Test Drove 5-th gen today.

[THEROK]

i still find american cars to be overpriced POS especially when you try to sell it after a few years of use. i'm driving a new suburban now while my 4r is getting its sport hood installed. good looking on the outside, but everything else... just not up to toyota standards.

their interiors are still sh!t new GC included. the materials they use, the colors of the lighting remains off target. plus, it's more highlander than 4runner with its
cush 4-wheel independent suspension. let's also stick to the facts. the new GC's v6 feels laborious and much more so than the 2010 4r's v6 (and they get pretty much the same mpg ratings; you make it sound as if the GC is prius efficient in comparison). even with the v8 it doesn't feel nearly as sprightly nor lexus smooth as the 4th gen's.

with that said, i do not question the new model's reliability (but it still won't be as good as toyota's).

cliff notes: i'd much rather have the 2010 toyota than the new gc

 

[norcal2]

I dont like the looks of the 5gen at all, I wont be buying one...and the last Jeep I had, fell apart after 100k...they may be cheap to buy, but longevity and reliability are not one of their strengths..

 

[Thai]

It's not the speed, it's the drivability. AND...this logic sucks for Toyota. Next to the 06 T4R V8 in my garage is a 11 Grand Cherokee V8. Both 4WD. Just picked it up for my wife. Just took a trip from Las Vegas to Anaheim and back. 24.3 calculated MPG. Sooo...this is SAD for Toyota if their V6 is NOT getting this and giving up a lot of ponies and drivability. The GC beats my 4R for sure. OH, and the V6 to V8 MPG difference in Toyota is only a few MPG no?

Lets stick to numbers that we can compare across the board...in this case, EPA numbers. I am sure that some 5th gen 4runner owners have achieved 26 mpg or 30 mpg at one point. You can't just say that your GC got 24 mpg and that beats the EPA for the 4runner. Different circumstances, different environment, different driver, etc..

With EPA ratings, we all know that the conditions are controlled...so, you can compare the numbers scientifically. And as such, your GC V8 EPA is lower than the 4runner's (14/20 vs. 17/23), as you would expect when comparing V6 vs. V8.

A few mpgs (2 or 3 mpg) are still significant over the long haul, esp. when you have to deal with premium vs. regular gas.

 

[Koz]

I'm not a betting man but I would be willing to bet that if the T4R had the 4.6 V8 it would get as good or better mpg then the V6. I base this on some facts; you have to remember the 4.6 comes with a 6speed trans. This alone is good for 1 to 2 mpg (1 city and maybe 2 highway). The 4.6 in the GX gets 20 highway and the GX is approx 500lbs more. Again, this alone should be good for 1 or 2 mpg. The GX is rated 15/20 mpg.

As far as comparing smoothness, this is apples and oranges. Go test drive a GX, it has to be one of the smoothest engines made (see for yourself). The 4.6 is noticeably smoother then the 4.7.

Also the VVTi 4.7 is noticeably quicker then the non-VVTi 4.7. There is a huge difference in HP and torque. If you look at a dyno spread sheet for the two engines you will see why. There is a 35+hp and over 40 lbs torque difference between them. This difference is across the power band not just peak. Also the peak power comes at lower RPMs. Huge difference!

Koz

 

[Thai]

Hmm, but then again, Toyota may just put a 6-speed into the V6 powertrain and maintain the mpg difference spread....

My guess is that Toyota will do this soon (next year?)...this will improve crawl ratio (boon for off-roaders) and get better mpgs.

 

[THEROK]

I'm not a betting man but I would be willing to bet that if the T4R had the 4.6 V8 it would get as good or better mpg then the V6. I base this on some facts; you have to remember the 4.6 comes with a 6speed trans. This alone is good for 1 to 2 mpg (1 city and maybe 2 highway). The 4.6 in the GX gets 20 highway and the GX is approx 500lbs more. Again, this alone should be good for 1 or 2 mpg. The GX is rated 15/20 mpg.

