The 4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine powering the 2022 Toyota 4Runner produces an outstanding 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with sequential shift mode and intelligence is mated to this engine. The Toyota 4Runner has two different drivetrain options for 2022: a part-time 4WD system and a full-time 4WD system. Drivers may anticipate 16 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the motorway in terms of fuel efficiency.
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Exists an 8-cylinder Toyota 4Runner?
When contrasting the V6 and V8 versions of the 4th generation 4runner, I believe this final point is sometimes missed. When determining which model to purchase, specs, ratings, and performance testing all have a place and are highly helpful.
Having personally driven both models, I can tell you that there are some things that just don’t translate on paper. They are an element of the driving experience that can be felt and heard but are not likely to be detected by tests.
Sound
A V6 and a V8 4runner’s sound really differ from one another. While they have their reasonably quiet factory exhausts, it might not be as noticeable, but when they are modified, the difference is night and day.
It doesn’t necessary sound horrible to install a cat back exhaust on a V6, but it won’t exactly win you any admirers. However, a V8 4runner with upgraded exhaust will emit a loud growl that many unaware onlookers would never anticipate coming from a little Toyota SUV. The 2UZ engine has a lovely sound and gives you the impression that you are operating a premium vehicle.
The V6 is an engine that is notably louder, aside from the exhaust note. They are renowned for producing a stronger ticking and tapping sound than the V8.
Smoothness
All 4th generation 4runners felt supple and well-made thanks to Toyota’s excellent design. However, when it moves through the rpm range, the V8 is smoother than the V6. This is sometimes cited as the sole justification for Toyota’s exclusive use of the V8 in Lexus cars.
Amount of effort required
The amount of effort required to get the 4runner rolling is another difference between the V6 and V8 drives that you’ll notice. The V8 does this with easily and seems to never be working very hard. In contrast to the V8, the V6 needs more than just a little tap on the accelerator to accelerate swiftly.
An engine that doesn’t have to work hard is more likely to live longer, according to those who are concerned about reliability. However, there’s no reason to think that either of these Toyotas’ engines is more dependable than the other; they’re both excellent in that regard.
The V6 4runner can have trouble navigating steep ascents when it is overburdened with passengers and extra weight. The V8 won’t even perspire in the same scenario. Both will accomplish the job, but the V8 will do it more quietly, with less vibration, and at a lower RPM and temperature.
Rarity and future value
A V6 engine has been available in every iteration of 4runner. However, V8s are only available in vehicles from 2003 to 2009. The 4th Gen is the only one of the 5 generations to have a V8 engine. Furthermore, Toyota will never again install a V8 engine in the 4runner given the way the car market seems to be moving.
They are highly unique as a result. If the collector car market has taught us anything, it is that special editions of well-known cars will always stand out and be in high demand. The V8 4runner is an innocent-looking small hot rod that might someday be valuable as a collection.
The popularity of the V8 4runners is already becoming apparent. There aren’t many items offered for sale at any given moment on the used market, as you can see. The asking prices for the ones you do find are frequently rather exorbitant. Is this an indication that the values have peaked and will soon start to rise? All we can do is wait and see.
Again, the V6 models are in perfect condition. They were all popular and had a V6; it’s just that they mix in with all the previous 4runner generations and all the other platforms, such the Tacoma and FJ Cruiser.
Check out this video for a far more skewed viewpoint on the subject:
A 4Runner is it quick?
J.D. Power gave the 2021 Toyota 4Runner a predicted dependability rating of four out of five. A lot of performance elements are also included in this model to enable you to pull, haul, and safely take in the surroundings. Here are a few examples:
- Electric Liftgate
- Common Skid Plates
- System for Low-Speed Craw Control
- Rear Differential Locking
- System of Kinetic Dynamic Suspension
- Receiver for a tow hitch
- Shock absorbers with Cross-Links
The Toyota 4Runner 2021 also comes with a roof rack. But the fun doesn’t end there. This fast Toyota SUV can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds and has a top track speed of 115 mph.
Does the Toyota 4Runner have enough power?
