Word is the new 4runner is more of refresh than a redesign...interior will get the most work.

http://www.carblog.co.za/2009/04/17/...in-california/

 

guess this is good news for the GX.

 

I have a feeling that this is gonna look soft and loose the last bit of character that it had. I hope I'm wrong

 

We should be seeing the official review very soon.

 

Looks like it will look like a mini Sequoia, I am expecting a new GX too.

 

I would say the word would be wrong then. The GX is overdue for a complete redesign so that would mean the 4Runner would get a complete redesign as well. It may still look similar (G35->G37) but be a complete redesign.

 

Do people still buy 4Runners? ...Do people still buy Explorers?

 

It looks bigger and more boat like, Toyota has done it to us again. They took a perfect good SUV and made it into a minivan

 

It's the credentials and ability that will determine whether it is a "minivan" so let's wait and see what they come up with before jumping to conclusions.

 

Well, my wife will be sad that her 4runner is no longer the current body style, but it had to happen sooner or later. She only has ~40k miles on it so at this rate we've got a long time before it gets replaced.

Aside from that next time around we'll probably get a unibody SUV of a size no larger than her 4runner is now... maybe smaller. So the 4runner isn't really on our list anyway.

 

Looks like a full redo to me, the side profile, especially where the windshield and roof meet, looks much more square than the current version.

 

With a body on frame SUV you can make fairly major changes to the shape of the body without changing anything with the frame or powertrain.

Not saying that's the case here, just that it's possible for a 'moderate refresh' to dramatically change the shape of a BOF SUV without changing the stuff underneath.

This is much more difficult to do with a unibody platform.

 

I think the current one has aged very very well inside and out. We got insider info on the new GX and it supposedly looks very similar to the LX.

 

looks like the LX, on the inside and out?

 

I am a 4runner fan. Looking to buy my 4th one as soon as the new design comes out. I have owned a 2000, 2003, and now a 2006. I love the 4runner for its towing(4500LB boat) and able to take it off road in dirt/snow here in WI.

Anybody have any insider info as to when it might be available or when us nosey owners will get more info or pics on it?

Thanks!
Brandon