The 6th gen 4runner is closer in size to a 1st gen Sequoia than a 3rd gen 4runner

I was thinking about how odd that people compare generations of new cars to generations far in the past. The newest generation just isn't the same size class anymore, it's a full sized SUV in my eyes.

Here's a crazy fact, the 6 gen 4runner is 8 inches shorter, the same width (or wider) as a gen 1 Sequoia. The 3rd gen 4runner is 12 inches shorter and at least 6 inches narrower than a 6g t4r. Meaning the 4runner has more in common with an old sequoia than an old 4runner (they both had roll down back windows).

Except the old Sequoia was more capable with an inch more of ground clearance and better angles. My biggest complaint of the new gen is it is getting needlessly big, who the hell needed that?

 

cause americans are fat.

you should see the difference between 1st gen rav and the current gen.

 

1st gen rav4

Wheelbase

• 5-door: 2,410 mm (94.9 in)
• 3-door: 2,200 mm (86.6 in)

Length

• 5-door: 4,150–4,160 mm (163.4–163.8 in)
• 3-door: 3,740–3,750 mm (147.2–147.6 in)

Width 1,695 mm (66.7 in)

Height

• 3-door: 1,646–1,661 mm (64.8–65.4 in)
• 5-door: 1,650 mm (65.0 in)

5th gen rav4

Wheelbase 2,690 mm (105.9 in)

Length 4,570–4,600 mm (179.9–181.1 in)

Width 1,855 mm (73.0 in)

Height 1,660 mm (65.4 in)

 

Cars always grow every generation. My very first car was a 2nd gen 1982 Honda Accord sedan. It had 72hp and weighed about 1800lb. No that isn't a typo, it was less than a ton. Its not just small compared to a modern Accord - its smaller than a modern Civic, and lighter than a modern Honda fit.

Same thing with pickups. The new Tacoma is as big as a Ford F150 was in the 1980s. And a current gen F150 is as big as an F250 was back then. etc.....

 

Everything SUV-related is converging on the full-size 80” in width. 4Runner/Tacoma is now 77”-78” wide, the Honda “midsize” quartet plus Sienna are 78.5” wide. (although I will acknowledge the Hondas have been that width for a long time)

I’m just glad Toyota made the Grand Highlander a separate model.

 

Vehicles keep getting bigger but the useable interior space seems to keep getting smaller.

 

My wife's 2013 Rav4 is the same size as my 92 4Runner.

 

I really want to know what Toyota's Chief Engineer from the USA drives.

vBloggers have missed a prime opportunity when interviewing that guy to ask this question.

 

F350 at least. I put money on it.

 

And today's Rav4 is bigger than 1st gen Highlander. Cars are getting bigger, crappier but bigger. Plastic is cheap, more and more plastic

 

and don't forget the 1st gen Sequoia had the 2UZ-FE V8...one of the best Toyota engines ever made.