Toyota dropping the 4 cyl. 4-Runner

Not a big surprise.

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

 

I wonder if they are going to put the 4.6 in the 4Runner?

 

No surprise indeed!

Like I keep contenting here on TW, Toyota needs to update the mechanicals for the Tacoma which includes the 2.7 liter four cylinder engine that they “tried” in the new 4runner. The 2.7 liter four banger is old and in need of an update BAD, it’s only single VVT-I and it’s mated to an antique 4 speed transmission. If Toyota upgraded the 2.7 to be dual VVT-I and mated it to a 6 speed auto it would have stood a chance at least. Even better, go to direct injection and a dual clutch 6sp auto transmission and they would have a winner!

Open your eyes Toyota

 

Not the least bit surprising. This was the most GM-like decision Toyota's made yet. They redesign the 4runner to be bigger and fatter than the previous generation and then downsize the engines.

What in the world is the point of offering an "economy" engine in a vehicle close to 5000lbs? It turns the vehicle into a slug and the engine is nowhere near as efficient as it could be because it's straining to pull that beast.

The V6/V8 offerings made sense. The I4 was plain silly. I think Toyota is sort of scrambling around to find solutions to the upcoming CAFE standards. America got good and used to ridiculously oversized vehicles over the past 20 years (and so did manufacturers), and all that bloat is about to be kicked in the pills when these new standards come into play.

Might be a good thing. Maybe being forced into more realistically sized vehicles will encourage fatass America to lose some weight.

 

Nonsense. The 2.7L is a fine engine in the right applications - "right applications" being the key term. In a stripper 5-lug Taco it's an appropriate engine. In a 2.5 ton SUV that's going to be loaded even further with family members and the kids' soccer gear, it's a gut-laugh inducing proposition on paper, let alone in person. Whoever greenlighted that combo at ToMoCo NA should be fired immediately.

It reminds me of Dodge building that 2.7L Charger:
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/comparison-2008-dodge-charger-v6-vs-1993-toyota-camry/

 

The 2.7 is just adequate in my 4x4 Tacoma. I couldn't imagine having that power train in a much heavier 4-Runner. Now if they would just put that new 4-Runner v6 in the Tacoma.

 

I agree that the current 2.7, in the Tacoma isn't a bad combination with a manual transmission. However, put the current 2.7 in a 4x4 Tacoma with the 4 speed auto (which is now available for 2011 in an access cab) and you have a dog.

If they just added Dual VVT-i and a new 6 speed auto it would help out tremendously with both performance and fuel economy.

 

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