For Those Who Desire the V8 for the 5th Generation

[philsey]

Toyota already knows that (say) 15% of us would opt for the V8 when we buy a new 4R. But the vast majority of us bought it regardless. What they have to conclude is whether it brings a new buyer to the 4R because of the V8, who would otherwise have bought a Pilot/Pathy/Exploder, etc, ie New Business.

In fact, that's likely a small number, ergo would a V8 or Diesel cost justify itself? I doubt it.

I, for example, really wanted a V8, but I still bought the 4R regardless.

EDIT: In some ways, I hope 2012 doesn't bring an I-6 twin turbo, 6-speed - I'd sure take a beating on my 2010.

 

[M1911]

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.

Agree completely.

 

[DocMT]

Toyota already knows that (say) 15% of us would opt for the V8 when we buy a new 4R. But the vast majority of us bought it regardless. What they have to conclude is whether it brings a new buyer to the 4R because of the V8, who would otherwise have bought a Pilot/Pathy/Exploder, etc, ie New Business.

In fact, that's likely a small number, ergo would a V8 or Diesel cost justify itself? I doubt it.

I, for example, really wanted a V8, but I still bought the 4R regardless.

EDIT: In some ways, I hope 2012 doesn't bring an I-6 twin turbo, 6-speed - I'd sure take a beating on my 2010.

There's a difference between people who need a V8 and people who want a V8. If you need a V8, obviously a new 4Runner isn't on your shopping list. If you want a V8, you still might decide to buy a 4Runner with a V6.

As far as bringing in new customers who were considering the Pilot/Pathfinder/Explorer, well that's a different question. The only one of those vehicles offered with a V8 is the Pathfinder. From what I've read, very few people opt for the V8 in the Pathfinder. So that kind of supports the theory that a V8 is not necessary for Toyota to "steal" sales from those three vehicles. If anything, a V8 4Runner might take sales away from larger V8 powered SUVs. That's my theory anyway.

 

[DaveS]

Hence why they should go an alternate route and offer a DIESEL !

 

[SeattleMike]

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.

Was this the same market research, interviewing, surveying, focus grouping, and homework that led them to initially offer a 4-Cylinder that didn't make it past the first year of production? Because it's pretty obvious that they never bothered asking any current Toyota 4Runner owners what they thought.

Dear Toyota,

Please add a V8 in 2012 so A) this particular forum will no longer be filled with the endless whining about the lack of a V8, B) the FJ Cruiser owners can start whining and moaning, and C) you can kill off the Sequoia.

 

[TRDSmokedU]

There's a difference between people who need a V8 and people who want a V8. If you need a V8, obviously a new 4Runner isn't on your shopping list. If you want a V8, you still might decide to buy a 4Runner with a V6.

As far as bringing in new customers who were considering the Pilot/Pathfinder/Explorer, well that's a different question. The only one of those vehicles offered with a V8 is the Pathfinder. From what I've read, very few people opt for the V8 in the Pathfinder. So that kind of supports the theory that a V8 is not necessary for Toyota to "steal" sales from those three vehicles. If anything, a V8 4Runner might take sales away from larger V8 powered SUVs. That's my theory anyway.

Exactly, at least offer it as an option. I would never want a Jeep, but they offer a V8. I need a V8 for the mountains, and towing. The Pathfinder offers a V8 because there are those out there who need it for towing but don't want a pick-up or a full sized SUV. Plenty of Jeeps have sold with the Hemi, as a matter of fact it is the preferred engine. Trust me; I would love a Land Cruiser but I don’t make enough money to afford one. Even if they add a supercharger or a turbo to the current V6 this would help out tremendously.

No one is pissing in my cheerios, but the response I got was a lot more receptive than when I first e-mailed them a year ago. If we continue hounding Toyota we may just get a V8 especially if they kill off the Sequoia. They always bring up gas mileage, and we already found out that in this case that excuse is irrelevant.

 

[DocMT]

Exactly, at least offer it as an option. I would never want a Jeep, but they offer a V8. I need a V8 for the mountains, and towing. The Pathfinder offers a V8 because there are those out there who need it for towing but don't want a pick-up or a full sized SUV. Plenty of Jeeps have sold with the Hemi, as a matter of fact it is the preferred engine. Trust me; I would love a Land Cruiser but I don’t make enough money to afford one. Even if they add a supercharger or a turbo to the current V6 this would help out tremendously.

No one is pissing in my cheerios, but the response I got was a lot more receptive than when I first e-mailed them a year ago. If we continue hounding Toyota we may just get a V8 especially if they kill off the Sequoia. They always bring up gas mileage, and we already found out that in this case that excuse is irrelevant.

