Toyota launched the Hilux truck in 1976 and it quickly became one of the most successful global pickup trucks. In the 1980s, the SUV market was growing fast, and Toyota decided to offer an SUV version of the Hilux. So, in 1984, the company launched the 4Runner, but under the Hilux Surf nomenclature. When it finally arrived in the States the name was changed to 4Runner, and over the years the SUV became one of the most successful Toyota models. Currently in its fifth generation, the 4Runner is about to be replaced by an all-new model. Our sister site, HotCars, imagined how the new generation 4Runner would look like, and the result is not bad at all.

How will the next generation Toyota 4Runner look?

The current generation 4Runner has been on sale since 2010. It saw a minor update in 2013, and over the years various models were added to the lineup. For the 2022 model year, Toyota added the TRD Sport trim, while for the 2023 model year, Toyota will offer the 40th Anniversary Special Edition. The 4Runner is defined by simplicity, and it didn't change much over the years. So, it’s safe to assume that the next generation will be more of an evolution than a revolution.

Hotcars' rendering imagines a car with much slimmer headlights, a redesigned lower air dam and T-O-Y-O-T-A spelled out on the front grille, since we are looking at the TRD Pro model. A few other clues that this is the TRD version are the snorkel intake and the roof accessories. The taillights are inspired by the 2023 Sequoia and the car sits on all-terrain tires.

What will power the next 4Runner?

Rumors suggest that the next generation 4Runner will be built on a modified version of the Tundra and Sequoia platform. This means that it will also be offered with the same engine as the other two models: a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that delivers a total of 348 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque or a hybridized version of it that delivers 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. No matter what, we will look at a significant upgrade over the current 4.0-liter V-6 with its 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The power will be sent to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. There are rumors suggesting that the next 4Runner could also be offered with the same four-cylinder engine from the Lexus NX350.

When will the next Toyota 4Runner arrive?

The fifth generation 4Runner will arrive in time for the 2024 model year. Since it will be built on a new platform and will be offered with new engines, we expect the new model to be a little bit more expensive than the current model, which starts from $40,450.