Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Future Vehicles 2010 Toyota 4Runner redesign
388 messages, Last post on Nov 27, 2009 at 7:07 PM
You are in the Future Vehicles Forum. Your Host is kirstie_h
Just saw the new 4runner live and in colour at an auto show in Barrie Ontario Canada last weekend. I've had 5 4runners in my time. This one is going to be tough to like. It's definitely got FJ features with protruding light fixtures front and back. Much more boxy and utilitarian. Chrome looks like it's been placed for looks as an afterthought. Door handles were plasticy. Headlamps were NOT projector type. The interior is sparse and minimalist compared to Gen 4. The guy wouldn't let anyone in the vehicle so it's difficult to assess legroom, trim quality etc but through the window it looks similar to the 4th gen in that respect. I don't know.....
|
|
| On the previous post, which model did you see, the SR5, trail, or limited? Seems like toyota may be cutting on the 4-runner to force that dedicated community to the Lexus GX460 and substantially increase their profits. Basically all data shows the AWD, led tail lights, V8, and projector lights are gone on the Traill (Old Sport model), and the ugly black fender flairs reintroduce from the 2003 days as well as the forced sun roof. I was going to order as soon as I could, being like the previous poster owning 4 new 4runner, but that is on hold since so many of the 4-Runner items I love in the equivalent sport mdoel are now gone. Sure hope others who have touch one for real, can share their impressions on this board.. | |
| There was no badging on the vehicle as to what model it was. However, the interior seating was beige leather and it seemed to be well equipped so I would conclude that it was a Limited. Interestingly a sticker on the drivers door (at the bottom of the glass) said "Prototype" on it. The new model is definitely more like the 3rd generation in shape (which I don't mind) but when you see one in person it leaves you to wonder what they were thinking. It's just not inspiring enough to get excited about. Jumping to the Lexus is too much of a leap in cost (for me to justify) to make up for what's missing in the new 4 runner and if that's Toyota's game plan then I guess I'll step aside....until they come to their senses. | |
|
I visited the Texas State Fair last weekend and Toyota had all three models-Silver SR5 2WD, Black Trail Edition 4WD, and a Limited AWD, plus the beat up Silver prototype they tried to kill on the Rubicon and near Moab (I[m pretty sure this is the same vehicle the spy shots caught on the California highway based on the buggy tailights they stuck on it, which made it kind of fun to see). My take is that both the SR5 and the Limited have cheap chrome plastic door handles (the Trail has black plastic, but it didn't seem as cheap to the touch as the chrome, which felt like it would scratch or wear easily), and the interior has lots of plastic (it's clearly not a Lexis) but not so much so that it is a big problem for me. The Limited has full time 4WD, and SR5 was a 2 wheeler if I remember correctly. The Trail had KDSS. There was nothing in the interior that really turned me off (I didn't really like the placement of the window switches but it's not that big a deal). I liked the instrument cluster. Certainly the same designer of the FJ took his cues from it, but not overwhelmingly so, and the exterior was much less dramatic in person. The hard edges on the side are a bit softer in person than the photos show as well. The Limited had leather (it was fine). The other two had fabric. The Trail had some sort of water resistant material, but it didn't seem that much differnt from the SR5's. All VIN's showed builds around a little over 100. I didn't care for the Limited (go buy a Limited Highlander or Lexus if you want luxury with limited off road ability), and the SR5 can't be ordered with the off road options of the Trail Edition. The Trail, though, is an off road dream machine. KDSS, and a hosts of other off road features make it so. It fullfulls what the 4Runner really should be in the first place. One item I didn't care for is the stupid fake hood scope on the Trail Edition. If it's fake, leave it off for Pete's sake. But you can't. I wonder how much it would cost to buy another hood and have it painted to get rid of it. Yuck. Other than that, though, I'd say the Trail Edition should be a winner. I note that there were very few people looking at them while I was there, certainly no waiting, and some times while I was there absolutely no one at all other than me looking at any of them. SUV's and high gas prices has a lot of folks turned off these models I guess but I admire Toyota for not killing the model as it fits a niche to tow 5000 lbs loads and as a utility vehicle to haul things with. I got a free Toyota Truck Frisbee and tote bag, though, from the Toyota "Live" folks who put on a cheesy 5 minute show. They never mentioned the new 4Runner in the show at all even though it was about 30 feet away, and instead focused on the new Prius (which was not even near the display but rather in a different part of the park with the cars), and the Tundra. I got photos, but the new 4Runner info on Toyota's site is better than what I can provide. GM
|
|
|
Replying to: jonesok1 (Oct 01, 2009 8:12 am)
|
|
|
Replying to: gt333 (Oct 01, 2009 11:07 am) GM |
|
| I sent an email to Toyota about the rear spoiler and received a very courteous response confirming that it will be on all 2010 4Runners. I personally think that these things are both ugly and tacky and detract from the appearance of almost any vehicle they are on. Although it's obviously a matter of personal taste, I am curious if anyone else has an opinion on the rear spoiler and whether it would influence their decision about buying a new 4Runner. Although I will reserve a final decision until I see a 4Runner in person, the spoiler will probably keep me from buying one. | |
| My understanding is you can special order the other colors through dealers when they start taking orders. Is anyone aware of a dealer taking orders? Sure wish they would still offer the all wheel drive sport (Trail Edition) since that fulfills most four wheeler needs except the rock crawllers which I would think would be a very small market. That seems to be tossed out with the V8. Also, I notice the gas milage estimates are the same for both the 4wd and AWD. One would think the AWD would be less. | |
While many may not want the previously optional spoiler or even the more expensive $1K sunroof, toyota will soon have the only choice in the market. So it is more so a take it or leave it situation at any price, since there is no competition. And it increases their profit per vehicle while simplifying the production process. Same logic for the few boring colors they offer.
|
|
|
Replying to: tangman (Oct 01, 2009 7:14 pm) |
|
You are here:
Forums
Future Vehicles 2010 Toyota 4Runner redesign
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2010 Toyota 4Runner
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
