2018 Toyota 4Runner – The 4Runner is a body on frame crossover which is a direct competitor for the Wrangler. There have been many rumors recently about a replacement for it and most of these suggested at a unibody design. However, we are quite sure that Toyota is not going to make the upcoming model a car-based crossover, especially since they do have many cars that can bump their MPG average quite a bit. This means that the future 2018 Toyota 4Runner will most likely retain the body on frame design which would also make sense considering they sold nearly 100,000 units last year.
2018 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Series
While we are waiting for the 2018 Toyota 4Runner to be delivered, we will take a look at the TRD Pro Series and what that model could offer. It is clear that standard 4Runner is usually bought by people that are looking for a big vehicle that is also capable of going on off-road excursions. When it comes to TRD Pro Series, some of these capabilities are bumped to a whole new level.
Toyota Racing Development or also known as TRD prepared this SUV so it can overcome almost any obstacle with ease. Where standard SUV and crossovers don’t dare even to look, this vehicle will go. For this one to be as capable as it currently is, special off-road packages were needed, and Japanese car maker stepped up their game to bring this to the market.
Here is the list of changes that the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Series brings here:
1.5″ lift at the front
Wheel travel increased for 1″
All-new 17-inch TRD all-black alloy wheels
TRD Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs
TRD-tuned front springs
TRD front skid plate
Unique front grille with “TOYOTA” badging (something we could see on early iconic Toyota models)
TRD floor mats
TRD shift knobs
Black TRD Pro badges
Black front and rear lower bumper accents
While we still do not have official information about the 2018 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro and what it might bring, we think that it will employ new looks of the standard version with further improving its off-road capabilities. And all this is just a base for the future so you can take a look at the list and get a better insight into the next off-road beast.
2018 Toyota 4Runner – The Chassis
Even though the basic design of the car will remain, the platform, as well as most of the running gear, should change. In fact, we are positive that the next generation will be based on the same chassis as the new Tacoma. This is a lighter construction than the older one as it is made out of high-strength steel.
2018 Toyota 4Runner rendering shown
On top of that, it is also noticeably more rigid as well so it should allow for more flexibility on and off the road. The new platform will also mean that most performance parts designed for the new Tacoma will fit without any major modifications on the 4Runner platform. We expect to see the base starting price of around $35,000, and the car should be ready for production by the end of 2017.
Design of new Toyota 4Runner
One of the worst parts about the current model is the way it looks. Despite that, people did buy it thanks to its sheer off-road ability. The new 2018 Toyota 4Runner is expected to look quite a bit better than its predecessor, 2016 Toyota 4Runner.
For starters, in the front, the car is supposed to borrow a lot of elements from the new Tacoma such as the aggressive grille or the headlights. These will make for a more balanced design which will go just fine with the wagon body of the 4Runner. The new look will also likely be tweaked in order to offer better approach and departure angles as well as to give it a more muscular appearance.
Interior of 2018 Toyota 4Runner
Do not expect anything too fancy from the upcoming 4Runner. Even though the car will most likely go through a major redesign, it should offer a pretty similar experience inside the cabin. The dashboard will probably be taken straight out of the Tacoma while the seating position should also be similar. The difference will come with the third-row seats which will be available across the new 4Runner range. New safety features such as automatic collision warning and braking will be available.
Engine @ Toyota 4Runner 2018
Currently, the car offers only a 4.0-liter V6 which returns poor fuel economy but a really good torque curve which is perfect for off-roading. The upcoming 2018 Toyota 4Runner won’t be able to use this engine as it is far too inefficient. However, this doesn’t mean it will be less powerful or capable. In fact, it seems that the new model might use the same 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 from the Tacoma. This combines variable valve control, direct injection, a modified Atkinson cycle as well as a really clever computer system.
In the Tacoma, it makes 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. We should see a small bump in this segment for the 4Runner, but the end result will be very similar as it will also weigh more. A six-speed automatic transmission will be the only offering here while rear or four-wheel drive comes available across the range. Expect the new SUV to offer lockable electric differentials or at least some sort of torque vectoring system which will allow it to provide even better off-road features compared to what the previous model was capable.
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Video of 2018 Toyota 4Runner
Take a look at its predecessor while we wait for the new model.
