Toyota teases 2014 4Runner, will debut on April 27

Thu, 18 Apr 2013

The 2014 Toyota 4Runner appears to be getting a styling refresh that is as out of the ordinary for Toyota as the venue at which it will be debuting. Launching on April 27 at the 2013 Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, CA, the 2014 4Runner looks to be getting more of an in-your-face design. Toyota says this marks the first time it has ever revealed a new product at a music festival.

While we only see two images of the updated 2014 4Runner, the new headlights break from the rectangular shape present on the current model for an edgy, scalloped shape. Below the headlights are vertical air inlets – looking quite similar to the 2014 Subaru Forester XT – but it isn't clear if all models will get these or just special trim levels. The other image Toyota released was of the smoked, LED taillight.

As the presenting sponsor of the music festival, Toyota will have legendary off-road driver Ivan "Ironman" Stewart at the show as well as an off-road driving course for people to drive the automaker's trucks and SUVs. Scroll down for a press release giving some additional information about both the 2014 4Runner and the Stagecoach Music Festival.

2013 Stagecoach Country Music Festival Sets the Stage for 2014 Toyota 4Runner Reveal

- First-ever Toyota Global Automotive Reveal at a Major Music Festival
- Exclusive Musical Performance by Multi-Platinum Country Music Star Dierks Bentley
- 'World of Wonders' Circus-themed Fan Experience, Ride & Drive and Campground Activities

TORRANCE, Calif., April 18, 2013 - - Toyota will stage the world debut of the redesigned 2014 4Runner mid-size SUV on Saturday, April 27 at 1:15 p.m. PDT at the 2013 Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, Calif., near Palm Springs. The event marks the automaker's first-ever public reveal at a major music festival.

The Toyota 4Runner, now in its fifth generation, has been in the Toyota SUV lineup for nearly three decades and continues to be one of the few fully capable SUVs available in its segment. The 4Runner combines rugged body-on-frame construction with suspension technology that yields ride comfort more often associated with car-based platforms. 4Runner is available in a variety of configurations and in three models: a well-equipped SR5, top-of-the-line Limited, plus a Trail grade for amazing off-road capability.

Returning for its seventh year as presenting sponsor of Stagecoach, California's premier country music festival, Toyota will kick off the three-day event with vintage circus-themed fan experiences followed by the unveiling of the 2014 4Runner. The reveal takes place on a unique Toyota stage and will be hosted by SiriusXM™ radio personality, Buzz Brainard with a very special performance by chart-topping country recording artist, Dierks Bentley.

As part of the reveal celebration, Toyota invites fans to enter a sweepstakes from April 25-29 for a chance to win one of six guitars autographed by Dierks Bentley. Information and official rules can be found on the Toyota USA Facebook page and at http://www.toyota.com/stagecoachsweepstakes/terms.html.

Toyota World of Wonders
In addition to the 4Runner festivities, Toyota will host the World of Wonders, a whimsical atmosphere of carnival curiosities where music fans can take a break from the desert sun. On-site activities include:

Camry Claw – A custom-built Camry with an arcade-style claw machine operated through the sunroof offers a chance at fun prizes.
RAV4 Palm Reader – Guests can get a glimpse into the future and find out if their wishes will be granted.
Tacoma Charging Station – A rapid-charging station will be available for guests to recharge their mobile devices.
Tundra Strongman – Guests can see how their strength measures up to Toyota's full-size pickup truck.
Carnival Arcade – This retro-styled game zone is outfitted with a ring toss and milk jug throw.
Cooling Zone – Music fans can lounge under misters in an attempt to beat the heat.
Big Top Photo Booth – Guests can accessorize themselves with circus-themed props for a personalized photo opportunity.

Toyota World of Wonders will also feature hourly line dancing lessons, temporary tattoo parlor and leather accessory creation station. Off-road racing legend Ivan "Ironman" Stewart will also be on hand to greet fans, sign autographs and provide driving demos throughout the weekend. Stagecoach commemorative silkscreen posters and cooling bandanas will also be available while supplies last. Toyota World of Wonders activities will operate Friday through Sunday from noon until 8:00 p.m. PDT unless otherwise specified.

Toyota Drive Center
For those eager for a little more driving excitement, the Toyota Drive Center will offer a nearly 132,000 square-foot off-road course located in Lot 6C. Participants will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the current generation 4Runner, Tundra, Tacoma, Sequoia and FJ Cruiser models to experience the vehicles' dynamic handling and Toyota's commitment to quality, durability and reliability. For each guest who participates, Toyota will make a contribution to one of three partner charities: American Red Cross, AMVETS and National Park Foundation. Participants can also enter for a chance to win a Weber® grill.

The Toyota Drive Center will be open Friday through Sunday from noon to 7:00 p.m. PDT. Guests with a valid driver's license can register to participate in the Toyota World of Wonders tent.

The Toyota Hangout
Toyota will bring the fun into the Stagecoach campground, with more activities and giveaways for festival goers at the Toyota Hangout. For a limited time, campers can enjoy complimentary breakfast burritos, Stagecoach RV flags, a bean bag battle tournament and a Tundra Endeavour display. Ivan Stewart will hold an autograph session in the Toyota Hangout on Sunday, April 28 from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Toyota will also host the Stagecoach Campground Contest to reward the festival's most creative campers.

By Jeffrey N. Ross