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Why It Is Time Toyota Added A Hybrid Powertrain To The 4Runner

Toyota’s expertise in the hybrid realm is well-documented, and properly revered. After all, the company gave us the first large-scale hybrid production vehicle in the Toyota Prius. Nowadays, the Japanese manufacturer has expanded its horizons with the Tundra, and the Tacoma, which are among the best offerings in the hybrid truck segment. We thus wish Toyota would bring its magic touch of partial electrification to the 4Runner. The latter has managed to remain popular choice ever since being re-introduced to the market in 2009. At the same time, it is now starting to lack in comparison in terms of performance, fuel efficiency and interior styling. Those who wish to see improvements in these areas are thus banking on the 2025 Toyota 4Runner, which is expected to bring a wave of new features, as well as a novel powertrain to the equation.

Publications such as MotorTrend are even bringing up a hybrid setup, which is what brings us here today. More than just an option, this new configuration would be a welcome breath of fresh air for the veteran off-roader, which might need to expand its horizons if it wishes to carry on for years to come as a crowd-favorite. In case you hadn’t noticed, hybrid off-roaders have become “à la mode” recently. Ford, for instance, is planning to unleash PHEV variants of the Ranger. This is far from being a coincidence, but rather due to the fact that, in today’s automotive industry, hybrids are the ideal in-between for terrain-defying vehicles.

The information in this article has been compiled from a number of reputed sources, including Motor Trend, Consumer Reports, Car And Driver, and Toyota

Related: Why The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Should Be Your Next Pickup Truck

Hybrid Powertrains Are Tailor-Made For Off-Roaders

As we’ve pointed out time and time again, electric off-roading just doesn’t cut it yet. Sure, your electric off-roader might accelerate like an old-school Japanese sports car, but how long and how far can it tow before you need to charge it. Consumer Reports has already demonstrated how the Rivian R1T and the Ford F-150 Lightning (The two most efficient EVs in their category, mind you) end up losing one-third of their initial range when strapped to a 10,000-pound trailer. Aside from this big caveat, we also know that lithium-ion batteries tend to deplete faster under extreme temperatures. When you combine all these cons together, it becomes crystal clear that an internal combustion engine would be better suited for your escapades in challenging terrains.

Yet what if there was an optimal solution in between? That is where the hybrid 4Runner comes into play. Sure, a hybrid powertrain would still affect the towing capacity, but not as significantly. On the other hand, it would greatly reduce fuel costs, and considerably improve performance.

As a frame of reference, the hybrid system on the Tundra adds nearly 50 horsepower and almost 100 pound-feet of torque to the overall specs. The latter doesn’t compromise in terms of practicality either and still offers a decent 11,500 pounds combined with 20/24/22 MPG city/highway/combined mileage. We can thus reasonably expect Toyota to do a similarly good job on a mid-size SUV such as the 4Runner. These improvements would not only be immensely helpful, but greatly welcomed as well. The current generation leaves a lot to be desired in terms of efficiency, with 19 mpg on the highway. This puts it behind the Jeep Wrangler in terms of fuel economy, and way below the hybrid options, which are now considered direct alternatives.

Furthermore, the five-speed automatic transmission is only half of what the Ford Bronco offers. On top of fixing these issues, the hybrid setup would also contribute to a quieter ride, and help the 4Runner prolong its longevity amid the impending bans and restrictions on gas-powered vehicles.

Related: What Makes The Toyota Camry Hybrid The Best Hybrid Sedan Under $35,000

A Hybrid 4Runner Isn’t Far-Fetched Either

2025 TOYOTA 4RUNNER TRD render
Top Speed

We obviously can’t hide our excitement over the 2025 Toyota 4Runner. We’ve even gone as far as to release our own 3D rendering of the upcoming model. And, while Toyota has been stingy with releasing official information, the internet community has been generous in its anticipation. Motor Trend, for instance, is placing a potential all-electric 4Runner within the realm of possibilities, which is admittedly an interesting prospect, all things considered. This hype and speculation is not arbitrary, but instead due to the fact that the 2025 Toyota 4Runner marks the introduction of the car’s sixth-generation.

