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Nine Percent Interest Rates And $8,000 Markups Make This A Bad Time To Buy A New Toyota 4Runner
Nine Percent Interest Rates And $8,000 Markups Make This A Bad Time To Buy A New Toyota 4Runner

Yahoo

time07-02-2025

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

Nine Percent Interest Rates And $8,000 Markups Make This A Bad Time To Buy A New Toyota 4Runner

If you're in the market for a new Toyota 4Runner I have some bad news for you: Prepare your finances because you're about to get taken for a ride. Not only do 4Runner buyers have to deal with greedy dealership markups, they're also facing high interest rates if they decide to finance their new SUV. After what's seemed like an eternity, the first genuinely new Toyota 4Runner in years is finally arriving at dealerships across the country with prices starting at just $120 more than the outgoing generation. Sadly many of those 4Runners are arriving at dealers who are hitting them with some serious markups as CarsDirect pointed out. The largest markup they could find was at a dealer in Costa Mesa, California that has given a new 4Runner a markup of over $8,000. My own search found another local dealer, this one in Claremont, California, that has an even bigger markup on a 2025 4Runner TRD Sport. Its regular MSRP is $59,713, but a $10,290 markup turns it into a $70,000 SUV. In fact, every single one of the nine 2025 4Runners this dealer has in stock has a markup disguised as 'dealer installed accessories.' These dealers aren't alone. Of the 800 or so new 4Runners I found for sale, the average markup on them ranged from $6,000-$8,000. Making this situation worse are high interest rates. Buyers that want to finance their 4Runner through Toyota are going to get hit with interest rates above nine percent, and that's for prime credit buyers. If you use Toyota's payment estimator tool, you'll find that the APR defaults to 9.02 percent for buyers with credit scores of over 720. Those rates can get worse with lower credit scores. Someone with a credit score of 650-669 will get hit with a 12.82 percent interest rate if they finance a 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road for 60 months; that rate jumps to 13.28 if the buyer goes for a 72-month term. Any way you go about it, that's thousands more in interest. If these rates are too much — and they are — interested customers might find a better buy in the mechanically similar Tacoma, as Cars Direct pointed out: On a 72-month loan, the 2025 Tacoma can be financed at just 5.99% APR. As a result, a $45,000 Tacoma could cost over $5,300 less than a $45,000 4Runner. None of this is new to the 4Runner. The outgoing generation of the SUV was still getting hit with markups right up until the end. Previous versions of the 4Runner TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road were priced in the high $70,000-to-low-$80,000 range in some places because of markups. If you just have to have a new 4Runner, go for it. It's a free country. Just know you're getting into a questionable financial situation given the combo of rates and markups. Or you could take my advice and wait until the market cools down. You'll be financially better in the long run if you do. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Will the last-generation Toyota 4Runner outlast a brand new one?
Will the last-generation Toyota 4Runner outlast a brand new one?

Yahoo

time06-02-2025

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

Will the last-generation Toyota 4Runner outlast a brand new one?

