2024 Toyota 4RUNNER - The last great Toyota

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner: A Farewell to the Last Great Toyota?

The Toyota 4Runner has long been a stalwart in the off-road community, a vehicle that embodies rugged durability, timeless design, and a no-nonsense approach to utility. As we usher in the 2024 model, there’s a growing sentiment among enthusiasts and automotive purists that this might be the last great Toyota to be built. But why is this the case? Let’s delve into the reasons behind this belief

A Legacy of Rugged Simplicity - The 4Runner has always been synonymous with toughness. Since its inception in 1984, it has maintained a body-on-frame construction, a rarity in today’s market where crossovers dominate the landscape. This design choice has made the 4Runner a favorite among off-roaders and adventure seekers, offering a level of durability and off-road capability that unibody SUVs simply can’t match.

The 2024 4Runner continues this legacy, featuring a solid rear axle, robust suspension, and a naturally aspirated V6 engine. There are also old school switches and buttons for the HVAC and all other major controls. Most of which can be operated while wearing gloves. This combination, while perhaps outdated in the eyes of some, represents the pinnacle of Toyota’s commitment to building vehicles that can withstand the test of time and terrain. However, the writing is on the wall for such designs. With increasing pressure from regulators and a market shifting towards more fuel-efficient, technology-laden vehicles, the 4Runner’s traditional design ethos may not survive much longer. In fact for 2025 the V6 will be history. It will be replaced by a turbocharged 4 cylinder. This will be just one of the many changes for 2025 that will make the 4Runner less durable and expensive to maintain after the warranty period.

The Shift Towards Electrification - Toyota, like all major automakers, is moving towards electrification. The company has already announced plans to phase out internal combustion engines in favor of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles. This transition is driven by a combination of government regulations, environmental concerns, and changing consumer preferences.

The 4Runner, with its naturally aspirated V6 engine and relatively poor fuel economy, is a relic of a bygone era. While this engine is beloved for its reliability and simplicity, it’s clear that it doesn’t align with Toyota’s future vision. The 2024 model might be the last to feature this iconic powertrain, making it the final embodiment of Toyota’s traditional approach to SUV design.

Timeless Design vs. Modern Trends - The 4Runner’s boxy, utilitarian design has remained largely unchanged for over a decade. While some might argue that it’s in desperate need of a redesign, others appreciate its timeless aesthetic. In a world where vehicles increasingly resemble each other, the 4Runner stands out as a beacon of individuality.

However, with Toyota’s recent design language leaning towards more aerodynamic and tech-focused appearances, it’s likely that the next iteration of the 4Runner, if there is one, will adopt these trends. This shift could mean the loss of the 4Runner’s distinctive character, further solidifying the 2024 model as the last of its kind.

The End of an Era for Analog Driving Experiences - In today’s automotive landscape, digital technology reigns supreme. Touchscreens, driver-assistance systems, and even autonomous driving capabilities are becoming standard across the industry. The 2024 4Runner, by contrast, is refreshingly analog. Its controls are straightforward, its driving experience is engaging, and it lacks the overwhelming tech features that can sometimes detract from the joy of driving.

This analog experience is increasingly rare, and it’s unlikely to survive in future models. As Toyota continues to embrace technology, the 4Runner’s simplicity and focus on driving enjoyment may be lost, making the 2024 model a final nod to a more traditional automotive experience.

The Rising Cost of Simplicity - There’s an irony in the fact that as vehicles become more complex and feature-laden, simplicity has become a luxury. The 2024 4Runner, despite its lack of cutting-edge technology, isn’t cheap. Its price reflects its quality and capability, but also the increasing cost of maintaining such a traditional design in a rapidly modernizing industry.

Future models are likely to incorporate more technology to meet market demands and regulatory requirements. This shift could lead to a more homogenized product that lacks the unique appeal of the 4Runner we know today. The 2024 model may therefore represent the last opportunity to own a new 4Runner that stays true to its roots.

Conclusion: The Last Great Toyota? - The 2024 Toyota 4Runner embodies everything that has made Toyota a revered brand: reliability, durability, and a commitment to building vehicles that serve their owners for decades. However, as the automotive industry evolves, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the qualities that define the 4Runner may not be sustainable in the long term.

While Toyota will undoubtedly continue to build excellent vehicles, the 2024 4Runner may be the last model to fully embrace the traditional principles that have made Toyota great. For enthusiasts and purists, this makes it a vehicle to be cherished—a final chapter in the story of an automotive icon.