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The new Toyota Tacoma deserves its time in the spotlight, but people are also waiting for the next-generation Toyota 4Runner to debut. Luckily the 2024 Toyota Tacoma provides a few clues about what to expect with the 2024 Toyota 4Runner. We have a feeling that it might get pushed back until 2025.

Is the 2024 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid on the way? 

2024 Toyota 4Runner rendering
2024 Toyota 4Runner rendering | Top Electric SUV

Yes, it’s very safe to expect the 2024 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid to arrive with the next generation. Every truck and SUV in the lineup is going hybrid. In fact, the Toyota Sequoia only offers a hybrid powertrain. Maybe it will share parts with the new Toyota 4Runner.

But we predict that the new 4Runner will have a gas engine and a more powerful hybrid variant like the 2024 Tacoma. The 2024 Tacoma starts with a new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. 

With the 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four i-FORCE Max Hybrid engine, you get up to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This is a massive power boost, and the engines can be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. 

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner has a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. The Tacoma engines could be tuned to provide more power for the new 4Runner to account for the extra weight of the third row. 

Currently, the 4Runner gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and up to 19 mpg on the highway. The fuel economy figures haven’t been released for the Tacoma, but the new truck and SUV should be more efficient. 

Will the 4Runner Trailhunter be available? 

It’s safe to expect the 2024 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter model to join the lineup with the Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter. We’ve seen concepts for the Tundra and Sequoia Trailhunter models, so each lineup could get this overlanding trim. 

The 2024 4Runner will ride on the TNGA-F platform like the new Tacoma to take advantage of its high-strength box steel ladder frame. According to MotorTrend, it has an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with a high and low range. 

Plus, it has an electronically activated rear differential, Old Man Emu position-sensitive 2.5-inch monotube shocks, and a bed utility bar with removable MOLLE panels. It rides on 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires. 

Other features include Rigid LED fog lamps, a steel rear bumper, strengthened recovery points, rock rails, high-strength steel skidplates, an air intake snorkel, auxiliary switches, and an air compressor. 

When could the 4Runner be redesigned?

2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro rendering
2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro rendering | The Sketch Monkey

The redesigned 2024 Toyota 4Runner could debut by the end of the year. But it’s possible that we won’t see the next-generation 4Runner until 2025. It’s the last ancient model in the lineup, and we hope it arrives soon. If the refreshed Toyota RAV4 comes out first then we might be upset.  

Toyota could be focusing on the Tacoma for 2024, because the 4Runner is doing just fine. But the new Toyota RAV4 is expected to arrive in 2025, so Toyota may want to push the new 4Runner out first. 

We had to wait for the new Tacoma to debut first, and it provides tons of juicy clues about the new 4Runner. The 4Runner could have a similar style to the other trucks and SUVs in the lineup. 

It could also get hybrid power, a larger interior to improve passenger space, a refreshed interior, modern tech, enhanced off-roading capabilities, and a Trailhunter trim. Stay tuned for the latest updates.