2014 4Runner

The 4-Runner drive train really is obsolete technology. Toyota has great components to place in the 4-Runner, but has elected not to give the 4-runner customers the best they have to offer. They could easily drop the Lexus GX 460 drive train into the 4-runner and probably get close to the same gas milage or maybe better. The GX 460 gets 20MPG on the highway and is significantly heavier. In my opinion, Toyota knows that 4-runner customers have few choices, so they will only make minor changes to maximize their profits. Yes, I am very disappointed with Toyota for not giving us the best technology in the 4-runner, but I have owned many 4-runners with my choice is driven by reliability, not performance factors. If the Jeep reliability goes up, we may soon have a little competition, since the performance factor are really better in the grand Cheroke except for proven reliability.

I am wondering what is different about the GX460 drive train as compared to the 4Runner?

Are you speaking of the all wheel drive mode with the LSD in the transfer case like my 4th Gen has??

G
 
Probably has the same xfer case as the Limited 4Runner. I think he is talking about the 6AT and the V8 (which is, by architecture, almost identical to the 1GR) in the GX. What is funny is that the 4.6L, 4.0L, and 5.7L all share the same bore with cylinder count and stroke being the major difference. They all carry dual VVT, DOHC, piston cooling oil squirters, hydraulic lash adjusters, roller rocker valve train, all aluminum construction with steel cylinder bore sleeves, and timing chain instead of timing belt.

I know that the 3.5L 2GR will see direct injection soon for Tacoma, but who knows if it will carry over to the 4Runner. I have a sneaking suspicion that the 1GR might not be long for this world despite only being 4 years old.
 
Probably has the same xfer case as the Limited 4Runner. I think he is talking about the 6AT and the V8 (which is, by architecture, almost identical to the 1GR) in the GX. What is funny is that the 4.6L, 4.0L, and 5.7L all share the same bore with cylinder count and stroke being the major difference. They all carry dual VVT, DOHC, piston cooling oil squirters, hydraulic lash adjusters, roller rocker valve train, all aluminum construction with steel cylinder bore sleeves, and timing chain instead of timing belt.

I know that the 3.5L 2GR will see direct injection soon for Tacoma, but who knows if it will carry over to the 4Runner. I have a sneaking suspicion that the 1GR might not be long for this world despite only being 4 years old.

My guess is that if the GX dies then the 4Runner will go back to an optional V8, the 1GR isn't going to be supported for one vehicle, and so the 2GR will become the base V6.
 
My guess is that if the GX dies then the 4Runner will go back to an optional V8, the 1GR isn't going to be supported for one vehicle, and so the 2GR will become the base V6.

Sounds legit. The fact they overhauled the 1GR for such a short run is pretty crazy, though. The 2GR has gone since 2006 with relatively no changes until this DI update. Maybe the 1GR is DI ready?
 
I don't understand why toyota keeps making the land cruiser anymore. Since its essentially the same thing and close in price to the lx570. I've never seen the current gen in hawaii.

I'm really like the new styling of the 4runner now.
 
Sounds legit. The fact they overhauled the 1GR for such a short run is pretty crazy, though. The 2GR has gone since 2006 with relatively no changes until this DI update. Maybe the 1GR is DI ready?
Isn't the 1GR currently used in the Tacoma/Tundra/4Runner/LC? The 1GR engines for the Tacoma/Tundra are machined in Japan and assembled here (In AL). Is the Tacoma swapping to the 2GR?
 
1GR in the Taco is the old version. It is built in Alabama. The 1GR in the Tundra, 4Runner, and FJ (and maybe the LC Prado?) is the new version. I assume it is Japan built.

Everything I've heard through the grapevine is that the next Taco will be an updated 2GR. I honestly can't believe that the Taco soldiered on with the old 1GR for so long after the new 1GR came out (5 model years!). That would have at least maybe made the investment in the 1GR update make sense. Then again, maybe capacity and the economy crapping its pants in 08 had far reaching impacts for investment.
 
1GR in the Taco is the old version. It is built in Alabama. The 1GR in the Tundra, 4Runner, and FJ (and maybe the LC Prado?) is the new version. I assume it is Japan built.