Two inquiries should be made by anyone considering the 2021 Toyota 4Runner.
And by off-road, I don’t mean driving through the grass clippings that your neighbor sprayed on the street or the half-mile journey to a tiny vineyard’s tasting room up a well-kept gravel road. Off-roading in the serious, there’s a danger we may get stuck here, in the middle of nowhere, hoping we didn’t forget the toilet paper sort.
An answer to that question, however, still raises another. Am I prepared to forego good manners, fuel efficiency, and refinement to make such journeys?
The capability and general performance of the 2021 4Runner are reminiscent of the early days of SUVs. The 4Runner continues to prioritize tackling untamable areas while offering workhorse capability and headstrong ruggedness, despite the fact that SUVs predominate in places like the school drop-off line and the Target parking lot, where most of them spend about as much time on unpaved paths as a coffee maker.
The Toyota 4Runner does quite poorly on regular commutes, much like the Jeep Wrangler. It maneuvers with roughly the same level of grace as a cumbersome pallet jack. It looks similar to and uses gas like SUVs from bygone eras. In addition, it is not a utilitarian tool from the discount bin like the Wrangler; rather, it is fairly expensive given the quality of fit and finish.
Given that the Toyota still uses body-on-frame construction, it makes sense that it feels like a truck when driving on pavement. The ride is bouncy, the steering is incredibly vague, the body roll is enormous, and the brake pedal is spongy.
Even in premium trims, the cabin is awash in harsh plastics and materials that seem cheap, and it has a dated aspect overall.
Despite producing 270 horsepower and 278 torque, the 4 Liter V6 feels underpowered due to the heavy curb weight of the 4Runner. The outdated 5-speed automatic transmission does nothing to help the 4Runner’s 18 mpg combined fuel economy rating in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive variants.
Additionally, the exhaust is loud, especially given that the sound coming from the back may best be described as a drone.
The 4Runner is still a desirable option for consumers who place a premium on off-road prowess for those who can get beyond this lengthy list of problems, though.
Skid protection for the undercarriage, LED illumination, and 17-inch wheels for uncharted terrain are included on all versions.
A special Trail Edition 4Runner has been unveiled by Toyota for 2021. It will be produced in a small batch of 4,000 units and feature 17-inch TRD off-road wheels with knobby tires, a rear cargo box, a rooftop basket, all-weather floor liners, and other distinctive aesthetic elements. There is a choice of two- or four-wheel drive.
Off-road fans will probably favor the base SR5 trim, TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro vehicles due to the Trail Edition’s constrained production run.
With a hood scoop, rocker panels, and other stylistic additions, the TRD Off-Road has a more masculine appearance. It also has Toyota’s Multi-terrain Select tool for a variety of off-road driving scenarios with Crawl Control. In low-speed settings, the technology automatically modifies the brakes and throttle to free up the driver’s attention for steering through rough or rocky terrain.
Off-Road Premium variants come with extra amenities and leatherette seats that are easier to maintain.
The top-tier TRD Pro model costs significantly more, but it comes with a lot of extra goodies.
TRD Pro models have P265/70R17 Nitto Terra Grappler tires, a cat-back exhaust, an aluminum front skid plate, 2.5-inch Fox internal bypass shocks on the front and rear, tuned front springs, a JBL audio system, a power sunroof, and other extras.
High/low transfer cases are included with the SR5 and TRD Off-Road variants, while an electronically controlled rear differential is standard on Limited vehicles.
Whatever the trim, the 4Runner’s interior is functional with harsh plastics, an outdated design, and cheap-feeling knobs and buttons. While it is to be expected from a vehicle made to carry dirty boots and dusty bottoms, it is difficult to overlook given the price tag on my TRD Pro test vehicle, which was over $52,000.
A Wi-Fi hotspot, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa connectivity are included on all models of Toyota’s straightforward but feature-light infotainment system.
Pre-collision systems, lane-departure alerts, automatic high lights, a slew of airbags, and radar cruise control are included in all models.