As far as comparing smoothness, this is apples and oranges. Go test drive a GX, it has to be one of the smoothest engines made (see for yourself). The 4.6 is noticeably smoother then the 4.7.

Also the VVTi 4.7 is noticeably quicker then the non-VVTi 4.7. There is a huge difference in HP and torque. If you look at a dyno spread sheet for the two engines you will see why. There is a 35+hp and over 40 lbs torque difference between them. This difference is across the power band not just peak. Also the peak power comes at lower RPMs. Huge difference!

Koz

someone post a video stock to stock vvti/non-vvti redlight race. i bet you it's dead even.

 

[jwyshrek]

That would be interesting to see...but how do you define 'dead even'?

On paper at least (by C&D), the VVTi V8 is quicker on both 0-60mph and 1/4 mile:

2005 Toyota 4Runner 4WD Sport Edition3 - Car and Driver

2010 Toyota 4Runner V6 - Short Take Road Test - Auto Reviews - Car and Driver

2005 VVTi V8 7.2 (0-60mph) and 15.7s/88mph (1/4)
2010 V6 7.8 (0-60mph) and 16.1/88mph (1/4)

Notice that the trap speed in 1/4 is same...meaning that the V6 makes most of its power at the upper RPM range.

0.6 seconds doesn't sound like a lot...but in racing...it is a big difference (did a little SOLOII racing while living in Cali).

 

[jwyshrek]

And just for kicks, this article post the 0-60 time of the non-VVTi V8 4Runner...

Full Test: 2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited

0-60mph: 7.6sec.

Sorry, was trying to stay with C&D to be somewhat consistent, but they didn't seem to have fully tested a 4Runner before 2005...at least I couldn't find an online article.

Not necessarily comparing apples to oranges...but more like granny smith apples to fuji apples...

mmmm...apples...

 

[THEROK]

And just for kicks, this article post the 0-60 time of the non-VVTi V8 4Runner...

Full Test: 2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited

0-60mph: 7.6sec.

Sorry, was trying to stay with C&D to be somewhat consistent, but they didn't seem to have fully tested a 4Runner before 2005...at least I couldn't find an online article.

Not necessarily comparing apples to oranges...but more like granny smith apples to fuji apples...

mmmm...apples...

don't care for the v6s.


i was asking for the vvti/non-vvti v8s from teh 4th gen.

even between the lexus gx v. 4th gen, it was dead even though the lexus is saddled with xxx additional pounds.

i don't know why we're even talking about this... wait i know.. some dude was saying how there's huge power diff between the two v8s. No. if you look at peak sure. but in real life... dead even.

 

[2003Can4runner]

don't care for the v6s.


i was asking for the vvti/non-vvti v8s from teh 4th gen.

even between the lexus gx v. 4th gen, it was dead even though the lexus is saddled with xxx additional pounds.

i don't know why we're even talking about this... wait i know.. some dude was saying how there's huge power diff between the two v8s. No. if you look at peak sure. but in real life... dead even.

That doesn't make any sense. The VVTi trucks have more horsepower and more torque in the same vehicle. Clearly, the one with more power AND torque will be faster. The VVTi really opens it up in the higher RPMs. That's almost like saying you could race an N/A Supra vs. a Turbo Supra and it'd be dead even....

 

[THEROK]

That doesn't make any sense. The VVTi trucks have more horsepower and more torque in the same vehicle. Clearly, the one with more power AND torque will be faster. The VVTi really opens it up in the higher RPMs. That's almost like saying you could race an N/A Supra vs. a Turbo Supra and it'd be dead even....

like i said lets c how it plays out on the road.

this aint about turbos v na u crazy?

