2017 Wish List

[diverscale]

Your argument assumes that a V8/6+ Speed transmission is going to get worse mpg than the current powertrain. My guess is that Toyota could actually get improved mpg's out of this combo... I think with the departure of the GX460 the V8 should be brought back as an optional powertrain.

A V8 + 6SPD tranny would probably still get worse MPG, but by a small margin, compared to what we have right now. The problem is that people in general want more efficiency, and the 5th generation is still pretty much a ''gaz guzzler'' by today's standard, so Toyota won't make it worse, instead, they will either keep this engine untill the model dies, or replace it with a more efficient engine/tranny combo, which mean staying in V6 territory.

Also, you can forget about a V8 in the 4Runner its completely impossible with the new cafe standards ramp-up coming.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

A V8 + 6SPD tranny would probably still get worse MPG, but by a small margin, compared to what we have right now. The problem is that people in general want more efficiency, and the 5th generation is still pretty much a ''gaz guzzler'' by today's standard, so Toyota won't make it worse, instead, they will either keep this engine untill the model dies, or replace it with a more efficient engine/tranny combo, which mean staying in V6 territory.

Also, you can forget about a V8 in the 4Runner its completely impossible with the new cafe standards ramp-up coming.

I guess we will just agree to disagree, while I don't see the V8 becoming the sole powertrain choice, it could easily come back as an optional engine in lower numbers. CAFE won't kill the V8 as Toyota makes more than enough Prius, Carolla, Camry, etc. to offset the relatively small number of vehicles in which it offers a V8.

I think everyone would welcome more power and better fuel economy no matter how we get there.

 

[NoDak]

you do realize that the lexus GX 460 has a v8 and 6spd transmission and it gets worse mpg currently than the v6 5spd 4runner.

lexus is about 5800 lbs

4runner is between 4400-4800 lbs

 

[sickk21]

This pretty much sums it up... While Toyota could pick up the pace a little in some areas (6+ speed transmission), I do not want them trying to keep up with the other manufacturers in race to bring things to market (See Jeep Grand Cherokee.) I would rather they take the time they need to keep putting out products that I can count on.

You do know Toyota offers these features in most of the their lineup and in their Lexus'? So how would that make the 4Runner unreliable? It wouldn't, it would make it competitive instead of looking neglected like it does now.

 

[Jernik]

you do realize that the lexus GX 460 has a v8 and 6spd transmission and it gets worse mpg currently than the v6 5spd 4runner.

lexus is about 5800 lbs

4runner is between 4400-4800 lbs

Just out of curiosity, how much of that 1000 - 1400 lbs difference is the V8 and 6spd over the V6 and 5 spd? I imagine a V6 4R loaded with an extra 1000 - 1400 lbs would get as bad (or worse) mileage than the Lexus / V8?

 

[sickk21]

Just out of curiosity, how much of that 1000 - 1400 lbs difference is the V8 and 6spd over the V6 and 5 spd? I imagine a V6 4R loaded with an extra 1000 - 1400 lbs would get as bad (or worse) mileage than the Lexus / V8?

Maybe they need a new V8. GM gets 22mpg in a 4x4 suburban. That also brings up the question of reliability. GM uses direct injection and cylinder deactivation.

 

[NoDak]

Maybe they need a new V8. GM gets 22mpg in a 4x4 suburban. That also brings up the question of reliability. GM uses direct injection and cylinder deactivation.

well you could look at it this way, you get 22 mpg but you get close to infinity when it always in the shop for repairs

 

[Jayhawk5G]

you do realize that the lexus GX 460 has a v8 and 6spd transmission and it gets worse mpg currently than the v6 5spd 4runner.

lexus is about 5800 lbs

4runner is between 4400-4800 lbs

It may add some weight but I doubt the weight between the 4.6 V8 and the 4.0 V6 is that much, same with the difference in weight between the transmission. While it does get less mpg currently in the GX460, it also doesn't feature the direct injection system Lexus has, or any other means of helping mpg. I will say even in a heavier vehicle, fueleconomy.gov lists is at 15/17/20... almost on par with the 4Runner and the average is .5 mpg less than what I see in my 4Runner.

