2009 4runner v6 4wd or v8 2wd?

[z28gm]

Aloha,

I'm getting a 2008 4runner for work. My work did not approve the v8 4wd, so that's out.

I want you folks' advise on which to get: sport edition v6 4wd or sport edition v8 2wd.

v6 4wd - so I can use it for off roading.
v8 2wd - will v8 extra power compensate for the lack of a 4wd to take off roading.

Again, I would get the v8 4wd but for unknown reason it is not allowed by my work.

Mahalo

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Power will not make up for 4WD.

 

[eskimochaos]

Power will not make up for 4WD.

X2.

Get the V8, might be the last time you can in the 4R.

Where in Hawaii are you from?

 

[Goalie30]

Deffinately v6 4wd. clemsonfan15 is right, having a v8 doesnt really make it equal to having 4wd. its still not as good. even if you had a v8 4wd, some would say its still not as good at off road than a v6 4wd.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I have driven both. I went through the exact same dilemna based on total purchase price. After having the V6 a while once in a great while I might prefer the V8. I love my 4wd and wouldn't give that up.

I say 4wd V6.
:cheers:

 

[ZandT4R]

I'd get the v6 4wd if you are planning any offroad trips. If you are going to stay on the streets I LOVE our V8! The engine and tranny are soooo smooth and powerful.

 

[Larry77]

Only benefit of the V8 is towing, so if you aren't towing a lot by all means go with the V6 4x4.

Gas mileage is so much better in the V6 as well...

 

[Mr. Banks]

RE: v6 4x4 or v8...

What is the purpose of the vehicle? Based on the two modes you are giving us to choose, you are either city driving + towing, or occasional offroading.

They said it before, a v8 doesn't compensate for the lack of 4x4 when it comes to offroad. Playing in the mud? V6 4x4. Towing? V8.

 

[GatorGreg]

Aloha,

I'm getting a 2008 4runner for work. My work did not approve the v8 4wd, so that's out.

I want you folks' advise on which to get: sport edition v6 4wd or sport edition v8 2wd.

v6 4wd - so I can use it for off roading.
v8 2wd - will v8 extra power compensate for the lack of a 4wd to take off roading.

Again, I would get the v8 4wd but for unknown reason it is not allowed by my work.

Mahalo

Are you with the HPD? If so, here's a good thread with some pics of your colleagues: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=39353 The first silver one looks like a V8 2WD and the red one looks like a V6 2WD.

I think if I could only have either the 4x4 or the V8 I'd choose the 4x4. However, if you're a cop I would think having the V8 might come in handy in chasing down the bad guys because it hauls ass compared to most SUVs. Gas mileage of the V8 2WD isn't that much worse than the 4x4 v6 (EPA 15/19 v. 16/20), and if the city's paying for the gas who cares? Also, the 2WD T4Rs do get the benefit of a limited slip rear diff, not as good as 4x4 obviously, but it does help with traction.

That said, if I were shopping for an '09 today I think I'd opt for a shadow mica Trail Edition. In 10-15 years it will be the 4th gen that everyone covets

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Another thing occurs to me... On HI you won't be hooking up a travel trailer and driving for 2k miles. Unless you are thinking about a street themed T4R that's another Reason for a V6.

:cheers:

 

[G.I.G.]

Definitely get the 4WD. You will be able to do things with it that you can't with the V6. I'm a big advocate of the V8, but I test drove both and the V6 is certainly no schlep! Especially at sea level, you should have more than enough power and 4WD gets you places and allows you to do things that you wouldn't be able to do with a 2Runner. :cheers:

 

[nc211]

In my opinion, a 4x2 SUV is like non-alcholic beer...what's the purpose? This isn't a decision between a V8 or a V6, but rather a 4x4 or 4x2. You'll miss the 4x4 a lot more than you'll miss the V8.

 

[z28gm]

Mahalo to all the replies. Very helpful. Yes it is for police work. I will miss chasing other cars (currently using a z28). However, the 4runner will have more room for my family. Also the 4runner will be able to go to more places that the z28 could not. Due to the replies, I have decided to go for the v6 4wd. Again, mahalo to everybody.

 

[Gromulus]

4WD>engine choice

Mahalo to all the replies. Very helpful. Yes it is for police work. I will miss chasing other cars (currently using a z28). However, the 4runner will have more room for my family. Also the 4runner will be able to go to more places that the z28 could not. Due to the replies, I have decided to go for the v6 4wd. Again, mahalo to everybody.

Good choice! Enjoy.

 

[Falls]

4x4 = must have !!!

 

[Nashvillerunner]

Good Choice on the V6 4x4. I made the mistake of buying the V6 4x2 and everyday I wished I would have gone with the 4x4!! My next 4Runner WILL be 4x4.