 

[FourEyedWilly]

their interiors are still sh!t new GC included. the materials they use, the colors of the lighting remains off target. plus, it's more highlander than 4runner with its
cush 4-wheel independent suspension. let's also stick to the facts. the new GC's v6 feels laborious and much more so than the 2010 4r's v6 (and they get pretty much the same mpg ratings; you make it sound as if the GC is prius efficient in comparison). even with the v8 it doesn't feel nearly as sprightly nor lexus smooth as the 4th gen's.

with that said, i do not question the new model's reliability I DO! (but it still won't be as good as toyota's).

cliff notes: i'd much rather have the 2010 toyota than the new gc

The interior on the GC is MUCH nicer than my 4R and people are saying the 4th gen is nicer than the 5th gen, so I don't agree with you here. I've ALWAYS thought Toyota had cheapo plastic interiors, but I don't care. Trust me, my wife does and there is no way she would be driving something less nice than my 4R. The lighting? Not sure here what you are referring to. I had to get LEDs in my 4R just to see inside it.

Driving both, the 4Runner does feel smoother and "faster" BUT the GC feels like a torque monster in comparison. Of course, it's the butt dyno. I agree with the reliability 100%. I am in fact, holding my breath.

MY cliff notes: I'd get the TE 5th gen before the GC too! (wife no likey)

It's more important to have a happy wife than a 5th gen! hahaha! I will say, they did a very good job on the newest model. Better than I ever expected an American company to do.

A few mpgs (2 or 3 mpg) are still significant over the long haul, esp. when you have to deal with premium vs. regular gas.

Unless I'm missing something, my 4R takes regular and so does wifey's GC. I drive less than 12K a year so I don't care at all about mileage right now. I fill up about every three + weeks so not significant over MANY years for me. If I was commuting again like in the past, I'd get a Honda Civic. I didn't buy an SUV thinking, "Gosh, I wonder what the MPG is?"

 

[ToyotaF1Fan]

I never bothered to look, but the new 4.6 has iron block????!!

No, you were right to assume it is aluminum. Even though the 1UR-FE has the elemental sign for Iron in its name it is a die-cast aluminum block.

Toyota UR engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2010 1UR-FE 4.6-liter, 32-valve DOHC V8 Info -

 

[THEROK]

The interior on the GC is MUCH nicer than my 4R and people are saying the 4th gen is nicer than the 5th gen, so I don't agree with you here. I've ALWAYS thought Toyota had cheapo plastic interiors, but I don't care. Trust me, my wife does and there is no way she would be driving something less nice than my 4R. The lighting? Not sure here what you are referring to. I had to get LEDs in my 4R just to see inside it.

Driving both, the 4Runner does feel smoother and "faster" BUT the GC feels like a torque monster in comparison. Of course, it's the butt dyno. I agree with the reliability 100%. I am in fact, holding my breath.

MY cliff notes: I'd get the TE 5th gen before the GC too! (wife no likey)

It's more important to have a happy wife than a 5th gen! hahaha! I will say, they did a very good job on the newest model. Better than I ever expected an American company to do.



Unless I'm missing something, my 4R takes regular and so does wifey's GC. I drive less than 12K a year so I don't care at all about mileage right now. I fill up about every three + weeks so not significant over MANY years for me. If I was commuting again like in the past, I'd get a Honda Civic. I didn't buy an SUV thinking, "Gosh, I wonder what the MPG is?"

i'm certainly not clowning on your large purchase. $40K for anything that depreciates is a crap load to spend. i'm happy you and your wife are happy with your purchase decision.

but what kills me about american cars is that inevitably you'll see it at avis/alamo/hertz/enterprise in bunches. i am NOT one of those who thinks somehow a nearly decade old interior design is better than the 2010 version. i think the 5th gen makes the 4th gen interior look dated and that the 5th gen looks much better designed and put together than the gc even with its optional stitched leather dash. there's just something chintzy about ALL american car interiors that i simply do not like. plus the gc makes me look like i'm driving my wife's car and i don't even have a wife. lol

toyota resale will kill the GC for these reasons. reputation. track record. history. so again, i'd most def opt for the 5th gen over the gc every day of the friggin' week.

but please note this is coming from a guy who's thinking about dumping his 4r for a 1-2 yr old escalade ext. pls don't judge. haha

 

[03_4x4Runner]

i'm certainly not clowning on your large purchase. $40K for anything that depreciates is a crap load to spend. i'm happy you and your wife are happy with your purchase decision.

