For Those Who Desire the V8 for the 5th Generation

[TRDSmokedU]

I contacted Toyota and provided them details about the fuel mileage comparisons conducted by consumer reports concerning the GX460 and the new 4Runner.

My e-mail to Toyota:

I love the looks of the new 4Runner. I am still not sure why the V8 is not an option. I would love to have a Sequoia or Tundra but they won't fit in my garage and the price for a loaded one exceeds my expenditure. I am not sure if you're aware, but consumer reports allows consumers to compare models. If you compare the heavier GX460 to the 4Runner, consumer reports got an observed fuel economy of 12/24 for both vehicles. Additionally, after 150 mile trip consumer reports found the GX460 overall mileage at 17, while the 4Runner's was 18. If you factor the 4Runner is 505 pounds lighter adding the 4.6 V8 with the six speed transmission would benefit greatly for those who need V8 power but don't need the 5.7. Please consider this for the 4Runner.

Toyota’s Response:

We appreciate your feedback about wanting a V8 in the 4Runner because the only way we know what our customers are looking for is when they tell us, as you have. We try to scope our customers out in advance, by researching the market, conducting interviews, surveys, focus groups and doing our homework, but there's no better source than a Toyota owner who takes the time to tell us like it is.

We can't guarantee that a change will be made to offer a V8, but if it were, it would be driven by just this sort of honest communication.

Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your research with Consumer Reports.

We have documented your email at our National Headquarters where it is available for review by management and the appropriate departments. If we can be of further assistance, please click on the following link, Toyota Help, to contact us.

Sincerely,

Kym Wilson
Toyota Customer Experience

Now I have sent a similar e-mail before. This is the first time I received a response where they are considering customer’s input. Originally, they said the V8 would not be offered but from the context of the e-mail it looks like they may be considering it after discovering the 4 cylinder was a complete waste of time. I would love the 5.7 but I know if a V8 is going to be offered it will be the 4.6. Anyway, I included the link to contact Toyota. Please those who desire a V8 send an e-mail to Toyota and tell how you feel. You have to register but it takes a few minutes.

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Ryan

 

[philsey]

I'm in, email sent.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I am going to send a email. It may be to late for me though as I gave up on the 5th gen. I am planning to buy a 2012 Mustang GT and just keep my 03 V8 4runner.

 

[harper7]

I already started a group e-mail thread last year to no avail but we should keep trying...... http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/57837-lets-group-e-mail-toyota-demanding-v8.html

 

[TKO88]

I have let them know I want the 4.6L, hopefully they will get enough responses to make it happen.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

The problem is that not all responses mean actual sales and alot will depend on gas prices and since Toyota doesn't seem to be in a hurry to implant a V8 they may guage 2nd and 3rd year sales of the 5th gen along with other factors for consideration.

 

[chmura]

Why doesn't Toyota just put in a 6 speed auto in the 4runner? I'm sure this would increase the mpg's when cursing on the highway. The cost putting in a 6 speed vs. V8 would be less for Toyota also I'm sure.

If toyota put in a V8 this would for sure increase the msrp of the vehicle. In this economy when engines are getting smaller with turbos being added. I dont see a V8 in he future.

It would be nice to have an option though.

 

[NYRunner]

***ATTENTION TOYOTA***

Many of us purchased our 4Runners with the full intention of driving it for 10+ years and many happy miles... and I absolutely *love* mine though I'm certain I'm not alone in how quickly I'd trade in my 2010 for a 2013 mid-model-upgrade with a 6-speed and a V-8 that gives me better mpg's than I get now!

(and for me personally, I'd have to seriously consider trading mine in just to get a 6-speed.......ahem cough ahem...lolol)

Are you listening Toyota?

 

[desertred]

I hope they don't offer a V8 in the 4Runner or I might have to trade mine in. I was hoping to keep mine for a while. Now, if they offer a TE with a V8 and tan leather interior........

 

[NYRunner]

...along with the Limited's full-time 4WD system? WHERE DO I SIGN???

