This is the engine the 4runner needs

[wfo9]

I know I would. If i wanted power and features and fuel economy I would have gotten a Grand Cherokee or LR5. As cool as those vehicles are every time I pull up next to one those, or a Defender, or RR, or G-Wagon. I can't help but think how I'm the lucky one.

Maybe you don't understand the question. I'm asking if Toyota offered an engine option with similar specs and performance.. Would you opt for the lower power proven NA v6 version based on reliability concerns of the new tech (turbo 4 truck engine)?

This has nothing to do with one brand vs another.. More about what type of engine Toyota needs to build to stay competitive in the exploding truck and SUV market.

 

[Frasty]

You really want a 150hp engine in the 4runner? That is the problem with small diesels.. very limited HP because they can't rev. Decent tq but you need HP to run at speed and we go pretty fast here in the US.

And Toyota will never be able to sell a diesel in the US unless all diesel emission laws are rolled back. It's simply not going to happen. It's just not cost effective for them. They don't own the technology. And they are actually smart to stay away from it since it is a major liability in terms of warranty.

The 2.8L diesel is 175HP. That’s kind of the problem with the US market, everyone thinks that’s small and not enough power. It’s amazing how people go anywhere in deepest darkest Africa with them without any power complaints.

 

[Frasty]

I know I would. If i wanted power and features and fuel economy I would have gotten a Grand Cherokee or LR5. As cool as those vehicles are every time I pull up next to one those, or a Defender, or RR, or G-Wagon. I can't help but think how I'm the lucky one.

I had a diesel 2016 Range Rover Sport....the engine is actually made by Ford, and not one found in any Ford they sell in NA.

 

[DesertFish]

Maybe you don't understand the question. I'm asking if Toyota offered an engine option with similar specs and performance.. Would you opt for the lower power proven NA v6 version based on reliability concerns of the new tech (turbo 4 truck engine)?

This has nothing to do with one brand vs another.. More about what type of engine Toyota needs to build to stay competitive in the exploding truck and SUV market.

I would absolutely take the proven over the unknown. A couple MPG isn't worth the potential issues that can arise from a turbo. Oil consumption, bad bearings, likely having to use premium gas, and the upfront additional cost that comes with a turbo (they aren't cheap).

 

[borfoo3]

Wouldn't mind a 2JZ with a modern twin scroll turbo for the low end kick in a 4Runner

 

[WallyT4R]

GM needs to put that motor in the ZR2. I know this will never happen but if it does my 4 will be gone.

 

[WallyT4R]

Maybe you don't understand the question. I'm asking if Toyota offered an engine option with similar specs and performance.. Would you opt for the lower power proven NA v6 version based on reliability concerns of the new tech (turbo 4 truck engine)?

This has nothing to do with one brand vs another.. More about what type of engine Toyota needs to build to stay competitive in the exploding truck and SUV market.

No I would not choose the less powerful motor. In fact I believe that motor in that 1/2 ton truck is a complete waste of metal. GM stated that that little 4 cyl will be for 10 percent of the 1/2 ton trucks they produce. It's basically their to compete with the small f150 motor. So GM can say, we have a small motor like Fords.

 

[Soupbean]

Next gen runner engine

Maybe you don't understand the question. I'm asking if Toyota offered an engine option with similar specs and performance.. Would you opt for the lower power proven NA v6 version based on reliability concerns of the new tech (turbo 4 truck engine)?

This has nothing to do with one brand vs another.. More about what type of engine Toyota needs to build to stay competitive in the exploding truck and SUV market.

Toyota has never been a manufacturer that follows automotive trends. They more times than not set the trends.
I’ve been buying Toyota’s exclusively for about 30 years now. I didn’t buy a particular model because it had the latest, popular options. Didn’t buy it because it offered the most horsepower and torque or the latest styling.
I buy Toyota’s because they are dead reliable with great driving dynamics related to what type of vehicle they were designed as.
Save the turbos and super chargers for the FRS. The next generation runner will probably get an updated version of the 3.5 of the current Tacoma. More than likely have at least an 8 speed transmission.
In the last ten years the advancements in auto transmission technology has been pretty amazing.
If you mated a modern 8 speed auto to the current 4.0 in the 5th gen , I’d imagine most would be happy

 

[atchcraft]

GM needs to put that motor in the ZR2. I know this will never happen but if it does my 4 will be gone.

I really like the ZR2 and I’d most likely do the same thing.

 

[gm350reratliff]

The first thing I thought when I read that GM was putting a turbo 4-banger in a full size truck and seen the specs was, man that would be almost perfect in a 4runner. If only it could have Toyota reliability.

Then I remembered the last time I fell for a small turbo'd engine in a full size truck was truly an exercise in patience. That truck was pretty much a lemon but it was a ford. It really sucked breaking down all the time even with a warranty. Who knows if this GM will be reliable or not.

