2011 4Runner drops 4 cylinder engine

[haven]

http://wot.motortrend.com/6699231/a...ops-four-cylinder-4runner-for-2011/index.html

Looks like Toyota will stop offering the 2.7L 4 cylinder engine in 2011. Despite the fact that the 4.0L V6 is a $4000 option, 90% of buyers chose the V6 over the 2.7L.

Makes you wonder how much more than $4000 it would cost to put a V8 under the hood instead of the V6. The Lexus GX460, which shares the same chassis as the 4Runner, has a nice V8, and its fuel economy is not much different than the V6.

 

[CA-RJ]

I'm really suprised that even 10% of buyers chose the 4 cylinder. Has anyone seen one on a lot?

 

[07 Elephant]

My thought on the V8 4runner. I think Toyota dropped the V8 because the Limited 4runner V8 was taking sales away from the GX and the LC. It was really the best price for value SUV Toyota was offering.

 

[zidaro]

We have a '10runner with the 1GR and while it is a great engine and has plenty of power to zip around, I cant even imagine a 4cyl. in it. A V8 would have been the perfect option to have avail., esp. if you have intentions of towing. We dont, thankfully.

 

[Redline]

I agree. And with all 4th Gen 4Runners being all-wheel-drive/full-time capable one can make an argument that all of the 4th Gen 4Runners were in direct competition with the Lexus versions of the car.

I saw that the 4-cyl was being dropped on MotorTrend.com this morning and was also not surprised that they had so few takers. The 4-Cyl seems like very little engine for lots of weight, even in a 2WD car.

When I was shopping for my 4th Gen V8 I was convinced that the difference in Hwy EPA rating (2 MPG, 19 vs. 21) was a non-issue, and the possible sacrifice was well worth the added torque & power. I don't remember there being a big difference in price for the same car with or without the V8, particularly if it was 'only' an SR5 like my car. Surely not $4,000.00!

I have always theorized that if I was able to do an 'apples to apples' test with two 4th Gens, one with the 4.7L V8 and the other with the 4.0L V6 that the difference might be even less than 2-mpg. Partially because all the V8s were full-time-4WD and the V6 cars had a 2WD mode. Either pull the front driveshaft on the V8 or put the 4th Gen V6 into full-time/AWD mode and see how close the MPG truly is.

$4,000.00 seems like a serious up-charge for the V6 in the 5th Gen, which should be the standard engine. I guess it will now be the standard engine and Toyota won't charge extra for it?

My thought on the V8 4runner. I think Toyota dropped the V8 because the Limited 4runner V8 was taking sales away from the GX and the LC. It was really the best price for value SUV Toyota was offering.