The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, like the model years before it, is an excellent overall SUV. For years it’s been the epitome of off-road capability and reliability. Anyone who requires plenty of interior space and some serious capability can’t go wrong with a 4Runner. However, for the current model year, there are a few reasons you should wait to buy a new Toyota 4Runner. The sixth-generation 4Runner is coming soon.

Sixth-generation 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The first reason you should wait to buy a new Toyota 4Runner is it’s entering a new generation in 2023. After 13 long years, the outdated Toyota SUV will finally be all-new and redesigned. Although there are worse cases, the 4Runner is one of the only SUVs in its class that’s desperate for a makeover. Not only does the sixth-generation 4Runner mean a new look, but much-needed modern upgrades and features as well.

Next-gen 4Runner is going hybrid

Next, you should wait to buy a new Toyota 4Runner because it’ll likely offer a hybrid option. Although Toyota didn’t announce a hybrid model yet, it seems like a no-brainer for it to enter the lineup with the next-gen model. According to HotCars, an efficient four-cylinder will replace the current 4.0-liter V6 motor. However, don’t be sad about the missing cylinders. Using the same 2.4-liter inline-four found in the 2022 Lexus NX 350, the 4Runner will actually gain power. To be more specific, the new engine produces 275 horsepower and 371 lb-ft of torque, higher than the current V6.

Additionally, the automaker is likely to add a more powerful engine option to appease hardcore 4Runner fanatics. HotCars guesses it’ll be the 400-horsepower V6 found under the hood of a new Tundra pickup truck, which will only be available in the TRD Pro model, or another premium performance selection. Finally, Toyota plans to launch a hybrid variant of every model in its lineup by 2025. As a result, we expect the 2023 4Runner to use a hybrid engine, like the 2.5-liter four-cylinder found in the RAV4 Prime. The RAV4 Prime’s hybrid engine makes 302 horsepower.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner will sit on a new platform

The third reason you should wait to buy a new Toyota 4Runner is that it’s getting a new platform. The next-gen model will likely sit on a modified version of the TNGA-F, currently used by the Sequoia and Tundra. Using this platform, Toyota has found a way to evolve body-on-frame but keep the same off-roading capabilities.

Moreover, the automaker claims it’s lighter, stiffer, and more enduring than older platforms. A shorter version than the large SUV and truck use will be under the 4Runner and Tacoma, propelling them back to the top for performance. With a new suspension setup and all-new off-roading technology, this next-gen 4Runner will be more capable than ever.

New 4Runner design inspired by Tundra and Sequoia

Next, you should wait to buy a new Toyota 4Runner because it’s getting a redesigned exterior. As we previously mentioned, the new generation of 4Runner means a lot will be new. One of those things will be the exterior design of the vehicle. More specifically, the next-gen 4Runner will likely resemble the recently redesigned Tundra and Sequoia. Since they’ll all be sharing a platform soon, it’s only fitting the design is similar as well.

HotCars describes the new design of the large Toyota models as “more modern, sophisticated, and muscular.” Additionally, as you might expect, high-end trims like the TRD Pro will have unique design cues. Owners of performance or off-road models love standing out among the crowd. Like other TRD models in the Toyota lineup, the new 4Runner will be unique.

2023 4Runner: Redesigned modern interior

Finally, the last reason you should wait to buy a new Toyota 4Runner is that the interior will be redesigned. As with the exterior, the interior of the current 4Runner is outdated in more ways than one. Not only do reviewers note it as feeling cheap, but also low-tech. We expect Toyota to solve those issues plus go above and beyond. Like the Tundra and Sequoia, the new 4Runner will have a redesigned dashboard and a modern infotainment system.

We also expect the comfort and safety features to receive an upgrade. Lastly, since the platform is being tweaked, interior space likely will be too. Could the new 4Runner have more passenger and cargo space than the 2022 model? Only time will tell, but the Tundra and Sequoia have new, fresh interiors that fit perfectly inside the 4Runner.

Wait to buy a 2022 Toyota 4Runner

Customers interested in a 2022 Toyota 4Runner should wait to buy one. Primarily, the SUV is getting redesigned for the 2023 model year as it enters its sixth generation. After far too long, the off-road SUV will finally receive the updates it deserves. It’s likely to share exterior and interior styling cues with the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia on top of stealing their platform. We expect to see a hybrid engine enter the lineup, providing excellent fuel economy to beat those gas prices. Will you be waiting for a next-generation 2023 Toyota 4Runner?