5th gen 4Runner underpowered

The throttle is gimped. The Pedal Commander improves the throttle response quite a bit.

I had no problem going up the Grapevine (I-5 near LA) at 90 mph with 5 people and the back stuffed with cargo.

It also pulling up to 110 mph on straightaways. :bluejump:
 
Offwidth said:
They sell a V8 version of 4Runner. It is called GX460. Not much more expensive than TRD Pro. Looked at it, did not care for plastic around and leather.

And they sell Sequoia. Not a bad car at all. And, look, there are plenty of other males and models that can tow better. Why in the world did OP get 4Runner and acts surprised.
Click to expand...

There's always the Land Cruiser, or the OP could go for a vehicle designed with towing/hauling as a first priority (aka: a big truck). The 4Runner tows just fine considering towing is what...... 5th priority? A small overland trailer, a lightweight camper, a small boat, etc. Where they really shine is plodding along on rural highways and of course, OFF ROAD!
 
Hans Moleman said:
The throttle is gimped. The Pedal Commander improves the throttle response quite a bit.

I had no problem going up the Grapevine (I-5 near LA) at 90 mph with 5 people and the back stuffed with cargo.

It also pulling up to 110 mph on straightaways. :bluejump:
Click to expand...

I've hit 100 up the back side of Floyd Hill (eastbound I-70 west of Denver). In a 5000lb vehicle. A vehicle shaped like a brick. :beer:
 
5th gen

For those following my post. I was picking up the trailer in st George to purchase. So truck has no gear, no passengers, trailer was empty at 2400 dry weight. I canÂ’t imagine how slow go it would have been with family, gear, water and loaded up.
For the comment someone made about not towing in overdrive you donÂ’t know what your talking about. Ive been towing trailers several times week ranging from 1500 to 5k for 10 years with 3rd gen and 4th gen putting over 250k miles on each without a hiccup and towing in overdrive only on flats. As long as your not gear hunting continually itÂ’s not going to overheat especially a trailer half the the tow rating at 2400. ThatÂ’s changing tranny fluid everY 100k to. But if you feel the need to waste fuel staying in 4th for extra precaution be my guest.

The 5thgen does get up and go when you floor it but takes considerable push to get adequate response. For general driving it just feels sluggish. For those that dont tow a camper itÂ’s fine but if your towing once you hit 4th gear on a grade other than flat the gearing is to high spaced from 3rd to 4th. Some have mentioned trannies are the same from 5th gen to 4th gen but the extra weight of the 5th 500 pounds plus taller less aerodynamic stance def cause the sluggishness. 4th gen v6 owners where never complaint about power or towing and needing pedal commanders.

I didnÂ’t mean to upset some on here. ItÂ’s not like IÂ’m not an owner of one.
I have had over 10 4runners in the last 5 years most expensive being 5th gen purchase. The seating position, roomy feel, larger steering wheel grip, interior plastics and overall layout etc feel very comfortable. The seating cushioning padding wears much quicker than older gens. Just look at any 2010-2012 SR5 the cloth is shot. The ride is stiff due to 20 inch and xreas itÂ’s not bad but I wouldnÂ’t call it plush by any means. The doors and hood are thin. I get back in my 4th gen sport v8 and I do miss some of the roominess when traveling and seating 8 but the 4th gen just feels perfect for everyday needs. Not to big or to small. My wife dousnt like taking to work as itÂ’s just allitle bigger being more difficult to park and negotiate. The 4th gen does feel behind the times in layout and seating feel for those taller guys. As much as I do love the creature comforts in 5th gen it just feels outright boring after IÂ’ve just run errands in the v8 with exhaust. ItÂ’s like comparing an electric car with a Dodge Charger. IÂ’m more of an old muscle guy I guess.
 
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5th gen

For those following my post. I was picking up the trailer in st George to purchase. So truck has no gear, no passengers, trailer was empty at 2400 dry weight. I can’t imagine how slow go it would have been with family, gear, water and loaded up.
For the comment someone made about not towing in overdrive you don’t know what your talking about. Ive been towing trailers several times week ranging from 1500 to 5k for 10 years with 3rd gen and 4th gen putting over 250k miles on each without a hiccup and towing in overdrive only on flats. As long as your not gear hunting continually it’s not going to overheat especially a trailer half the the tow rating at 2400. That’s changing tranny fluid everY 100k to. But if you feel the need to waste fuel staying in 4th for extra precaution be my guest.

The 5thgen does get up and go when you floor it but takes considerable push to get adequate response. For general driving it just feels sluggish. For those that don’t tow a camper it’s fine but once you hit 4th gear on a grade other than flat the gearing is to high spaced from 3rd to 4th. Some have mentioned trannies are the same from 5th gen to 4th gen but the extra weight of the 5th 500 pounds plus taller less aerodynamic stance def cause the sluggishness. 4th gen v6 owners where never complaint about power or towing and needing pedal commanders.

I didn’t mean to upset some on here. It’s not like I’m not an owner of one.
I have had over 10 4runners in the last 5 years most expensive being 5th gen purchase. The seating position, roomy feel, larger steering wheel grip, interior plastics and overall layout etc feel very comfortable. The seating cushioning padding wears much quicker than older gens. Just look at any 2010-2012 SR5 the cloth is shot. The ride is stiff due to 20 inch and xreas it’s not bad but I wouldn’t call it plush by any means. The doors and hood are thin. I get back in my 4th gen sport v8 and I do miss some of the roominess when traveling and seating 8 but the 4th gen just feels perfect for everyday needs. Not to big or to small. My wife dousnt like taking to work as it’s just allitle bigger being more difficult to park and negotiate. The 4th gen does feel behind the times in layout and seating feel for those taller guys. As much as I do love the creature comforts in 5th gen it just feels outright boring after I’ve just run errands in the v8 with exhaust. It’s like comparing an electric car with a Dodge Charger. I’m more of an old muscle guy I guess. Obviously for those looking for a better towing vehicle they’d go with a ford or pickup but many of us need to work with what we have. Certainly glad it’s not my only option.
 
I have a 2015 duramax regular cab in my fleet.

Towing with my 2014 4runner, my tandem suretrac mower trailer with a ztr and some equipment on it I could tell it was there being such a flat area I think 2500 in the mountains would be too much.

TFL truck does testing at altitude and the Tacoma test had the thing at 6k rpms the whole time. I'm not that into auto abuse.

Vehicles made for heavy work handle heavy jobs better it's just natural. My Mack truck seems slow as hell even bobtailing but with 35k behind it shes still slow but the difference isnt as significant. The duramax is the same way, the 4runner is a passenger car first and foremost.
 
O.....m......g

catrains said:
I do not agree with your 3K RPM shifting saying that it will damage the drive train .

over 5K RPM that is too much . if Toyota designed this to not handle 3K RPM then the forums would not be talking about lifts and shocks control arms and also adding an extra gas tank ..

towing up mountains your gonna have it in the 3K RPM range and use 10 MPG to hold speed 60MPH.. high elevation lower HP...
Click to expand...

Are you shitting me? HE WAS JOKING.
 
Learning the forum through stupid posts

Just bought a new T4R... just joined....

OMG at some of these posts. People are really this stupid?

I'd start a thread to address the issue of "Think before you post".. but I dont have enough replies to post a new thread. I possibly may never, since admin will probably boot my ass for stating the obvious.

Maybe I should just leave quietly....
 
Our 4Runners are heavy, high CG vehicles with the aerodynamics of a brick. they are not for road racing. When I want to have fun on the road, I drive my son's Cadillac CTS.

When the highway ends it's 4Runner time.
 
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