 

[SigSense]

E-mail sent, but the request reference the engine type was a Diesel! I am currently in Afghanistan, and the number of Toyota Diesels I drive has made me want one.

 

[JasonCz]

E-mail sent, but the request reference the engine type was a Diesel! I am currently in Afghanistan, and the number of Toyota Diesels I drive has made me want one.

I agree. I would rather have an turbo 6 diesel over a V8 any day of the week....can you say torque!

 

[Fuzzylogic]

I'll send one too.

I'm also going to encourage them to offer the v-8 in the SR5 4x4 in an affordable package. That would be a world beater.

If they decide to move on it, I hope they don't package it in the limited only.

 

[M1911]

I agree. I would rather have an turbo 6 diesel over a V8 any day of the week....can you say torque!

Yup, I'd take a V6 (or better yet, an inline 6) turbo diesel over a V8. Not gonna happen, but I can still dream...

 

[Fuzzylogic]

Yep...a diesel would be even sweeter than a gas v-8.

This would be even cooler!: Cella Energy - Home

 

[JB.]

Full time 4WD V8 TE with center lock/unlock in both hi and lo.

Oh yeah.

 

[DaveS]

Yep - I vote for a diesel over a v8 - I love my v8 4th Gen but your average consumer hears v8 and thinks gas guzzler regardless of the actual numbers. The Tacoma equivalent in the UK with a diesel claims an average 36mpg (that's imperial gallons so closer to 29mpg in US) - I would guess folks would buy into that a lot faster than a v8 as gas prices continue their inexorable rise. Yeah - I know all the reasons they won't do it but the first importer to get there with a diesel in a mid size truck will clean up imho.

 

[TRDSmokedU]

We don't know unless we keep trying. We have to preserver and send e-mails once a month to let them know we are still interested. We all know Toyota makes changes to their vehicles as the life cycle progresses. One year, and the 4 cylinder has been discontinued. I know it’s a different manufacture, but one of the main issues with the Titan as Nissan recognized was the lack of engine options. Even the pathfinder has the option of a V8.

Toyota has different engine options in all their SUVS and trucks with the exception of the 4Runner, FJ, and Land Cruiser. Toyota has always offered a choice of engines with the 4Runner and right now they don't. I think there is a good chance considering the answer from Toyota seemed more receptive. Gas has nothing to do with it; the mileage is nearly identical with the GX460. Plus the 4Runner is lighter so I don't see gas being the issue. Let's keep the e-mails going.

 

[sandcrawler]

We don't know unless we keep trying. We have to preserver and send e-mails once a month to let them know we are still interested. We all know Toyota makes changes to their vehicles as the life cycle progresses. One year, and the 4 cylinder has been discontinued. I know it’s a different manufacture, but one of the main issues with the Titan as Nissan recognized was the lack of engine options. Even the pathfinder has the option of a V8.

Toyota has different engine options in all their SUVS and trucks with the exception of the 4Runner, FJ, and Land Cruiser. Toyota has always offered a choice of engines with the 4Runner and right now they don't. I think there is a good chance considering the answer from Toyota seemed more receptive. Gas has nothing to do with it; the mileage is nearly identical with the GX460. Plus the 4Runner is lighter so I don't see gas being the issue. Let's keep the e-mails going.

not to piss in your cheerios, but i wouldn't read too much into the response you received from Toyota. it's word for word, exactly the same as the one i got when i emailed them about "the missing V8" in autumn '09—it's a boilerplate.

doesn't necessarily mean they're not listening, of course, and it can't hurt to tell them what you want, but i wouldn't read too much into it.

 

[DocMT]

I think there's a chance that they'll make a V8 available some time during the 5th gen life cycle, but only if they determine that there is considerable demand.

I have a friend who has been a Toyota salesman for a long time and he claims that only 1 in 10 4Runners at his dealership were sold with V8 engines during the entire 4th gen years. He also told me that they would only order V6 4Runners for their inventory because that's what would sell. If a customer wanted a V8, he had to place a special order and wait for it to come in.