why is it that V8 4runners don't offer part time 4WD?

[neowig]

V6 4runners have a part-time 4WD, so most of the times, you drive 2WD, saving some gas, and use 4WD if the weather condition gets bad (snow, etc...)

then why is it that V8 don't offer the part-time 4WD? i would have purchased V8 cuz i like more power(although i don't tow or anything) but had no choice but to go with V6 cuz of part-time 4WD...

any comment appreciated

 

[Thai]

I think that the V6 model is viewed as being the "cheaper" or "more affordable" model. Therefore, it would make sense that customers who buy the V6 model would also want to save a bit on gas. In addition, it was easy for Toyota to transplant the Multi-mode 4wd system from the 3rd gen 4runner to the 4th gen V6 model.

The V8 model is the high-end model. Thus, the V8 customers tend to care less about fuel economy in general. In addition, the V8 & 5-speed & Full-time 4wd combo is present on other Toyota/Lexus models (LX/GX470). So, it's just a matter of importation of the whole V8 powertrain to the 4runner...no need to redesign any part of it.

That's my theory...and i am sticking with it!

 

[JB.]

V6 4runners have a part-time 4WD, so most of the times, you drive 2WD, saving some gas, and use 4WD if the weather condition gets bad (snow, etc...)

then why is it that V8 don't offer the part-time 4WD? i would have purchased V8 cuz i like more power(although i don't tow or anything) but had no choice but to go with V6 cuz of part-time 4WD...

any comment appreciated

Full-time is considered a luxury. Pay more for the engine, pay more for gas, but you get the luxury of always having 4WD.

 

[Zachary]

I used to ask myself the same question, and I don't know why that is, but think of this......

The V6 4x4 gets 17/21 gas mileage. And that's when you are in 2WD, so when you put it in 4WD, then the gas mileage will go down.

The V8 4x4 gets 16/19 gas mileage. But that's with full time 4x4.

As such, when you put the V6 in 4x4 mode, then the gas mileage will probably be the same (or maybe worse) than the full time V8 4x4.

Even keeping the V6 in 2WD mode, you only save about $100 per year in gas over the full time V8 which is full time 4x4.

When I was looking at the 05 4Runners, the V6 models then came with a $1000 rebate, while the V8s came with a $2000 rebate. As such, it will take about 10 years ($100 per year x 10 years = $1,000) before the V8's slightly lower gas mileage will take effect.

Then consider that the V8 is way more powerful, and noticeably smoother and quieter.

I bought the V8.:

 

[TeCKis300]

I originally was debating the same thing...

But know that all time 4x4 means that you never have to worry about one more thing. By the time you realize you need to be in 4x4 mode, it might be too late.

 

[Q-V]

I test drove a V6 Sport and V8 Limited and I opted for the V6 because of the multi-mode. I admit I liked the extra power of the V8 but preferred the steering and handling of the V6 while in 2WD.

That said, if the V8 had a multi-mode option, I definitely would have bought that instead. I'm not sure why Toyota left out this feature except to make the vehicle simpler to drive (one less thing for drivers to worry about) and perhaps cut some costs and/or weight.

 

[20runner]

The AWD system on the V8 was a drawback for me when I bought my runner. Now, it's a "luxury" I would not live without. The system is seamless--not to mention the reassurance of the extra cyllinders. I regularly deal with mountainous terrain, deep snow, and ice. Road conditions can vary greatly during my morning commute over a two-lane country road--which may or may not have been plowed. AWD is more practical, as well as safer under such conditions.

 

[neowig]

to me, being able to choose between 2wd and 4wd is more luxurious than stuck in 4wd all the time. while i like the security of 4wd, the car(at least in my V6 06 4runner) feels and steers heavier than when it's engaged in 2wd. plus, the noise from the drivetrain became more obtrusive when in 4wd. when the weather is nice on the freeway, there really is no reason to be using 4wd in my opinion.

it's just my theory but if the more powerful V8 is offered with parttime 2WD, 0 to 60 time might be a bit faster than when it's in 4WD.

still, i see the point from some of you that with V8 and with all-time 4WD, you have one less thing to worry about. it's just that to me, it's more fun to be deciding between 2WD and 4WD given the condition or my mood of the day...

