It has been harder to keep justifying the 4Runner, since it is no longer offered in JDM, is still imported, and wasn't a sales leader for many years, until rather mysteriously recently. The Hilux pickup sits below the Tacoma and is more suited for rougher regions, in being on the Innovative Multi-Purpose Vehicle platform for developing markets, launched in 2004 and last heavily revised in 2015. Both 4Runner and Tacoma are very North America focused, although the 4Runner still built in Japan, it isn't sold there anymore as the Hilux Surf. The Tacoma diverges, by using a C-Channel frame application. It forms the basis of the Tacoma, 4Runner, and GX plainly. The Land Cruiser Prado 150-Series, is basically a slightly more expensive 4Runner, which sits between that and the Lexus GX. I guess we'll see what happens and hopefully like the Tundra that pulled through, Tacoma does as well in under 2 1/2 years.Ĭlick to expand.I think it's the reverse, as I would need to refer back to my own industry/trade info to verify the expense of the Tacoma in relation to profitability. The big crossovers in Lexus TX and Toyota Grand Highlander, are 2024 models, coming much later than originally expected. When I think about the current Sienna, which got delayed so many times, even before the pandemic and ultimately even so during the pandemic disruptions, I get concerned over the Tacoma falling further into 2024.Ī lot of future Toyota models have been delayed as a result, like the next Camry, which was originally due in fall of 2023, now is spring 2024. The 2022 Tundra shockingly held up pretty well, because I learned about the December 2021 launch date in October 2019 and reported it to news media, in early 2020.Ĭrazy how Toyota managed to hold firm to that date for 2 1/2 years on the Tundra, but they are not doing well with the Tacoma judging by recent evidence. I hope not, because it did affect the 2023 Ranger. Tacoma has always just sold itself, since the second generation came out and knocked the Ranger out of first place.Ĭlick to expand.I am sorry, I didn't see this sooner.
Toyota has been very cynical in their approach to the 4Runner, as it was a disappointment a decade ago and when things shockingly rebounded, they took their merry to commit back to it for the future. Tundra has stubbornly been in limbo, to maintain a foothold in the 1/2 ton pickup segment and keep Texas plant a worthy ROI. 2014 4Runner sales jump reversed that decision, as did dealers throwing a fit over threats to cancel Sequoia in the 2014-15 era.
4Runner was supposed to be discontinued by 2017 and Sequoia as well. It got delayed 20 months to December 2015, as a 2016 model.Īs early as January 2011, Toyota already planned for a 3rd generation Tacoma in Q3 2015 and 4th generation in late 20 Model Year. The first TNGA product, the outgoing Prius, was supposed to be a 2015 model in April 2014. This has been typical of Toyota with nearly all TNGA redesigns. Recently, Tacoma got delayed 4 more months. Then in 2021, 4Runner program fell behind by over 1 more year and Tacoma program held firm to MY 2024. Replacing the initially troubled 5th generation 4Runner, launched in USA on Novemand 3rd generation Tacoma launched on September 10, 2015.īoth vehicles were pushed back 1 year during development in 2019 from the top down. Click to expand.It wasn't supposed to be like this, as Toyota set out 5 years ago, to keep the 4Runner alive and redesign in 20 model year and Tacoma in August 2022 for the 2023 MY.