Diesel 4Runner?

[Jayhawk5G]

I know often in threads speculating on future 4Runner's the idea of a diesel 4Runner comes up. My question is when do you think Toyota will bring diesel to the United States?

Ram 1500 to get V6 diesel engine later this year

The reason I ask is it has recently been announced that later this year the Ram 1500 will also be utilizing the Motori Eco-Diesel from the Grand Cherokee. Mazda is putting a diesel in the 6, and Chevy is introducing a Cruze diesel. So a lot of manufacturers in the relatively near future are going to be offering diesel models.

 

[aha2988]

from what little research I've gotten into on toyota's diesel engines, the factor holding them back from the US is our diesel fuel isn't as clean as other countries. We don't refine our diesel fuel as much as other countries do because the less refined the cheaper it is to purchase for the customers.

most of the american made diesel engines will practically burn food oil without much if any modifications. Where as toyota's diesel engine requires much cleaner fuel. If they were to build a new diesel engine platform perhaps you would see it come to america through production.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

from what little research I've gotten into on toyota's diesel engines, the factor holding them back from the US is our diesel fuel isn't as clean as other countries. We don't refine our diesel fuel as much as other countries do because the less refined the cheaper it is to purchase for the customers.

most of the american made diesel engines will practically burn food oil without much if any modifications. Where as toyota's diesel engine requires much cleaner fuel. If they were to build a new diesel engine platform perhaps you would see it come to america through production.

I had heard similar things in the past, however, as more and more companies are finding ways to offer diesel engines here... it would make sense that Toyota would eventually do the same... especially as mpg standards get higher and higher.

 

[philsey]

 

[MeBe4running]

I personally think we’re going to start seeing a flood of diesel options within most automotive manufactures here in the US. The pure reason being the development of diesel engines has come a long way from the day's of the rattling, loud, black smoke "work mans" truck engine to a quiet and sufficient, engine as seen in the us SUV's like the VW Touareg. And most importantly the fuel efficiency they offer. Consumers are looking for fuel efficiency as a result in rising gas prices, environmental concerns etc...

I personally think Toyota being the largest car manufacturer in the world could easily put a test production within the US market with a diesel engine/option, right now. There is a REASON (of course) why they haven't. I can only think things like manufacturing facilities, training; dealers are just a few reasons they haven't. There would have to be a sufficient demand in order to train thousands, adjust dealerships with enough time to adapt. All in all Toyota has successful models here in the US, yes some do better than others but overall they’re an extremely popular choice in vehicle purchase here in the US

So.... could we see a Diesel option soon... I think really so though once the other manufactures have tested the water a little more. IMO

 

[diverscale]

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel doesn't offer THAT much of a fuel economy advantage over the new V6 gas engine. (Do the math with the average consumption of both, using the current price of gas in you region).

Sure, if toyota had a diesel engine in the line-up when I bought the truck, I would have opted for that, but there will be no sane economic reason to change over your truck because you save 3 MPG overall. You also have to consider the (probable) higher maintenance costs of the diesel engine, if you talk to anyone who had diesels that had to get worked on at a garage.

 

[Whiplash Willy]

My 2012 TDI Golf's engine has no problems with US's diesel. The problems us TDI'ers have had with US's diesel is its lubricity. B5 bio blends and/or additives have helped with that though. Still bosch reports that our fuel system components won't last as long on US's diesel as they will on other countries diesel.

Most of the problems TDIers have had with their fuel system though have been due to contaminated fuel, or people misfiling with gasoline. Luckily, VW has stepped up and replaced our $8000 fuel system under warranty, and in some cases even out of warrenty!

I think other brands are seeing that 20% of VWs total sales now are diesels, and they are starting to realize Americans are starting to see the benefits of the diesel engine. I think we will keep seeing a slow but steady introduction of diesel engine options as their popularity grow in the US. Hopefully that will include the D4D as an option in 4runners. As the MPG requirements in the US increase, the D4D may keep the 4runner alive in the US! I think the biggest problem with diesel is the general populations misconception of diesel engines.

As a side note, I love that I can drive the S out of my Golf, and still get 30+ MPGs. Normal driving on my every day commute (10% HWY 90% City, I average about 38mpgs) On an all HWY road trip of about 100 miles, I averaged 49mpgs! All of this from a normal compact car with 225 width tires, 235 torques and a 6-speed manual transmission! I would love to see what kind of real world mileage a 3.0 D4D 4runner would get! (Petrol vehicles usually get less then their EPA estimates, and Diesels usually get more)

 

[thebwlife]

I'm holding out for a DNG setup. Until then unleaded gas it is.

If you don't know what DNG is, google it. I'm not talking adobes DNG, but diesel w/ CNG injection.

 

[atipps]

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel doesn't offer THAT much of a fuel economy advantage over the new V6 gas engine. (Do the math with the average consumption of both, using the current price of gas in you region).

Sure, if toyota had a diesel engine in the line-up when I bought the truck, I would have opted for that, but there will be no sane economic reason to change over your truck because you save 3 MPG overall. You also have to consider the (probable) higher maintenance costs of the diesel engine, if you talk to anyone who had diesels that had to get worked on at a garage.