You do know Toyota offers these features in most of the their lineup and in their Lexus'? So how would that make the 4Runner unreliable? It wouldn't, it would make it competitive instead of looking neglected like it does now.

What things was I mentioning? I don't think I mentioned any specifics, I see a lot of brands rush things to market and then have issues with them i.e. air suspension for Grand Cherokee, and yet problematic Eco-Boost in the F-150. I don't think a heated steering wheel is going to ruin Toyota reliability...

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I guess we will just agree to disagree, while I don't see the V8 becoming the sole powertrain choice, it could easily come back as an optional engine in lower numbers. CAFE won't kill the V8 as Toyota makes more than enough Prius, Carolla, Camry, etc. to offset the relatively small number of vehicles in which it offers a V8.

I think everyone would welcome more power and better fuel economy no matter how we get there.

CAFE also includes overall mpg and individual class mpg. This is why the GX is being dropped and the FJ Cruiser is no longer sold in the US.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

CAFE also includes overall mpg and individual class mpg. This is why the GX is being dropped and the FJ Cruiser is no longer sold in the US.

My assumption on why they discontinued the FJ and GX had more to do with the fact that in the last year both the FJ and GX combined sold less than half the number of 4Runners. I view it as a cost saving measure by streamlining the 3 vehicles into one (being the 4Runner) and capturing the three demographics across a range of models while decreasing the cost of building the three seperate vehicles and marketing each.

It was my understanding that the 2016 regulations set to go in place allowed surpluses for vehicles that exceed regulations and numbers of vehicles that meet/exceed? I don't see the Chevy Silverado hitting the 2016 Light Truck 27.2 MPG... which makes me think that Sonics/Volt/Cruise/Spark will be helping to offset.

 

[diverscale]

it's worthless to look at 2016 cafe standard regulations. The regulation ramps up every year until 2025. So even if they get into the 2016 standard with a V8, if it does not meet later standards, they won't make it happen.

You can 100% forget about a V8 in the 4Runner. Just look at the overall and light trucks CAFE average vehicles have to obtain in 2025, and you will see that even with priuses and corolla, it won't be that easy.

 

[LandCruiser]

I will make my predictions, and I will be right.

Toyota will drag out the current 5th gen 4Runner as long as they can, with minimal upgrades until sales drop off--kind of like they let the FJC limp along.

This probably will mean that they will miss their new model update time and this will be a long lived product like the current Taco. As time goes on, options and variants will decrease until there's one model that's a halfassed one-size-fits all that collects dust in the back of the dealer showroom. When that happens, Toyota will say "well, shit, no one is buying the 4Runners anymore."

The end result will be discontinuation of a BOF 4Runner and a transition into a crossover CAFE/Obama friendly model that will join the crowded Toyota and Lexus family of crossovers, especially since the GX BOF is a dead man walking.

The only question is will Toyota still make a BOF SUV into the 21st century, or concede that most customers will move over to a Tacoma once the 4Runner dies. I'm guessing that whatever bloated and slow selling TLC variants Toyota and Lexus peddles will be their "off roader" option and prices will skyrocket into the 100k mark, and they'll sell a few dozen a year.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

Also, you can forget about a V8 in the 4Runner its completely impossible with the new cafe standards ramp-up coming.

You can 100% forget about a V8 in the 4Runner.

You seem pretty certain... Wonder what you'll say if you end up being wrong?

I suppose the V8 will disappear entirely... so what your saying is we will finally get a Diesel engine? Where is 1engineer?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

My assumption on why they discontinued the FJ and GX had more to do with the fact that in the last year both the FJ and GX combined sold less than half the number of 4Runners. I view it as a cost saving measure by streamlining the 3 vehicles into one (being the 4Runner) and capturing the three demographics across a range of models while decreasing the cost of building the three seperate vehicles and marketing each.

It was my understanding that the 2016 regulations set to go in place allowed surpluses for vehicles that exceed regulations and numbers of vehicles that meet/exceed? I don't see the Chevy Silverado hitting the 2016 Light Truck 27.2 MPG... which makes me think that Sonics/Volt/Cruise/Spark will be helping to offset.

