chiz45
New member
Curb weight: '07 4,530 lbs; '18 LE 4,805 lbs (+275lbs)
and [MENTION=206939]lunchboxtheman[/MENTION] we just picked up an '08 GX. The 10 year old V8 feels much more lively than our 4.0, especially on hills.
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Had my '18 Limited 10 days ... not enough power for me...
- Thread starter rzgkane
- Start date
Curb weight: '07 4,530 lbs; '18 LE 4,805 lbs (+275lbs)
and [MENTION=206939]lunchboxtheman[/MENTION] we just picked up an '08 GX. The 10 year old V8 feels much more lively than our 4.0, especially on hills.
jordanrb81
New member
It's all Relative
I think a certain amount or relativity needs to be applied here. when I first got the car I complained on this forum and to my friends and co-workers I came out of a 302hp 273 ft-lbs torque7 speed sedan.. so is the 4Runner slow, or was that above average so the runner in comparison seemed slow? after 3 months of ownership and 5,500 miles I've gotten used to it, and the engine has loosened up so the car has gotten used to me and I have gotten used to it. but when I jump in my wife's 3,800lb 248bhp 251 lb-ft torque 0-60 in six seconds car I think wow, this thing is quick. apples and oranges. I think the power is the power and happiness with that power is relative, more opinion than fact. I think it depends on what you have in the garage and what vehicle you're coming out of. in my own personal experience, so a sample size of 1, I found that after 3 months of ownership I am at peace with the power, but still going to put in a COI, Cat back exhaust and a aftermarket MAF Sensor because POWER, SPEED, solves everything - according to Jeremy Clarkson
I think a certain amount or relativity needs to be applied here. when I first got the car I complained on this forum and to my friends and co-workers I came out of a 302hp 273 ft-lbs torque7 speed sedan.. so is the 4Runner slow, or was that above average so the runner in comparison seemed slow? after 3 months of ownership and 5,500 miles I've gotten used to it, and the engine has loosened up so the car has gotten used to me and I have gotten used to it. but when I jump in my wife's 3,800lb 248bhp 251 lb-ft torque 0-60 in six seconds car I think wow, this thing is quick. apples and oranges. I think the power is the power and happiness with that power is relative, more opinion than fact. I think it depends on what you have in the garage and what vehicle you're coming out of. in my own personal experience, so a sample size of 1, I found that after 3 months of ownership I am at peace with the power, but still going to put in a COI, Cat back exhaust and a aftermarket MAF Sensor because POWER, SPEED, solves everything - according to Jeremy Clarkson
"There is no Replacement for Displacement"
Toffees
Member
philsey
New member
hazards280
New member
I'm sorry, but I think there's more to the story than this "power" issue. You joined the forum just to ***** about this? I can tell you that I've never ran into the issues that you're talking about in your rant a few posts above. I drive in Michigan at 75-80 mph all day and have never had the 4Runner shift down to 4th, or good lord 3rd gear. Hell, I don't even know if 3rd gear would go that fast.
It just drives me nuts when people come on just to ***** about a problem that doesn't exist. Yes, it could use a bit more power, but it's definitly not under powered for what it is. Try driving a Traverse or some other crossover and then talk about under powered.
/rant - I rarely participate in online feuds since there is no value, but I just needed to share my thoughts here.
TacoRunn0517
New member
I wonder if people have the same power "issue" with the Jeep JKU. I know when I test-drove the 2016 JKU Sport, the response felt more sluggish than the 5th Gen 4Runner. Maybe the JLU has addressed the "issue?" Or maybe there isn't one to address because JKU owners know what type of vehicle they're purchasing and how they plan on using it. The most I've had my 4Runner carry is luggage for my parents who went back to their original place of birth overseas for 2 weeks. A decent amount of weight for a non-trailer ride to and fro JFK Airport. 4 adults. I didn't feel like the 4Runner was overwhelmed. I think serious hauling is where the 4Runner struggles. That shouldn't be a surprise though given that it's a MID-sized SUV.
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It's a conspiracy. We all work for Nissan.
