Highlander V6 to make its way into next gen 4runner?

[arouth]

Just looking around Toyota's website, and noticed the hybrid Highlander. It's seems to almost be the equivalent to the V6 in the current 4runner.

That being said do you guys think it could make its way to the 2010 4runner? I know nothing of the logistics of this, but it sounds like a good idea.

I was thinking a diesel 4runner was a good idea until prices shot up. Now I'm thinking a hybrid is the way to go.

 

[toto]

The V6 used in Toyota's SUV's and pickups is different from the one used in cars, RAV4, Highlander, and Sienna. I can't quote specs off hand, but I would imagine the truck version is better suited for hauling more weight and towing.

A hybrid 4Runner is certainly technically possible, but the question is whether or not there's a market for it at whatever price point would be required to build it.

 

[arouth]

The V6 used in Toyota's SUV's and pickups is different from the one used in cars, RAV4, Highlander, and Sienna. I can't quote specs off hand, but I would imagine the truck version is better suited for hauling more weight and towing.

A hybrid 4Runner is certainly technically possible, but the question is whether or not there's a market for it at whatever price point would be required to build it.

Alot of the body on frame SUVs are pretty much done imho (like the Explorer), but SUVs like the 4runner and Grand Cherokee are still going to have sales.

I think if the next 4runnner had a hybrid V6 that got like 26 miles per gallon there would be a market for it. Everyone that I know thinks the 4runner is a great vehicle, so if they could do that then I think it will sell well.

 

[Jeffrey_VB]

I would not be surprised. I have read in the past that Toyota plans to soon offer ALL of its models with a hybrid option.

Hybrid Highlanders are not recommended (by Toyota) to be taken off-road. I wonder if a hybrid 4Runner would come with that same recommendation.

 

[Uneek]

The Highlander Hybrid is using the old V6 engine, 3MZ-FE. (AFAIK, the MZ family has always been transverse mounted for FWD applications.) The gas model is using the new V6, 2GR-FE. It's from the same engine family as the 4Runner's V6, 1GR-FE; but all 2GR-FE are used in FWD (some AWD, but still with a transverse mounted engine) vehicles.

However, for there to be a hybrid 4Runner, I see the engine/motor coming from the GS450h more than the Highlander because it's a front engine/rear drive setup. Toyota could probably pull the motor setup, mate it to the 1GR-FE and remap the ECU for a truck application.

Highlander Hybrid shouldn't be taken off-road just like the RX400h is because the engine is not connected to the back wheels, only the motor is, Toyota fears it will overheat and damage the motors. The regular Highlander for that matter shouldn't be wheeled either, since it's a uni-body.

If there is a 4Runner hybrid, there will probably be some switch for off-road where the motor will be very limited or disabled to prevent damage to it. It would be the opposite of the EV button.

 

[Odd Eddie]

If there is a 4Runner hybrid, there will probably be some switch for off-road where the motor will be very limited or disabled to prevent damage to it. It would be the opposite of the EV button.

It seems unlikely that a hybrid 4Runner will exist as long as it continues to be marketed as an offroad capable machine, but if it does, I agree that they'll have to put some kind of switch to allow it to run on the engine alone in certain offroad conditions.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Also will people pay the $5k premium for a hybrid vs gas but I guess if they commute alot in the city they might but the MPG increase would have to substantial to make it worth the extra dough.

 

[Odd Eddie]

Also will people pay the $5k premium for a hybrid vs gas but I guess if they commute alot in the city they might but the MPG increase would have to substantial to make it worth the extra dough.

That's been the main problem with hybrids since the beginning. They cost so much more than a gasoline-only version that it takes a long time to break even on the deal. But with gas prices climbing higher and higher, I think many people (especially high mileage drivers) will find the extra upfront expenses easy to justify.

 

[Falls]

Also will people pay the $5k premium for a hybrid vs gas but I guess if they commute alot in the city they might but the MPG increase would have to substantial to make it worth the extra dough.

You are correct Ron. The maint. down the road if you need to replace your system is ungodly expensive.

Will never own a hybrid !!!

 

[Thai]

Alot of the body on frame SUVs are pretty much done imho (like the Explorer), but SUVs like the 4runner and Grand Cherokee are still going to have sales.

Jeep GC is a unibody.