For Those Who Desire the V8 for the 5th Generation

[fraggy]

2011 4-Runner & Lexus GX460

While not a scientific study, I own a 2011 4-Runner and another family member owns a lexus GX460. The gas mileage for them on the same trips is almost identical based on manual calculations and the 460 is substantially heavier. So the gas milage is basically a none issue. I know if Toyota offer the V8 in the 4-Runner they will have at least one more sale, because the V8 is so much smoothers, quieter, and gets basically the same milage albeit on high test gas. There is a real possibility that the V8 with 6spd would get better milage in the lighter 4-Runner vehicle, which could hurt Toyota's higher profit margens in the Lexus GX460. So the driver may really be profit rather then more green powerful vehicles that some of their customer base wants.

 

[TRDSmokedU]

While not a scientific study, I own a 2011 4-Runner and another family member owns a lexus GX460. The gas mileage for them on the same trips is almost identical based on manual calculations and the 460 is substantially heavier. So the gas milage is basically a none issue. I know if Toyota offer the V8 in the 4-Runner they will have at least one more sale, because the V8 is so much smoothers, quieter, and gets basically the same milage albeit on high test gas. There is a real possibility that the V8 with 6spd would get better milage in the lighter 4-Runner vehicle, which could hurt Toyota's higher profit margens in the Lexus GX460. So the driver may really be profit rather then more green powerful vehicles that some of their customer base wants.

Exactly what I've been saying. There is no reason to not to offer the V8. And you are right, the V8 is a much smoother, more refined powerplant.

 

[2k54RUNNIN]

I sure hope they offer something, anything...it is not like they have to R&D a whole new powerplant. They have available diesel powerplants and V8 powerplants, that they could tweak for the 4Runner. I will be writing email to Toyota too.

 

[M1911]

Exactly what I've been saying. There is no reason to not to offer the V8. And you are right, the V8 is a much smoother, more refined powerplant.

The reason not to offer it is that it would cost a great deal to perform the EPA emissions and economy testing (and possibly crash testing as well), for a small number of additional sales.

While I hope Toyota will offer a V8 (or better yet, inline 6 diesel), I don't see it happening.

 

[sandcrawler]

my gut tells me that Toyota is acutely aware of the skewed value proposition the 4G V8 4Runner presented at the time of its debut (engine/drivetrain/4WD system-wise): much of a Land Cruiser for a fraction of the cost. it wasn't forever ago, but things were indeed different in the 2003 MY. personally, i think the 5G's "back to its roots" credo is in part a "re-alignment" of the the 4Runner, GX, and Land Cruiser offerings, and that the V8 will remain reserved for a tier above the 4Runner to maintain market distance between the brands.

 

[DaveS]

The reason not to offer it is that it would cost a great deal to perform the EPA emissions and economy testing (and possibly crash testing as well), for a small number of additional sales.

While I hope Toyota will offer a V8 (or better yet, inline 6 diesel), I don't see it happening.

The figure I had heard put around for Canada was $1m so that's us out of luck I suspect. Oddly enough it would be the same for a diesel and yet the potential market for that with increasing fuel prices would be greater in my view, if they offered it. There are other manufacturers offering a v8 SUV in this size range but nobody in Canada is offering this size range of vehicle in a diesel yet.

 

[SeattleMike]

Some great info on the lack of diesel engines in the US from Popular Mechanics:

Unlike hybrids, which have a green reputation in this country, modern diesels must still overcome the reputation here of those soot-belching, unreliable oil-burners of the past. Additionally, since diesel doesn't evaporate like gasoline, the pumps are dirtier--no matter how clean those diesel engines are. And then there's another challenge for diesels--stricter U.S. emission regulations. The 50-state light-duty vehicle limit for emissions of nitrogen oxides is 0.07 grams per mile. In Western Europe, the limit is 0.29. Reducing NOx to nitrogen and oxygen is much harder with a diesel engine because the exhaust is typically cooler and contains less oxygen compared to a gas engine. To meet U.S. regulations, diesel engines are required to use complicated--and expensive--high-pressure fuel injection and after-treatment systems that in some cases inject an aqueous urea solution to handle the NOx. The added expense of course means an even longer payback period for the consumer.

 

[TRDSmokedU]

Autoblog got 17.8 Combined MPG in the GX. That is better than what most are getting with the 4Runner.

