Test Drove a trail edition last night...

[westwind77]

I drive stupid fast cars all the time and was initially yawning when it came to the power of the 4Runner. Even after a few weeks, it was feeling like a heavy pair of boots. But one night I pulled away from a stop sign, with my foot hard to the floor, taking it all the way to redline in every gear.
Holy smokes. It was like I had awakened the beast within. When you really need to move, the 4Runner will answer the call - not with sports car hyperbole, but definitely enough to motivate a 4,700-lb SUV.
I also suspect that if you were driving with a salesperson, you didn't realize the full potential. All that said, if you still find it lacking, it wouldn't be too hard to extract a few more horsepower with bolt-on aftermarket parts.

+1

If you really want power 'now' use the sport mode, been toying with that lately, lots of fun. I am impressed with his 4.0L, does not make me miss my 5.9L

 

[Saberman]

My 2 Cents

I own a 2008 300C SRT8 6.1 liter 425 hp. , 0-60 4.5 secs. Now that's fast. I also own a 2010 4Runner Trail Edition. The TE only has 750 miles on it so I'm not finished breaking it in yet. My opinion of the power is this, I think there is a problem with the computer that controls the motor. There seems to be no real power up to 2000 RPMS. After that all the power starts to kick in. I also have felt alot of power after 2000, if you step on the gas. I also noticed that I was driving with just the tip of my toe on the gas pedal, if you move your foot up higher on the pedal it feel like you get a better bite and better response. I believe that after the breakin period alot of people might get a little surprize as to how much power the new 5th gen runner has. I do think Toyota should upload a software patch to fix the dead feeling under 2K RPMS. Maybe a CAI and new exhaust will awaken the beast. Also I have only managed 16 MPG around town, I have not done a long HWY run yet. All that said I'm really digging my new TE.

 

[M1911]

My opinion of the power is this, I think there is a problem with the computer that controls the motor. There seems to be no real power up to 2000 RPMS. After that all the power starts to kick in.

I doubt that's a software problem. I think it's just characteristic of a DOHC V6 of relatively small displacement in a 4700 lb vehicle.

Your SRT has a much higher and wider torque curve that starts at a very low RPM.

 

[Saberman]

There has to be a tunner to improve the throtle response, the motor has tons of power.

 

[LWN]

I doubt that's a software problem. I think it's just characteristic of a DOHC V6 of relatively small displacement in a 4700 lb vehicle.

Your SRT has a much higher and wider torque curve that starts at a very low RPM.

Agreed - the V6 reaches peak torque at 4400 RPM, max horsepower at 5600 RPM. It's just how the engine is cammed and valved, no doubt in part due to fuel economy standards. It's a compromise.

Also my 98 4Runner has a 4:11 differential gear - the Trail I have on order has a 3:73. That'll make a noticeable difference in acceleration from a stop and surely was mandated by fuel efficiency standards. Thank you for protecting me from myself and the low gear I desire elected members of Congress and the White House.

 

[progress4m]

The 5th gen weighs about 1000 lbs more than your 3rd gen -- curb weight is around 4700 lbs. If you want a faster truck, look for a lightly used 4th gen V8. Yes, I know, you don't like the 4th gen styling.
...

X2, if you want fast stock 4Runner you need to look for 4th gen V8.

 

[harper7]

X2, if you want fast stock 4Runner you need to look for 4th gen V8.

Or wait til 2012 when they bring the V8 back:lol:
And that's how the fight got started.:hiding:

 

[x67934]

The T4R will get faster as it breaks in because the Tranny "learns." Also the gas pedal is soft you have to push it further to get the response you are looking for. I owned a 2006 Xterra which has the same powertrain as the current model and I can tell you the 5th gen is every bit as quick as the x

 

[M1911]

And that's how the fight got started.:hiding:

Well played :bravo:

 

[M1911]

There has to be a tunner to improve the throtle response, the motor has tons of power.

It simply doesn't have a lot of torque at low RPMs like you get in a large displacement V8, or in a torque-tuned, direction injection blown V6 (e.g., the Ford Ecoboost). Minor changes like a chip and exhaust won't change that. You can't dramatically change the torque curve unless you make equally dramatic changes to the engine (e.g., turbo or super charger).