2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Performance Specifications

Engine

4.0-liter V-6

Horsepower

270 horses

Torque

278 pound-feet

0-60 mph

7.7 seconds

Top Speed

113 mph

Transmission

Five-speed automatic

Driveline

4×4

Towing Capacity

5,000 pounds

(Sourced from Toyota)

The way the company decides to address will likely dictate the SUV’s future. It is unclear at the moment if the new generation will be priced differently. The 2023 4Runner starts at $40,155 with the SR5 variant, while the top-of-the-line TRD Pro starts at 54,620. We doubt the company would get any complaints from customers if it stuck to these figures for the next generation. Either way, a fair bit of fine-tuning imposes itself if the 2025 4Runner is to compete with the likes of the Jeep Wrangler, and the Ford Bronco. Rivals within the hybrid realm would further include the Ford Explorer Hybrid, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, and the Hyundai Sante Fe Hybrid.

Related: Here’s Why The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Is The Best Hybrid Off-roader

The 2025 4Runner Hybrid Is Expected To Be A Game-Changer

White Toyota 4Runner TRD
TopSpeed

The transmission has notably been a subject of discussion regarding the next generation of the 4Runner. For starters, a manual transmission is fairly possible, and would depend on the perceived demand. In any case, there’s no reason why the company shouldn’t give us an upgrade over the current five-speed configuration.

The hybrid option is all the more reasonable to expect when you factor in how Toyota has previously vowed to offer a hybrid variation for every vehicle by 2025. Other upgrades that we can reasonably wish for, but not confirm, include the cabin styling, which is not aging the best, to say the least. The current generation offers an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, but there’s really nothing stopping Toyota from upgrading it to the Tundra’s 14-inch display, or even the 12.3-inch screen found on the Toyota Crown. The overrall esthetics should also be revisited, in order to give the 2025 4Runner a more modern appeal. If so, then gone would be the unnecessary clutter, and the outdated, rough-looking center screen surrounded by an army of buttons

2023 Toyota 4Runner Dimensions

Height

72.0 inches

Width

75.8 inches

Length

191.3 inches

Wheelbase

109.8 inches

Ground Clearance

9.6 inches

Curb Weight

4750 pounds

(Data sourced from Toyota)

The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 definitely needs to be at the rendezvous as well. The latest update includes a couple of novelties, such as Road Sign Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Proactive Driving Assist. Other features include:

  • Automatic High Beams
  • Enhanced Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Motorsport

2024 Chevy Silverado Transformed into 800 HP Powerhouse by SVE, Introduces Boost Control System

In the year 2024, Chevrolet made some subtle enhancements to the Silverado, with the most notable being the introduction of a diesel engine to the ZR2 trim. However, the other engine options, such as the 2.7-liter turbo-four, 5.3-liter V8, and 6.2-liter V8, remained unchanged. Specialty Vehicle Engineering (SVE) recognized the potential for improvement and has now released an upgrade package for the 2024 Silverado, significantly increasing its power output.

The newest performance pack from SVE for Chevy’s truck is called the Yenko/SC Silverado Off-Road and is available with two powertrain options. This upgrade is exclusively accessible for 2024 crew cab and double cab models in LTZ, RST, ZR2, LT, and Z71 grades, all equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission. You have the choice to order the supercharger kit for either the 5.3-liter V8 or the larger 6.2-liter V8 engines.


Motorsport

Bill Ford States that the UAW Strike in Kentucky Harms Thousands of Americans

Bill Ford, the Executive Chair of Ford Motor Company, addressed the United Auto Workers (UAW) union at the Rouge Visitor Center in Dearborn, Michigan. He called on his UAW colleagues to accept the automaker’s deal and put an end to the ongoing dispute. Ford’s remarks were in response to UAW President Shawn Fain’s complaints about Ford’s proposal.

In his speech, Ford emphasized the negative impact of the UAW expanding the strike to the Kentucky Truck Plant. He stated that shutting down the plant immediately harms thousands of workers, suppliers, dealers, and the communities relying on those local economies.

