Performance V6 vs V8
- Thread starter skinny2
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eskimochaos
Banned
Always.
Don't know about quality of this model, but price is cheap.
Toyota 4Runner Transmission Coolers - 2003 | etrailer.com
FourEyedWilly
New member
I can say first hand that my 06 4Runner V8 tows MUCH better than the 08 Yukon I traded in for it. I tow my boat to Lake Mead and I do live in Las Vegas. Not much steep grades but a few short ones at the lake and an incline (sorta) up the 215. I won't tow faster than 70mph (flame on) but it does not struggle. My boat is 5K. Figure with gear and peeps 6K or so. (I have FAT friends, ha ha ha)
With temps in Vegas 112, towing at 70, stop and go along Lake Mead parkway, no issues at all. Do I think the V6 would have issues? Naw, not on short trips.
I'm planning on trekking up to the Bay Area to pick up my 69 CJ5 early next year. It will be on a full trailer, so we'll see how that goes. Thing is, with the V8, I can do things like that.
I didn't want the big arse truck. I have a big problem leaving my vehicles parked outside and those monsters don't fit in my garage.
Was your Yukon the Denali? If not, then you're Yukon's specs are about the same as your T4R.
What's the combined weight of your CJ5 and full trailer?
I think your V8 is rated to tow about 7000 #'s.
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FourEyedWilly
New member
It was just the Yukon not the Denali. You would think though with the bigger size it would have pulled better. It pulled off the line like a slug. On the freeway it was constantly hunting for gears to keep speed. I was so disappointed with the Yukon that I traded it in with only 8K miles. It was very big and nice inside, but the drive was forgettable. I got all my money back on the trade in which was nice. The 4Runner has been fantastic for all my needs. I'd love to have the 200 series Landcruiser honestly but I can't warrant the money...yet. I don't know for myself, if I will ever stray from Toyota as my DD again.
I honestly don't know what the Jeep and trailer will weigh. When going to the trail, I flat tow the Jeep disconnecting the driveshafts and all that jazz, but for an eight hour drive I'm going to rent a Uhaul trailer one way. I'm guessing I will be very close to the 7,500lb limit. I'll have to research.
You definitely don't need a diesel to tow 5,000lbs. I wouldn't want to tow 5k lbs. long distances in the mountains with the V6, but I am sure the V8 has plenty of muscle to tow 5K lbs. Tow limit for the V8 is 7k lbs. so you would be well within the limit. I test drove the V8 and it was strong and I wouldn't think twice about towing 5k lbs.
Once you get over 7k lbs, then it's probably time to consider a full size 1/2 or 3/4 ton with a V8. 10k warrants a diesel.
One thing to consider when towing with the T4R V6 or V8 is the wheel base. It's fairly short compared to some other SUVs and trucks. Towing anything over 25' and the tail might start wagging the dog. Keeping the tounge weight within specs also helps. My boat is 21', with trailer I'm at 24'. I can tell this is getting close to the limit going down hill for the wheel base.
charlier180
New member
I agree nothing wrong with a V6 for some towing jobs.
I run about 18-20% under my max tow rating and use a weight distributing hitch & sway control. These are two of the reasons (torque and tow rating) I have the V8 to tow my enclosed car trailer.
My 2004 V8 came with the tranny cooler.
For me buying the 4Runner instead of a truck was a question of right size vs over-kill. In some situations (winter and others) big trucks are not as nible, lack traction and are at a distinct disadvantage. Just ask the Ford Super Duties I have pulled out with my 4Runner when they got stuck.
In my case the vehicle had to be a "Utility" vehicle. (Towing, winter duty, acceptable comfort for long highway trips, etc). A pickup truck simply did not meet those and other needs, the 4Runner did. If the V6 Runner met my needs I would have bought it. Unfortunately, when it came to towing it did not.
On the 3 towing trips I did with my 4Runner this year NO problems. I went up and down some fairly tall "hills" in PA, NY, MD, VA etc. In a number of cases I was easily able to maintain the posted speed limits (or more) on those hills while other vehicles pulling comparable trailers could not or would not do so. You should have seen the looks on those other owners faces when they caught up to me at fuel stops after I had passed them climbing a hill.
I do have to wonder how a V6 would fair MPG wise towing a 4,000+ trailer on some the routes I took this year. Knowing the mpg I got on some of those trips (you don't want to know) I find it hard to believe a V6 could/would get much worse MPG.
I do have to wonder how a V6 would fair MPG wise towing a 4,000+ trailer on some the routes I took this year. Knowing the mpg I got on some of those trips (you don't want to know) I find it hard to believe a V6 could/would get much worse MPG.[/QUOTE]
I would bet the V6 would get worse mileage than the V8 towing over 4k lbs. It woudl have to work that much harder. My V6 gets about 12-14 mpg pulling my 3,500 lbs in the hills(no freeway). Coasting downhill helps.