The V6 in the Grand Cherokee has always been a weak engine, so the popularity of the V8 Hemi doesn’t surprise me at all. But now with the new 2011 Grand Cherokee, they are using an all-new V6 called the Pentastar. It has much more power than the old V6 and I’ve heard that Jeep expects to sell many more Pentastar V6 Grand Cherokees than the Hemi V8 version. Still though, it’s nice to have that option. Other than the Grand Cherokee and the Pathfinder, I can’t think of a midsize SUV that still offers a V8. I believe the TrailBlazer still has one for the SS model, but then again that’s for speed and not utility/towing.

 

[DaveS]

Well, I won't be holding my breath for a diesel any time soon, no surprise I know..

My email

Hi - I just wanted to let you know how much I still enjoy my 4Runner and the great service I get at Whitby Toyota. As you can see from my service history, the vehicle has not been without its problems but I would still buy another again.

Sadly, it will probably be time for me to change vehicles in the next 12-18 months and say goodbye to my current 4Runner. The new generation 4Runner is interesting but I really am hoping to see a diesel offering in it before I make a decision. Coming from the UK, I have experienced the benefits of diesel in terms of torque and economy and know they can be built to be clean and quiet with modern technology. Toyota diesels in the UK had a great reputation when I left and dominated their SUV and truck line there.

I wonder if there are plans to introduce a diesel engine in the 4Runner or any other Toyota truck offering in the forseeable future or should I be looking at other vehicles?

Toyota Canada response

Thank you for your recent correspondence.

We are delighted to hear of your satisfaction with your 4Runner, and with the service you have received from Whitby Toyota. We sincerely appreciate your taking the time to write. Receiving customer comments of appreciation such as yours is a great pleasure for us, and serves as motivation to continue our utmost efforts to produce products that will gain your lasting support and approval.

We would like to take this opportunity to explain that Toyota Canada does not offer a diesel engine. Currently there are no plans to add diesel vehicles to the Toyota Canada line-up; however, we have noted your interest in this option and have forwarded it to our Product Planning department for their information and future consideration.

Thank you again for taking the time to write.

Sincerely,

 

[TRDSmokedU]

The V6 in the Grand Cherokee has always been a weak engine, so the popularity of the V8 Hemi doesn’t surprise me at all. But now with the new 2011 Grand Cherokee, they are using an all-new V6 called the Pentastar. It has much more power than the old V6 and I’ve heard that Jeep expects to sell many more Pentastar V6 Grand Cherokees than the Hemi V8 version. Still though, it’s nice to have that option. Other than the Grand Cherokee and the Pathfinder, I can’t think of a midsize SUV that still offers a V8. I believe the TrailBlazer still has one for the SS model, but then again that’s for speed and not utility/towing.

The Durango has a V8, plus a few other high end models, Mercedes, Lexus, Land Rover etc. Toyota is planning something. The Explorer will likely get the ecoboost to compete with the Jeep's Hemi, and as of now we only have one engine configuration. I wouldn't be surprised to see something in the works.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Here is my response from Toyota.

Dear Mr. Gurney,

Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Your feedback to Toyota about the 4Runner is greatly appreciated, and we appreciate your enthusiasm!

We're glad to get your feedback 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 or intender who takes the time to tell us like it is.

We can't guarantee that a changes like this would be made, but if it were, it would be driven by just this sort of honest communication.

Again, please accept our sincere thanks for taking the time and trouble to let us know.

If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Joanne Hahn
Toyota Customer Experience
Customer By Web Form (Roger Gurney) 02/10/2011 02:52 PM
I have a concern about the new 4runners. I have a 2003 V8 4x4 4runner. I love this vehicle but it is time for a new one. I have test drove 3 2010-2011 4runners, 2 limiteds and one trail edition. I am completely disappointed with the V6 engine, it is slow unless reved way to high and to noisy/rough. I love my V8 low end torque and smotthness. I also miss the torsen differential on the trail edition. I test drove a Lexus GX460 and like the new 4.6 and 6 speed auto but there are no dealers near me and the are to fancy for me. I hope some changes are coming soon or I will be forced to look elsewhere. I wish I would have bought a 2009 with the V8 and not waited to see what the 2010s offered. I would like to stay in the Toyota family. I like this size vehicle and need a 2 speed tranfer case for off road.

[---001:00

 

[DocMT]

The Durango has a V8, plus a few other high end models, Mercedes, Lexus, Land Rover etc. Toyota is planning something. The Explorer will likely get the ecoboost to compete with the Jeep's Hemi, and as of now we only have one engine configuration. I wouldn't be surprised to see something in the works.

