Here's Why the 4Runner TRD Pro Won't Have IsoDynamic Seats (At Launch)

The trick Taco seats aren't in its SUV sibling—but never say never.

Toyota finally gave the world a new 4Runner in all its powered-rear-window glory last month. The venerable SUV is following in the footsteps of the latest Tacoma, with similar styling and a same-ish trim lineup including the new Trailhunter trim and a swanky Limited. Of course there's a TRD Pro, and while we got to see it up close and personal last month, we noticed the baja-blasting 4Runner was missing something the truck has: its neato IsoDynamic seats.

These technical thrones impressed us in the Tacoma TRD Pro, effectively isolating the driver from the bumping and bucking of the trails. (Just don't mention the lack of rear legroom because of them.) So what gives? When we got the chance to ask chief engineer Sheldon Brown about the Tacoma on the latest episode of the AutoGuide podcast, we couldn't help but check in on why the seats were missing.

"They are not offered right now in the TRD 4Runner," confirmed Brown, adding that the team had numerous discussions about the decision, and believes there is "a lot of cross-vehicle application for those." The limiting factor is line space at the Japanese factory, where the seats are built. Brown says the team has explored other ideas, including potentially installing the IsoDynamic seats port-side. The challenge is one of cost as well, with the team wanting to avoid an "overly expensive solution." That's fair, considering the Tacoma TRD Pro is already one of the priciest mid-sizers out there.

Don't give up hope quite yet, though. Brown kept the door open for more IsoDynamic goodness, stating "So maybe as it launches you won’t find them, but that’s not to suggest somewhere in the future we can’t find a pathway forward."