How can a 4 runner 4.0 get better mpg and hp then Tacoma

I am looking around on different Toyota dealer we sites for a tacoma DCLB and noticed that on a 2012 4 runner limited 4wd they are listing it with a 4.0 v6 270 hp and 22 mpg. While a Tacoma which I would think would weighs less then a 4 runner advertises 21 mpg and 241 hp. A super charger is the only thing I would think of to boost up the hp rating, however the listing said nothing of a supercharger. Just thought it was odd it would be the same engine with more hp and better mpg.

 

The explanation is simple. They don't have the same engine. The 4runner received an updated 4.0 when it was redesigned a few years ago.

 

Bingo. 4Runner and FJ's have the updated dual VVT engine. For some reason the Tacoma is stuck with the older, outdated version. Plus different aerodynamics.

 

what they said plus drag

 

Are the 4Runners and FJ's geared the same as the Tacoma? My boss has a 4Runner and gets great highway MPGs, my Tacoma (with a shell) loses MPG at highway speed.

 

not really the drag. Its the motor. tacomas have single vvti and the 4runner and FJ have DUAL vvti.

Its not a new engine just a small upgrade the the same engine.

Its a shame the 2012 didn't get the dual vvti. It was a hot topic before the 2012 were released. I still don't understand why toyota didn't upgrade. Doesn't make sense to me.

 

Aerodynamics play a huge role in fuel economy, especially when talking highway driving. The new motor helps but having a shape with better aerodynamics will have a significant impact on fuel economy. As Chris mentioned, the stock Tacoma has the aerodynamic properties of a brick.

 

on top of that, most vehicles come from the factory with the front end dipping a little bit for less drag on the freeway.

 

That's right all the new OR's come with a saggy 3 pack in the back so they all are really high in the front...

 

what are the gearing differences

 

I dunno, looking at the 4runner and FJ, I can't imagine that they are that much more aerodynamic than the tacoma.

That dual vvti motor is a sweetheart. I drove my friends 4runner and man, the 50 hp really makes a difference. Easy to spin tires.

And regarding the spring 3pack in the ORs. Whats up with that? Anyone know the justification over hainvg the 4 like the sports?

 

Me too. I want the trail edition.

 

The trail edition is nice!! Starts at 35,000 or something right? Yikes!!

Only reason I said that aerodynamics is not the cause of the MPG difference is that when the 4runner had the single VVTI motor like the tacoma it had comparable MPGS.

New motor and boom, increased MPGs.

 

The Runners are pretty damn nice but I've been eye balling the new FJ Cruisers! The Trail Teams edition is calling me name but I've got too much invested in my Tacoma to get rid of it and a wedding to pay for now...

I'd say you're probably right on that. I think the TRD Sport is the only model that got the 4-leaf pack standard for 2012 (SR5's I believe still have 3 leafs).

 

The 4Runner and FJ have better aerodynamics than the Tacoma. The bed area creates a lot of turbulence where as having a curved back like the FJ helps reduce drag.

 

I've got a 2006 4Runner Sport V6 and a 2011 Tacoma Double Cab V6 and the 4Runner gets and average of around 3 MPGs better than the Tacoma. Not to mention the 4Runner has quite a bit more "get up and go". I have wandered about this too.

 

No that's weird because the 4th gen 4runner suppose to have the same v6 as the Tacoma.