Review: 2011 Lexus GX 460 — Autoblog

 

[T4Fun]

Autoblog got 17.8 Combined MPG in the GX. That is better than what most are getting with the 4Runner.

Review: 2011 Lexus GX 460 — Autoblog

ive gotten 23 mpg in my gx on highway. and thats doing 80 mph. I am sure i could of got 25 if i went the speed limit.

in city, closer to 13 or so...

 

[rlinger]

If I had the engine from my Wife's 2005 Sequoia in my 2010 4-Runner - it would put a smile on my face.

 

[truckmike26]

A 4.6L V8 5th-gen 4Runner might create a conflict-of-interest because a lighter 4Runner would walk away from a GX. Solution? Put the 5.7L in the GX and the 4.6L in the 4Runner.

 

[TRDSmokedU]

A 4.6L V8 5th-gen 4Runner might create a conflict-of-interest because a lighter 4Runner would walk away from a GX. Solution? Put the 5.7L in the GX and the 4.6L in the 4Runner.

That would be awesome.. In the mountains the V8s are so much better.

 

[TRDSmokedU]

From consumer reports. 4runner right, GX left. Sorry, the V8's numbers are way too close to the V6. It's not enough to sway "smart" consumers from the V8. I think you will see it in the 4Runner as an option. Gas prices are also variable and they will come back down. How many people are going to consider the JGC due to the added towing capacity? And for those of us who drive in the mountains, the V8's torque is far superior. My sister's 2011 4R cannot touch her husband's 2005 4R with the V8 going up a steep slope in the mountains. And for towing in the mountains forget about it. The V8 has its place which is why the Jeep still offers it. Even if they make a Platinum model 4R and offer the V8 only in the top of the line model that would give those of us who need the power an option.


CR's overall mileage, mpg 17 18

CR's city/highway, mpg 12 / 24 12 / 24

CR's 150-mile trip, mpg 20 22


Annual fuel 710 gal. / $2,345 675 gal. / $2,085


Cruising range, mi. 440 475


Fuel capacity, gal. 23.0 23.0



Fuel type Premium Regular


EPA city, mpg 15 17


EPA highway, mpg 20 22

 

[Falls]

My milage is 2mpg difference with the v6 ........ 2mpg lower than my v8 !!!

 

[Thai]

My milage is 2mpg difference with the v6 ........ 2mpg lower than my v8 !!!

Is your engine even broken in yet?? Trust in the new EPA rating Falls....

 

[V8 AWD 4EVR]

I love V8 threads!

Interestingly, 4Runner sales are up 26% comparing 02/10 and 02/11, and GX sales are DOWN 33% comparing 02/10 and 02/11.

They sold 2,100 GX's in 02/11 compared to 3,700 4Runners in 02/11.

I think this is best interpreted as decent demand for truck based SUVs, and weaker demand for a 65K truck that has basically only a V8 engine and 6 speed transmission to differentiate it from a 4Runner.

Toyota Reports February Sales -- TORRANCE, Calif., March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

I am still on the sidelines waiting to buy a vehicle, but I do not believe they will make a V8 4Runner anytime soon(2013???). I wish Toyota would do so. I do not think spending 65K on a truck is a reasonable path either.

V8

 

[Thai]

What were the EPA ratings for 4th gen 4runner (2003-2009) for V6 vs V8?? That should give some info since both use the same transmission, frame, etc....

EDIT: found it!

V6 4wd = 16/20

V8 4wd = 14/17

V6 2wd = 16/21

V8 2wd = 15/19

This is for 2008 4runners.

 

[Jesse1983]

This thread is intended (I think) to get people to email Toyota requesting a V8 in the 5th Gen.

This thread is not a discussion on which engine is more efficient. this thread is not to debate other members on math, physics, formulas or opinions. Discussions like this belong in the General Discussion area as they are not 5th Gen specific and turn into a big pissing match where everyone thinks their opinion is right. it got way off-topic and out of hand and as a result many posts are gone now. In the future please stay on topic or create a new thread in the appropriate section.

 

[Thai]

Hmmm, i thought that it was interesting reading with pretty good debate/info.

 

[Jesse1983]

Hmmm, i thought that it was interesting reading with pretty good debate/info.

I moved all the debating posts to a new thread in General Discussions, though the thread has yet to appear. I'll post a link up to it if/when it appears and you all can continue your debate there.