V6 vs V8 guidance

[cowboy4runner]

Just to clarify on the V8 AWD issue:

The AWD V8 actually only uses the rear wheels for regular driving unless/until it senses slip in the wheels, at which point it puts it into 4WD, or if you lock the diff and keep it in 4.

 

[Glock_19]

Plenty of people have already said it, the V6 has plenty of power to haul a whole load of people and gear up a mountain. The only suggestion I would have is to get a 4WD if you're going boarding. At least in WV the storms blow in quick and I've seen people get stuck on the mountain.

 

[JB.]

Just to clarify on the V8 AWD issue:

The AWD V8 actually only uses the rear wheels for regular driving unless/until it senses slip in the wheels, at which point it puts it into 4WD, or if you lock the diff and keep it in 4.

Just to clarify the clarification.

No, it's full-time 4WD with a lockable Torsen center differential, but the OP cares only about the engines.

 

[colombo]

Do not BS the guy. V6 is V6. Fills exsactly like a truck. You need to step on accelerator hard on the slope to keep your speed.
I drove V6 for 3 years- it was ok. Then I got V8. Day and night. 4Runner with V6 is the TRUCK, with V8 is the CAR. Hear the difference?

 

[zstampe]

I'd get the year newer v6 with less miles personally. Some nicer features like projector headlights and led tail lights on the 06. Plus cheaper maintenance and plenty of power for what you are doing.

 

[8086bruce]

I pull our 3800lb boat with my wife and I and 4 kids to the lake every weekend 55 miles round trip and don't ever (need) more power. 07 V6.

 

[zerowkul98]

Gotta chime in on this one.

I agree with the notion metioned earlier, "if gas mileage is an issue, the answer is Prius". Or perhaps go get the Highlander Hybird?

I drove the V6 and V8, but after the feel, power, resale and performance (not to mention the overall ability to do whatever I need it to, and not have to worry about "will it tow this? will it make it up the hill" etc etc".

I liked it so much, i bought TWO!

 

[zstampe]

I pull our 3800lb boat with my wife and I and 4 kids to the lake every weekend 55 miles round trip and don't ever (need) more power. 07 V6.

Good point, I pull about 2500 lbs twice a month for about 20 miles on the highway and even with my lift, roof rack, bigger tires etc etc it has plenty of power.

 

[M1911]

Just to clarify on the V8 AWD issue:

The AWD V8 actually only uses the rear wheels for regular driving unless/until it senses slip in the wheels, at which point it puts it into 4WD, or if you lock the diff and keep it in 4.

Not true!!!

The 4th gen v6 and v8 4wd systems are almost identical. The difference is that the v6 has 2wd mode. When you put the v6 in 4wd, it behaves exactly the same as the v8. Both have a lockable, limited slip Torsen center diff.

 

[lonesouth]

I got the v8 and there are a few reasons why.

1. The MPG difference is negligible
2. The v6 was much louder than the v8
3. V8 would have better resale(not so sure anymore with gas @ $4/gallon and looking to go up)
4. The v6 would handle 90% of what I tow, but I'd rather have 110% of my max towing than stretch that 90%.
5. v8 is smoother

mine is a 2wd. I never used the 4wd in real life with my prior truck, so I figured I'd be better off with that. Not many snow storms/ice in florida.

 

[4Runner4.7]

I got my 4Runner V8 2 months ago now. I dont tow either, but got the V8 for the "What If" factor. What if I find a new hobby? Awesome power/drivetrain.

I just got back from a 75 mile roadtrip to Pennsyvania Outlets with my fiance, and got 22.7 mpg. Of course driving very conservatively, driving 70 mph, all highway. But still, crazy good mileage for V8!

 

[lonesouth]

be sure you check your computer vs calculated. My computer read 1.5-2mpg high.

 

[4Runner4.7]

True, good point!

 

[MidwestT4R]

Just over a year ago I was in the same situation. I wanted a 4runner but was convinced I didn't need the V8. I didn't anticipate towing anything and was concerned about the mileage. So I drove all kinds of used 4runners. I settled on getting the Limited and locally all the used Limiteds had V8 engines. I did feel that the V8 was smoother but didn't really care so much until the salesman pointed out that the mileage difference wasn't all that much.

So I got a used V8 Limited with four wheel drive.

What has changed? I ended up towing snowmobiles with a full load of guys and gear and I expect more of it in the future. So yes, the V6 can pull too but the extra 2000 lbs of towing capacity over the V6 made it seem like my V8 was hardly even trying.

Yes, there are some additional maintenance items to deal with, but by getting the V8 and four wheel drive you preserve the OPTION of handling all the potential towing and off roading that you may not be doing now, but may be doing in the future. Even when you are telling yourself that it will never happen. Just like I did and I was wrong.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

You only live once. Get the V8. If you have to ask then you know you want the V8.

 

[M1911]

be sure you check your computer vs calculated. My computer read 1.5-2mpg high.

Mine too.

 

[DaveS]

The 4th Gen was the first and most likely will be the last time Toyota put a V8 in the 4Runner. The smooth quiet running of the V8 is now reserved for the luxury equivalent after Toyota realised how many Lexus sales they were losing to 4Runner. The V8 4Runner was imho a secret little bargain that Toyota corrected when they went to the 5th Gen.

 

[stanleybb50]

The 4th Gen was the first and most likely will be the last time Toyota put a V8 in the 4Runner. The smooth quiet running of the V8 is now reserved for the luxury equivalent after Toyota realised how many Lexus sales they were losing to 4Runner. The V8 4Runner was imho a secret little bargain that Toyota corrected when they went to the 5th Gen.

100% agree with your statement.


Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk

 

[M1911]

The 4th Gen was the first and most likely will be the last time Toyota put a V8 in the 4Runner. The smooth quiet running of the V8 is now reserved for the luxury equivalent after Toyota realised how many Lexus sales they were losing to 4Runner. The V8 4Runner was imho a secret little bargain that Toyota corrected when they went to the 5th Gen.

If it wasn't for CAFE and gas prices, I think they would still be making a V8 4Runner.

 

[KB084RUNNER]

V6 all the way

I selected the 4 Runner based on the 4.0L 2wd/4wd combination. That was 3 years ago...today with $4 gas I am glad I did. After averaging MPG for 40,000 miles my 4L V6 gets 19.6-20.5 city and 21.8-23.1 hwy depending on how heavy my foot is. So 20mpg was my threshold coming out of a 6.0L GMC at 14.1 mpg.

So on average the V6 saves you about $10 per tank of gas over the V8...if I compare it to my GMC 6L it is a 33% savings in fuel costs which was very dramatic.