Additionally hospitable, the cottage has plenty of storage spaces and capacity for grownups. There is an option for third-row seating with a sliding second row, but it reduces the cargo space to just 9 cubic feet. Cargo volume is an astounding 47 cubic feet with the third row folded down or not, and there is up to 90 cubic feet of space behind the front seats.
The 4Runner’s high back deck can make loading cargo a challenge, but a pull-out cargo deck is an option to lessen the strain.
The 4Runner is capable and useful whether used as a tool to tame the outdoors or as a toy to make them fun. However, its unimpressive on-road performance and low-quality cabin limit its appeal to those who stick to the trodden path.
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Pros and disadvantages
Cons: Poor performance on paved roads, poor fuel economy, and an antiquated, plastic-filled cabin
Overall: The rugged 4Runner can be appealing to trail users, but it’s a tool or toy that forces users to make significant compromises in terms of performance on paved surfaces.
Who has the greatest horsepower in a 4Runner?
The 4.0-liter DOHC 24-Valve V6 engine in the 2021 Toyota 4Runner is fantastic and includes Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing and Intelligence (VVT-i). Up to 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque can be produced by this system when combined with additional performance systems, which we’ll discuss later. At 5,600 RPM, the horsepower is entirely developed, while the torque is totally released at 4,400 RPM. This engine’s ignition system is electrical and uses Toyota Direct Ignition (TDI).
The model is worth it just for the engine, but when you combine it with a range of performance-improving features, you really have an SUV that shines! Check out the Toyota 4Runner’s further features by reading on!
Toyota 4Runner Performance-Boosting Technologies
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner also has a great drivetrain and transmission in addition to the aforementioned engine. These two components combine with the engine to provide an increased overall burst of power and capabilities, providing you tremendous strength no matter what the situation. The drivetrain varies depending on the choices you make, and the transmission in question is an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission.
There are two types of 4WD systems: part-time and full-time. The first is a required feature, but the second is an extra that can be purchased for more money.
Is the Toyota 4.7 V8 an effective motor?
The 2UZ-FE 4.7 V8 engine debuted in 1998 and was produced until 2011. It’s a fantastic engine that provides an admirable blend of power, lifespan, and dependability. The Toyota V8 is obviously not strong in terms of fuel efficiency, though. Furthermore, no engine is flawless, and that also holds true for this one.
The Toyota 2UZ-FE has a lot of problems, mostly with cracked exhaust manifolds. On most models, keep an eye out for these issues to arise, but earlier models are more vulnerable to the manifolds shattering. Since it is an interference engine, replacing the timing belt is a crucial maintenance task. Water pumps may also experience leaks. It is an easy component to change in addition to the timing belt.
The Toyota 2UZ-FE 4.7L engine offers outstanding reliability all around. It has a sturdy, long-lasting design. If you keep up with maintenance, there’s a good chance the 2UZ-FE will reward you with a long, dependable, and satisfying life.
Is the Toyota 4.0 V6 an effective motor?
Everyone is aware that Toyota manufactures indestructible engines, but like the majority of man-made objects, there are production problems and prospective weaknesses to watch out for. This article will go over the Toyota 4.0 V6’s dependability in detail and the highest mpg you can get out of the v6 monster.
The 2009 and later vehicles’ Dual VVT-i 4.0 V6 engine is quiet, dependable, and smooth, with an engine life that easily exceeds 200,000 miles (320,000 km).
It goes without saying that the secret to an engine’s dependability is routine maintenance and the use of premium oils and lubricants. Undoubtedly, certain engines are more likely than others to experience mechanical and dependability problems.
So how does the 4.0 v6 fare in terms of durability and dependability? What are some of the potential problems you can anticipate and how effective are these engines really?
4 runners, are they slow?
The 4.0-liter V6 engine that powers the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. It feels incredibly slow, to be honest. It felt like a Prius could certainly get to 60 mph before me, and I found myself virtually hammering the pedal during initial acceleration just to get going.
Although I am completely aware that you don’t buy one of these things for quick acceleration, it was a touch frustrating for the everyday commute. Not much better either were the brakes. Due to the weight of the vehicle, I had to learn to apply the brakes earlier than usual in order to stop where I wanted to.