Engine /Transmission woefully outdated!

[Rmack]

Exactly the reason I bought mine. It is a very time-tested and rugged engine and transmission combination. I wanted a RWD body on frame SUV that will last. The transmission has a lot fewer parts and electronics to go bad.

A lot of other options out there, but this one fit my needs.

 

[Jetboy]

I generally agree. There's no reason to go to a 6AT at this point. It's already last decade's model. Almost every other model has had the 6AT for a full generation and has moved to the 8AT. Many will be moving to Toyota's new 10 speed direct shift transmission soon. The 8AT is IMO a must have in the next generation and really should be in the 4runner and Tacoma already. It's not new or untested. It's been mated to the 2GR for a decade already. Toyota needs to move this shit along.

It's way overdue and they know it.

 

[83Mule]

If I wanted the reliability of a Ford I would buy one.....but I prefer Toyotas conservative approach. Ford will push the EB and then adjust the power down later to reduce the warranty claims. Toyota will adjust the power up until it feels a balance of reliability and power are found. I would love to see the Cylinder heads tweaked for more torque and mpg's but keep the 4 liter. The 3.5 is a deal killer in a 4Runner....do you hear Me Toyota?!:guitar2:

 

[jrandom]

Maybe Toyota should go back to a three speed column shifter. Less parts than the modern 5 speed.

I see what you did there Nice way to get the post count up :

You miss my point. How many mainstream manufacturers have a 10 speed gear box on them older than a decade... none... how many with a five speed gear box all of them... for over 40 years.

Hey I am all for more efficient systems BUT not at the cost of reliability.

 

[LawnDart]

Having spent a LOT of time with the 10-speed paddle shifter setup in the vehicle that shall not be named... I'll say that that transmission kicks a metric buttload of ass.

Just saying. It can be done, it's just that Toyota would rather keep shoving a garbage 5 speed down our throats while we sit here and justify it with reliability.

Again, Toyota could totally do it.

 

[blanchard7684]

I love my 4runner, I’m on my second one, but I have to admit that the engine/transmission is starting to wear on me. Toyota has got to do something and do something in a hurry. It was a great power plant for its day but is so far behind the modern engines and transmissions, it’s almost laughable.

Just as one example....and there are many.....Ford’s little 2.7 liter eco boost turbo in the F-150 is rated at 325 hp and 400 lb. ft. It’s mated to a 10 speed auto in the 2018 model and can rip off sub 6 second 0-60 times while getting 20mpg city and 26mpg on the highway. Their larger 3.5 liter turbo is putting out 375hp and 470 lb. ft. !!!! And that engine is still getting 18mpg city and 25mpg highway.

Drive an F-150 and see the difference. It’s pretty amazing. And a 25% boost in highway mpg’s would be nice in case gas creeps back to $4 a gallon.


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I just traded out of an Explorer with the 3.5. The power difference and efficiency wasn't enough to overcome the general feeling of crappiness. ( Ford's Chicago plant should be ashamed.)

The way I see it...

If measuring from 0 to 0.25 miles yeah Toyota's are gonna lose most contests.

However on the road from 0 to 300,000 miles the 4 runner as most Toyotas will be the fastest.

And in my time on earth, every time I've cast my lot with Toyotas my all-in vehicle costs have gone down substantially to the point of overcoming any fuel mileage differences.

Its great Ford is trying to push envelopes and they deserve tons of credit. But when I absolutely need reliability, Toyota all the way.

 

[T4R2014]

The V6 is simple and sweet, but a 5 speed auto in 2018 is a joke. By the time it gets a 6 speed, even that will be inadequate. This is a sixteen year old transmission design. If reliability is the best argument, then why didn’t they just stick with the 4 speed? Base model 4 banger Tacoma’s still have it and that design is even older and more proven. These are transmissions, not politics. We don’t need to make excuses.

 

[Virgilus11]

OP
You didn't chose the right forum to make NOT positive remark about Toyota. The freedom of speech is gone these days.
My brother drives a 2017 4Runner.
I use a 2012 Tundra for work, a 2016 GX 460 in long trips and a 98 Tacoma single cab that I use sometime 4wheeling.
We are a Toyota family. I love Toyota for their reliability and I don't see myself buying anything else. At list not for now.
But,,
They are lazy as hell, regardless of 5.7, 4.6 or 2.7.
They drink fuel no matter how you drive them. This is if I compare them to the new Fords that my friends have. (yes compared back to back)
Yes, Fords may not be as reliable as a Toyota but sure looks like a five stars hotel in the cab compare to my Tundra.
Yes Toyota is more reliable but this is not because are less advanced or complex. They probably are investing a lot more time and money in development of an engine. They care more about how that transmission is put together and a lot tighter quality control. Example been the 5.7 that they drove for 1 million miles before production.
They both have positive and negative. I chose Toyota because reliability was my main criteria and I respect my friends for choosing the Ford for the luxury and performance.
Recently they installed the 3.5 L in the 2018 Lexus LS.
Two turbo, 416 HP, 442 LBS and all the bells that the new engines are coming with.
Are you guys telling me that , that engine is not going to be a reliable engine ???
If you like it or not ,,, the new generation, turbo engines are here and they will drip down the line (from Lexus ) little by little. They are faster, more economic and perform better.
I can continue to believe that my Tundra have the best engine in the industry but in few years from now Toyota will amaze me with a new generation of 3.5 turbo that will kick 5.7 asssss.
OP you have the right to express your opinion share your experience or knowledge. Don' get offended by few unwise remarks.
You are correct. Toyota can do better and I believe they will,,but they love been late at the table.