03_4x4Runner
Senior Member
May not be bad in Michigan where it is relatively flat. Try running 75-80 in the mountains out west at high altitude on a hot day with a head wind and it is a whole new ball game.I'm sorry, but I think there's more to the story than this "power" issue. You joined the forum just to ***** about this? I can tell you that I've never ran into the issues that you're talking about in your rant a few posts above. I drive in Michigan at 75-80 mph all day and have never had the 4Runner shift down to 4th, or good lord 3rd gear. Hell, I don't even know if 3rd gear would go that fast.
It just drives me nuts when people come on just to ***** about a problem that doesn't exist. Yes, it could use a bit more power, but it's definitly not under powered for what it is. Try driving a Traverse or some other crossover and then talk about under powered.
/rant - I rarely participate in online feuds since there is no value, but I just needed to share my thoughts here.
No doubt. Anyone driving a 5th Gen 4Runner 75-80 mph who NEVER had the trans kick down to 4th is living in the flatlands with a constant tailwind.
I'm sorry, but I think there's more to the story than this "power" issue. You joined the forum just to ***** about this? I can tell you that I've never ran into the issues that you're talking about in your rant a few posts above. I drive in Michigan at 75-80 mph all day and have never had the 4Runner shift down to 4th, or good lord 3rd gear. Hell, I don't even know if 3rd gear would go that fast.
It just drives me nuts when people come on just to ***** about a problem that doesn't exist. Yes, it could use a bit more power, but it's definitly not under powered for what it is. Try driving a Traverse or some other crossover and then talk about under powered.
/rant - I rarely participate in online feuds since there is no value, but I just needed to share my thoughts here.
You’ve seriously never had the transmission shift down into 4th? I highly doubt that unless you try to hyper-mile everywhere. I guarantee you it would if you pulled any type of trailer. If I don’t lock it in 4th, even on pretty flat interstate it will go back and forth from 4th to 5th with my tool trailer, which doesn’t weigh much, I can literally pick it up with one arm and pull it on concrete.
I might be wrong, but the dropping into 3rd comment is probably when going up steep grades at lower speeds, maybe 45-50. For it to drop into 3rd at 75 you have to pretty much have it floored. I’m fairly content with the pulling power since I don’t have to tow anything terribly heavy, but to act like other people couldn’t possibly have a problem with it is quite frankly ridiculous.
:amen:
hazards280
New member
I wholeheartedly agree that the high altitudes and mountains in the west would create some issues for this drivetrain. In fact, I can safely say that I probably wouldn't own a 4Runner in an area such as that since I do tow.
In the past year I've driven three vehicles as daily drivers that compete with the 4Runner. The first was a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock (w/ 3.6 Penta, 37" tires and the A/T), the second being a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit (w/ 5.7L V8 and the 8 Speed ZF), before finally moving to the 4Runner.
Obviously the GC had the power advantage between all three, but that was expected with the $3,250 upcharge for the V8 power train. If we could all elect for the V8, we probably would. With that being said, I never felt a connection with the GC that I do with the 4Runner.
Comparing the 4Runner to the Wrangler is a different story. These two compete very closely in my opinion. Yes, I did own the Wrangler when it was stock and I would have a hard time saying which drivetrain is better. Both the 4.0 and 3.6 need to rev for the VVT to do it's job, but at the end of the day, they've both gotten me from A to B just fine. I do feel like the 4.0 is more eager to please than the 3.6, and I could also tell that the torque came on a bit stronger.
At the end of the day we should all just be happy that Toyota is still offering the 4.0 to us here in 2018, instead of tossing the new 3.5L in the bay and saying good luck. It's not a perfect drive train for everyone, but it's good enough for most. I'll take it being "good enough", and knowing that it will continue ticking along for me for the next 10 years without a lick of trouble over an extra few ft. lbs.
Body on frame construction, reliablity and resale are what led me to the 4Runner. It's the perfect mix between the GC and Wrangler and truly suits my needs.
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It really needs a 300 hp 400 ft-lb diesel and a 7-8 speed tranny.
For around town and towing a riding mower its fine. But try to accelerate when you're going 80 and you see what it's not capable of.
I didn't buy this to tow, I wanted a SUV and have liked Toyota's for a long time.
Fortunately I can pick a vehicle for a purpose. Car/truck/SUV.