It took quite a while for Toyota to redesign its pickup trucks and many of its SUVs. The Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, and 4Runner were all recently redesigned and brought up into the modern age with better styling, tech, comfort, and safety features. However, with these significant generational changes come issues with vehicle dependability that are typically endemic to full-scale redesigns in the automotive has since lost its top-tier rank in the Consumer Reports car reliability study for 2024, dropping from second to third place on that illustrious list. That's still an impressive ranking, and the issues with engine and transmission problems should be remedied via recalls, hopefully not defining the brand going forward. But only time will tell. The venerable 4Runner has been around since the 1984 model year and is now in its sixth generation, having been redesigned last year as a 2025 model. The previous fifth-generation 4Runner debuted back in 2010, lasting a near-eternity largely unchanged during its 14-year run. It became such a highly respected and seriously dependable SUV that it is still pervasive on American roads. It might as well be the state car of Colorado. View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article With all of the advancements in the new 4Runner and the decrease in the brand's overall reliability, are you actually better off buying a proven 2024 model instead of a redesigned 2025? We take a closer look at why this might be the case. First of all, the powertrain is near-bulletproof, having been used for multiple generations without issue. The 4Runner's 4.0-liter V6 engine, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, has been available in the 4Runner since the 4th generation in 2002. The powertrain has built a reputation for being immensely reliable, with many owners exceeding 300,000 miles without any trouble. That's more than can be said for some of its cabin of the 4Runner might look antiquated, but that's also why it works so well. Those who off-road or overland in their 4Runners are likely to put their SUVs through the wringer, both inside and out, so simple physical controls and minimal electronic nannies could prove more reliable. The plethora of large physical buttons for climate and audio, the smaller and simpler infotainment system, and the minimal reliance on advanced driver-assist features mean there's less to break. The more mechanical controls instead of electronic ones reduce the likelihood of failure. The dated but stupidly simple controls in the 2024 4Runner were proven for an astounding 14 years. The fact that so many of the 4th-gen 4Runners are still on the road is a testament to their resilience. With a full redesign into the modern age, you can expect that the 2025 4Runner will be a different animal in terms of complexity. The new SUV adopts a smaller turbocharged engine or a hybrid setup, both of which introduce more complexity, more moving parts, and potentially higher repair costs over time. While Toyota's engineering remains some of the best in the industry, history across numerous automotive brands has shown that simpler, naturally aspirated engines tend to have greater long-term reliability than their turbocharged or hybrid counterparts. What's more, the 2025 4Runner has a significantly more sophisticated tech suite, including a digital instrument panel, a big 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, over-the-air updates, and more electronic safety features and driver-assist tech than ever before, which could impact the likelihood of electrical failures over the long haul. These technologies are great to have, of course, but increased electronic complexity leaves more room for problems. View the 10 images of this gallery on the original article Thankfully, Toyota kept the body-on-frame construction for 2025, but the last-gen was built on the N280 platform that was refined over many years. The new TNGA-F platform could potentially experience durability issues that can be endemic for full redesigns. Only time will tell how well or how poorly the new model will hold up. Since the 2024 4Runner has been in production with minimal changes for many years, parts are widely available and relatively inexpensive. From replacement engines to suspension components, everything is easy to source which equates to lower costs and less time in the shop. Of course, the new 4Runner's 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties should cover defects, but that doesn't mean there will be an easy fix or replacement that will have you back on the road top of that, the last 4Runner had suspension components, differentials, and a 4-wheel drive system that are easy to repair for most mechanics, further keeping long-term maintenance costs down. The more complex powertrain in the new 4 Runner could be more expensive to repair or replace, especially in the early years when aftermarket parts are limited. Toyota's hybrids are generally reliable, but they do come with higher repair costs when battery packs or other hybrid-specific components wear out. If you're looking for the latest technology, better fuel efficiency, and a more modern driving experience, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner will have plenty of appeal. But if you don't care about those things and you want long-term reliability, you're probably better off going with a 2024 model or a pre-owned 2023 4Runner due to its proven powertrain, easy mechanicals, simpler cabin, and lower maintenance costs. 4th-gen 4Runners that are still on the road after over a decade and over 200,000 miles are proof in the pudding that it's a vehicle that lasts. Some 2025 4Runner owners are already experiencing problems, and that should be a warning shot across the bow.

2025 Toyota 4Runner First Drive: This Bruiser Has Been Modernized, But Is It As Good As the OG?
2025 Toyota 4Runner First Drive: This Bruiser Has Been Modernized, But Is It As Good As the OG?

