Canada spec 4Runner questions

[HRunner]

Hi everyone,

I am a newbie here... nice to meet you all.

I live in Canada and plan to buy a 2005 4Runner Limited very soon. After some research, I discovered that the US spec has more options, like 4x2 V6, 4x4 V6, 4x2 V8, 4x4 V8... etc.

In Canada, basically only have 2 options: V6 or V8. However, V6 limited has a Part-Time w/Multi-Mode One-Touch 4WD System, but for V8 is running Full-time 4WD.

I am wondering about the "Part-Time" one touch 4WD system. Some tech person told me that this PT 4WD is actually running 2WD. When you're stucked, then press the button to get 4WD... The most important, it is not recommanded to run 4WD at all time. Is this true?

How does this PT one touch system compared with the full-time 4WD, which one is better?

My intention is to have good 4WD system (I don't think I need 2WD for a 4Runner)... however, I am a little bit concern about the gas comsuming on V8. The best would be V6 and have full-time 4WD... too bad we don't have this in Canada.

I know there're many knowledgable person in this forum... please give me some suggestion....

Thanks a lot.

 

[DaveS]

The subject of V6 2wd/4wd versus V8 fulltime 4wd has been raised a few times here and is common to the US and Canada I believe.

V6 4wd mode is the same as the V8 fulltime 4wd - its just you have the option of running in 2wd mode on dry pavement and saving a few bucks on gas (you will get slightly better mileage in 2wd mode and the V6 itself it generally a little less thirsty). That said you can drive in 4wd mode in either vehicle on dry pavement with no risk of damage to the transmission etc.

The main issue in Canada is you cannot choose options like side airbags /leather seating etc in the way you can in the US- you have to go all the way up to the Limited for those options. A lot of people in the US have had problems getting the options they want however - at least with the predefined options in Canada you know what you can readily get from a dealer.

If I remember right, other than the whole power/torque arguments between V8 and V6 the Canadian Limited has the variable height rear suspension option on the V8 only - not sure what experience people have had with that - I know some concerns were raised about reliability of that system in a climate like Canada's by one publication - cannot recall which however.

You will read about V8s having a weight distribution hitch - that is a US specific thing - both V6 and V8 have a regular non-WD hitch in Canada as std.

 

[dcampen]

When the V6 is in 4WD mode it is a full-time 4WD, it functions exactly the same as the V8 full-time 4WD. You could put the V6 in 4WD mode and drive it like that all the time - on highway, asphalt etc it works fine. The advantage to being able to run the V6 in 2WD mode is that you can get a little better gas mileage in this mode as compared to the full-time 4WD mode.

The disadvantages to the V6 2WD/4WD selection ability is that there are some additional mechanical parts to connect/disconnect the front portion of the drive train that could, theoretically, be an additional source of failure. Also, people occaisionally have problems getting the 4WD mode to engage so it is adviseable to put the vehicle in this mode well before it is likely to be needed.

 

[HRunner]

The disadvantages to the V6 2WD/4WD selection ability is that there are some additional mechanical parts to connect/disconnect the front portion of the drive train that could, theoretically, be an additional source of failure. Also, people occaisionally have problems getting the 4WD mode to engage so it is adviseable to put the vehicle in this mode well before it is likely to be needed.

Actually, this is my concern about the PT system... For example, Subaru has famous in 4WD and it's all Full-time.

 

[HRunner]

BTW, I found out the Highlander has OEM GPS system as an option. However, not yet for 4Runner...

Just wonder, are the Toyota GPS system compatiable to 4Runner? Can that be installed in a later time?

Well, I am talking about in Canada...

 

[Koz]

BTW, I found out the Highlander has OEM GPS system as an option. However, not yet for 4Runner...

Just wonder, are the Toyota GPS system compatiable to 4Runner? Can that be installed in a later time?

Well, I am talking about in Canada...

When you say GPS, do you mean Navigation? If so, the Limited 4Runner offers this option, and I can tell you the nav in the Runner is sweet! It's one of my favorite/must have options.

Koz

 

[DaveS]

When you say GPS, do you mean Navigation? If so, the Limited 4Runner offers this option, and I can tell you the nav in the Runner is sweet! It's one of my favorite/must have options.

Koz

Not in Canada I believe...

 

[iFORCE]

Currently, Canada does not offer GPS/navi in the 4runners in any package.

THe V6 4WD system can run on full-time 4WD. In the spring/summer, you'll mostly not need the full-time and switch it over to part time. In the winter.... full-time and just leave it there.

Full-Time 4WD and AWD are two different things.

4WD geared towards offroad (toyota)
AWD geared towards not offroad (subaru)

offroad = mud, rocks, etc.

 

[Koz]

Currently, Canada does not offer GPS/navi in the 4runners in any package.

That's weird, my Nav has all of Canada and USA included in the DVD database.

Koz

 

[DaveS]

Most Toyota models in Canada don't have the bells and whistles options you can get in the US - we are just grateful they still put round wheels on them up here..

 

[Northof49]

How does this PT one touch system compared with the full-time 4WD, which one is better?

My intention is to have good 4WD system (I don't think I need 2WD for a 4Runner)... however, I am a little bit concern about the gas comsuming on V8. The best would be V6 and have full-time 4WD... too bad we don't have this in Canada.

I know there're many knowledgable person in this forum... please give me some suggestion....

Thanks a lot.

As others have said, with the V6's part time system, you can leave it in 4Hi and it functions just like the V8's full-time system....ie you can drive it on dry pavement and at highway speeds if you wish.

As for fuel economy, there are quite a few threads on this already so I'll keep it short.....if you plan on leaving the V6 in full-time 4wd most of the time, the mileage will be basically the same as the V8. BUT in the V6, you do have the option of running in 2wd, so in 2wd you might be able to squeeze a couple more mpg's out of it

It's really not as big a difference as some like to believe it is tho :

 

[HRunner]

That's weird, my Nav has all of Canada and USA included in the DVD database.

Koz

I found in my local dealer that, the highlander has the option for NAV... I guess they're the same system... I am surprised they don't have it for 4R...

Anyway, if US version has NAV option, that means I can always add it later...

 

[HRunner]

Re: Re: Canada spec 4Runner questions

As others have said, with the V6's part time system, you can leave it in 4Hi and it functions just like the V8's full-time system....ie you can drive it on dry pavement and at highway speeds if you wish.

As for fuel economy, there are quite a few threads on this already so I'll keep it short.....if you plan on leaving the V6 in full-time 4wd most of the time, the mileage will be basically the same as the V8. BUT in the V6, you do have the option of running in 2wd, so in 2wd you might be able to squeeze a couple more mpg's out of it

It's really not as big a difference as some like to believe it is tho :

Thanks guys, your info is very helpful.

I am thinking... if running V6 in full-time has the same fuel consuming of V8 full-time, then I guess I mostly go for V8.

Because the V8 Canada spec, it has more stuffs, like Oil cooler, trans cooler, adjust rear gas shock... etc.

 

[HRunner]

Finally....

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10849