 

[Uneek]

Nah, not looking for this.

I got the brochure in front of me right now.

22 city
31 highway
25 combined

I wonder if I could get a rebate because of this obvious false advertising...

In kilometers right?

 

[024RunnerSE]

The 5th gen weighs about 1000 lbs more than your 3rd gen...

2002 4Runner Sport Edition 4WD with less then half a tank of gas and 32s minus spare weighed on a Certified truck scale rounded to the nearest 10lbs.

So the myth of the 3rd gen weighing 3700 is false. Its just like my big rig. On my visor it states the rig bobtail weighs 17,xxxish and in reality it weighs 19,800.

 

[Hugo]

It simply doesn't have a lot of torque at low RPMs like you get in a large displacement V8, or in a torque-tuned, direction injection blown V6 (e.g., the Ford Ecoboost). Minor changes like a chip and exhaust won't change that. You can't dramatically change the torque curve unless you make equally dramatic changes to the engine (e.g., turbo or super charger).

Well, neither did the 3.4 yet it did feel quicker, hence my post.

In kilometers right?

Huh? MPG is MPG, the only difference being the type of gallons used, here, as I discovered.

 

[clemson4rnr]

I drive stupid fast cars all the time and was initially yawning when it came to the power of the 4Runner. Even after a few weeks, it was feeling like a heavy pair of boots. But one night I pulled away from a stop sign, with my foot hard to the floor, taking it all the way to redline in every gear.
Holy smokes. It was like I had awakened the beast within. When you really need to move, the 4Runner will answer the call - not with sports car hyperbole, but definitely enough to motivate a 4,700-lb SUV.
I also suspect that if you were driving with a salesperson, you didn't realize the full potential. All that said, if you still find it lacking, it wouldn't be too hard to extract a few more horsepower with bolt-on aftermarket parts.

SO not to beat a dead horse but....


For the first time I floored my 4runner last night (after 2500 miles!) and Holy SH*T!!! I felt like i was in a bugatti compared to my 2003 F150.... Lookout MPG's your goin down!!!!

 

[dekeman]

SO not to beat a dead horse but....


For the first time I floored my 4runner last night (after 2500 miles!) and Holy SH*T!!! I felt like i was in a bugatti compared to my 2003 F150.... Lookout MPG's your goin down!!!!

:lmao:

 

[IOP25]

TRD needs a SC for the 2010 pronto. The difference in my 2000 was amazing after I strapped a blower to it. It would increase it to around 340 HP? That would be right on. arty:

 

[hikervince]

Nah, not looking for this.

I got the brochure in front of me right now.

22 city
31 highway
25 combined

I wonder if I could get a rebate because of this obvious false advertising...

Are you sure your not looking at a RAV-4 brochure? I have the 5th Generation brochure in front of me, and it clearly says 17/22/19. Where are you getting the 31 MPG.
- Hikervince

 

[sandcrawler]

2002 4Runner Sport Edition 4WD with less then half a tank of gas and 32s minus spare weighed on a Certified truck scale rounded to the nearest 10lbs.

So the myth of the 3rd gen weighing 3700 is false. Its just like my big rig. On my visor it states the rig bobtail weighs 17,xxxish and in reality it weighs 19,800.

you mean 4th gen, right?

 

[hikervince]

Tromp on the gas, get up and go.

:lmao:

I had the same experience. I am being pretty gentle since my 2010 Trail is brand new (800 miles now), but I did tromp on the gas in passing on a steep uphill, and holy cow this truck took off like a bat outa hell, and would definitely leave my Isuzu Rodeo in the dust. It seems very spunky to me, and from that one experience it certainly brings out the HP when you nail the throttle. But I may not have the basis for comparison that some of you have because I have never driven the 4th Generation V-8.
- Hikervince
- Hikervince

 

[Hugo]

Are you sure your not looking at a RAV-4 brochure? I have the 5th Generation brochure in front of me, and it clearly says 17/22/19. Where are you getting the 31 MPG.
- Hikervince

Yes. I am. And the MPG rating is different in Canada since we use imperial gallons.