Yahoo

time28-01-2025

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

2025 Toyota 4Runner First Drive: This Bruiser Has Been Modernized, But Is It As Good As the OG?

The Toyota 4Runner has been a top seller for the Japanese automaker since its debut in 1984. It was a popular, semi-compact, and off-road-ready SUV that checked all the boxes. The 4Runner is still a reliable off-road-roady car that could haul the whole family at a reasonable price compared to competitors from Nissan, Ford, Chevy, and Honda. For 2025, the Toyota 4Runner has received its first big overhaul in fifteen years after six generations. Yes, time has flown for all of us except 4Runner fans who've been waiting for this new model for a long time. In many ways, it's much the same 4Runner it always has been. And in a few ways, it's different. For instance, this year will have a third row as an option and will start at $40,770, though it can run up to $66,900 depending on trim level and add-ons. This means you get more for just slightly more than the previous model year. The new model year also had a total redesign, something 4Runner fans were more than ready for. While it may be an acquired taste compared to the design that was last unveiled in 2010, it still eats, breathes, and oozes 4Runner. This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Additionally, I was a guest of Toyota for this test drive, though all opinions and impressions are my own. A first for 2025, the Trailhunter trim was built for the kind of off-roading that includes rock crawling and overlanding. It has a special suspension system that is different than the rest of the 4Runners, even the off-road ready TRD Pro. It's got a snorkel-style air intake in the event you hit a creek, it's got a built-in light bar, super duper high-strength underbody protection including a steel front skid plate, steel transfer case protector, steel rear differential protector, and composite fuel tank protector. This puppy is heavy-duty. The interior has a special trim with a composite dash that looks kind of like the surface of the moon, and the grey interior is called 'Mineral' and almost looks a little greenish. It had yellow-trimmed seats and stitching that made everything pop, and of course, I loved to see the stitching extend to the dash, where there was also a cool Toyota logo emblazoned on it. It's also the most expensive trim level for the 4Runner. It shares an MSRP, including the destination fee, with the TRD Pro i-Force Max hybrid of $68,350. However, considering what comes with the cost, it's not all that unreasonable. The most notable mechanical change is the engine. Gone is the V6 from the days of yore. Now, the 4Runner comes with either a 2.4l turbocharged 4-cylinder or a 2.4l turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid i-ForceMAX. In some models, like the SR5 Sport, the 2.4l non-hybrid sounds a little light. But in the regular SR5, it sounded great and was a nice drive on the highway. The iForce MAX feels confident and capable. Both setups are paired with an 8-speed transmission. The 4Runner can be two-wheel drive, part-time 4WD, and full-time 4WD. Who gets the iForce MAX? The TRD Off-Road Premium, Off-Road Premium, Trailhunter, Platinum, and TRD Pro trims. Essentially, any trim that's going to use the extra torque offered by the hybrid motor also offers an edge in fuel economy over the non-hybrid versions. So the real hangup with the iForce MAX is that you're going to have to spring for the higher trims if you want it. The Toyota 4Runner will get 20 mpg in the city, and 26 mpg on the highway, for a combined 22 miles per gallon. Similar to previous years, the Toyota 4Runner comes in different flavors, but with different options this time around. We drove the SR5 out from the hotel to our off-roading site in the California desert. The 4Runner was well-behaved and mostly quiet. It didn't have a ton of extra features but it didn't feel lacking. The SR5 comes with fabric upholstery with a cool pattern, and the lighter color kept the interior interesting. There was a digital driver information system and an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system. The SR5 we drove was actually a rear-wheel drive. This is perfect for people in warm climates who don't really have an inclination to take the Toyota 4Runner off-road or drive it in inclement