Next-Gen 2023 Toyota 4Runner Coming and Fans Suggest Powertrain Options

Things are looking promising for a next-generation 2023 4Runner. See what fans and enthusiasts suggest for potential powertrains.

We at Torque News feel Toyota is planning on launching the next generation of Toyota 4Runner within a few years. From what we are hearing, as of right now it looks like the 2023 4Runner will offer consumers a new body style, along with the latest improvements in technology and safety. This next-gen 4Runner should reach local dealerships across the country in late 2022.

How about a new powertrain, though? Many people are quite satisfied with the current powertrain team-up of a 4.0-liter V6 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission, which produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. torque. If it isn’t broken, then no need to fix it. Others, though, had many suggestions on the ideal powertrain makeup in their minds.

Your powertrain thoughts on 2023 4Runner

If you want to get a pulse of the market, I feel it is best to go right to the heart and soul of 4Runner’s rich and storied history. I polled the online group “Toyota 4Runners” who stand 47,000 members strong and proud. Let’s see what they had to say.

Timothy had his thoughts on the matter. “Ready for a change. Want better HP plus better Fuel Economy. Highlander has both. No reason can’t have 300HP with 25hwy.”

Mark said. “V8 option in the TRD Off-road base models. We’ve gone backwards.”

2020 Toyota 4Runner Limited Blizzard Pearl profile view

“Toyota will follow the 3.5 and 6 speed tranny, though might put the 8 speed in it. Toyota will stay the course on the Tacoma powertrain - it is how management works and thinks.” Offered Jeff.

Josh would like to see “Inline 6 with 6 Manual Transmission.”

Kyle agreed. “Turbo inline 6.”

“Turbo diesel would be the absolute best. Plenty of torque and HP with better mpg's.” Added Troy.

Dan knows exactly what he wants. “A v8 would be nice like 4th gens had. I would bet they go with a smaller engine and a turbo like everyone else. Or a trans with more gears. A 4.0 V6 with 5 speed is really outdated. Compared to almost anything else out there at the same price. Not hating on it, obviously it works and is reliable, but how many new cars come with that big of a V6 and only 5 gears? Just please don't give us a cvt.”

David Goliatson had this to add. “Next gen 4runner. We can't be sure yet on the build, weight or even if it will be body on frame though we can hope. I predict the 3.5 with an 8 speed and a hybrid or turbo 4 cyl. option for economy. I wish we could get the 5.7 but part of me doubts that. I would actually consider trading in for the 5.7.”

“Diesel with a manual transmission.” Said Robert.

Leo gave his two cents. “I guess they might wanna keep the same 4.0 for regular models, plus maybe a hybrid system for hybrid models, and a new 6 speed transmission. The biggest change might still occur on appearances and gimmicks though. Really not too much to change in the basic mechanical system, unless they wanna risk the reliability and longevity of this perfect truck.”

2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Barcelona Red profile and back end

Sam Attar suggested multiple powertrain options. “5.7 V8, 4.0 V6, Hybrid. 6-8 speed transmission. (Better Transmission will improve the current engine significantly).

Speaking of Hybrid.

And could a 4Runner Hybrid work?

Michael did not want any part of hybrid talk. “Diesel or V8 option. If you think carbon footprint of a hybrid vehicle is low you should see how low my interest in them is.”

Adam offered. “Hybrid for sure option with liftgate and 9 inch screen. Leave the rest alone.”

“I'd like to see a 3.5 hybrid combo. The 3.5 V6 has great top end HP and does good on fuel, but lacks in low end torque. The hybrid drive would help with that low end torque and you’d be getting great city mpg.” Commented Trevor.

VIDEO: See my review of 2020 4Runner TRD Pro in Super White.

Time for your thoughts on Next-Gen Toyota 4Runner

Thanks for reading everyone. I am a huge fan of the current generation Toyota 4Runner. It is durable and tough, and the 2020 updates to safety and convenience and technology really make it a vehicle to go for if you are in the market.

When the next-gen is available, I will be one of the first to evaluate it. I cannot wait.

What do you think the next generation of 2023 4Runner will look like? Will it be a radical body style change, or will it keep its main foundation intact? How about engine and transmission? What features will be requirements for you?

See you next story when I show how to use the NEW 2020 Highlander foot-activated power liftgate.

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