Everything I've heard through the grapevine is that the next Taco will be an updated 2GR. I honestly can't believe that the Taco soldiered on with the old 1GR for so long after the new 1GR came out (5 model years!). That would have at least maybe made the investment in the 1GR update make sense. Then again, maybe capacity and the economy crapping its pants in 08 had far reaching impacts for investment.
Didn't know that! The AL plant only assembles the "old" 1GR. I guess a plant(s) in Japans machine both the new and old 1GR - assembles the new 1GR there, and send the old 1GR to AL for assembly. Weird, although I'm sure it makes sense when you see the big picture.
 
Toyota is probably looking to streamline powertrain.

The 1GR though recently updated was probably updated before a final decision had been made about the FJ. The 2GR is already smaller than the 1GR, add the DI etc. and it's probably the sweet spot for power and mpg. Plus they can spread the cost over several models.

While I'm a fan of the GX, I would love to see some expanded options for the 4Runner.
 
Didn't know that! The AL plant only assembles the "old" 1GR. I guess a plant(s) in Japans machine both the new and old 1GR - assembles the new 1GR there, and send the old 1GR to AL for assembly. Weird, although I'm sure it makes sense when you see the big picture.

Yup some crazy stuff with Alabama. They build a 4, 6, and 8 cylinder there. Don't know how much machining they do, though, on those products.

I probably should of added this earlier, but anyone know what the sales figures are for them?

Like 5000 a year. Very, very few. But, the profit margin is probably massive on those.
 
Toyota Land Cruiser Sales Figures - GOOD CAR BAD CAR

2895 last year, nearly double what they sold in 2011.

Let's be ultra conservative and assume every one of those Land Cruisers was sold at the discounted price of $60,000. Toyota would have made $173,700,000 just off Land Cruiser. If you assume $70,000 per vehicle then gross profit jumps to $202,650,000.

The 4Runner posts pretty good numbers despite limited sales, hopefully Toyota continues to see that these vehicles even in smaller numbers are profitable.
 
Left Lane Review

A more decent review from Left Lane:

2014 Toyota 4Runner - Specifications, Pictures, Prices

Not too many news in the article, except maybe the on-road impressions:

"However, the 4Runners we sampled on rural roads in Pennsylvania and Maryland proved to be commendably refined on terra firma. We spent most of our road time in an SR5 with the standard suspension and a Limited with the X-REAS setup. The former leaned predictably in corners but smothered bumps with aplomb, while the X-REAS-equipped 'Runner felt firmer but noticeably more planted. In fact, we'd argue that either 4Runner felt nearly as precise as the most recent Highlander we tested, although that's damning it with faint praise"

An overall positive take, the only negative things mentioned being: Entune screen not bright enough and the "econo-car cheapness of the 4Runner's headliner".

More pictures of the Silver Trail and the White SR5. And lots of pictures of a beige leather interior with 3rd row.

The White SR5 is a beauty:
toyota-4runner-drive-5_1035.jpg
 
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The White SR5 is a beauty:

toyota-4runner-drive-5_1035.jpg

Agree, but sadly, I see Toyota still does not realize that many of us are required to mount a front license plate. So, the dealers will again screw it into the front bumper. :bash:

Would it be too much to mold a small indentation in the front bumper ...... or SOMETHING for crying-ot-loud?
 
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Agree, but sadly, I see Toyota still does not realize that many of us are required to mount a front license plate. So, the dealers will again screw it into the front bumper. :bash:

Would it be too much to mold a small indentation in the front bumper ...... or SOMETHING for crying-ot-loud?

It looks like the lower grill opening is significantly larger, I would try to attach the plate there, I mean you could even zip tie it to the grill until a more permanent mounting solution was possible.

I'm in the same boat with my SR5, I need to mount a front plate in the next month but everything I have found that doesn't have to be made by owner is just screwing it into the bumper.
 

I live in Kansas currently and the front bumper is clean as they don't require a front plate (we bought in Missouri and made sure to tell them not to touch the front bumper!). I will be in Illinois by the end of the month and as your state requires a front plate I was trying to figure out my options, thanks for the links :cheers:
 

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