Should I Buy a V6 or V8 for Off-roading? - Page 3 - Toyota 4Runner Forum

cbailey1523 · 01-22-2020, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumbo

Kinda glad you mentioned that…

The GX is a really smooth running truck and is worth considering as an alternate to a V8 4Runner… it also makes a nice off-road platform because it shares many of the same parts as the 4th gen. It’s basically the same thing as a 4Runner with a more luxurious interior and amenities.

I say this because depending on where you live, you might be able to find a GX in the same or better condition than a V8 4Runner for less money. GX tends to fly under the radar compared to a 4Runner and has a different demographic for sales, but mechanically it’s all there for what you want off-road.

Plus they look pretty sweet once you build them up a bit and get away from the city vibe.

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Yes! I just bought my T4R with the V8 with 80k. They had a newer GX on the lot as well that was actually less expensive with 95K. I asked about it and he said it was all about supply and demand. He said people will pay more for what they want (which obviously I did). Honestly though I might have purchased the Lexus if it didn't have those stupid fold up seats in the rear. I didn't want or need third row, and the seats aren't designed to fold into the interior. They're basically the same vehicle though.

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NWTrailRunner · 01-22-2020, 11:45 AM

Since this is primarily for off road and not a daily driver, I'd go with the V8. All things being equal that is.

To me it has a stellar reliability reputation, and the power/torque certainly can't hurt when off roading. I'm not an off road expert, so I don't know how much the extra weight will be a disadvantage but not a ton I'm guessing. Also, as this is not a daily driver who cares about the mpg loss compared to the V6.

To me though, get the best condition one that's in your budget though that will serve as the platform for the upgrades I'm sure you'll be doing.

Bumbo · 01-22-2020, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWTrailRunner

Since this is primarily for off road and not a daily driver, I'd go with the V8. All things being equal that is.

To me it has a stellar reliability reputation, and the power/torque certainly can't hurt when off roading. I'm not an off road expert, so I don't know how much the extra weight will be a disadvantage but not a ton I'm guessing. Also, as this is not a daily driver who cares about the mpg loss compared to the V6.

To me though, get the best condition one that's in your budget though that will serve as the platform for the upgrades I'm sure you'll be doing.

I know this is going to sound funny but I have never worried more about gas mileage than when I was off-road, especially in an unfamiliar area and or when cellular data isn’t available.

I have done some trips where I was cutting it very close in terms of finding my next fill-up. In addition to that it can be difficult to gauge how far a tank can take you. Miles off-road is very different than miles on-road. Plus operating in low range runs much higher RPMs so you burn a lot more fuel at much slower speeds.

ac1617 · 01-22-2020, 02:01 PM

Regarding gas mileage I will say this, me and my buddy drove to Alaska this past August, he has the V6 and I got the V8. We did some light offroading and he had a RTT and I had a roof rack with 4 jerry cans. We compared gas mileage and it was always within 0.5L/100kms. Sometimes his V6 did worse for gas mileage than my V8. It as always neck to neck between fill ups.

The V6 had to work harder while passing and going up hill. At the end of the day these are heavy trucks and a difference of 0.7L in displacement doesn't make much of a difference.

Bumbo · 01-22-2020, 02:48 PM

That sounds like a pretty fair assessment. I am sure there are plenty of other variables from lift, tires, gearing, loadout weight, and general health of the truck that could tip the scales in either direction.

04rnr · 01-22-2020, 03:32 PM

Here we go again...
Those with V8 will say V8. I've had both, wheeled both, hard, and driving up and down mountain passes, I know own the v6.

T4R416 · 01-22-2020, 11:20 PM

Bottom line NOBODY with a v8 says “ man , I wish I had gotten the v6!” I cannot say the same about v6 owners!! “ man I wish I had gotten the v8!” Sounds about right ... lol

Bluesky 07 · 01-22-2020, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWTrailRunner

Since this is primarily for off road and not a daily driver, I'd go with the V8. All things being equal that is.

To me it has a stellar reliability reputation, and the power/torque certainly can't hurt when off roading. I'm not an off road expert, so I don't know how much the extra weight will be a disadvantage but not a ton I'm guessing. Also, as this is not a daily driver who cares about the mpg loss compared to the V6.

To me though, get the best condition one that's in your budget though that will serve as the platform for the upgrades I'm sure you'll be doing.

This.

rdruss · 01-23-2020, 10:52 AM

I have a V8, I don't off road but I love the feel of the V8. That being said, there are probably 10 times more V6 4Runners on and off road than there are V8's so obviously the V6 gets the job done.

For me, going to a V6 would take some getting used to.

As has been said, drive them both and see what the seat of your pants tells you and go for it.

Inv4drZm · 01-23-2020, 11:16 AM

For pure offroad rock crawling capability I would choose the V6. You don't really need torque you have low range for that and the V6 is lighter and still has plenty of power.

For pure offroad desert driving/racing I would choose the V8.

Bumbo · 01-23-2020, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inv4drZm

For pure offroad rock crawling capability I would choose the V6. You don't really need torque you have low range for that and the V6 is lighter and still has plenty of power.

For pure offroad desert driving/racing I would choose the V8.

In terms of off-road applications... I would agree with this is 100%

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