Does anyone here regret getting their 5th Gen 4Runner because of the arguable lack of power and torque from the 270hp? I was disappointed to see Toyota threw almost 300hp in the Camry but left the 4Runner where it was. I am in the market to replace an old Tahoe and I'm struggling to decide whether I'd be better off in something more powerful than the beautiful 4Runner. I don't tow much, but I do drive some significant grades with passengers on board and I hate the feeling of wanting more power and it's not there.
Prospective 2018 TRD Pro buyer... question re power...
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sbronemann
New member
Owning ours for almost a year and a half....it doesn't really lack power. But...it would be a huge improvement if they would offer more than a 5-speed auto in it. The transmission is the biggest downer for me. It definitely could use a V8 as it gets the same gas mileages as my 2017 5.0 F-150...but it's adequate. Going into a headwind is where it struggles the most. Not bad at 55-65 mph...but for highway commutes of 70+ and a stout headwind is where it really struggles.
Hadelson
New member
My two cents:
1. Wifes Car is a 15 Camry XSE V6 with induction system, Borla Cat-back and minor suspension upgrades. This is a Horsepower motor in a lighter car then our 4 Runner. No way around it, just plain fast. This car is fast and will cruise at very high speeds - it will run out the Speedo. Fuel mileage running at 60-75 MPH with AC on the road - have recorded multiple tanks at plus 28MPG. Put your foot into it and it drops off, but as stated will flat run.
2. My ride is 17TRDP. TRD CAI, Borla Cat-back, 1" spacers and tuning of the F/R Sway bars. I do limited OTR mostly on existing trails. In comparison, its driving a heavy brick. That said, with the Pro Suspension, spacers and Sway bar mods, drives straight without wander and little impact from side winds. It runs just fine all day at 75-80MPH range. Fuel mileage ---- as stated its a brick. Last summer, fully loaded from Kentucky thru WVA with AC running 70-75, averaged over 18 MPG. To pull the longer/higher grades, did have to kickdown to 4th gear with sport mode to maintain speed.
That said, the T4R is my ride and the Camry the wifes. Easy transition back and forth for both of us and we are happy.
Good Luck
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nb rob
New member
test drive it.
It'll go when you mash the pedal. But it feels sluggish when you tickle the pedal in comparison to other vehicles.
my old v8 would cruise up big hills on cruise control idling low in an overdrive gear.
the 'ol 4r will drop a gear on those same hills on the highway.
It'll go when you mash the pedal. But it feels sluggish when you tickle the pedal in comparison to other vehicles.
my old v8 would cruise up big hills on cruise control idling low in an overdrive gear.
the 'ol 4r will drop a gear on those same hills on the highway.
I just got into a '18 Pro - coming from a Range Rover I would say the lack of power down low is noticeable, not sure if this is because of the way the throttle is programmed, but it seems to pull okay if you give it the beans. It is however no drag king (but neither is my Rover).
I am missing the exhaust note of a 32-valve V8, however :blabla:
I am missing the exhaust note of a 32-valve V8, however :blabla:
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philsey
New member
It is what it is. Do you want an SUV? Do you want reliability? Do you want the best resale there is? The 4R has a hell of a lot to offer. Yada yada ...
This is a totally subjective issue and no one here can help you. It has been discussed here to f-ing death. Some (me) are fine with it, a few not so much. Would I like a little more oomph? Yes. Did I buy a second one? Yes. I love this thing.
The question is perpetual - the answer is test drive it, a lot. EDIT. I will say, if you routinely drive grades, loaded, that should be your test. Oh, it'll do it, you just have to keep on it. The power is up high.
This is a totally subjective issue and no one here can help you. It has been discussed here to f-ing death. Some (me) are fine with it, a few not so much. Would I like a little more oomph? Yes. Did I buy a second one? Yes. I love this thing.
The question is perpetual - the answer is test drive it, a lot. EDIT. I will say, if you routinely drive grades, loaded, that should be your test. Oh, it'll do it, you just have to keep on it. The power is up high.
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Lionel_Hutz
New member
It's not unsafe, but it is most definitely slow. If you want a car that will push you back in your seat, look elsewhere. To be honest, I'm kind of enjoying the lack of power so far. My last car was very powerful, and the power encouraged me to drive too aggressively. The 4Runner is a much more calming driving experience.
DreamsOfDirt
New member
Do I regret my purchase of a 2018 TRDORP? No.
Does it have as good of acceleration as other SUVs, like the new Explorer? No.
Do I wish it had either more power or different gearing so I could go up large hills at 75 mph without it down shifting? Yes
Am I happy with my purchase for the total 4Runner experience? Absolutely.
Rightside Up
New member
4Runner power
Put your foot in it.
Put your foot in it.
jrandom
New member
How fast do you want to go? IE what is the average speed you drive? if it is in the 50's-60's you'd be happy fully loaded. More speed <70+ more R's.
Passenger comfort is IMO only okay, decent head/leg room for average height weight people (5'9" ~180) Seats are okay too but not stellar.
As others have said, drive it, get in the back seats and sit there for a bit too. I would say a Tahoe is going to be more comfortable for passengers particularly on longer hauls.
lunchboxtheman
New member
I'm the owner of a 2018 TRD ORP. I've had it for two months and took a 2500 mile road trip in it already.
I hate to sound like a debbie downer (especially being a new member). I'm extremely disappointed in the lack of power. I had a 2002 highlander before the 4R and even at 15 years old the highlander was peppier.
