motioneffects
New member
sad huh? lol
Said goodbye to her after only 6 months....
- Thread starter zmw
- Start date
- Status
sad huh? lol
limamike
New member
The MPG gauge integrated in the truck gives you a mean MPG over time. I don't know how many data points it stores, but it's a lot if you don't reset it after each fill-up. I use an app on my phone to calculate actuals. The MPG gauge on the 4R tells me 17.1 since the last time I reset it. My actual on my last full-up was 18.9, and my mean MPG over the life of my truck is 17.49.
limamike
New member
Limamike: What MPG app do you use? iPhone app?
CarMinder for iPhone. There's a few out there, but this is the best one I've found for iPhone. I was using another app for Android that I liked a lot better (can't recall the name at the moment) which graphed fuel prices and repair costs as well.
EDIT: Keep in mind that you have to use these kinds of apps with every single fill-up or they become worthless.
Koz
New member
I had to give up my 4th gen V8 loaded Limited T4R and when I test drove the 5th gen I knew it was not going to fill the shoes of the 4th gen V8. I also tow (TT) and after having the auto leveling rear air spring susp and the V8 I knew the 5th gen (with V6) was not gong to cut it. I love the exterior design but I needed a better tow vehicle (TV). I then looked at the 2nd gen GX and test drove it (base model). I immediately knew it was on par with the 4th gen as far as towing ability with the more powerful V8 and the six speed trans. I then did the research on the GX and found out that the premium model had the rear air spring susp and several other options (in the premium model) that would make it an even better TV then the 4th gen T4R. The premium also comes with adaptive variable susp (AVS – computer controlled shocks) and KDSS. It also had a lower final gear ratio the six speed trans. After one year of ownership and four long distance towing trips I can tell you the GX460 would work well for you. I tow close to 5K lbs. without any type of sway or DW system and it is rock solid and never a hint of sway (even at excessive speed). Also I had no problem climbing any mountains/inclines.
You may want reconsider the GX, besides being extremely smooth, quiet, comfortable and plush it is the perfect TW for towing approx 5K lbs. I get anywhere from 14.5 to 17 mpg towing on the highway (depending on inclines) and even gotten 22 when not towing (being nice to the throttle). I get approx 14/15 in the city. If you thought the mileage was bad with the 4Runner you will be shocked with the 5.7 V8. You do not need the 5.7 to tow 5K lbs! My suggestion is to give the Premium GX another look, it is by far a great TV for 5K lbs and it gets decent mileage.
Koz
You may want reconsider the GX, besides being extremely smooth, quiet, comfortable and plush it is the perfect TW for towing approx 5K lbs. I get anywhere from 14.5 to 17 mpg towing on the highway (depending on inclines) and even gotten 22 when not towing (being nice to the throttle). I get approx 14/15 in the city. If you thought the mileage was bad with the 4Runner you will be shocked with the 5.7 V8. You do not need the 5.7 to tow 5K lbs! My suggestion is to give the Premium GX another look, it is by far a great TV for 5K lbs and it gets decent mileage.
Koz
5 Gen Thoughts
I have a 2011 and I think it is a pretty good vehicle, especially when you factor in Toyota's reliability. It does what I bought it for. I am fortunate to own a new Lexus Sport Sedan, so I have the comfort and power when I want it on trips, etc. I bought the 4 Runner for space and true 4 wheel drive capability. After a few thousand miles and the drive train is broken in and established my driving pattern I find it to be pretty darn good. My overall mileage is around 19,5. When on open road with cruise set at around 70 I get around 22.7. have gotten 23.1 a couple of times. Anything over 20MPG I feel is great, when you compare the weight, size, and the lack of aerodynamics. I owned earlier model 4 Runners and none of them came close to this mileage. My first was the new design 1996, with a 3.4 engine. Great vehicle but the mileage average 15 around town and 18 on the highway. I am a pretty loyal Toyota product person. Had BMW in early 80's. Always some eletrical problems. Owned american before that and every one wound up being a nightmare, after about 30,000 miles.
I have a 2011 and I think it is a pretty good vehicle, especially when you factor in Toyota's reliability. It does what I bought it for. I am fortunate to own a new Lexus Sport Sedan, so I have the comfort and power when I want it on trips, etc. I bought the 4 Runner for space and true 4 wheel drive capability. After a few thousand miles and the drive train is broken in and established my driving pattern I find it to be pretty darn good. My overall mileage is around 19,5. When on open road with cruise set at around 70 I get around 22.7. have gotten 23.1 a couple of times. Anything over 20MPG I feel is great, when you compare the weight, size, and the lack of aerodynamics. I owned earlier model 4 Runners and none of them came close to this mileage. My first was the new design 1996, with a 3.4 engine. Great vehicle but the mileage average 15 around town and 18 on the highway. I am a pretty loyal Toyota product person. Had BMW in early 80's. Always some eletrical problems. Owned american before that and every one wound up being a nightmare, after about 30,000 miles.
