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2025 Toyota 4Runner to Feature Hybrid Powertrain

Discussion in 'Toyota Hybrids and EVs' started by drash, Mar 23, 2023.

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  1. drash

    drash Senior Member

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    Next-Gen 2025 Toyota 4Runner Will Have Hybrid Powertrain

    So Motor Trend is saying apparently there are two options for the 2025 4Runner and will follow the 2024 Tacoma, which pretty much shares the same platform, onto the TNGA-F platform along with its powertrain. The first option is Toyota will take the 2.4L Turbo found in the RX 350 and replace the 3.5L Twin Turbo within the i-Force Max. The other option is the Hybrid Max that powers the the Toyota Crown which means they're guessing. I'm pretty sure if they are building the next generation 4Runner and Tacoma on the TNGA-F like the Tundra and Sequoia, it'll probably be likely they'll use a detuned i-Force Max setup since it's already designed for towing.
     
    #1 drash, Mar 23, 2023
  2. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    If sticking with frame on body, it will be RWD. That points to a parallel system. Power-splits also tend to be more limited when it comes to actual work truck duties. The HiLux is rumored to get a mild diesel hybrid, but the few small diesels left in the US are dwindling.
     
    #2 Trollbait, Mar 23, 2023
  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    A detuned i-Force Hybrid makes more sense since I (assume) it's developed for truck duties (Tundra and Sequoia). Hybrid MAX seems to be for car-based vehicles.

    I wonder if Hybrid MAX would work for RWD vehicles? (I'm thinking next gen IS). If not, then where else would Toyota use the Hybrid MAX powertrain? To replace the Camry V6? I guess it could. or a TRD Camry.
     
    #3 Tideland Prius, Mar 23, 2023
  4. drash

    drash Senior Member

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    https://motorillustrated.com/the-next-toyota-4runner-will-get-hybrid-power/112203/

    Motor Illustrated opined that Toyota might just throw the i-Force Max system in the 4Runner as is and call it a day. That'll make it somewhat overpowered but they can at least reuse the same powertrain. With over 1100 lbs (499 kg) difference between the Sequoia and the 4Runner, the 4Runner could challenge the acceleration crown of the RAV4 Prime in Toyota's SUV department, and dare I say it, a gas saver? Well anything over the 17 mpg (13.8L/100 km) it's getting now would qualify as a gas saver. The 2.4L Turbo puts out 264 hp (194 kW) to the 3.4L Twin Turbo's 389 hp (286 kW). The current 4Runner can tow 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) with its 4.0L V6 that puts out 270 hp (199 kW) so a 2.4L based i-Force Max should put it about 312 hp (229.5 kW) which is more than enough to tow 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) and maybe hit 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg).

    Their source also said the Toyota Crown's Hybrid Max is also under consideration.

    Toyota's Hybrid Max and Lexus F Sport Performance (RX 500h) were both talked about in Consumer's Report and they said they are still heavily front wheel drive bias in spite of the larger rear motor.
     
    #4 drash, Mar 23, 2023
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  5. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    They are both parallel hybrids, which physically are simpler than a power-split. Taking the Prime Prime transverse HSD and converting it to longitudal orientation for the Crosstrek PHEV meant scrapping the transaxle for a whole new unit. For a parallel hybrid to do so for FWD to RWD would just mean swapping the standard automatic FWD transmission for a RWD one, which Toyota likely already has. Work will need to be done fine tuning the system for the vehicle, but auto makers have been regularly using an engine in both FWD and RWD applications. A parallel hybrid just has a motor hanging off the engine's back end.

    The different names is more marketing. i-Force was the name of the old V8 in the Tundra. Toyota stuck with it for the new V6 turbo for familiarity. I think Dodge/Ram are doing the same with Hemi, which doesn't have hemispherical cylinder tops, with their switch fro 8 to 6 cylinders.

    The cost might be factor for that consideration, but I see a another potential hitch; CAFE. There isn't a single target number that all models strive for. It's a scale based on the truck's footprint. Smaller trucks have higher targets. The rate at which it increases is faster than the improvements of the truck being lighter, and being able to use a smaller, less powerful engine can improve fuel economy.It's the reason why true small trucks were pulled from the market or became midsize.
     
    #5 Trollbait, Mar 23, 2023
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