have been speculating about a new 4Runner hybrid that’s supposed to be in the Japanese carmaker’s pipeline. Considering that Toyota already uses hybrid technology for the Tundra, Sequoia, and Highlander, these speculations may have good merit. But which hybrid electric system will Toyota implant in the 2024 4Runner hybrid? Will it be the i-FORCE MAX from the Tundra and Sequoia, or will it be an iteration of the Hybrid Max system of the Lexus RX500h and Toyota Crown?
The smart money is on the 2.4-liter turbocharged Hybrid Max system – which is significantly more powerful than the 243-hp and 175 lb-ft 2.5-liter hybrid system in the current Highlander. After all, the 2024 4Runner hybrid trim needs to compete against other hybrid off-road SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler 4Xe, which boasts 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.
Using the Hybrid Max system, Toyota can potentially give the 2024 4Runner hybrid the same power and torque output that Lexus gave to the Performance trim of the Lexus RX500h F-Sport – a total system output of 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. With a 4Runner hybrid trim in its ranks, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner can compete very well against its rivals both on the highway and on the trails.
Finally, to channel the new engines’ power outputs more efficiently to the 2024 4Runner’s wheels, Toyota must let go of the old 5-speed automatic transmission system in the current model. In this 4Runner redesign decision, the Japanese carmaker needs to consider all of its target customers more carefully, lest they move towards other Toyota models, or worse, to the competition. For instance, families seeking a comfortable yet decently-capable people hauler may flock to the Toyota Highlander and its 8-speed A/T. On the other hand, many off-road enthusiasts and M/T purists may find that the Ford Bronco’s 7-speed M/T and 10-speed A/T options will give a much more exciting or satisfying driving experience.
Based on the transmission upgrades that its Toyota stablemates received in recent years, the 2024 4Runner should also get at least one new transmission option. The new 4Runner may get the 8-speed Direct-shift A/T similar to what the 2023 Highlander has. Alternatively, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner may even adopt the new 10-speed ECT-i system in the 2023 Sequoia and Tundra. Finally, if Toyota still wants to keep stick shift enthusiasts interested, the 2024 4Runner may also get the same 6-speed M/T option that the 2023 Tacoma currently offers. With at least two modern transmission options, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner will attract more customers from its diverse target market groups.
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