Jeep went diesel, Toyota next?!

[4C4Runner]

I can only chime in from my own experience and what I've learned but here it is.

In 2009 we bought a Diesel BMW X5 - its a 3 litter, twin-turbo which makes 425 lbs of torque and around 260hp. We loved it from the get go, the torque definitely isn't just for towing, the pull you get from stop lights and the feel of driving it on the highway was great.

A year later, we bought a 5th Gen Trail Edition 4Runner, which the stats you all know. Great truck, loved being able to go from two wheel to 4wd when i wanted to instead of always stuck in an awd. Also as we all know an X5 can off-road for its life, but makes up for it on the road in comparison. Both are great rides in my opinion.

Now, both vehicles are very different - and despite what you may think, the price difference between the two was around 7k...not too bad considering I got an amazing deal on BMW and not so much on the 4runner due to needing it right as they were getting released.

We have since sold the 4runner, it was great but the build quality was different than the 3rd gen (which we I still own) - but the main reason I sold it was because I got a new job and didn't need it and I got offerred just under what I paid for it, gotta love the 4runners re-sale value.

We still have the Diesel X5...for people saying Diesels are Noisy and Smelly...thats crap, the new ones are nothing like that (the ones which use Urea-based systems). The noise is actually less from the X5 than was the 4runner, and the diesel has zero odor unlike the rotten egg smell of the 4runner - only disadvantage is you need to fill the Ad-Blue tank for the Urea every time you have an oil change and it gets expensive. Mileage wise, they both were nearly the same.

For anyone who still has a 1980's opinion of Diesels...go test drive any of the new ones, you will be surprised and you will dream of that torque being in the 4runner (I did) - after my experience, I've found torque more useful and enjoyable than horsepower. Its accessible on the low-end unlike hp.

I also spent 3 years living in Europe where more than half of all automobiles are diesels...I feel like its one area in which we need to catch up, it would be awesome if all SUVs had diesel options.

One last note...ideally it would've been great to have the BMW 35d diesel engine in my 5th gen Trail....no chance I'd have gotten rid of that combo. I hope toyota brings diesel 4runners here...it would easily be only true SUV left.

Also I remember seeing in the 3rd gen forums someone dropping an old Benz diesel in and loving it. Anyways thats just my experience, my opinion. But definitely don't knock the diesel til you try it!

 

[JayG]

I can only chime in from my own experience and what I've learned but here it is.

In 2009 we bought a Diesel BMW X5 - its a 3 litter, twin-turbo which makes 425 lbs of torque and around 260hp. We loved it from the get go, the torque definitely isn't just for towing, the pull you get from stop lights and the feel of driving it on the highway was great.

A year later, we bought a 5th Gen Trail Edition 4Runner, which the stats you all know. Great truck, loved being able to go from two wheel to 4wd when i wanted to instead of always stuck in an awd. Also as we all know an X5 can off-road for its life, but makes up for it on the road in comparison. Both are great rides in my opinion.

Now, both vehicles are very different - and despite what you may think, the price difference between the two was around 7k...not too bad considering I got an amazing deal on BMW and not so much on the 4runner due to needing it right as they were getting released.

We have since sold the 4runner, it was great but the build quality was different than the 3rd gen (which we I still own) - but the main reason I sold it was because I got a new job and didn't need it and I got offerred just under what I paid for it, gotta love the 4runners re-sale value.

We still have the Diesel X5...for people saying Diesels are Noisy and Smelly...thats crap, the new ones are nothing like that (the ones which use Urea-based systems). The noise is actually less from the X5 than was the 4runner, and the diesel has zero odor unlike the rotten egg smell of the 4runner - only disadvantage is you need to fill the Ad-Blue tank for the Urea every time you have an oil change and it gets expensive. Mileage wise, they both were nearly the same.

For anyone who still has a 1980's opinion of Diesels...go test drive any of the new ones, you will be surprised and you will dream of that torque being in the 4runner (I did) - after my experience, I've found torque more useful and enjoyable than horsepower. Its accessible on the low-end unlike hp.

I also spent 3 years living in Europe where more than half of all automobiles are diesels...I feel like its one area in which we need to catch up, it would be awesome if all SUVs had diesel options.

One last note...ideally it would've been great to have the BMW 35d diesel engine in my 5th gen Trail....no chance I'd have gotten rid of that combo. I hope toyota brings diesel 4runners here...it would easily be only true SUV left.

Also I remember seeing in the 3rd gen forums someone dropping an old Benz diesel in and loving it. Anyways thats just my experience, my opinion. But definitely don't knock the diesel til you try it!

I know some diesels are good, but not all the newer ones are clean and quiet, especially the American made versions. 2 of my closest friends have them and both are noisy and smoke. My buddy has a 2011 Dodge, thing sounds like an 18 wheeler....super loud. My other friend has a 2011 Ford that blows black smoke when you press the accelerator. If i was towing something substantial I may consider, but the noise, smoke and glow plug stuff doesn't work for me. And here in CA it cost more per gallon as well.

 

[4C4Runner]

I know some diesels are good, but not all the newer ones are clean and quiet, especially the American made versions. 2 of my closest friends have them and both are noisy and smoke. My buddy has a 2011 Dodge, thing sounds like an 18 wheeler....super loud. My other friend has a 2011 Ford that blows black smoke when you press the accelerator. If i was towing something substantial I may consider, but the noise, smoke and glow plug stuff doesn't work for me. And here in CA it cost more per gallon as well.

Completely agree with you, not all new diesels are good diesels...also this post started talking about jeep, bad idea in a toyota forum (but respect for the op for bringing out a good convo). On the other hand there are plenty of diesels by other companies that aren't "neutered" or however else has been described on here I think in regards to the german ones anyways - if sub-300hp, 400+ ftlbs we are all in the sh*t. Most diesels sold in europe actually are smaller than the ones we get here, they just have more of a range to choose from due to not having to deal with government over-regulating...just take that monster freak v12 audi diesel that was in the q7. Speaking of diesel in general....I think all that needs be said is Le Mans...of which the cars are actually quieter than those on traditional race-fuel, and usually end up on the top step of the podium. I can see a major problem for toyota being the cost - I can only estimate a limited 4runner diesel with an emissions that passes U.S. regs being in the mid-to-high 40s at minimum...at that price point, unless you are a diehard like us few on the t4r, most are going to go look at other SUVs with a little more status...so probably the profits-to-hassle for toyota isn't there for this setup. Just look at other companies, they have nearly all abandoned the real SUV for these soccer mom car based suvs...nissan, ford, chevy, its disgusting...even the new range rovers are getting more minivan and less suv... hopefully the recipe doesn't ever change for the 4Runner or the G-wagen...unless it involves a diesel option too.