Yeah, but those are all bigger SUVs. In the midsize category, V8 engines aren't very common.

 

[Augdog1964]

Diesel yes!

Just got my wife a 2011 Audi Q7 Prestige full time 4wd TDI diesel. It tows 6600 lbs, rides fantastic, and she's getting 23mpg city, and right at 30 on the highway. Its incredibly quiet, clean (no smoke), quick off theline, and has tons of torque. If Toyota could put a diesel powerplant in a 4R that does this, it would change everything. We love the Q7... and we love 4Rs too...

Diesel is the way to go...

Dave Bane
Augdog1964

 

[Paragon1]

Ok, this might sound a little... off. But wouldn't their offering a V8 result in all of us V6 owners beating our head against the wall? I cant see how this would be any benefit after the fact! Do you plan on replacing the one you just got right away?

Not trying to be a jerk here, just asking.

 

[Hawkdog21]

Just got my wife a 2011 Audi Q7 Prestige full time 4wd TDI diesel. It tows 6600 lbs, rides fantastic, and she's getting 23mpg city, and right at 30 on the highway. Its incredibly quiet, clean (no smoke), quick off theline, and has tons of torque. If Toyota could put a diesel powerplant in a 4R that does this, it would change everything. We love the Q7... and we love 4Rs too...

Diesel is the way to go...

Dave Bane
Augdog1964

My mom drives a Q7 diesel, and it is great. My dad is waiting for the new A7 to come out and he gonna get that with the turbo diesel too (if they ever release it with the diesel in the US), def the way to go, and Audi knows how to do diesel right.

Speaking of diesel--- SOOOOO MUCH WANT-- 500hp, 738 lbs ft, all while gettng 25 mpg, stupid cool

I just wish other companies (mainly toyota) would realize the trend that diesel is the bees knees right now and I would trade my 4runner in tomorrow if they decided to sell us what we really want.

 

[scanny]

I think somehow Toyota listens to its customers. Yesterday got a e-mail from Toyota Customer Survey Panel:

Dear Toyota Owner,

In our on-going effort to make things better, Toyota would like your views on your front and rear heating ventilation and air conditioning system, specifically during the winter.

Toyota engineers would like to gain a better understanding of customer’s usage and satisfaction with their front and rear heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, specifically during winter. Filling out this survey to the best of your ability will help to improve future HVAC systems


looks like good sign to me, hopefully they launch another survey if they get enough complains about engine.

 

[philsey]

Just got my wife a 2011 Audi Q7 Prestige full time 4wd TDI diesel.......

Sweet Dave.

Having owned a diesel meself, I wonder who fills the tank, you, or her?

 

[DaveS]

I think somehow Toyota listens to its customers. Yesterday got a e-mail from Toyota Customer Survey Panel:

Dear Toyota Owner,

In our on-going effort to make things better, Toyota would like your views on your front and rear heating ventilation and air conditioning system, specifically during the winter.

Toyota engineers would like to gain a better understanding of customer’s usage and satisfaction with their front and rear heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, specifically during winter. Filling out this survey to the best of your ability will help to improve future HVAC systems


looks like good sign to me, hopefully they launch another survey if they get enough complains about engine.

I suspect they are starting to see this come through as a common issue through service depts - several people here have complained about the blower being too weak on the 5th Gen and the cabin taking too long to warm up in winter - upgrading a blower motor is a lot easier to do than introducing a new engine and drivetrain ! Every little helps though !

 

[gwcpa]

I'm replacing my V8 Caddilac with the V6 4Runner. If the V8 was available, I wouldn't get it, unless the actual mileage was as good. Being able to get 20 mpg+ in a midsize SUV is more important than the V8 torque at $3.00 plus per gallon.

I do tow a lot, and the V6 does fine for my <5,000 lb boats.

 

[Augdog1964]

Sweet Dave.

Having owned a diesel meself, I wonder who fills the tank, you, or her?

She does it believe it or not... best yet the Q7 goes about 630 miles between fill-ups. Her Denali was about 325... simply an amazing suv!

Dave Bane
Augdog1964

 

[JasonCz]

I've heard all the reasons but I still can't fathom why we don't have more diesels available in the US. AUDI is one of the few companies bold enough to bring their models here...and I applaud them for it.

BTW.....

I haven't seen this one, the AUDI R15 TDI but I've seen the old R10 TDIs in person at Road Atlanta, Laguna Seca, and Infineon and they were a sight to behold, unbelievably fast, got great mileage (for a LMP car), were bulletproof, and startlingly quiet. You couldn't even hear them as they shot by at 150+ mph.