4th Gen power (and feel) versus 5th Gen

[ror105]

Hi group,

Back in May we traded my wife's 2005 SR5 with 175K on it for a new 2018 Limited. She loves it and I do too. The only concern I have with the vehicle is it feels choked. I'll explain. From idle up through 40 to 50 mph, the truck feels as though it is breathing through a straw. Even at WOT. On the hi way, when power is needed it is there, or it seems to be. Overall it just feels as though there is less available power and that it is having trouble breathing, if that makes sense. It just hit 5k miles and needs to go in for an oil change. I am comparing this to her old 4Runner that just seemed to run very well and power was always fast and hard. The new one should have 20 more hp but I am not feeling it.

So, the reason I am asking is to see if anyone else has noticed this difference in the feel of the overall power between the 2 different 4.0 engines and if it is something I should bring up with the dealer. I bought the car over 2 hours away and plan to have it serviced locally. I really dislike the local dealership and if the engine needs checked out by a quality service department, I will make the appointment at a dealer that is farther away.

Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Jetboy]

The throttle tune is very slow to open up. This is borrowed from OVtuning. What is worth looking at is the stock throttle ramp map on the left. As you can see it's not until almost wide open throttle that it actually ramps up to the upper 40ish percent of the engine's output.

 

[ray k]

This is normal unfortunately. The 5th gen does feel sluggish compared to the 4th. That's why some people are using the pedal commander/sprint booster.

 

[teotwaki]

I just posted this in a similar thread.....

I went from a 2005 4th gen to a 2018 5th gen. I babied the new one during break in and it did seem to have less power on the street but that isn't true. The new one is set up to go for the best mileage possible and if you drive it gently it does quite well, maybe a bit better than the 4th gen. On a recent 2 hour freeway drive at 65 - 70 MPH non-stop I calculated 22 MPG and that was with the new Falken all terrains, no tail winds or headwinds.

Now I have over 8K miles on the 5th gen and if I want acceleration I let it rev up higher than the old one could. The manual shifting is the trick for acceleration or towing. I am quite happy with the new engine both on and off road.

 

[ror105]

Thanks guys. Really appreciate the feedback. I was a little concerned but also thinking there is no way there is something broken on this car! On top of that, she and I have been trading cars while mine had tires replaced, then wheel repair (due to aforementioned tire replacement) and to the dealer for some warranty work. Its a new to me 2015 Lexus GS350 and that thing just zooms compared to the 4Runner. I was trying to be honest with myself regarding what I was feeling in the Toyota via the seat of my pants rather than comparing it to a sports car.

So with all of the feedback, I will just assure myself that the 4Runner is running fine as should be expected.

Thanks again!

 

[gm350reratliff]

I have a 2008 and a 2014, both 1GR V6's. For short little sprints, the 2008 will smoke the 2014 and is overall funner to drive. It's a little closer in distance running though.

Two things happen over time as you drive your new 4runner more. It will break in and start to feel a little less "choked". Also, you will get used to the feeling and before you know it, it just feels natural.

That being said, I hate the throttle mapping and transmission tuning on the 5th gens. The 3rd gen taco is actually worse though.