2004 4runner mileage V6 or V8 (1 Viewer)

[Duane]

I'm looking at an 04 4runner 4.7 litre
I know it's a v8 and the 4.0 litre v6 should get better mileage..does it though?
The V8's are full time 4 wheel I think but I was told they are geared higher using the extra torque on the highway.
Logic to me says that if a 4.7 is running at a slower rpm than a 4.0 litre by say 20% then the mileage should be the same. What are you guys seeing for rpms at what highway speeds and does one get better mileage?
Sort of like the new Tundra 5.7 doing better than the 4.7?
thanks

 

[FirstToy]

there is a couple mpg's difference in the epa ratings. the V6 now has the nice 5sp auto so is more efficient than before. the 2wd setting will prob. yield a slight improvement as well.

The V6 is not a high revving engine. it's powerband is reasonable and you don't need to rev to get the job done.

all that said, i would prob opt for the V8. You are getting the 100 series drivetrain in a near-lux package with a few mpg penalty (vs. the V6)

 

[dgangle]

My 2001 4R with the 183 HP 3.4L V6 is a a thirsty ball-less wonder and gets around 18-20 MPG on the highway.

My 2007 4R with the 236HP 4.0L V6 recently got 21 MPG ave on a 1500 mile highway trip and has significantly more power. It is much more fun to drive, not just because it is new but the difference in power is huge.

 

[hoch]

3rd Gen and 4th Gen V6's yield about the same MPG. I am getting about 22-23mpg on the highway in my 02. My friend with an 05 (5-sp V6) gets about the same, but has MUCH more power.

The V8 is rated at 19MPG, and seems like the V8 owners are getting 17-19MPG on the highway.

I say if you tow on a regular basis, V8 is definitely a way to go. Esp. where I live, the air is thin and hills are plenty, so V8's definitely help out a ton. V6's hold their own, especially the new ones, but I'd prefer the V8 to tow. If not towing, the 4.0L has more than enough power. The best part is oil changes are a cinch (comes stock with an "oil filter relocator" kit).

 

[bulldog-yota]

I know plenty of guys with the new 4Runners and all I can say is I have heard quite a few with V6s say they wished they had a V8, but I have never heard any with a V8 say they wished they had the V6.

If you plan on modding the truck with heavy bumpers, sliders, skid plates, cargo systems, lift, big tires, etc you will find that the gas mileage difference between the v6 and v8 becomes less and less.

If you plan on keeping it stock or only mildly modifying it (small lift and slightly larger AT tires) the v6 yields better fuel economy by 1-2 mpg on average for most people.

A couple of other notes. The 05+ 4Runners tend to do better in fuel econmy than then the 03-04s. The V6 got a 5spd tranny in 05 (a must in my book, so if you get a v6 make sure to get the 05+), the v8 got variable valve timing in 05 which adds more power and a bit more fuel economy as well (this is more noticeable on the highway though).

My stock 03 V8 could easily get 20-21 MPG on the highway with me doing 75+ MPH. I only run premium in it though and found that after using premium for some time the power and gas mileage is better, pretty much the improved gas mileage makes up for the difference in price (and I have a bit more oomph). Today I'm trying to see how I can improve mileage to get back to 15 MPG on the highway (did some mods to it).

YMWV (your mileage will vary) as I it seems driving style with a heavy truck and a large engine the driver makes the biggest difference.