 

[sharp4runr]

Honestly, there isn't that much of a MPG hit when driving the V6 in 4WD. I drove my truck in 4WD for an entire tank and the difference in MPG was not much if any. I've received much worse MPG when driving in 2WD actually (suprise). My daily commute takes me through I95 in the DC Metro area. If anyone is familiar with the traffic, then you understand my low MPG (though my averages still falls between the estimated 17/21 MPG)

I think part of the reason is when driving in 2WD, you are still carrying the weight of the 4WD components around. The V6 engine is very capable and even in 4WD it doesn't feel sluggish. I'm curious to see what the drivetrain loss would be if someone dynoed a V6 in 2WD and then dynoed it again in 4WD.

Well you can see my gas figures in my signature. Granted the 4WD test was on only one tank of gas so I couldn't make difinitive conclusions but it is a start. I'll try and do it again soon and see if there is a pattern.

 

[Bluto]

I'm not sure what is cost Toyota to manufacture and deliver the V8 vs. a V6.

But the multi-mode system on the V6 has to cost more, it is more complex, more parts.

I think Toyota made the V8 full-time to keep cost down and be competitive.

And most consumers think full-time 4WD = 9MPG. A full-time only V6 would scare some buyers away.

 

[Koz]

Honestly, there isn't that much of a MPG hit when driving the V6 in 4WD. I drove my truck in 4WD for an entire tank and the difference in MPG was not much if any. I've received much worse MPG when driving in 2WD actually (suprise). My daily commute takes me through I95 in the DC Metro area. If anyone is familiar with the traffic, then you understand my low MPG (though my averages still falls between the estimated 17/21 MPG)

I think part of the reason is when driving in 2WD, you are still carrying the weight of the 4WD components around. The V6 engine is very capable and even in 4WD it doesn't feel sluggish. I'm curious to see what the drivetrain loss would be if someone dynoed a V6 in 2WD and then dynoed it again in 4WD.

Well you can see my gas figures in my signature. Granted the 4WD test was on only one tank of gas so I couldn't make difinitive conclusions but it is a start. I'll try and do it again soon and see if there is a pattern.

Recently someone dynoed a 03 V8 and it had an 18.7% drive train loss. This is pretty good for a full time 4WD vehicle. This percentage should be pretty consistent for all 4th gen 4Runner because the drive trains are all the same. I don't think the multi-mode 4wd system will make any difference.

Koz

 

[sharp4runr]

Recently someone dynoed a 03 V8 and it had an 18.7% drive train loss. This is pretty good for a full time 4WD vehicle. This percentage should be pretty consistent for all 4th gen 4Runner because the drive trains are all the same. I don't think the multi-mode 4wd system will make any difference.

Koz

Yeah I remember the post. My curiousity is the difference between being in 2WD and 4WD with the multimode.

 

[Koz]

Yeah I remember the post. My curiousity is the difference between being in 2WD and 4WD with the multimode.

I don't know where the front diff disconnects but I think there will not be that much of a difference.

Koz

 

[olliebear]

Ditto

The AWD system on the V8 was a drawback for me when I bought my runner. Now, it's a "luxury" I would not live without. The system is seamless--not to mention the reassurance of the extra cyllinders. I regularly deal with mountainous terrain, deep snow, and ice. Road conditions can vary greatly during my morning commute over a two-lane country road--which may or may not have been plowed. AWD is more practical, as well as safer under such conditions.

Having owned a part time 4x4 in my Tahoe, and my current V8 AWD, I much rather have the AWD V8. IT is seamless or "driver transparent". Rain can turn to snow or slush quickly up here. I don't think about having to punch the transfer gear lever between 2x4 or 4x4, or traying to decide whether the road is slippery enough ot do 4x4 or not, or as the road conditions change. Remember that you're not suppoed to drive on 4x4 unless there is slippage as the differentials need slippage or else you will get driveline bind.

