1st 4runner V6 or V8?

bowhunter53

bowhunter53

Member
Hello, newbie here. I have been searching for my first 4runner for about a month now. I currently have a 02 F-150 ext. cab and with a new addition to the family I need something more child friendly. I live in Western PA, and do some hunting and fishing in the allegheny national forest. We also take monthly trip to visit the inlaws in Rochester, about 3 hrs. one way.

Looking for advise on V6 or V8. I dont do any towing, but I do encounter a lot of hills and dirt roads while hunting. People with V6 tell me why I should go that way, and people with V8 give me your argument.

This site has been a wealth of information, I cant wait to post pics of the runner when I get it!!!
 
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If you don't tow anything the V6 is plenty unless you need V8 bragging rights. I think you can run lower octane with teh V6 and not lose anything.
 
Coming from a full size V8 pickup, I can say I am very pleased with the V6. It has oodles of power for the 4Runner. Passing is very easy and tons of power for any hill you would encounter. I also get high teens in the city and low to mid 20s on the highway for fuel economy. The option to keep it in 2WD probably helps a bit with that. Even if I were going to tow a small holiday trailer, I wouldn't hesistate to use the V6. It's a great all around motor that behaves like a small V8 in many ways.

Can't go wrong with the V8, of course, but the 6 is perfect for me.
 
Better yet, use the search function to see the many times this topic has been discussed. You'll need to use a wildcard in the search argument.
 
Yes, the merits of V6 vs V8 have been discussed before.

Aside from engine size, the other key difference is the drivetrain. The V8 is a full-time 4WD, giving you only the settings of 4-Hi and 4-Lo. The V6 4x4 (if equipped) is selectable, giving you a 2-Hi setting as well. Of course, there are pros and cons to each of those choices, too. You can run the V6 in 4-Hi all the time if you'd like to.
 
bowhunter53 said:
I wasnt aware that the V8 required premium fuel?
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It doesn't.

The V8 and V6 run fine on regular unleaded.

OOPS... I see this was already corrected above.

The best suggestion is to drive both and see which you like. I went with the V8 because of its super smooth power curve and very quiet performance.
 
sharp4runr said:
It doesn't. It's "recommended" similar to the V6 ;):
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I just brought home my '07 4runner with the V8 and no where does it suggest in the owner's manual the use of high-octane (although I know they have suggested it in the past for "best performance"). I read through my owners manual and it just says "minimum of 87 octane".

The V6 in the 4runner is a great engine and you can't go wrong with it. It just depends on your needs. I've always kicked myself in the shorts for not getting the bigger engine in a car, especially living in Colorado, when a bigger engine is an option. Just my opinion. Both are great engines though.
 
Uneek said:
If you tow or live in higher elevations, V8. Otherwise the V6 is adequate.
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Why make such a generalization? Many people buy the V8 simply because of its smoother nature, more pleasing soundtrack and extra grunt.
 
Like others have said, if you're going to be towing a lot (esp in the mountains), V8 would be a good choice. Otherwise, V6's are great. Even if you're a speed/power freak. The V6 in the stock trim isn't bad. The V8 definately has more grunt, but I didn't feel that it was THAT much more powerful to justify the higher price.

If you get the V6 and feel that it's a dog, you can always supercharge it. :D
 
Northof49 said:
Why make such a generalization? Many people buy the V8 simply because of its smoother nature, more pleasing soundtrack and extra grunt.
Click to expand...

I agree. I've owned both and the V8 is the better choice if you have the cash. Very smooth and lots of power. The V6 guys just have V8 envy.
Just a joke, of course. :D
 
RL4673 said:
I agree. I've owned both and the V8 is the better choice if you have the cash. Very smooth and lots of power. The V6 guys just have V8 envy.
Just a joke, of course. :D
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;)

I testdrove both and actually prefer the V6 so I bought it. An option of a part time transfer case and the extra couple of MPG tipped the scales. The icing on the cake was it being a few grand cheaper. :)
 
bowhunter53 said:
I wasnt aware that the V8 required premium fuel?
Click to expand...

It doesn't. Higher octane gives you the stated performance numbers, lower octane lessens the performance, but not much.

Do you want full time or part time 4WD? If you want full time go with the V8, it is the same powertrain as the Land Cruiser at $20K less.
 
I guess I should have mentioned I am looking to buy a used 4runner. Therefore the price difference in the V8 will not be a factor. After reading more about how the full time 4wd works on the v8 here on the site, I think I am leaning towards a V8. Now I just need to find one for the right price.
 
I had a 2003 V6 and turned it in for the 2005 V8 and LOVE it. The constant "ticking" in the V6 engine drove me nuts and I couldn't listen to it. Now this is just an issue for me and you may not see a difference. I will agree the V6 has plenty of power but I do love the smoothness of the V8 and kicking it up! I also liked the AWD 4X4 as living in Central NY you never know when you will hit a patch of snow. I know you could leave the V6 in AWD but why would you? Good luck in your search!
 
bowhunter53 said:
I guess I should have mentioned I am looking to buy a used 4runner. Therefore the price difference in the V8 will not be a factor. After reading more about how the full time 4wd works on the v8 here on the site, I think I am leaning towards a V8. Now I just need to find one for the right price.
Click to expand...

You might want to visit a few Toyota dealers in your area and see if they have any 2006 leftovers.
I was at my dealer today for some maintenance and saw 8 or more 2006 leftovers.
There were some Limiteds, Sports and SR5s with V6s and V8s.
If you can find a dealer where you live that is willing to make a deal you might be able to get a 2006
for not much more than a pre-owned and a lot less than a 2007.
 
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