The future of the 4Runner (5th Gen)

[Seanz0rz]

its no secret that the land cruiser prado (in other markets) is the lexus GX in america with minor sheetmetal tweaking:


toyota long ago split apart the ranges in terms of badge engineering. no longer are lexi (plural of lexus) just toyotas with big L's on the back. the 4runner will get a distinctive body for the US and maybe other markets where it will be sold as the hilux surf. it will however, most likely NOT be identical to the prado.

[Lee]

i thought the prado was a reworked 4th gen 4runner (or vice versa) and the gx was just a very lightly reworked prado??

[Seanz0rz]

im saying sheetmetal wise. the 4th gen 4runner, 1st gen FJC, 1st gen GX, and 2nd gen taco are all based on the land cruiser prado 120 global platform and share the frame, suspension(save taco), and engine/trans choices (vary on market of course).

[Seanz0rz]

here are the 3 side by side:
4Runner:

GX:

Prado:


i think that provides a much better look at how the prado and lexus are basically twins, and the 4runner is pretty well defined as its own vehicle (sheetmetal anyway)

[DHC6twinotter]

i thought the prado was a reworked 4th gen 4runner (or vice versa) and the gx was just a very lightly reworked prado??

Yep, that is my understanding as well.

The GX, FJC, and 4Runner are based on the Land Cruiser Prado. The GX shares most of the sheetmetal with the Prado as well, whereas the FJC and 4Runner use different sheetmetal.

[YotaFun]

well all in all,
I would rather the GX and Pardo keep there similarities
and the 4Runner still be its own with its distinct C pillar.

But I am sure with the way the Market is, the 5th gen will look like that...

[Seanz0rz]

toyota tries very hard to keep the toyota and lexus cars looking different. they learned long ago that you cant just rebadge a toyota, throw leather seats in and call it a lexus. that is a lesson the big 3 are learning the hard way right now.

[YotaFun]

toyota tries very hard to keep the toyota and lexus cars looking different. they learned long ago that you cant just rebadge a toyota, throw leather seats in and call it a lexus. that is a lesson the big 3 are learning the hard way right now.

This is true I agree.
Moms car is still almost a done up Camary, though still pitted side by side there are very many differences...

I guess its still a waiting period till we actually see a 4Runner badge on what ever the 5th gen 4Runner turns out to be

[DHC6twinotter]

Looks like some chrome trim around some of the gauges. I like the wheels too.

[YotaFun]

Still 6 lug and still solid rear axle.
Def bigger and more squared out too.