This is a deceptive question because a 4th generation 4runner from any year is a sure bet. They are all competent and dependable. Any rust-free 4runner (ideally with documented service records) will be an excellent purchase as long as you’ve examined the VIN to discover its accident history.
I advise purchasing the nicest and most modern model that your budget would allow. The most desirable models, in my opinion, are the facelifted V8 vehicles from 2006 and later. Everything comes down to personal taste.
In This Article...
Do fifth-generation 4Runners have V8 engines?
It has taken a while to prepare for this interview. Long before Jason (the founder of RSG Offroad and RSG Metalworks) put a 5.7L V8 into this monstrosity known as the T40R, we floated the notion. We initially mentioned their rock sliders in 2018 and mentioned having an RSG Offroad interview and review of the T40R at that time. Jason and I were both busy, and like most essential things in life, it was simply put on hold.
Since the beginning of 2018, Jason has been working hard to expand both of his businesses and give the T40R a 5.7L V8 Tundra engine with a Magnuson Supercharger. You did read that correctly. This 5th Gen 4Runner has a blown Tundra V8 in addition to running straight axles on 40-degree mud terrains.
The T40R was so very rad when we finally got to hook up with Jason at his shop in Lakewood, Colorado!
Well, our 4Runner delivery was delayed by 4 days, so we ended up with too much free time. I had to wait four days in downtown Denver, Colorado, for the delivery of my 4Runner. With that said, Jason picked me up in the T40R after stopping by my hotel, and we started driving down the road with straight axles and a blown V8. It was quite noisy.
What is the Toyota 4.7 V8’s reliability?
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 V8 4Runner pricey?
Politics, religion, and the question of whether the fourth-generation 4runner’s V6 or V8 engine is superior are the three topics that are frequently too divisive to discuss with others. If you have ever spent any time on the 4runner forums online, that is at least how it appears.
The truth is that both the 4.0 V6 and 4.7 V8 engines deliver excellent performance and dependability. While the V8 is smoother and gives more performance, the V6 is more fuel-efficient and needs a little less upkeep. Both are excellent choices; it just depends on how you intend to use your 4Runner.
There are many supporters of both the 1GR V6 and the 2UZ V8, and the majority of them aren’t persuaded that one is equally as good. The truth is that both engines are capable of handling every activity that an SUV might be used for, whether it be commuting, hauling, or off-roading. Both of them are poorer and better at different areas.
I’ll do my best to be as impartial and as informative as I can given that I myself possess a V8. It’s important to note that I’ve personally driven both the V6 and V8 4Runners.
Look at the chart below to see each motor’s advantages before we compare these two fantastic motors in more detail:
Let’s now examine each engine in more detail to see how it stacks up in various scenarios.
What is the lifespan of a V8 4Runner?
You might get 300,000 miles out of a Toyota 4Runner. Some drivers desire more, even though a Toyota 4Runner with 200,000 miles on it is amazing.
Which 4Runner years are the best?
Although almost every model has the ability to become a nice, trustworthy used SUV, the 2017 Toyota 4runner model year is the most trustworthy. The majority of vehicles in the fifth and current generation, which debuted in 2010, are powered by a 4.0 liter V6 engine. Consumers ranked the 2018 and 2017 models first, according to J.D. Power. The 2017 model, however, has a higher reliability score.
The 2017 Toyota 4Runner additionally received a J.D. Power Dependability Award. The reliability score for this capable pre-owned SUV is 88/100. The 4Runner gained a few trim levels in 2017 and now offers three TRD-branded variants.
Nevertheless, because 4Runner models retain their value well, even secondhand ones are frequently quite pricey. According to J.D. Power, a used Toyota 4Runner costs, on average, between $23,992 and $48,884.
What does SR5 refer to?
Sport Rally 5 speed is referred to as SR5. Sport, RE (EFI) engine family, and 5 refers to the five-speed transmission in the acronym SR5. The aforementioned response is not entirely accurate, but it is mostly accurate. The term “SR5” typically refers to a specific Toyota trim level with a more aggressive appearance, stronger suspension, and a large range of available options.
What exactly does TRD mean?
