Where's my Horsepower? (4.0L 4Runner vs. Tacoma)

I just finished the March 2015 Peterson's 4Wheel & Off-Road "2015 4X4 of the Year" article, which included both a TRD-Pro Tacoma and 4Runner. One thing in particular caught my attention: both use the same 4.0L engine and 5-speed automatic transmission, but the 4Runner has significantly more horsepower and a bit more torque. The 4Runner is rated at 270hp/278lb-ft, while the Tacoma is 236hp/266ft-lb. Where does the extra 34hp come from in the 4Runner? Is this based on hard parts, or is it all computer? Is is possible to change a (2013) Tacoma 4.0L over to 4Runner output specifications without spending a ton of cash? I know a supercharger will get me over 300hp, but it will also cost $5k plus a life of premium fuel.

 

Thanks for the clarification. I guess Peterson's got it wrong. I wonder how many guys will be writing in to tell them.

 

A lot. They get responses all the time on stuff like this. I'm sure they'll issue a correction within next few issues.