 

[honda99ex]

This looks like it would be just about the ideal engine for the 4runner. Diesel like low rpm torque (348 @ 1500) and still making plenty of HP 310 at 5600. Very light (serveral hundred pounds lighter than a diesel...) Should result in almost 30mpg too....

Has anyone found a fix for dirty valves with direct injection yet?

I would take it for a test drive. Most people buy what they want and not what they need. And this is probably more engine than what 99% of the people need. Reliability TBD though...

 

[randomguy]

I owned one of GM’s bleeding edge half tons, a 2008 Vortec Max. Great truck until it ate a lifter at 66k miles which then wiped a lobe on the cam. Very common issue with the L76. They still haven’t quite worked all the bugs out of AFM and you still get the occasional lifter issue. The point is this is new tech for GM and they have a nasty habit of using their customers as beta testers. Maybe that won’t be the case with this engine, but I’m certainly interested in finding out.

I also have a hard time believing a turbocharged gas engine could achieve 30 in a truck. The 2.3l Ecoboost Mustang is rated at 31 and that is a much smaller and lighter car. I suspect 22 to 24 highway would be more reasonable.

Meanwhile the 1GR-FE keeps chugging along. Would I like more power and economy? Absolutely. I guess if Toyota built a similar engine it would be well done.

 

[Travelin]

. . . .

More than likely have at least an 8 speed transmission.
In the last ten years the advancements in auto transmission technology has been pretty amazing.
If you mated a modern 8 speed auto to the current 4.0 in the 5th gen , I’d imagine most would be happy

This is what I find very surprising about the 2018 4 Runner, that it wasn't offered with an updated transmission. The Land Cruiser has had an 8 speed for a few years, and the 4 Runner will benefit greatly from an updated transmission.

 

[wfo9]

Has anyone found a fix for dirty valves with direct injection yet?

I would take it for a test drive. Most people buy what they want and not what they need. And this is probably more engine than what 99% of the people need. Reliability TBD though...

I have one with 90k and 0 problems, 0 maintenance besides oil changes and air filter. And it gets worked hard towing.. Runs perfect, so I would say they have it pretty much taken care of.. but I have not scoped the valves or anything. I do run a catch though.

Almost all cars produced today are direct injection. I know the early BMWs had major problems, but I think they all have it take care of now. I think Toyota maybe the only truck produced right now without direct injection. I'm not saying there is no buildup... but I don't think it is a big concern and would be easy maintenance if sucking up a little cleaner is required every 100k or so.

 

[phillyd2]

It gets the job done.. but they can't stay competitive with the current power plant for another 5 years. Its barely acceptable in the market at the moment. A few more years and it just won't make any sense.

Just a few more years? That sucks! Until then I guess we will just need to muddle along with it getting the job done.

 

[progress4m]

Has anyone found a fix for dirty valves with direct injection yet?

I would take it for a test drive. Most people buy what they want and not what they need. And this is probably more engine than what 99% of the people need. Reliability TBD though...

I think the only company that have accomplish that successfully from the beginning and without adding secondary fuel injectors is Mazda with Skyactiv engine line up (NA)… jury is still out as Skyactiv engines were introduced around 2011 (I believe) so not too many cars have 150-200k miles on them, but it looks like they actually “hit the nail in head” from the get-go.

 

[cbreze]

I'm fine with my 4runner's power as is. But if I towed I would maybe need more. Never having owned a 4runner before I test drove it with an eye toward acceleration and thought it was fine. I read here all the time you need to mash the peddle, but I disagree and wouldn't have bought anything that required that just to get going or merge on the freeway. I have no issues getting it to go.
I've never seen a diesel that didn't make obnoxious noise or smell, even new ones. The increased mileage factor savings can easily be eaten up by the increased price of the fuel. So not for me, but would be fine seeing the option for anyone who wants one. Gonna be pricey.

 

[83Mule]

I don't want a Diesel....and I don't want anything to do with the Toy 3.5. I would consider a 4 banger like the Chevy Turbo with Toyota build quality. I would LIKE to see a revised 4 Liter with more torque and mileage that retains the fairly simple and reliable aspects of the current one, mated to a 6 or 8 speed auto.:clap2:

 

[mo_mo]

Vehicle efficiency is so much more than the drivetrain. Sure more can be squeezed from the powertrain either through more gears and increased compression ratios but the downsides are well known and the upsides are equally quantified. It’s easier to go with a unibody and better aerodynamics without killing what Toyota is known for (reliability). Of course those have trade-offs as well. Those that want Toyota to push the envelope do not understand what Toyota is or how it came to have a very specific reputation. Keep dreaming!

 

[wfo9]

I'm surprised by the general lack of enthusiasm for a more powerful more efficient powertrain. I guess I just don't understand the fear of new technology.

Heard many of the exact same words when fuel injection became a thing. There are still a few guys holding on to their carburetors saying its the only thing you can really fix with hand tools... but I think they are missing out holding on to their perceived reliability blanket LOL