First off the FJ Cruiser is still being made outside of the US as far as I understand. Toyota came out and said they want to keep it as their "off-road heritage" vehicle despite knowing it isn't a seller. The GX460 isn't a big seller either, but then again I wouldn't expect Lexus to sell as well as Toyota.

As for your comment about the Domestic trucks... its funny you mention that. I have a feeling the Domestics will make a half-hearted attempt to make them get better mileage before just throwing in the towel and letting the government stew.

Eventually the Government will most likely issue exemptions for the big trucks and SUVs because they can't meet those requirements. Yet the Secret Service, Utilities, Government Facilities, ect. will not be able to use a Ford Exploders and Chevy Volts as their main work force. So out of necessity of needing big 1500, 2500, 3500 ect. series Body on Frame trucks and SUVs, you'll probably see their "fleet" vehicles get a pardon which will they will somehow work into civilian sales as well.

At least that is my assumption since there's no way those vehicles will meet the CAFE standards and there's no way in hell you can armor up a Ford Exploder Unibody and expect it to not cave in on itself, or blow that adorable EcoBoost engine to high heaven, or to tow half the equipment power companies and government utilities need to maintain infrastructure.

I wouldn't entirely be surprised if the CAFE standards end up being pulled back down after 2016 based on pressure from the automotive industry, those are very difficult numbers to achieve particularly by 2025 with crappy hybrids and strangled GDI engines. The idiotic regime that thinks it knows how to manage emissions only holds back vehicle development and efficiency. Something the Europeans are now learning since N0x is becoming a larger issue than C02 (thanks to strangling GDI engines to meet asinine C02 requirements while COMPLETELY ignoring the fact they turned GDI engines into N0x factories as a result.)

 

[Radioactiveflea]

V8, or at least 300hp out of the V6. More towing. 6 speeds and a locking gas cap. I think it’s pretty ridiculous that a 40k vehicle doesn’t have a locking gas cap.

 

[RaginTxn84]

trunk monkey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8avOiTUcD4Y

 

[NuclearN8]

hmm... been thinking about what would make my wife and I trade in both our 4th gen's on the 6th gen and I'd say if Toyota replaced the 5th Gen Trail model with a TRD Pro model (like they did when they introduced the trail in 2009 on the 4th gen to have it take over for the sport model)... and made it available in one of 3 colors....amazon green metallic (LC color) or 4Evergreen Mica (corolla color) or Pyrite mica (tacoma color)... and the embossed logos like the Tunda and new 2016 Tacoma would be cool (especially if the the TRD Pro front grill was aluminum and had the old school toyota log embossed on it)

what can I say.... I'm shallow and superficial when it comes to my vehicle expectations, which probably makes me a realist when it comes to what Toyota will actually offer, e.g. nothing they haven't sent through production before in some area of the world that won't adversely effect CAFE regulations.

 

[meRockboost]

Sounds like I'll be trading in my sr5 for either a TEP or a Pro before/if the next gen comes out. I'd rather have the last of a really good model than the base model

 

[Doc_Fry]

Better gas mileage,
bump in HP/Tourque,
upgraded transmission at least a 6 speed.
Bigger nav screen
Push button start all trim levels
Option for assisted rear hatch
Lighted engine bay
Puddle lights on all trims
Sunroof option all trim levels
Led lighting throughout
Heated and ventilated seats softex leather.
Option for cargo barrier
Stiffer suspensions less nose dive
Unlock safety option for nav system
All wheel drive options with center differential lock
More work with aftermarket for support
Trail Teams comeback for 4runner with models,

 

[Dexter Morgan]

- One additional cog.
- Lane departure warning
- Manual transmission.
- Ability to order a Limited, TEP or SR5P WITHOUT a sunroof. At 6'3", the dismal headroom with the roof eliminated said choices for me.
- Available V8 (even the 4.6 will do) and Turbo Diesel out of the Hilux.
- Ability to order basic features, from the factory, in any model. For example, SofTex in a TE or SR5.

The lack of ordering flexibility is part of what makes Toyota so good and so efficient. They give you a handful of choices/combinations and that's it. Any more is waste and unnecessary.

Read the book "The Toyota Way". It is fascinating.