I bought the V6 because of the better gas mileage when not towing. It's my wife's daily driver and she does a lot of city driving taking the kids to school, grocery store, etc. She averages 19-20 mpg most of the time in primarily city driving. Trip computer calculates 22-24 mpg on long freeway trips. I will take both those any day for a truck based 4x4.
Would I rather have the V8 when towing... Hell yeah, but had to go with a compromise. The lake is only 5 miles from my house, so that was a big consideration also. If I had to tow if for 2-3 hours, that would be a different story.
I would bet the V6 would get worse mileage than the V8 towing over 4k lbs. It woudl have to work that much harder. My V6 gets about 12-14 mpg pulling my 3,500 lbs in the hills(no freeway). Coasting downhill helps.
I bought the V6 because of the better gas mileage when not towing. It's my wife's daily driver and she does a lot of city driving taking the kids to school, grocery store, etc. She averages 19-20 mpg most of the time in primarily city driving. Trip computer calculates 22-24 mpg on long freeway trips. I will take both those any day for a truck based 4x4.
Would I rather have the V8 when towing... Hell yeah, but had to go with a compromise. The lake is only 5 miles from my house, so that was a big consideration also. If I had to tow if for 2-3 hours, that would be a different story.
Your Yukon probably had the same output as your V8, with a less sophisticated engine and drivetrain.
If your total jeep/trailer weight is pushing 7500, you might want to reconsider this tow adventure.
Have you considered a Sequoia?
How about a V8 Grand Cherokee?
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A grand cherokee would not be a wise trade for towing. Its max towing cap is 7400 lbs and thats with the 5.7. Another misconception is based off GMC's ratings, the Yukon has a 8500 towing cap whereas the Denali is rated at only 8300. Based off this the Yukon should be able to out-tow the t4r quite easily.
It is overkill to get a full size pickup or even diesel to tow something around 5 or 6k lbs.
My family has towed our nearly 30' travel trailer which is almost 5k lbs w/ empty tanks and no gear to yellowstone from seattle washington. The v8 has plenty of power in the mountains and in the high elevations of montana. The only problem is the short wheelbase, the trailer starts to sway at about 70mph. There is no way the v6 could have made this trip, and that is why I got the v8. It is so refined and smooth, and has plenty of power.
The minor gas mileage advantage and timing belt debate are basically worthless over the lifespan of the vehicle, and based off my experience with the v8 i would recommend it over the v6 regardless of towing needs.
It is overkill to get a full size pickup or even diesel to tow something around 5 or 6k lbs.
My family has towed our nearly 30' travel trailer which is almost 5k lbs w/ empty tanks and no gear to yellowstone from seattle washington. The v8 has plenty of power in the mountains and in the high elevations of montana. The only problem is the short wheelbase, the trailer starts to sway at about 70mph. There is no way the v6 could have made this trip, and that is why I got the v8. It is so refined and smooth, and has plenty of power.
The minor gas mileage advantage and timing belt debate are basically worthless over the lifespan of the vehicle, and based off my experience with the v8 i would recommend it over the v6 regardless of towing needs.
Where are you getting your tow numbers from?
The 2008 Yukon SLE 1500 (5.7L V8) pulls 7100 lbs.
The 2008 Yukon SLE 2500 (6.0L V8) pulls 8600 lbs.
The 2008 Denali (6.2L V8) pulls 7900 lbs.
2008 GMC Yukon XL
2008 Yukon Denali: SUV Domination
The PP didn't say whether he had a 1500 or 2500, but if he had a 1500, it's no surprise that his T4R V8 felt more nimble towing because it's a smaller and lighter package (weighs almost 1600lbs less) with a similar tow rating.
For those who tow, it's like buying a tv....it's never too big. Overkill is good.
I got the numbers straight from the gmc website for the 2011 model. On their site, there is a scroll out menu on the left with all of the models on it and it gives highlights of their capacities and what not. Those numbers above are directly from there.
I completely disagree with your overkill statement. For strictly towing, yes you want as much overkill as possible. But most preferable tow vehicles aren't very compromising like the 4runner is. For the few days a year that most people tow, the bigger vehicle is better, but not for the 350 odd days in which it isnt used for towing.
Imo, if your towing needs are around 6k lbs or less, the v8 4runner is perfect. It can easily tow these weights, while it is plenty comfortable and livable day to day.
I completely disagree with your overkill statement. For strictly towing, yes you want as much overkill as possible. But most preferable tow vehicles aren't very compromising like the 4runner is. For the few days a year that most people tow, the bigger vehicle is better, but not for the 350 odd days in which it isnt used for towing.
Imo, if your towing needs are around 6k lbs or less, the v8 4runner is perfect. It can easily tow these weights, while it is plenty comfortable and livable day to day.
cali_axela
New member
Totally agree with you Colpup, that's exactly why I got the V8. I tow about ~5300lbs maybe 10-12 times per year, but wanted a vehicle I wouldn't hate driving while not towing (read: 99.9% of trucks that also fit the bill). I haven't even towed my trailer yet, but already really happy with my decision based on what I've been reading about it.