Toyota Racing Development is known by the initials TRD. This is Toyota’s internal racing-specific division, which is in charge of everything related to racing. Toyota is no slacker when it comes to fine-tuning and building a reputation of service and racing performance for its fans and car customers across the world. The racing world is a significant pillar in the automotive industry.
All the magic happens at TRD. It serves as the starting point for the creation of performance-oriented components and serves to link Toyota with its racing community.
Is the Toyota 4.0 V-6 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?
Is the fifth-generation 4Runner larger than the fourth-generation?
It definitely appears larger and more substantial than the 4th generation, looking meaty and robust in all the right places. And it is: 2 longer, 2 wider, and 300400 pounds heavier (4400 vs 4750) depending on trim. Yes, both vehicles have the indispensable roll-down back window.
Is a V8-powered Toyota Tacoma available?
The Toyota Tacoma is a popular mid-size truck because of its excellent fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and potent performance. A NASCAR V8 engine was installed in one, which is really cool. Imagine what a Toyota Tacoma powered by a V8 engine can accomplish in addition to the standard model’s power.
One of the most popular mid-size trucks in America is the Toyota Tacoma, and it stands to reason that giving the vehicle a V8 engine will increase its power and performance.
The greatest Toyota V8 engine.
This greatest Japanese engine was made to be dependable, tough, and surprisingly affordable in addition to having a tremendous amount of horsepower.
Distinct cars have unique engine configurations that are created based on the placement of their cylinders and serve different purposes. Vehicles can have a variety of cylinder configurations, including straight, flat, W, U, and V engines, among others. As was already noted, several engines’ configurations in cars fulfill various functions.
The arrangement of the cylinders on two distinct, opposing planes with an angle in betweenwhich typically ranges between 60 and 90 degrees or even more in certain enginesgives the V engines their name. V configurations are frequently utilized in current generation engines since they can fit in most cars and help save space.
The standard notation for V engines is V#, where # stands for the engine’s cylinder count. A V8 engine, for instance, has eight (8) cylinders arranged in a V pattern. Cylinders in a “V” engine can range in number. V6 and V8 engines can be found in sports cars, pick-up trucks, and SUVs, while V2 and V4 engines are frequently seen in motorcycles and were also employed in early automobiles.
How far will a Toyota 4.7 V8 engine last?
I’ve heard repeatedly that the 4.7 V8 engine and transmission are reliable with upwards of 300K+ original mileage, and I even read about a person who had 415K.
Which Tundra engine is superior, the 4.7 or the 5.7?
The 4.7 engine performs well. It was the unique Tundra in a million miles. But I would advise getting the 5.7. Although the increased power is nice when you absolutely need it, the gas mileage is comparable.
What was the V8 4Runner’s final model year?
Toyota only provides the 4Runner with a V6 right now. But a V8 was also available on the Toyota 4Runner from 2003 to 2009. Rusty frames were one of the most serious problems with the 4th-generation Toyota 4Runner, however subsequent vehicles from 2007 to 2009 are just as capable off-road as new 4Runners. Is the V8 in the 4th-generation 4Runner really one of Toyota’s most dependable engines, as Throttle House claimed on YouTube?
How many miles can a Toyota 4Runner travel?
The 4Runner continues the tradition of dependability that Toyota vehicles have established. One of the most dependable models from the manufacturer is the Toyota 4Runner, which frequently travels up to 300,000 miles.
The Toyota 4Runner came in at number five out of 16 vehicles in an iSeeCars research headlined “Longest-lasting Cars to Reach 200,000 Miles and Beyond,” with 4.1% of the SUVs achieving over 200,000 miles.
Additionally, the SUV is predicted to travel close to 200,000 miles, as stated by many trustworthy automotive sources and confirmed by owners on well-known enthusiast communities like Toyota 4Runner. They’ll run even longer with good maintenance, and 300,000 is not an outlandish number.
Will all 4Runners eventually travel 200,000 miles? No. The secret to a 4Runner’s long-term survival is routine maintenance. Fortunately, Repair Pal estimates that the 4Runner’s yearly maintenance expenditures are $514 less than the national average.