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The time remaining before the presentation and release of a new Bronco from Ford would seem to be more than enough for some of the existing market competitors to finish developing and to release an update to vehicles of their own. The Toyota 4Runner in particular is living an unusually long time in its current model.
First generation (N60; 1984–1989) ------------- 5 years
Second generation (N120/N130; 1989–1995) --- 6 years
Third generation (N180; 1995–2002) ------------ 7 years
Fourth generation (N210; 2002–2009) ------------ 7 years
Fifth generation (N280; 2009–present) ------------ 10 years
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Comparing this current lifecycle with the previous ones would suggest we're due for a new 4Runner any moment now. Toyota has had only one competitor for their 4Runner in the body-on-frame off-road capable SUV market in the US for many years, and that's the Jeep Wrangler, which has taken a different approach to the balance of on/off road capability. A little over a year ago we saw the launch of a new JL Wrangler, which itself has maintained several decade long cycles.
With the larger Toyota Sequioa entering the TRD Pro off-road equipment lineup, I would not expect a newer 4Runner to experience much bloat in physical dimensions. We also just saw the Tacoma, long the leader in the midsize truck market receive a very minor refresh instead of a substantial update, even though the midsize truck market has been quite hot with new models.
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I suspect that if we see an update for the 4Runner before the launch of the Bronco, the 4Runner will also see a relatively minor refresh like the Tacoma. Toyota has repeatedly shown a very gradual approach to model updates, and the brand relies on a perception of dependability -- which is aided by this design strategy.
With a mild, gradual model update, what could we expect in a 2020 or 2021 4Runner update? Some interface technology in the dash, safety systems, and a new front fascia would be the most probable, following the pattern of the Tacoma. While the engine has certainly proven reliable, and the relative simplicity would remain popular with off-road enthusiasts, I suspect a drivetrain update of both the engine and transmission would also be likely possibilities to help with the fuel efficiency, and driver experience for such a hefty vehicle.
Ford has a lot of opportunity to outshine not just the current 4Runner, but even an updated model year matching offering from Toyota.
With turbos and 10-speeds in everything from compacts to superduties for Ford, we can expect the same for the Bronco (and fingers crossed, a 7-speed manual too) -- so the powertrain should be no competition, with the exception of the possibility that Toyota would offer a V8 in the 4Runner and Ford would fail to do so for the Bronco. Toyota does continue to offer V8s in their Land Cruiser, which just this year will received an off-road oriented Heritage Edition, as well as in their new Sequioa TRD Pro.
On the front of technology and general quality and fit and finish, the a new 4Runner could give the Bronco some more fierce competition. This is one of the categories that I would expect to motivate Toyota to release an update to their midsize SUV, with both the Wrangler and coming Bronco able to make the 4Runner look genuinely antiquated if they don't -- and it's hard to justify the kind of price tag these vehicles typically command if the competition is substantially more up to date.
One area that will remain a significant question in regard to how the Bronco and 4Runner will compete is in the suspension, until Ford bestows us with some insight to what lies under their offering.
(I swear this forum hates pictures. It spazzes out and throws errors constantly every time I try to add some.)
First generation (N60; 1984–1989) ------------- 5 years
Second generation (N120/N130; 1989–1995) --- 6 years
Third generation (N180; 1995–2002) ------------ 7 years
Fourth generation (N210; 2002–2009) ------------ 7 years
Fifth generation (N280; 2009–present) ------------ 10 years
-
Comparing this current lifecycle with the previous ones would suggest we're due for a new 4Runner any moment now. Toyota has had only one competitor for their 4Runner in the body-on-frame off-road capable SUV market in the US for many years, and that's the Jeep Wrangler, which has taken a different approach to the balance of on/off road capability. A little over a year ago we saw the launch of a new JL Wrangler, which itself has maintained several decade long cycles.
With the larger Toyota Sequioa entering the TRD Pro off-road equipment lineup, I would not expect a newer 4Runner to experience much bloat in physical dimensions. We also just saw the Tacoma, long the leader in the midsize truck market receive a very minor refresh instead of a substantial update, even though the midsize truck market has been quite hot with new models.
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I suspect that if we see an update for the 4Runner before the launch of the Bronco, the 4Runner will also see a relatively minor refresh like the Tacoma. Toyota has repeatedly shown a very gradual approach to model updates, and the brand relies on a perception of dependability -- which is aided by this design strategy.
With a mild, gradual model update, what could we expect in a 2020 or 2021 4Runner update? Some interface technology in the dash, safety systems, and a new front fascia would be the most probable, following the pattern of the Tacoma. While the engine has certainly proven reliable, and the relative simplicity would remain popular with off-road enthusiasts, I suspect a drivetrain update of both the engine and transmission would also be likely possibilities to help with the fuel efficiency, and driver experience for such a hefty vehicle.
Ford has a lot of opportunity to outshine not just the current 4Runner, but even an updated model year matching offering from Toyota.
With turbos and 10-speeds in everything from compacts to superduties for Ford, we can expect the same for the Bronco (and fingers crossed, a 7-speed manual too) -- so the powertrain should be no competition, with the exception of the possibility that Toyota would offer a V8 in the 4Runner and Ford would fail to do so for the Bronco. Toyota does continue to offer V8s in their Land Cruiser, which just this year will received an off-road oriented Heritage Edition, as well as in their new Sequioa TRD Pro.
On the front of technology and general quality and fit and finish, the a new 4Runner could give the Bronco some more fierce competition. This is one of the categories that I would expect to motivate Toyota to release an update to their midsize SUV, with both the Wrangler and coming Bronco able to make the 4Runner look genuinely antiquated if they don't -- and it's hard to justify the kind of price tag these vehicles typically command if the competition is substantially more up to date.
One area that will remain a significant question in regard to how the Bronco and 4Runner will compete is in the suspension, until Ford bestows us with some insight to what lies under their offering.
(I swear this forum hates pictures. It spazzes out and throws errors constantly every time I try to add some.)
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