weather. Toyota estimates the 4Runner will get 20 mpg in the city, and 26 mpg on the highway, for a combined 22 miles per gallon. This base model starts at $40,770. And then, there's this: there is a three-row option for $770 available in two of the trims, the SR5 and the Limited model. To access the third row, one must pull a lever to flip and fold the second-row seat. This all happens in one motion and is fairly easy to do. Accessing the third row is a little bit of a chore, as there's a bit of ground clearance and the entry feels a little narrow, but it's absolutely doable, especially if you're a kid. After a delightful ride in the SR5, we hopped into the Heritage Blue TRD Off-Road Premium and hit the trail. I love the color, an earthy blue that is distinctive out on the road, but not obnoxious. The TRD Off-Road is also distinctive for its 18-inch wheels and 33-inch tires, multiple off-road modes, crawl control, and a locking rear differential. It had a giant 14-inch touchscreen to view the cameras all around the Toyota 4Runner. Those cameras made it easier to manage the literal ups and downs of the course. The hill descent control managed the downhills, and the iForce MAX powertrain was a dazzler. I was relieved I had plenty of power and torque for going up the steep hills, as I figured this may be where I would miss the V6 the most. Nope. This model starts at $57,770 and our tester had some extra features like prewired auxiliary switches ($400), moonroof ($850), and a tow package ($400) to bring it to $59,400. Similar to the Trailhunter yet totally different is the TRD Pro. It's got special shocks, the same size wheels and tires, but the TRD Pro is designed for high-speed off-roading. Hauling ass in the desert? You can do it in the TRD Pro. Both the Trailhunter and the TRD Pro start at $66,900 excluding the destination fee. The day went quickly and before we knew it we were headed back to the hotel in the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport. This trim had the base turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, four-wheel drive, and a TRD Sport-tuned suspension. It also had a scoop on the hood and 20-inch wheels. It seemed like this iteration of the 4Runner sounded like it had more engine noise than the other models we drove. Still, it had a fun interior with a bright blue bit of trim along the dash. It had a smaller multimedia display. The 2025 Limited 4Runner is a dazzler. It's got a chrome grille, shiny LED headlights, and 20-inch wheels. It's as capable as they come but also has a more traditionally posh interior. The brown leather-trimmed seats were perforated and had a cool trim piece in the upper third of the seatback. The seats are heated and ventilated as standard features, as are leather-trimmed power seats. The Limited we tested had power running boards for $1,005 and a 400 tow package with a digital rearview mirror, integrated trailer brake controller, and trailer backup guide with straight path assist. For the record, both the 8-inch and the 14-inch multimedia systems are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. They also both have a free Sirius XM 3-month trial. Our Limited tester rang up at $62,28. The exterior of the 4Runner is perfection. Toyota could not have hit on a better design for this new 4Runner. It's angled and rugged like modern SUVs are. It's definitively a 4Runner, with familiar angles and shapes. From the side, it was easy to tell what it was, unlike other radical design changes made by other automakers (looking at you, Subaru). It speaks to the future without denying its past, making the 4Runner quite a looker. I simply adored the rear side window that curved over the roofline, in a nod to a previous generation. I loved that the rear window had a power up/down function, something Toyota said wouldn't not be part of the 4Runner because it's a cornerstone feature fans love. What I loved most about my time with the 4Runner was how nostalgic it made me feel but also optimistic and forward-looking. It made me feel excited for an off-road adventure, or for looking like a boss for an in-town adventure. And that's how the 4Runner has stayed on top of its game for all these years. More must-reads: The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Gives Us Spacious Spa Vibes The Chevrolet Silverado EV May Be the Most Incredible Pickup Truck Ever