ONe also does not have to think about whether the transfer unit is cranky or not. Chevy uses a heat actuated coupling unit that engages the fron to rear wheels. Pulling the transfer gear lever does not lcok the front immediately but may take 10-30 seconds for the gears to engage. Time that you are sloshing around trying to get it going. I've also had sticky actuaters that would not engage into 4x4 while I am trying to move from a standing start up a slippery snow/ice covered uphill road, causing me to lose traction and slow slide back several times.

No need to worry about that in Toyota's AWD with Torsen torque spitting system. Just drive. If you really get in the slop, there is 4x4 Lo, and locking center diffs to get all four corners moving. If you live in moderate weather, part time 4x4 is fine. If you live in inclement weather and do some off roading, then AWD is better.

OVer the 4 day Thanksgiving Weekend, I was driving across Nevada on US 50 way out in the middle of nowhere going to the Berlin Ichthyasaur State Park. It was snowing popcorn snow, but at times sticking. Finally made it across hundreds of miles of deserted roads to find another 22 miles on dirt track--soon to be snow covered dirt track making mud track.....going uphill towards the foothills of hte mountains. Not once did I feel I needed to turn back. The 4Runner made it up and down in AWD, sloshing up the trials following the park ranger in lead---the 4Runner rode up like a tank all 4 BFG KO A/T clawing up without any detected slippage. No need to go 4x4 or 2x4, just step on the gas and ease on up. Kudos to Toyota's system.

 

[02SE]

V6 4runners have a part-time 4WD, so most of the times, you drive 2WD, saving some gas, and use 4WD if the weather condition gets bad (snow, etc...)

then why is it that V8 don't offer the part-time 4WD? i would have purchased V8 cuz i like more power(although i don't tow or anything) but had no choice but to go with V6 cuz of part-time 4WD...

any comment appreciated

4th gen. V6 4x4 4Runners have the option of driving in 2wd, full-time 4wd, 4wd high locked, and 4wd low locked.

You can leave the transfer case in fulltime 4wd mode indefinately, and it will operate just like the V8's fulltime 4wd system.

The V6 4wd system, is more versatile.

 

[Fro-Runner]

^
|____-- Yeah! What he just said! I run my Runna in 2wd from April through December! I run 4wd mode all the time from Jan thru March. Nothing will sneak up on you if you plan ahead.
Also, what's wrong with slowing to about 45 or 50 and shifting on the fly when the sprinkles of rain start hitting the windshield..........huh? You V-8 owners want life too freaking easy!! Stop trying to justify your decisions for buying a V8!

 

[ToolmanJohn]

Ditto on leaving it in 4WD

It's been in 4WD for a little over 2 weeks now. Except for the steering being a little more sluggish in low speed turns, I can't tell the difference. No extra noise at all.

I will most likely leave it in 4WD all Winter till mid February. Besides, it's easier on my Blizzak tires by having a power split to the 4 wheels instead of having all of it go to the rear axle. Saves on tire wear for the few months they will be mounted.

 

[sharp4runr]

I started a fresh tank of gas in 4WD with my V6 and I'll post up the MPG. Should be pretty soon since I'm taking some long distance trips.

 

[EDGE]

I always wondered what sales would look like if the V6 had the AWD and the V8 had the Part time system.

I don't get it, if the V8 AWD is suppost to be the lux model then why sell SR5 and Sports with it:bash:

I've driven both, and yeah I understand why people like the V8 but the V6 is not far behind and most would not be able to tell the difference in normal day to day daily driving: isn't Lexus using the 4Runner V6 in their sedans so it's can't be a bad engine

 

[Uneek]

I've driven both, and yeah I understand why people like the V8 but the V6 is not far behind and most would not be able to tell the difference in normal day to day daily driving: isn't Lexus using the 4Runner V6 in their sedans so it's can't be a bad engine

Similar engines, same family to be exact. The V6 in the 4R is the 1GR. 2GR is in the IS350, along with the Avalon and new RAV4 V6 except the twin injectors. 3GR is in the GS300 and 4GR is in the IS250. What's interesting is Toyota developed the GR in biggest displacement and went down, from 4.0, 3.5, 3.0 to 2.5 in the 1, 2, 3 and 4GR, respectively.