Why did the 4th gen GVWR increase?
- Thread starter 4RNR-LOVN
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4RNR-LOVN
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Not a bad theory but the GVWR only went up 200 lb's in 2004 to 5,700 when Toyota added the third row seat as an option. So it basically went from 5,500 to 5,700 to 6,000. Actually, that's probably it...it went up 200 lb's due to the 3rd row seat in '04 and up another 300 lb's due to the increase in horsepower this year. You're a genius Peter!
4RNR-LOVN
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peter78
Super Moderator
When the 4th generation came out I was dissapointed with 4 things. 1.) Reduce payload, my 4Runner is 1,550 pounds and the 2003 was 1,050.
2.) Towing capacity stayed at 5,000 pounds.
3.) Trunk space is smaller not bigger.
4.) That terrible plastic trim on the base model.
I am not sure why payload is up, but Toyota has changed 3 of the 4 dissapointments by increasing towing capacity, bigger payload and no plastic trim. The trunk is still the same, not too bad, it is like they read my mind.
2.) Towing capacity stayed at 5,000 pounds.
3.) Trunk space is smaller not bigger.
4.) That terrible plastic trim on the base model.
I am not sure why payload is up, but Toyota has changed 3 of the 4 dissapointments by increasing towing capacity, bigger payload and no plastic trim. The trunk is still the same, not too bad, it is like they read my mind.
4RNR-LOVN
New member
I couldn't agree more. When they first came out with the plastic trim I told my wife, "I'll wait six months and they'll have the SR5's out with color matched trim by then." I'm glad I waited and I'm glad to know there appears to be some wiggle room in the cargo capacity of the '03's if no real suspension modifications have been made in '04 and '05.
Duc Hunter
New member
I just read this thread. I believe the reason the weight changed is.......for tax purposes! VW had their Touareg listed at under the 6000 limit for the tax break and Porsche had their version of the same car over it. VW noticed they were loose market share and, through interviewing customers, discovered that they were loosing customers because of the tax break issue. The next year, with no changes, the weight went up to 6000.
In my office 2 people loved my 4Runner but bought other vehicles to get the break. I am almost certain Toyota wanted to not loose market share to trucks like the Dodge Durango, so they upped the weight listing to get their customers the tax break. I bet if you drive an 05 and an 04, equipped the same, onto a scale neither will weight 6000.
In my office 2 people loved my 4Runner but bought other vehicles to get the break. I am almost certain Toyota wanted to not loose market share to trucks like the Dodge Durango, so they upped the weight listing to get their customers the tax break. I bet if you drive an 05 and an 04, equipped the same, onto a scale neither will weight 6000.
4RNR-LOVN
New member
I don't think it has anything to do with the tax encentive Doc...but you never know.
And that's true, neither an '04, '05 or even a Expedition or Tahoe would way 6k unless they had enough cargo, people, etc to be at the GVWR. The question isn't whether each one will weigh 6k but how will the curb weights compare year to year. Curb weight (weight of the vehicle plus a full tank of fuel plus a 150 lb driver) is different than GVWR (max weight capacity of the vehicle). When you add things like 3rd row seats and other options you take away from your ability to carry cargo like Pete indicated. Thus it would make sense that Toyota would want to compensate for that on paper as they most likely had plenty of cargo capacity "cushion" when they designed the 4RNR. Many mfr's do this in different ways.
And that's true, neither an '04, '05 or even a Expedition or Tahoe would way 6k unless they had enough cargo, people, etc to be at the GVWR. The question isn't whether each one will weigh 6k but how will the curb weights compare year to year. Curb weight (weight of the vehicle plus a full tank of fuel plus a 150 lb driver) is different than GVWR (max weight capacity of the vehicle). When you add things like 3rd row seats and other options you take away from your ability to carry cargo like Pete indicated. Thus it would make sense that Toyota would want to compensate for that on paper as they most likely had plenty of cargo capacity "cushion" when they designed the 4RNR. Many mfr's do this in different ways.
No, the tax incentive will still exist. Just not as good as it used to be. You used to be able to deduct the full amount up to $100,000. That incentive is now gone. Now it's back to the old incentive - you can deduct the first $25,000 + 30% "bonus" incentive on the remainder + 20% first-year deduction.
And this is all relative to how much you use the vehicle for work vs. personal. Use it 80% for work means you can deduct 80% of whatever the above totals out to.
And this is all relative to how much you use the vehicle for work vs. personal. Use it 80% for work means you can deduct 80% of whatever the above totals out to.