The OP had a 2008 Yukon, not a 2011.
I'm not arguing that theT4R V8 isn't the better option for towing 6k lbs. compared to the V6.
You chose a T4R V8 over a V6 because you wanted to pay more for more power/torque for your towing needs.
If I were towing, I wouldn't go with the T4R V8, but would elect for something more powerful.
It's interesting how there seems to be so many fans of the V8 on this site, but Toyota chose not to offer the V8 for the T4R anymore.
I guess guys should consider the V8 Sequoia instead when you decide to upgrade from your T4R V8. It's got 3x V8 options for you, with one 2WD model with a tow rating of 7400 lbs.
Nissan Pathfinder has a V8 that can pull 7000 lbs.
VW Touareg V6 and TDI can pull 7700 and 7716 lbs. respectively.
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FourEyedWilly
New member
Less sophisticated is an understatement. I'm not an expert but I will say the Yukon felt like I was driving something from the 90s and the 4Runner feels modern in both drive and feel. So...
My wife has the 11 GC V8. She just got it, well, we just got it. It's got gobbs of power but not enough clicks on the odometer to tow anything yet. I have to say, Jeep/Chrysler did a fantastic job on the new GC!
And yes, the Sequoia is next on the list, just down the road a piece.
2003Can4runner
New member
As Toyota advertised they "went back to their roots" with the 4runner. They always offered a 4cyl and 6cyl option. They tried it out, and obviously the 4cyl was a failure hence why it was eliminated. It was all marketing. You can charge more (or relatively the same) while offering less. Which is why I've lost interest in the new 4runner. Right now I have a 2007 Limited 4runner with a nice torquey V8 and a self levelling rear suspension. The thing I loved about the 4runner is that it's incredibly versatile. It's comfortable on the road/highway, it's very capable offroad, and it can tow a very decent amount for what it is. It's a compromise in every department but it does everything I could ever want from it. It's my daily obviously, I take it to snowmobile trails/biking trails (winter/summer), take it offroading for recreation, tow my camper AND tow my girlfriends horses. No its not a Lexus sedan on road, no its not a Jeep Rubicon offroad, no its not a Cummins diesel for towing. But, the V8 4runner does all those things and does it good enough for me. The new 4runner is a huge downgrade for me. Eliminating the V8 has lost me as a consumer.
Just for the record, I've come from owning a 2007 5.7 Tundra. That thing was a PIG. It towed great, but the mileage was horrendous. I'm going to keep my 4runner for a while, but after reading a few articles I'm either going to a small diesel half ton Ram (5.0 V8 diesel), or if that doesn't make it, an Ecoboost F150. I would love to stay in the Toyota family but they won't release a small diesel or something that gets decent mileage! The 5.7 is a pig!
Just for the record, I've come from owning a 2007 5.7 Tundra. That thing was a PIG. It towed great, but the mileage was horrendous. I'm going to keep my 4runner for a while, but after reading a few articles I'm either going to a small diesel half ton Ram (5.0 V8 diesel), or if that doesn't make it, an Ecoboost F150. I would love to stay in the Toyota family but they won't release a small diesel or something that gets decent mileage! The 5.7 is a pig!
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2003Can4runner
New member
FourEyedWilly
New member
/Fiat
Ah whomever... Wifey traded in her Lexus IS for it. (kiddo did not fit in the back of the IS) We'll see if American made can get it right for a change. :wow:
You appear to have something against the Toyota V8 in the 4Runner! I've read your posts and quite frankly, you really have little idea what you're talking about when it comes to the V8 in the 4Runner. Seems like you're obsessed with defending your choice of the V6 when many if not all the owners of the V8 really enjoy the engine.
For me, the V8 is a far better choice than the V6 here in Colorado for my personal needs.
The engine is far smoother, quieter and getting back to the original thread... has better performance/POWER, especially when pulling through the high passes and mountain roads.
This is not to say the V6 is not a good engine. It is! And I've been driving Toyota engines, straight 4's, straight 6's, V6's, and now a V8 for thirty five years.
IMHO, the V8 that's in the 4Runner is one of the best engines I have ever driven!
It appears to me that whenever these V6 vs V8 threads come up, the V8 folks simply know that their engine is 'fine'. It also appears than some of the V6 owners have to convince others through their incessant posts that they do not in fact have 'V8 envy'.
If I could have my way, I'd choose the V8 coupled with the V6's 4th Gen. drive train. This way you could the best of both worlds.
BTW, my V8 pulls my sailboat trailer through the mountain passes... with ease! I've been in 4th Gen V6's and the engine is working hard, making LOTS of noise when pulling the same boat.
Forgot to mention... when I step on the throttle of the V8... you can feel the torque of the engine! I personally prefer this to the V6's response.