The lack of HP for a vehicle of this weight coupled with a 5-speed transmission really limits it IMHO. It has power as others have said, just not when you need it. You really have to get the engine revving high to feel the power. If you mash the pedal it will downshift from 5th to 3rd and you'll have power, but the engine sounds like it's going to explode. I drove through Georgia and Tennessee on the aforementioned roadtrip and I felt like the 4R was constantly overworking itself in the small mountains/hills in that region. It had to downshift to make it up even a slight incline. 4th usually wasn't enough - it had to be in 3rd on any decent hill above 60MPH.
I would be OK with the lack of power if fuel economy was higher. I average 17.8 with about a 50/50 split highway/city. This is with me being careful to stay in "ECO" mode most of the time. I can't even image what the fuel economy and power would be like with a few hundred pounds of mods and a "heavier foot".
I don't want to sound like I'm complaining. I'm not. I like my 4R. I just want YOU to be informed about your buying decision so that you don't regret the purchase. Make sure to test drive up a decent hill and on the highway. Just don't buy one expecting it to have the power of a grunty pickup.
I hate to sound like a debbie downer (especially being a new member). I'm extremely disappointed in the lack of power. I had a 2002 highlander before the 4R and even at 15 years old the highlander was peppier.
The lack of HP for a vehicle of this weight coupled with a 5-speed transmission really limits it IMHO. It has power as others have said, just not when you need it. You really have to get the engine revving high to feel the power. If you mash the pedal it will downshift from 5th to 3rd and you'll have power, but the engine sounds like it's going to explode. I drove through Georgia and Tennessee on the aforementioned roadtrip and I felt like the 4R was constantly overworking itself in the small mountains/hills in that region. It had to downshift to make it up even a slight incline. 4th usually wasn't enough - it had to be in 3rd on any decent hill above 60MPH.
I would be OK with the lack of power if fuel economy was higher. I average 17.8 with about a 50/50 split highway/city. This is with me being careful to stay in "ECO" mode most of the time. I can't even image what the fuel economy and power would be like with a few hundred pounds of mods and a "heavier foot".
I don't want to sound like I'm complaining. I'm not. I like my 4R. I just want YOU to be informed about your buying decision so that you don't regret the purchase. Make sure to test drive up a decent hill and on the highway. Just don't buy one expecting it to have the power of a grunty pickup.
Baystate4Runner
New member
This engine needs higher revs to develop some power.
If you drive it below 3,000rpm you will feel the lack of hp/torque.
Between 4,000 and 5,500rpm - different beast. I was surprised how well the truck accelerates with higher revs.
Cruising speed of 80-90mph is reached easily and revs go down to a lower level to hold that speed on the Interstate. I like how solid and well planted the truck feels on the road when cruising at those speeds.
Of course - I am at sea level here...you guys at higher elevations might get different results.
If you drive it below 3,000rpm you will feel the lack of hp/torque.
Between 4,000 and 5,500rpm - different beast. I was surprised how well the truck accelerates with higher revs.
Cruising speed of 80-90mph is reached easily and revs go down to a lower level to hold that speed on the Interstate. I like how solid and well planted the truck feels on the road when cruising at those speeds.
Of course - I am at sea level here...you guys at higher elevations might get different results.
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altoonabcm157
New member
I am new to 4runners but the output of these motors helps with long term reliability. The output for a 4 liter V6 is low which means the motor is not very stressed and adds to its longevity. I do feel its a little weak in the power department but I made the switch not for a fast SUV but the capability and long term reliability.
It seems like people that complain about a lack of power think a 6 (or more) speed box will help. It won't. Newer transmissions are all about getting you into the highest gear in the shortest amount of time. More speeds means you'll be farther away from the sweet spot.
Read about the 6-spd auto box in the new Tacoma - constant upshifts to a higher gear. ECT helps, but at the cost of gas mileage.
Read about the 6-spd auto box in the new Tacoma - constant upshifts to a higher gear. ECT helps, but at the cost of gas mileage.
Crocket
Member
This won't really help the OP, but I don't necessarily think the 4Runner is under powered...... more like the throttle mapping Toyota gave it is really relaxed for the first 3-4 seconds of stabbing the pedal from low speeds (to reduce wear and tear on the drivetrain etc...). That and as others have said a good chunk of the power is made further up in the power band. I actually find it pretty quick in the mid to higher speeds. But as they say.....it's all relative.
Before my T4R, I had a Trailblazer SS. With near 400hp, the power was always there, even with a tickle of the throttle. I do miss that power, but the 4Runner shines with dependability and the comfort of knowing it just works. I had so many little (and some big) issues with my SS, I don't miss that at all. I agree with throttle mapping (if that's what causes it), because the power seems inconsistent. The T4R surprises me sometimes, and other times I wonder when it's going to wake up and move. At this point, I think it's perfectly capable and does just fine towing my ~3500lb loaded popup.
As mentioned, the power itself really isn't the issue. ~270hp and ~270 ft lbs of torque isn't bad at all. I came from a 80 series LC which had less power and weighed more. Also a JK Wrangler which had similar power and weight. The 4R drives much better and gets better fuel econ than either.
The issue is the transmission. The 5 gears are good. It's the programming that blows. We don't get the "ECT" mode the tacos get which help hold gears longer. Once you get used to manually keeping it in the lower gears when needed and aren't afraid to step on the gas, it's just fine. It's no drag racer, but people already complain about the fuel econ enough as it is...
The issue is the transmission. The 5 gears are good. It's the programming that blows. We don't get the "ECT" mode the tacos get which help hold gears longer. Once you get used to manually keeping it in the lower gears when needed and aren't afraid to step on the gas, it's just fine. It's no drag racer, but people already complain about the fuel econ enough as it is...
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