Would I like more power, sure but it's pretty sweet too. My old dakota had a 3.9L V-6 and was rated for 175 hp and 225 ft-lbs. But it was geared better. Got the same mileage.
On the other hand, my truck gets 16 mpg if I drive like a grandma.
For around town and towing a riding mower its fine. But try to accelerate when you're going 80 and you see what it's not capable of.
I didn't buy this to tow, I wanted a SUV and have liked Toyota's for a long time.
Fortunately I can pick a vehicle for a purpose. Car/truck/SUV.
Would I like more power, sure but it's pretty sweet too. My old dakota had a 3.9L V-6 and was rated for 175 hp and 225 ft-lbs. But it was geared better. Got the same mileage.
On the other hand, my truck gets 16 mpg if I drive like a grandma.
hazards280
New member
Flea, I'd like to clarify my previous post a bit as I wasn't very clear. I HAVE had the 4Runner drop down to 4th on the interstate while towing a side by side on a 12' trailer. I completely agree that it does need a bit more "oomph" while towing.
The comments that get to me are the ones that make it seem like the 4Runner is a hazard to others on the road while it's unloaded with a couple people in the car. I'm not saying it's impossible it high altitudes, but for someone to say they were having issues in the mountains of Tennessee seems unlikely.
I was down in Pigeon Forge over the New Years with family and we rented a cabin up in the mountains. The hills do get pretty crazy out there, but the Chevy Express that we rented did just fine climbing the hills with 8 people inside. It had the 4.8L V8 which from what I just looked up had ~300 HP/TQ.
Anyhow, I'm not saying I'm right. Just an opinion right?!
eace:
MrJux
Member
calcrc
New member
OP, OK thanks for your insight. Bye Bye now.
I read this thread and yes pros and cons, but why would you drive at 80 miles in the mountains ? And with a trailer also or even fully loaded !!
L2 Sport Mode in the city first lol, you look like you need practice or a hug !
I have this this since 2012, drove it everywhere from pavement to lumber roads to mud to deep woods to crazy snow. Yes it is lazy sometimes but I learned how to drive with it.
Sorry you don't like how it rides :/
Like I said since I got it, waiting on the real new model and if it gets a new engine hoooray, if not it's RAPTOR time !
But I am keeping this beast, either as off road/hunting/fishing truck or give it to my oldest girl when she gets her licence
I read this thread and yes pros and cons, but why would you drive at 80 miles in the mountains ? And with a trailer also or even fully loaded !!
L2 Sport Mode in the city first lol, you look like you need practice or a hug !
I have this this since 2012, drove it everywhere from pavement to lumber roads to mud to deep woods to crazy snow. Yes it is lazy sometimes but I learned how to drive with it.
Sorry you don't like how it rides :/
Like I said since I got it, waiting on the real new model and if it gets a new engine hoooray, if not it's RAPTOR time !
But I am keeping this beast, either as off road/hunting/fishing truck or give it to my oldest girl when she gets her licence
Flea, I'd like to clarify my previous post a bit as I wasn't very clear. I HAVE had the 4Runner drop down to 4th on the interstate while towing a side by side on a 12' trailer. I completely agree that it does need a bit more "oomph" while towing.
The comments that get to me are the ones that make it seem like the 4Runner is a hazard to others on the road while it's unloaded with a couple people in the car. I'm not saying it's impossible it high altitudes, but for someone to say they were having issues in the mountains of Tennessee seems unlikely.
I was down in Pigeon Forge over the New Years with family and we rented a cabin up in the mountains. The hills do get pretty crazy out there, but the Chevy Express that we rented did just fine climbing the hills with 8 people inside. It had the 4.8L V8 which from what I just looked up had ~300 HP/TQ.
Anyhow, I'm not saying I'm right. Just an opinion right?!
I agree, I don’t think it’s a hazard unless you’re trying to tow some huge trailer up super steep grades. I guess I consider it middle of the road, it’s not the fastest vehicle i’ve owned, but it’s got plenty of power for me. I also believe if you’re gonna be regularly towing 3k+ pounds, i’d probably look for a different vehicle. It’s all relative though, my last vehicle was a Honda CR-V so the 4runner doesn’t feel as sluggish to me as some are saying.