Ford highlighted that the company has offered a contract that goes above and beyond the requirements of the previous UAW agreement. He claimed that the proposed deal would make Ford’s manufacturing workers the highest-paid in the world.

On the other hand, UAW President Fain stated that Ford had presented the union with the same offer as two weeks prior, which the UAW found unacceptable and rejected. This rejection led to the expansion of the strike to the Kentucky Truck Plant.

The Kentucky plant is Ford’s largest factory, generating $25 million in revenue annually. It produces the F-Series Super Duty, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator and employs 8,700 UAW members.

During his speech, Fain criticized Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, and urged him to use the company’s resources to meet the union’s demands. Fain pointed out the compensation gap between a top executive like Farley and workers.

For reference, Bill Ford’s annual income was $17.3 million in 2022 and $18.7 million in 2021, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Fain also mentioned that the union plans to be more aggressive in the future by providing short notice before expanding the strike to additional factories.

NewsNew

TRIUMPH 250 MX BIKE REVEALED AT LA COLISEUM

Ricky Carmichael and Jeff Stanton presented the first public glimpse of the upcoming Triumph 250 motocross bike this week. They rode a few laps around the SMX track at the LA Coliseum before the last round of the Supermotocross playoffs on Saturday. Both riders appeared to be already familiar with the bikes, which seemed to be near production-ready. The official release date was announced as November 28, 2023. The official press release from Triumph is as follows:

Triumph’s new 250cc motocross bike was unveiled for the first time during the SuperMotocross World Championship Final on Saturday, September 23, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in California. Spectators witnessed two new Triumph motocross bikes entering the arena amid pyrotechnics and fanfare.

The highly anticipated production-specification bike was ridden by Jeff ‘Six Time’ Stanton, who won his last Championship at the Coliseum and currently manages Triumph’s Adventure Experience in the US. He was joined by the GOAT, Ricky Carmichael, whose bike featured his own graphics and non-standard specification components.

The full reveal of the new bike is scheduled for November 28, 2023, as announced on giant screens throughout the stadium.

Ricky Carmichael expressed his satisfaction in showing the fans what they have been working on for the past four years. He said, “The bike feels great, it looks great, and it’s fast. I’m really pleased with what we’ve delivered, and I can’t wait until we can share the final details on November 28th.”

Jeff Stanton added, “The Coliseum is a special place for me, and to be back here on the Triumph is an absolute honor. The new graphics look like nothing else in the paddock and give the bike a really sharp and distinctive new look that I think the fans are going to love.”

Watch the bike in action at the Coliseum here.

To commemorate the occasion, Triumph also launched its new Triumph Racing website and social channels. Follow the action @OfficialTriumphRacing on Instagram and Facebook.

Featured

Mahindra Thar 5-door Spied With Production-ready Taillights Ahead Of 2024 Launch


The test mule was still covered in heavy camouflage but gave away the differently designed LED taillight setup

2024 Mahindra Thar 5-door

  • Mahindra is set to launch the Thar 5-door in 2024.

  • New spy shots reveal sleeker lighting elements in the taillight setup.

  • Other exterior changes are expected to include a new grille design and circular projector headlights.

  • The cabin is likely to feature a new theme and a larger touchscreen system.

  • It is expected to come equipped with dual-zone air conditioning, up to six airbags, and cruise control.

  • The Thar 5-door is likely to be powered by the same petrol and diesel engines as the 3-door Thar, with both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options available.

  • Prices are expected to start from Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom).

In the latest spy shots, the Mahindra Thar 5-door undergoing testing can be seen covered in heavy camouflage. However, the images reveal some production-ready details.

Noticeable Design Updates

2024 Mahindra Thar 5-door LED taillights spied

The spy shots showcase the 5-door Thar with alloy wheels and LED taillights. The taillight setup appears to have sleeker LED elements, including changes in the brake light elements compared to the 3-door model.

Previous spy shots have also revealed design updates such as a beefier 6-slat grille and circular projector headlights, possibly LED units. The 5-door Thar is also expected to feature a fixed metal top.

