After many, many years, Toyota has finally issued a new 4Runner. Previously built on the premium architecture that underpinned the very pricey Land Cruiser, the new truck is closely linked to the more mainstream Tacoma pickup.

The new 4Runner is built on a 61 mm longer wheelbase, is 31 mm longer overall and 50 mm wider than its predecessor. The strong and durable 4L-V6 found under the hood of the previous 4Runner has been replaced by two versions of Toyota’s new 2.4L turbo four. The conventional variant is rated at 278 horsepower, with the hybrid putting out 326 total system horsepower. The conventional model sends power to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic. The hybrid model packages its electric motor in with an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is offered in two forms. One has to be actively engaged, the other employs full-time all-wheel drive. The new 4Runner retains an old-school pickup truck live axle in the rear. The anti-roll bars can be disconnected from the driver’s seat to improve off-road suspension articulation. The 4Runner is equipped with a two-speed transfer case with high and low ranges. The various TRD and the Trailhunter trims also feature a locking rear differential. Mud, Dirt, Sand and Crawl modes can be selected, with the Crawl mode acting like an off-road cruise control.

Unlike its clean-lined predecessor and the chic and visually-restrained new Land Cruiser, the 4Runner is, to be charitable, visually challenging. The front end is multi-segmented and the various components do not co-exist harmoniously. The deeply-incised lines on its flanks are a testament to the precision of Toyota’s body panel presses, but they’re unattractive. That said, Toyota likely tested the new look with focus groups and has determined it will appeal to its intended customers.

The 4Runner retains a traditional feature, a tailgate window that can be retracted into the tailgate, like on a 1960s station wagon. The interior is trucklike, with the large, blocky shapes that are so attractive to buyers in this segment. There is a massive, free-standing infotainment screen at the top centre of the dashboard, with plenty of physical buttons and knobs to access most functions. Cabin space should be more than adequate and cargo space looks good.

The new, less-expensive Land Cruiser might have heralded the demise of the 4Runner, as they essentially share a similar space in the market. However, the 4Runner name has so much cachet that Toyota elected to continue the nameplate. Time will tell if the Land Cruiser and 4Runner both manage to sell well, or if one cannibalizes sales of the other.