phillyd2
Senior Member
Tis True,
I too came from a 4th Gen V8 and more HP or not the 5th Gen has less torque at the low end, which is noticeable without doubt. But after driving it a bit one does realize the strange fact that the peddle does actually have the ability to be pushed down.
uncbasketball
New member
I have owned 6 vehicles in the past 6 yrs and I can honestly say that the fit and finish of the 4runner is among the best I have seen including the LX470 and the LS430. There are no gaps in mine. I don't hear any rattling at all like I experience in the Tundra, 2 silverados, and the Avalon. I do miss the power of the V8 but I don't really tow anything. I use my old beater F150 for that. If they put a small block diesel in the 4runner, I'll upgrade instantly!!!
I agree with 1engineer on the fact this is why I do not work with people and choose robot systems instead.
I will say that my 2007 Silverado with a 4.8 liter has the same towing capacity as my 2011 SR5. I understand some people will never be satisfied, but I cannot justify a 60,000+ investment to tow a camper, unless of coarse it was that f550 dually I saw on the beaches of Hatteras one year.
As an Engineer I will say those who agree with this gentleman need to do better research on their purchases as I did. Because of my research and the posts on this forum I bought my first 4 runner and could not be happier. Until this latest body style I would not have owned one as my 6'3 225 pound frame did not fit well inside, but instead of buying one and *****ing I bought a Silverado.:rant:
I will say that my 2007 Silverado with a 4.8 liter has the same towing capacity as my 2011 SR5. I understand some people will never be satisfied, but I cannot justify a 60,000+ investment to tow a camper, unless of coarse it was that f550 dually I saw on the beaches of Hatteras one year.
As an Engineer I will say those who agree with this gentleman need to do better research on their purchases as I did. Because of my research and the posts on this forum I bought my first 4 runner and could not be happier. Until this latest body style I would not have owned one as my 6'3 225 pound frame did not fit well inside, but instead of buying one and *****ing I bought a Silverado.:rant:
I came from a 2008 G35x sedan that has incredible fit and finish. My 2012 LE with the exception of the hard plastics appears to also have great ifs and finish.
As for towing, why would you buy a vehicle to regularly tow at its MAX capacity and expect anything other than mediocre results?
Perhaps you and all the other sympathizers should do more research prior to purchasing a new vehicle and use a it take more common sense.
As for towing, why would you buy a vehicle to regularly tow at its MAX capacity and expect anything other than mediocre results?
Perhaps you and all the other sympathizers should do more research prior to purchasing a new vehicle and use a it take more common sense.
Last edited:
Grizzld
New member
It's been dead-on accurate for me when I compare it to my manual calculations. Also, I don't overfill the tank -- I stop as soon as the pump automatically shuts off the first time. I would assume "topping it off" could lead to some minor inaccuracies.
Fuelly.com is a great resource for manually tracking your MPG and comparing it to others. You can set your account up to receive text messages, then all you have to do is text their server your stats at every fill-up -- miles driven, price per gallon, gallons used (MPG).
Here's a screenshot of what the text interface looks like.
KCcarguy
New member
Anyone who has owned previous generation 4runners has to admit the 5th gens aren't quite built to the same level. HOWEVER, (as we mention in every one of this type of thread) the previous gens were also much more expensive for their time. Toyota has got to give somewhere if we demand a 2012 4runner for $35k......the same as it was priced 15 years ago.
Last edited:
hstn_texas
New member
research
I think is more about buying a vehicle then complaining about everything that was readily apprent if you test drove it and/or did even an iota of research.
I think is more about buying a vehicle then complaining about everything that was readily apprent if you test drove it and/or did even an iota of research.
jca21
New member
i would venture a guess that the 2112 model 4runner would be all electric and just hover over the water when we hit a mud pit. :lol:
sandcrawler
Senior Member
another great option is Gas Cubby.It's been dead-on accurate for me when I compare it to my manual calculations. Also, I don't overfill the tank -- I stop as soon as the pump automatically shuts off the first time. I would assume "topping it off" could lead to some minor inaccuracies.
Fuelly.com is a great resource for manually tracking your MPG and comparing it to others. You can set your account up to receive text messages, then all you have to do is text their server your stats at every fill-up -- miles driven, price per gallon, gallons used (MPG).
Here's a screenshot of what the text interface looks like.
fwiw, i've had stock size, 265/70-17 E load Duratracs since i took delivery; have been running a Thule rack without a fairing; mostly city driving; frequent short trips... a textbook recipe for poor fuel economy... but after tracking every tank for the last year i'm averaging 18 mpg overall.
Last edited:
KCcarguy
New member
Damn it.....edited.
Intruder
New member
Well if it doesn't have a V8 then I'm not buying one.
Last edited:
- Status