Remade Toyota 4Runner is thriftier and more capable thanks to hybrid option
Remade Toyota 4Runner is thriftier and more capable thanks to hybrid option

Globe and Mail

time28-01-2025

  • Automotive
  • Globe and Mail

Remade Toyota 4Runner is thriftier and more capable thanks to hybrid option

Toyota, for all its vaunted quality, is at times unbearably slow to change. Thankfully, the long-awaited ground-up remake of the 4Runner SUV was worth the wait. Enthusiasts have kept buying the fifth-generation 4Runner, despite its outdated gas-guzzling V6, sclerotic five-speed automatic and Dark Ages technology. It's been around since 2010, which means people who were born when this model first appeared are almost ready to get their licences. When you wait that long to re-do such a venerable all-purpose off-road sport utility vehicle, expectations are high. And generation six doesn't disappoint. In many respects, the forward march of technology has made improvement inevitable. Lighter, more powerful, more fuel efficient, more comfortable, plusher inside and with some long-overdue contemporary electronics, the new 4Runner is broadly superior to its enduringly popular predecessor. It's grown a bit – 120 millilmetres longer (total length 4,950 mm) and 55 mm wider (total width 1,980 mm) and sits on a wheelbase of 2,850 mm. Rated towing capacity is now up to 2,272 kilograms (5,000 pounds). Except for a pleasant little engine growl, it is remarkably quiet at highway speeds and well-mannered. Off-road, depending on which of the eight model levels you choose, it can also be a macho rock-crawling beast. And it really does matter which one you choose. The entry-level SR5 delivers only the basics for $54,000; it doesn't have the suspension, wheel-size, tire and power upgrades to induce maximum joy. Which is not to say that it's bad. It is a seven-passenger vehicle with 17-inch wheels, on-demand 4WD, fabric interior and a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft or torque. This is a welcome replacement for the durable but fuel-thirsty V6. The new engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic, which replaces the outdated five-speed. And, like all the new 4Runners, it remains a body-on-frame vehicle, now built on Toyota's TNGA-F platform. Variations of this platform are also used in the Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Tundra and Sequoia. While some competitors have switched to unibody construction, nothing beats a steel-ladder frame for keeping the SUV intact while pounding over rugged roads. If your jam is off-road fun, the obvious upgrades from the SR5 are the TRD Off-Road Premium and Trailhunter models, which start at $70,976 (in hybrid version) and $87,841. Both prices include delivery and other fees. The former eliminates the third-row seat (to make room for the hybrid battery) and has a variety of esthetic and functional upgrades, the most important of which include 18-inch alloy wheels, underbody protection, Softex faux leather upholstery, a moonroof and a 12.3-inch digital display. The key upgrade, however, is the hybrid power system that uses the same gas engine but boosts the combined power rating to a worthy 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft torque, while using one-third less fuel than the old V6. Like all self-respecting off-roaders, the TRD has multiple mode selectors and a handy consul-mounted knob to choose 4L, 4H, 2H ranges. Thankfully, Toyota has kept a few switches and knobs so you don't have to hunt through an on-screen menu for basic choices. The Trailhunter has all the TRD goodies and adds a bunch more, including Old Man Emu shocks, a high-mount air intake, rock rails, a roof rack and on-board air compressor. In other words, Toyota has done the most popular aftermarket upgrades for you. We were invited to thrash several 4Runner models on a private off-road course an hour east of San Diego. The hybrid TRD and Trailhunter, in particular, eagerly crawled up steep inclines effortlessly, while the unlocked stabilizer bar allowed the wheels to contort like a gymnast and downhill speed control tightly managed descents. Not every buyer is looking to go that wild, and that is why the company added the top-of-the-line Platinum model for 2025, says Scott MacKenzie, director of corporate and external affairs at Toyota Canada Inc. It includes genuine leather interior, adaptive variable suspension, 20-inch black alloy wheels, 12.3-inch digital cluster and a nifty detachable JBL Bluetooth speaker embedded in the dash. Despite having a little more plastic trim than you might expect in the premium model, the Platinum has a long list of comfort features. They bring a touch of class to the 4Runner lineup and push the luxury driving experience (and price) close to Land Cruiser turf. For my money, the huge power boost and improved fuel economy in the hybrid makes it the obvious choice, if you can live without that third row and with a little extra weight (roughly 250 kilograms for the battery and motors). The new 4Runner's exterior looks better than the previous generation, too. It embraces many of the squared-off muscular elements also found in the remade Tacoma pickup. Colour choices have been expanded to nine, including a distinctive Everest green on the Trailhunter and a lovely mid-brown named Mudbath that nicely blends with the California dirt. And in a sentimental nod to the 1984 original 4Runner, Toyota has brought back the wrap-over quarter glass above the rear quarter panel. The powered rolldown liftgate window is carried over; a feature so convenient, it's hard to understand why other automakers haven't copied it. Although the tested vehicles were pre-production models, these made-in-Japan vehicles maintain Toyota's high standards of fit and finish. Skeptics will note that the new transmission had some teething problems when it was introduced nearly two years ago in the redesigned Tacoma pickup. Toyota says those issues have been sorted and they expect no such grief in this SUV. With this remake, the 4Runner is no longer an anachronism. The agility, relative frugality, modern electronics and genuine driving pleasure of the 2025 edition put it right back into the hunt as the perfect weekend warrior that can do double duty as your daily driver. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is to reach Canadian dealerships in March. 2025 Toyota 4Runner The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval. Shopping for a new car? Check out the new Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest discounts, rebates and rates on new cars, trucks and SUVs. Click here to get your price.

Toyota 4Runner Sales Have Been on Quite a Ride over 40-Plus Years
Toyota 4Runner Sales Have Been on Quite a Ride over 40-Plus Years

