The current 4Runner has been launched back in 2009 as a mid-size SUV based on the same chassis as the Tacoma. Since then things changed quite a bit. The Tacoma received an entirely new chassis while the 4Runner has been left mostly unchanged. Back in 2015, it received a rather large update but mostly the cosmetics have been changed. While we did hope for an entirely new version for the 2017 model year, Toyota decided not to release it just yet. Instead, the 2017 version has seen the addition of two all-new trim levels and also the improvement of a third. The 2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro has been finally updated in order to differentiate itself from the newly added TRD Off-road and TRD Off-road Premium.
2017 TOYOTA 4RUNNER TRD PRO PRICE, RUNNING GEAR AND CHASSIS
All 4Runners use the same body on frame design which has been around for quite some time. However, their running gear is a bit more different. The TRD Pro is the only one of the lot to use TRD Bilstein shocks, the improved front springs, and the 17-inch matte black wheels. These should give the crossover great desert-running ability without compromising on-road driving characteristics. While the base 4Runner can be had for a bit under $35,000, the TRD Pro is going to start right around $40,000 which is still a good price considering what it comes equipped with.
DESIGN
The 2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro will not change all that much over the 2016 model and in fact it will carry on pretty much unchanged. The car will feature the exact same front end as the previous model. This means that it will get the rather aggressive styling with the large blacked out front grille and slim headlights. The side air intakes and the aluminum engine shield should be carried over as well. However, for the 2017 model year the 4Runner is going to receive a new set of colors and possibly a new set of wheels but the latter has yet to be announced. The tires will be the same 31.5-inch units designed for off-road as before, so no changes here either.
INTERIOR
Just like with the interior, the new version of the TRD Pro should be pretty much identical to the regular model. Unfortunately, this means that the car will make use of a rather old-looking interior which can no longer match what is currently available. Some rumors did say that it would get a new cabin but so far Toyota hasn’t said much about this. This is also unlikely in our opinion as the new 4Runner is most likely in the works.
2017 TOYOTA 4RUNNER TRD PRO ENGINE
The upcoming 2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro and its two close siblings are all going to receive the same 4 liters naturally aspirated V6 as the 2016 4Runner. With 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, this is not exactly the most powerful engine in the World. However, it is one of the most reliable and that is highly desirable by an off-road enthusiast. On top of that, the engine is quite capable of allowing the 4Runner to drive over pretty much anything. There are only two drawbacks with it. The torque comes at over 4,000 rpm so it needs to be revved in order to feel powerful. On top of that, it is one of the least efficient engines currently in production and that means it will not be with us for much longer. The old 5-speed automatic gearbox will continue to be used for this generation as well. The TRD Pro version and the other two is going to be available with the four-wheel drive system as standard. This will also include a lockable rear differential and a limited slip center differential in order to allow the TRD to be quite capable in off-road from the factory.
2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Summary
The upcoming 2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro and its two close siblings are all going to receive the same 4 liters naturally aspirated V6 as the 2016 4Runner. With 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, this is not exactly the most powerful engine in the World.
Release date: 2017
Price: $40,000