Changes On The Inside

Mahindra Thar 5-Door sunroof

The more practical Mahindra Thar 5-door is likely to have a different cabin theme compared to the smaller version. It is expected to come with a larger touchscreen system and additional features such as a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, steering-mounted controls, and cruise control.

In terms of safety, the 5-door Thar may offer up to six airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control (ESC), and a reversing camera.

Also See: Mahindra XUV300 Facelift Caught Testing Again, Revealing A Bigger Touchscreen

What Will It Get Under The Hood?

The 5-door Thar is expected to be equipped with the same 2-liter turbo-petrol and 2.2-liter diesel engines as the smaller-wheelbase version, albeit in a higher state of tune. Both powertrain options are likely to come with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Similar to the 3-door model, the longer-wheelbase SUV is expected to offer both rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive (4WD) options.

Price And Competition

Mahindra Thar 5-door

The 5-door Thar is likely to be priced from Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom). It will serve as a rugged alternative to compact SUVs and offer a larger and more premium option compared to the Maruti Jimny and the upcoming Force Gurkha 5-door.

Related: Watch: Mahindra Thar EV Concept Explained By Design Chief Pratap Bose

Read More on : Thar Automatic

Motorsport

2024 Jeep Gladiator Unveiled with Updated Grille Design and AEV Packs with 35-Inch Tires

In 2019, Jeep expanded its lineup by introducing the Gladiator, a robust truck designed to complement the Wrangler in its off-road range. Earlier this year, the automaker unveiled an enhanced version of the SUV, and now, many of those enhancements will be featured in the 2024 Gladiator, which made its debut at this year’s North American International Auto Show.

One of the most notable changes to the exterior of the truck is its new seven-slot grille design. Similar to the Wrangler, the Gladiator now sports smaller slots, which Jeep claims will improve the truck’s cooling system. The grille features black slats with neutral gray bezels and a body-color surround. However, the Willys trim stands out with its black slots and bezels.


Motorsport

2024 Ford Mustang Owner’s Manual Details Remote Rev, Other New Features

The next-generation 2024 Ford Mustang launches next week. Ford has made significant changes to the iconic pony car, introducing a range of new technologies. The owner’s manual, which was found online by Mustang7g.com, provides a glimpse into all the features and settings that future owners can expect if their Mustang is equipped with them.

One of the latest features in the Mustang is Remote Rev (p. 76), which allows owners to rev the engine using the key fob. However, this feature only works when the engine has reached its optimum temperature. The manual mentions that it may take up to a minute for the vehicle to reach the appropriate system temperature when the ambient air temperature is 41 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If the temperature is below 41 degrees, it may take even longer.


Motorsport

Watch Lamborghini Gallardo With Gated Six-Speed Hit 199 MPH On Autobahn

In the 2000s and 2010s, the Lamborghini Gallardo became a more accessible supercar from the Italian brand. The featured Gallardo in this video is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox with a gated shift pattern. It reaches a top speed of almost 199 miles per hour (320 kilometers per hour) on the autobahn.

While the performance advantage of a gated manual is debatable, it adds an aesthetic touch to the car’s cabin by visually representing the gearbox. It provides drivers with a connection to the vehicle’s mechanical components.

Despite nearly reaching 200 mph, the engine’s noise in this Gallardo doesn’t sound particularly aggressive. It could be due to the microphone in the cabin, but the engine noise remains moderate.

In the video, the driver makes two runs that push the car’s speed over 186 mph (300 kph). The autobahn has light traffic, allowing the Gallardo to showcase its capabilities.

The Gallardo made its debut at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show as Lamborghini’s entry-level model below the Murcielago. Initially, it featured a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 engine producing 493 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, similar to the car in the video. More powerful versions were released later, and a 2008 refresh increased the engine displacement to 5.2 liters.

A gated six-speed manual transmission, as seen in the video, was available for the Gallardo. Lamborghini also offered a six-speed single-clutch automated manual transmission called “e-gear.”

