Body panels aerodynamics

[gcon22]

Does anyone know if the body panels (front fascia, rockers, rear bumper) create more or less drag between SR5 versus the Limited/Sport styles? The latter hangs a bit lower. Disregard mudflaps.

Also, are different running boards used for the Limited/Sport trims due to the lower rocker panels?

 

[Xtremluck]

I think you bought the wrong vehicle if you care about that.


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[codyHTX]

izza:

 

[gcon22]

I didn't want to say it, but can we please stick to the topic. Thanks.

 

[131North]

Correct, running boards have different clearances for limited/non limited models

 

[WhiteMudhorn]

Does anyone know if the body panels (front fascia, rockers, rear bumper) create more or less drag between SR5 versus the Limited/Sport styles? The latter hangs a bit lower. Disregard mudflaps.

Also, are different running boards used for the Limited/Sport trims due to the lower rocker panels?

The taller front fascia of the limited/Sports styles probably does have more drag, but there are many more factors that come into play.

It has more area of Stagnant air. With that said, there are other things such as undertray covers, and even wheels shapes that make changes to aerodynamics.

Though the overall shape, weight, engine is already so... unaerodynamic that a front fascia difference will not make a substantial difference. Not to mention that Toyota probably already tested and modified their design that the difference in front fascia would not make a significant difference.

 

[Toffees]

The taller front fascia of the limited/Sports styles probably does have more drag, but there are many more factors that come into play.

It has more area of Stagnant air. With that said, there are other things such as undertray covers, and even wheels shapes that make changes to aerodynamics.

Though the overall shape, weight, engine is already so... unaerodynamic that a front fascia difference will not make a substantial difference. Not to mention that Toyota probably already tested and modified their design that the difference in front fascia would not make a significant difference.

I don't believe there is much difference in underbody clearance, so even if the Sr5 "looks cleaner" as an aerodynamic profile, all of the dark stuff underneath is also creating drag.

But as you point out, it's chasing very small numbers here to determine a difference. Tire width and load bars on top also make some difference, probably more so than body style.

 

[WhiteMudhorn]

I don't believe there is much difference in underbody clearance, so even if the Sr5 "looks cleaner" as an aerodynamic profile, all of the dark stuff underneath is also creating drag.

But as you point out, it's chasing very small numbers here to determine a difference. Tire width and load bars on top also make some difference, probably more so than body style.

Yea I have no idea if there is much of a difference to underbody clearance, but the actual underbody coverage does change the drag coefficient drastically. If you look at the underbody of a Prius, its all pretty much covered up. Our 4runners got a whole bunch of bits hanging about without coverage...

With that said. I agree with all the other stuff.. not to mention uh.. it's probably moot to figure out the difference between the two tall riding bricks.

 

[Captain Spalding]

The overwhelming majority of drag on vehicles comes from frontal area. The aerodynamic differences between the SR5 and the Limited will be insignificant.

 

[DAW89446]

I’d assume EPA mileage figures for both are available online, at Toyota’s website or elsewhere. I’d check there. Or check online car magazine test figures for their real world results.

 

[chrisridebike8]

I doubt there is much difference, but I would say the Limited is probably better. There is a reason that the less off road oriented Tacos (and most pickups) have a front air dam. Having something smooth for air to interface with is better than the irregular surface of the skid plate and whatever else is down there. Having a rock interface with that smooth bumper is not ideal which is why the off roadish models trade aerodynamics in favor of approach angle.

 

[emmantik]

This question is like asking Ferrari owners which model is better to go offroading with...

 

[Xtremluck]

I didn't want to say it, but can we please stick to the topic. Thanks.

I think we are sticking to the topic. If you think a little cosmetic bumper trim is going to make a difference on a wholly inefficient car design you are kidding yourself. Fuel efficiency will never be a strong suit of this platform.


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[John in NC]

AWD limited would get a bit worse mpg. Because of the AWD all the time, I doubt the body panels make much difference.

 

[<<<<]

I never looked at it this way but full set of CBI Skid Plates reduces drag underside by creating flat surface under there. I wonder if it creates downforce? On the other hand this is 5,000 pounds plus vehicle, no need for additional downforce. I hope this is not far off your topic, gcon22.

 

[Captain Spalding]

AWD limited would get a bit worse mpg. Because of the AWD all the time, I doubt the body panels make much difference.

On the Toyota website all the trims are listed with the same mpg.