 

[Redsoxx1918]

I see what you did there Nice way to get the post count up :

You miss my point. How many mainstream manufacturers have a 10 speed gear box on them older than a decade... none... how many with a five speed gear box all of them... for over 40 years.

Hey I am all for more efficient systems BUT not at the cost of reliability.

Ummmm....so....what you’re saying is that if the next generation 4runner had.....say.....an option of an updated version of the 5.7 liter from the Tundra, pushing 420hp and it was mated to Toyota’s new 10 speed auto( yes, Toyota has developed new 8 and 10 speed autos)and it got 24 highway mpg’s, you wouldn’t be interested because you are the type of guy that likes to stick with the old, tried and true technology?


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[Redsoxx1918]

I just traded out of an Explorer with the 3.5. The power difference and efficiency wasn't enough to overcome the general feeling of crappiness. ( Ford's Chicago plant should be ashamed.)



The way I see it...



If measuring from 0 to 0.25 miles yeah Toyota's are gonna lose most contests.



However on the road from 0 to 300,000 miles the 4 runner as most Toyotas will be the fastest.



And in my time on earth, every time I've cast my lot with Toyotas my all-in vehicle costs have gone down substantially to the point of overcoming any fuel mileage differences.



Its great Ford is trying to push envelopes and they deserve tons of credit. But when I absolutely need reliability, Toyota all the way.

I think you and many others are missing the point of my post. I NEVER suggested we all sell our Toyotas for Fords. I was merely using Ford as one example of the modern engine and transmission technology that is out there and stating that Toyota should update its powertrains. Toyota has developed new 8 and 10 speed transmissions. It would be awesome to see an updated 8 cylinder mated to one of these transmissions in the next generation 4runner so that we could get more power and better gas mileage.

Many manufacturers are pushing more horsepower with better mileage than what we are getting in our current 4runners. I’m merely hoping that Toyota does something soon to update its powertrains to bring them more in line with current offerings from other auto makers.

Are you suggesting that if Toyota were to update their powertrains for the 4runner that they would no longer be reliable and, therefore, should just stick with the current configuration forever?

Look at the Tundra. Great truck. BUT.....as great as that 5.7 liter is, the Tundra is generally slower than most of full size offerings from the big three and it gets the worst fuel mileage. I’m not suggesting everyone sell their Tundra and buy a truck from the big three. Toyota just needs to keep up.


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[Redsoxx1918]

Having spent a LOT of time with the 10-speed paddle shifter setup in the vehicle that shall not be named... I'll say that that transmission kicks a metric buttload of ass.



Just saying. It can be done, it's just that Toyota would rather keep shoving a garbage 5 speed down our throats while we sit here and justify it with reliability.



Again, Toyota could totally do it.

Well said. Toyota has already developed new 8 and 10 speed transmissions. I’m hoping we get one in the next generation. I love my Toyota. It just seems that we are always a few generations behind the pack.


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[jrandom]

Ummmm....so....what you’re saying is that if the next generation 4runner had.....say.....an option of an updated version of the 5.7 liter from the Tundra, pushing 420hp and it was mated to Toyota’s new 10 speed auto( yes, Toyota has developed new 8 and 10 speed autos) and it got 24 highway mpg’s, you wouldn’t be interested because you are the type of guy that likes to stick with the old, tried and true technology?

Would I be interested sure, even more so if I bought new cars every couple years, I don't.

In 2013 I would have bought a 3rg gen Taco if it had been out, today I am actually glad it wasn't on the dock at that time. I bought this 5 years ago with the intent to drive it as long as my old Hilux. I want something that will get me out when I am 100+ miles from services out in the dirt. I would have bought a restored FJ if I could have put the money down on one.

Yes, I prefer reliability over bling, there are plenty of manufacturers to fit that need for people, if that is what you into, go for it.

Of course they have been developing 8/10 speed transmissions, I said, how many have one over ten years old.

"Toyota shoves garbage 5-speeds down everyones throat" says [MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION] who has dumped a good extra 40 grand into his piece of shit 5-speed

 

[LawnDart]

Would I be interested sure, even more so if I bought new cars every couple years, I don't.