but what kills me about american cars is that inevitably you'll see it at avis/alamo/hertz/enterprise in bunches. i am NOT one of those who thinks somehow a nearly decade old interior design is better than the 2010 version. i think the 5th gen makes the 4th gen interior look dated and that the 5th gen looks much better designed and put together than the gc even with its optional stitched leather dash. there's just something chintzy about ALL american car interiors that i simply do not like. plus the gc makes me look like i'm driving my wife's car and i don't even have a wife. lol

toyota resale will kill the GC for these reasons. reputation. track record. history. so again, i'd most def opt for the 5th gen over the gc every day of the friggin' week.



but please note this is coming from a guy who's thinking about dumping his 4r for a 1-2 yr old escalade ext. pls don't judge. haha

Here we go again. Another 4runner vs. Grand Cherokee thread. Obviously since this is a 4runner forum most here have to defend their purchase.

 

[FourEyedWilly]

Here we go again. Another 4runner vs. Grand Cherokee thread. Obviously since this is a 4runner forum most here have to defend their purchase.

Naw I solved that, I have both. Haha! I actually agree with most the points. Just sayin I was surprised the interior has actually gotten really nice on the GC and the Hemi V8 has got some good torque and MPG for what it is.

Put it this way, I'm not on a Jeep forum. I love the look of the 5th gen TE. My only frustration is the lack of a V8 drivetrain in the new 4R but it's not a deal breaker "for me". I will openly admit I'm NOT a fan of the new Limited 4R at all however.

And I mentioned, if it was for me, I would have gotten the TE 5th gen. I was simply sharing the GC is actually pretty nice and I'm hopeful the quality has come up to standards. The interior is much nicer in wifey's GC than in my 4th gen, it's a fact. Otherwise, she would not be driving it. She moved from a Lexus to the GC and loves it. Sooo...the wifey butt dyno is all knowing. Hahaha!

My real debate/concern is only a wonder...if the FJ will be killed off and replaced with the 4R TE. Toyota says no so far??

 

[FourEyedWilly]

but what kills me about american but please note this is coming from a guy who's thinking about dumping his 4r for a 1-2 yr old escalade ext. pls don't judge. haha

Not judging at all, no worries there. (I got the GC for $35K the week it came out)

I was looking at the X5 for wifey but then read reviews. OH MY. She likes "that" look... X5, Cayanne, Mercedes M Class, Audi. The Jeep really got her. So YUP 100% agree, girl car.

Plus, I drank the Kool-Aid about the GC having Mercedes engineer input with similarities to the M class. We'll see about that one. I know the transponder key fob thingy is the same as a Mercedes anyway. Dur!! :boink:

 

[THEROK]

Not judging at all, no worries there. (I got the GC for $35K the week it came out)

I was looking at the X5 for wifey but then read reviews. OH MY. She likes "that" look... X5, Cayanne, Mercedes M Class, Audi. The Jeep really got her. So YUP 100% agree, girl car.

Plus, I drank the Kool-Aid about the GC having Mercedes engineer input with similarities to the M class. We'll see about that one. I know the transponder key fob thingy is the same as a Mercedes anyway. Dur!! :boink:

pls do throw up pics up of the gc interior! i'd love to have a real life look at it.

i actually like the cayennes but being a mod guy, it'd cost about $20K to get it the way i want it to look. the 4r is MUCH cheaper in comparison no doubt.

(techart)

i've been driving a new chevy suburban the past few days as my daily. i must say i'm rather enjoying the full size cabin experience thus my interest in the escalade.

 

[2003Can4runner]

like i said lets c how it plays out on the road.

this aint about turbos v na u crazy?

No, its not about turbos. Its about VVTi, which, like turbos, creates more power. Exact same truck, same engine BUT one produces more power. Its just clear who the winner will be.

 

[truckmike26]

I never bothered to look, but the new 4.6 has iron block????!!

It's aluminium. The 4.6L is a smaller 5.7L.