The all-new 4Runner is the replacement for a model that had a very long lifespan. Looking at the dimensions and powertrains of the new 4Runner and the recent Land Cruiser, the two vehicles overlap. At around $20,000 cheaper, the least expensive 4Runner makes a case for itself but offering the two parallel vehicles makes little sense at the top end where there is no real difference in price, especially as the Land Cruiser is significantly better looking.

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 The strong and durable 4L-V6 found under the hood of the previous 4Runner has been replaced by two versions of Toyota’s new 2.4L turbo four.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 conventional 4Runner can be had in two-row and three-row configurations but the hybrid is exclusively two-row.

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.

Conventional 4Runner: the base SR5 trim includes seven passenger seating, part-time all-wheel drive, a 278 horsepower 2.4L turbo four, heated front seats, L.E.D. headlights, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, running boards and a camera wash system. Moving up to the TRD Sport deletes the third-row seat but adds alloy pedals, uprated suspension, 20 inch wheels, a sunroof, auto climate control, a digital gauge package, an auto-dim rearview mirror, door mirror-mounted turn signals, wireless cellphone charging, rear auto braking and a luggage area cover, but is very expensive. Migrating up to the Limited re-installs the third-row seat, and includes adaptive variable suspension, a power tailgate with hands-free operation, dual-zone climate control, power front seats, a memory system, a power-adjustable steering wheel, leather seating, ventilated front seats, a JBL-branded audio system, a 360 degree camera system and garage door opener buttons, at a fair price. Compared with the SR5, the TRD Off Road Premium adds back the third-row seat, a sunroof, bigger wheels, Bilstein-branded shocks, crawl control, a locking rear differential, a heated steering wheel, door mirror-based turn signals, wireless cellphone charging, hands-free tailgate operation, power front seats, ventilated front seats, a JBL-branded audio system and a number of minor items and is reasonable value.

Hybrid: The base Off Road Premium model has a sunroof, Bilstein shocks, underbody protection plates, a locking rear differential, digital gauges, power front seats, a power adjustable steering wheel, a JBL-branded audio system, a 2400 watt AC outlet and parking garage buttons. Moving up to the TRD PRO includes dual-zone air climate control, power-fold door mirrors, trailer brake control, a TRD exhaust system and removes the running boards. The Trail Hunter model is a dedicated off-road model but is priced at over $84,000.

The 4Runner has been an expensive vehicle for years but the new one, priced from $57,000 to $87,000, is extraordinarily expensive and may have priced itself beyond its potential market and in its more expensive versions, is in contrast with its showroom mate, the Land Cruiser.

The previous 4Runner was one of the most reliable vehicles made. This all-new model features the unproven 2.4L turbo four which suffered from a high failure rate when it when went into production several years ago.