Yahoo

time28-01-2025

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

Toyota 4Runner Sales Have Been on Quite a Ride over 40-Plus Years

It's doubtful that the engineers behind the first Toyota 4Runner ever thought their creation would be much of a sales success. It was, after all, a pretty odd vehicle by 1984 standards, not a conventional sport-utility vehicle as we would come to know them, but more a pickup truck with the back of its cab cut away and a removable fiberglass top fitted. The first of them didn't even have rear seats mounted in the bed. But by the mid-1990s, Toyota was selling well over 100,000 4Runners a year in the U.S., a trend that has continued pretty steadily into the current day. With the new one here and still sharing its roots with the Tacoma pickup, here's a look at how the 4Runner grew from a niche hunting and camping rig to Toyota's mainstay off-roader in the United States. Elsewhere around the globe, it's the Land Cruiser that flies the flag for Toyota 4x4 prowess. While the nameplate has returned to the U.S. for the current model, it hasn't always been available in American showrooms. When Toyota first announced it was discontinuing the original FJ40, pulling it from the U.S. market, there was a space to fill. At first, it wasn't Toyota itself that filled the gap. In spite of the importance of the Land Cruiser in establishing the company's presence in the U.S. (Land Cruiser sales kept the books in the black when the Toyopet sedan was floundering), the thought was that the same job could be done by the Toyota pickup. It could, but not without a little help. A Wisconsin Toyota dealer contacted Winnebago and asked it to come up with something. Winnebago's solution was to take the short-wheelbase version of Toyota's pickup, remove the back of the cab, then fit a permanently fixed fiberglass canopy and a rear bench seat. The pickups came direct from Japan as cab and chassis as a workaround to avoid the so-called chicken tax, and most conversions were done at the Winnebago plant. Winnebago called it the Trekker. (One sold via Bring a Trailer auction a few years ago.) Over about three years, the Trekker steadily sold in several hundred examples a year. Once totals hit more than 1000 (somewhere between 1200 and 1500 when production ceased), Toyota's marketing division figured there was proven demand. It launched the first 4Runner in 1983, and by 1984 the truck was selling in its familiar recipe, with bench seats and a removable rear canopy. The first four years of 4Runner sales were solid but unremarkable: between 3600 and 6500 units per year. In 1988, demand exploded, and Toyota sold more than 20,000 4Runners for the first time, and then a third more on top of that for the next year. A V-6 was now available, and the 4Runner was thus a little more pleasant to drive in everyday use and on the highway. Starting with the 1990 model year, the second-gen 4Runner was a complete departure from the original formula. You could still get a two-door variant, at least until 1993, but these were a complete steel body riding on a ladder frame shared with the pickup. More important, especially for sales figures, there was now a four-door version. As with the previous generation, this new 4Runner was sold in other markets, including Japan, as the Hilux Surf. It could hardly be better named, as it was timed just right to catch the swell of demand for SUVs in the 1990s, with U.S. sales starting the decade in the high 40,000 mark and hitting just under 130,000 by 1997. All told, the second-generation 4Runner accounted for a hair under 270,000 trucks, as compared to just over 42,000 for the first-gen machine. The third-generation 4Runner, sold from 1996 to 2002, was even more successful, more than doubling the sales performance of its predecessor. These third- and fourth-generation 4Runners are quite popular with Toyota enthusiasts, as they're far more comfortable than earlier models while still being entirely rugged. There was also a V-8 version available, with stout towing capabilities. Unfortunately, the arrival of the financial crisis of 2007 and 2008, combined with rising fuel prices, cut 4Runner sales off at the knees. 2009 was a particularly bad year, with just 19,675 4Runners finding homes. Introduced for the 2009 model year, the fifth-generation 4Runner began slowly clawing its way up the sales chart year by year. Sales were again over 100,000 by 2016, and they stayed level. At first, the 4Runner was still very similar to Toyota's pickup, now branded as the Tacoma in the U.S. market. However, the SUV was built in Japan while the pickup was built in Mexico and Texas, and began to diverge when the Tacoma was updated for 2015 with a new 3.5-liter V-6. The 4Runner soldiered on with the old 4.0-liter V-6 and five-speed automatic transmission combo. And on. And on. For a decade and a half, the only real change was Toyota adjusting the trim levels, issuing a few special editions, and facelifting the truck once. In spite of this unchanging nature, or perhaps because of it, 4Runner sales never wavered. The 4Runner finished out 2024 with over 90,000 trucks sold, a slight reduction over previous years. However, this is largely due to supplies of the old model being drawn down as it was still hovering around an average of 10,000 4Runners a month sold until September. There's plenty of interest in the new model, but how the faithful will greet the two new turbo-four powerplants, one a hybrid, is an open question. The Tacoma has been selling well, but the 4Runner may lose a little of its market share to the Land Cruiser it shares a showroom with. But at least it still has the roll-down rear glass in the rear, something 4Runners have had since the get-go. The engineer behind that original two-door truck might be surprised to see the size, complexity, and technology carried by this new SUV. But some of the same 4Runner spirit is still there too, and that's both what Toyota fans want, and what they vote for with their wallets. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!

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