In 2013 I would have bought a 3rg gen Taco if it had been out, today I am actually glad it wasn't on the dock at that time. I bought this 5 years ago with the intent to drive it as long as my old Hilux. I want something that will get me out when I am 100+ miles from services out in the dirt. I would have bought a restored FJ if I could have put the money down on one.

Yes, I prefer reliability over bling, there are plenty of manufacturers to fit that need for people, if that is what you into, go for it.

Of course they have been developing 8/10 speed transmissions, I said, how many have one over ten years old.

"Toyota shoves garbage 5-speeds down everyones throat" says [MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION] who has dumped a good extra 40 grand into his piece of shit 5-speed

 

[Engineer]

"Toyota shoves garbage 5-speeds down everyones throat" says [MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION] who has dumped a good extra 40 grand into his piece of shit 5-speed

I call BS he is at least 50 deep into that thing on top of the 4runner

Welcome to a 4Runner forum folks - the shit don’t break so we make up problems by complaining about the drivetrain. Yes we all know it’s dated ( I am being kind) but we all bought one anyway.

 

[jrandom]

and dayum it sure is an epic built truck :biggrin1:

 

[TacoRunn0517]

I call BS he is at least 50 deep into that thing on top of the 4runner

Welcome to a 4Runner forum folks - the shit don’t break so we make up problems by complaining about the drivetrain. Yes we all know it’s dated ( I am being kind) but we all bought one anyway.

Allow me to introduce myself...

 

[Lawrence_Liang]

Hey, I have an Audi with unlimited gears “cvt”, cylinder 1 misfire at 46000km which cost 16000 Canadian to rebuild. Why? There are no junk year used across whole north American...

My cousin S4 with god knows how many speed... hey his tranny died on 57000km which cost 18000cdn to repair...

Hey my friend got a brand new Odyssey which got a 10 speed tranny, hey first to second gear jumps... factory tell him it’s Honda style....

Guess what... yah ur right, technology rocks, which turn all the reliable cars into an iPhone which u should dispose it after lease period is over...

Hey I want sth to keep... also u know what... I don’t care Mileage coz I can afford gas... but I can’t afford to fix scrap metals every few years...


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[4RunnerAquasport]

Everyone forgets to mention that the big 3 pickups are produced in the states and Toyota spends a lot of money to ship the 4Runner over here. Doing a quick search shows that sales figures have steadily risen since 2013. With well over 100k units sold each of the last 2 years. We are our own worst enemy in this technology race with some people paying 5 to 10k over sticker for an outdated, sluggish, gas drinking, sled of a vehicle rumored to be shelved at any given moment. Why would Toyota spend money to update a platform that keeps growing in popularity? They're not in the business to give away their profits. Makes no sense......
They could keep this platform for another 5 years and they would still sell over 50k a year. Why? The sluggish reliability and the confidence to get us out of most offroad situations we come across. And, I for one still remember my Explorer with the V6 timing chain death rattle, which I promptly sold. My friend wasn't as lucky, rebuilding his Explorer twice. The ECO Boost will need to be out for another 5 years with no reliability issues before I change my opinion. Would it be nice to have more power, better economy and a 20 speed transmission? Yes, but I won't give up my reliability until said vehicle is proven.

 

[Ron4RNevada]

- - - Because:

If you follow me out into the boonies here in northern Nevada this 5 speed auto in low range being pushed by a very well controlled throttle on the 4 liter V6 is absolutely splendid!

Actually I don't really need the 5th gear even.

Perhaps if I were racing from red light to red light in Rhode Island I might need a 400 horsepower 8 speed 25 mpg BMW style rig.

BTW: my daughters BMW X5 is a piece of useless crap and the last time I was in RI there didn't seem to be anywhere close by to use something like a 4Runner.

 

[cgalloni]

Everyone forgets to mention that the big 3 pickups are produced in the states and Toyota spends a lot of money to ship the 4Runner over here. Doing a quick search shows that sales figures have steadily risen since 2013. With well over 100k units sold each of the last 2 years. We are our own worst enemy in this technology race with some people paying 5 to 10k over sticker for an outdated, sluggish, gas drinking, sled of a vehicle rumored to be shelved at any given moment. Why would Toyota spend money to update a platform that keeps growing in popularity? They're not in the business to give away their profits. Makes no sense......
They could keep this platform for another 5 years and they would still sell over 50k a year. Why? The sluggish reliability and the confidence to get us out of most offroad situations we come across. And, I for one still remember my Explorer with the V6 timing chain death rattle, which I promptly sold. My friend wasn't as lucky, rebuilding his Explorer twice. The ECO Boost will need to be out for another 5 years with no reliability issues before I change my opinion. Would it be nice to have more power, better economy and a 20 speed transmission? Yes, but I won't give up my reliability until said vehicle is proven.

BRAVO!!! couldnt've said it better