I'd have to disagree. It would be worth it.. The v6 Cherokee gets 17-24mpg vs the ecodiesels 21-28. Maybe these are marginal gains in your eyes but that ecodiesel has 420lb-ft pound of torque!!!! Not to mention desiel engines are far more reliable with maintenance being no more than a gas engine. The day they put a desiel in the 4runner, my dream will come true!

 

[1engineer]

I think Philsey's post is most accurate. Hybrid will happen before diesel.

 

[KidVermicious]

I think Philsey's post is most accurate. Hybrid will happen before diesel.

This is my feeling as well. The Cherokee diesel will initially have decent sales numbers, and then they'll drop. That's what Toyota is watching, and when they see those numbers drop they'll know the market isn't right yet.

Toyota is a very conservative company. They have not gotten where they are by being innovators of style or rushing to be first in a market. They'll let other companies like Dodge/Chrysler test the waters for them.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

The reason I brought this up is because the 1500 Ram getting a baby diesel was a huge surprise that I didn't see coming. In the US if you wanted a diesel truck, it was going to be a 2500 series with a gaint Cummins, Duramax, or Powerstroke. There is word that Nissan will be putting a Cummins in the Titan as well. I can't imagine Toyota just skipping a market wide move...

I'd have to disagree. It would be worth it.. The v6 Cherokee gets 17-24mpg vs the ecodiesels 21-28. Maybe these are marginal gains in your eyes but that ecodiesel has 420lb-ft pound of torque!!!! Not to mention desiel engines are far more reliable with maintenance being no more than a gas engine. The day they put a desiel in the 4runner, my dream will come true!

This is my thought as well. It's more than a 3 mpg gain, the 400+ tq would be great for off-roading and full power available almost immediately. Even the Wrangler is getting a diesel option within the next year or so...

I think Philsey's post is most accurate. Hybrid will happen before diesel.

I just can't see Toyota ignoring the diesel flood that is about to hit the US.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

This is my feeling as well. The Cherokee diesel will initially have decent sales numbers, and then they'll drop. That's what Toyota is watching, and when they see those numbers drop they'll know the market isn't right yet.

Toyota is a very conservative company. They have not gotten where they are by being innovators of style or rushing to be first in a market. They'll let other companies like Dodge/Chrysler test the waters for them.

There will be only 10,000 diesel Grand Cherokees to start and I'm willing to bet they will have no trouble selling them. I see a ton of diesel SUV's on a daily basis, X5 35D, MB Blu-Tec's, Toureg TDi... I think people will love having performance close to the V8, and better mpg's than the pentastar.

 

[thebwlife]

What most of you have forgotten is that 90% of 4Runners are mommy mobiles and like my wife most moms could care less about spending an extra 6K and having 430ft/lbs of torque.

Would I buy one, maybe but when I actually got there and run the numbers...etc. probably not. Most people don't buy TE over a SR5 because they don't need all that stuff and don't want to pay a priemum for it. What makes anyone think that a 5-6k option would be a huge hit.

***remember that your on a forum of enthusiast and we're the less than 1% of 4Runner sales***

 

[Jayhawk5G]

What most of you have forgotten is that 90% of 4Runners are mommy mobiles and like my wife most moms could care less about spending an extra 6K and having 430ft/lbs of torque.

Would I buy one, maybe but when I actually got there and run the numbers...etc. probably not. Most people don't buy TE over a SR5 because they don't need all that stuff and don't want to pay a priemum for it. What makes anyone think that a 5-6k option would be a huge hit.

***remember that your on a forum of enthusiast and we're the less than 1% of 4Runner sales***

I would argue that as the Highlander has grown, it has become the Mommy mobile. The price difference for the Jeep diesel is around $4K more.

 

[atipps]

My moms touareg tdi is a monster. We would tow our 7000 pound boat with ease. Se gets an average of 25mpg constantly. It would be great to see that in a 4runner but realistically I don't think we'll see anything till at least 2 years.

 

[thebwlife]

I would argue that as the Highlander has grown, it has become the Mommy mobile. The price difference for the Jeep diesel is around $4K more.

Toyota does nothing as cheap as Chrysler. We're much more likely to see a 4.6L V8 than a diesel.

 

[dekeman]

I just can't see Toyota ignoring the diesel flood that is about to hit the US.

There's an extra 1.5 inches of clearance under the hood of the 2014 Tundra that was not added there for looks or an AFE cold intake.
Patience, my friends, patience.
And for our beloved 4R, I have but two numbers for you: 4.6

 

[dekeman]

Oh, and because someone else brought up my favourite subject, thought I'd share my recent diesel experience — over 54 hours.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

Toyota does nothing as cheap as Chrysler. We're much more likely to see a 4.6L V8 than a diesel.

There isn't anything cheap about the 3.0 Eco-Diesel, it's made by Motori which is a joint venture between GM and Fiat. A Grand Cherokee with all the bells and whistles is much more expensive than the 4Runner even in optioned out Limited trim. If Jeep can make a diesel a $4k option, there is no reason to think Toyota couldn't keep it in the same range.

There's an extra 1.5 inches of clearance under the hood of the 2014 Tundra that was not added there for looks or an AFE cold intake.
Patience, my friends, patience.
And for our beloved 4R, I have but two numbers for you: 4.6

I really hope the 4.6 doesn't find it's way back into the 4Runner... it's not significantly better than the 4.0, and it certainly won't get better mpg even with a 6 speed transmission. I would rather have a beefed version of the 3.5 with forced induction.