4runner vs Highlander engine

[jminz]

I am currently shopping for a 2nd gen (2008+) Highlander for my wife. I find it interesting that my V8 4runner has 260HP, while the 4.0 litre that comes in the 4runner has 236HP, and the 2008+ 3.5L motors in the highlander have 270hp. I realize that the V8 wins in the torque department, but I would think the extra 34hp in the 3.5L would win out over the extra 18lbs of torque offered by the 4.0L found in the 4runner.

With both the 4.0L 4runner and 3.5L Highlander offering a 5k tow capacity, why wasn't the 3.5L engine utilized in the 4runner? It seems like a more efficient engine.

(If any of you have experience with the 2nd gen Highlanders, I'd like to hear your experience with them as well since we are shopping for one)

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The 2GR-FE 3.5L is a car motor adapted to a crossover vehicle and a front wheel drive layout. The 1GR-FE 4.0L is more designed as a rear wheel drive truck motor. Though the new Tacoma utilizes a modified 2GR engine in a rear wheel drive layout. Torque bands and peak power is different in the 2GR than the 1GR due to it's applications. Not to mention fuel efficiency has less to do with engine than it does with application/drivetrain in this particular case.

 

[RUN-4-LIFE]

Power and torque bands probably.