Gallardo production concluded on November 25, 2013, with the creation of a 570-4 Spyder Performante in Rosso Mars red. During its production run, Lamborghini manufactured a total of 14,022 Gallardo examples, making it the brand’s highest-volume model at the time.

Currently, the Urus surpasses the Gallardo’s production number, with over 15,000 units produced and counting. The Huracan also has over 20,000 units on the road, but its production is nearing its end.

The successor to the Huracan is set to debut in late 2024. Spy shots provide glimpses of the model’s development.

NewsNew

GASGAS reveals its 2024 Motocross Models

GASGAS recently unveiled its 2023.5 models at the beginning of the SX season, featuring Justin Barcia Red Bull/TLD Factory Racing graphics. Now, just like their Austrian counterparts, the rest of the motocross models have been updated to the new platform. GASGAS has provided us with the following information and images. Head Editor Ron Lawson is currently in Italy test riding the complete line of 2024 GASGAS models, so expect a first impression post on the website soon.

Motocross | Turning up the heat!

GASGAS aims to deliver the best performance for motocross riders, whether they ride for fun or compete to win. In 2024, GASGAS is taking the moto scene to the next level. Their lineup includes the beloved MC 125 two-stroke and the MXGP race-winning MC 450F four-stroke, ensuring there’s a bike to suit all types of riders.

GASGAS motocross models are known for their exceptional handling, but the engineers didn’t stop there. They made improvements to make the bikes perform even better. Each model now features new steel frames, new aluminum subframes, and new swingarms. This combination enhances cornering precision and straight-line stability for maximum fun. The MC 125 and MC 250 two-strokes have also been updated with electric start buttons, replacing the traditional kickstart. Additionally, both bikes now have cutting-edge throttle body injection, resulting in a crisper response and improved on-track performance.

For 2024, all models are equipped with new, lighter motors that offer more torque and high-revving power. These motors are housed in new frames with a slight backward tilt, which lowers the front sprocket, centralizes the weight, and enhances the already outstanding handling of GASGAS motocross bikes.

Technical Highlights Motocross

  • New frame – Designed for stability at high speeds, the new frames retain their exceptional cornering ability while providing improved rider feedback.
  • New aluminum subframe – Provides strength, reliability, and plays a crucial role in the ergonomics and handling of each dirt bike.
  • New die-cast aluminum swingarm – Lightweight and strong, with just the right amount of flex.
  • New bodywork – The refined rider triangle offers larger contact areas, allowing riders to better grip the bike and improve control. Of course, it’s all red!
  • New hour meter – Helps riders stay on top of bike maintenance.
  • WP XACT front fork with AER technology – Refined and adjustable by hand, now features a hydrostop to absorb heavy landings.
  • WP XACT rear shock – Shorter and lighter, yet still offering 300mm of travel. The new piston improves comfort and performance.
  • New forged triple clamps – The steering stem offers more flex, enhancing rider comfort.
  • High-performance Braktec hydraulic clutch system – Virtually maintenance-free, ensuring consistent performance at all times.
  • New Braktec brakes – Unique brake disks and new calipers for improved control.
  • Neken handlebars – Made from high-strength aluminum, with a unique bar bend for durability and comfort. Includes a larger bar pad for improved safety.
  • New footpegs – Bigger footpegs for better grip in all conditions.
  • New TBI injection with premix for 2-strokes – Throttle Body Injection brings the 2-strokes up to date, providing clean and crisp running with strong power throughout the rev range.
  • New electronic exhaust control for 2 strokes – Controls the opening of the exhaust ports to maximize power and durability.
  • New motors – Centralized mass for improved handling. Lighter and more powerful.
  • New, unified motor position – All 4-stroke models have the motor mounted in the same position, enhancing overall bike handling.
  • Map Select Switch – The MC 125 already has one, and now it’s added to the four-strokes as well. Allows customization of performance with launch control, traction control, quickshifting, and a choice of two maps tailored to each rider’s preferences. MC 250 also gets two engine map choices.

Full line-up: MC 125, MC 250, MC 250F, MC 350F, MC 450F