2024 GX/Prado Release and Discussion (5 Viewers)

[Rednexus]

I get what you're saying, but wouldn't the 4cyl charge the battery while you're running up the hill? In theory, the battery will never run out of juice, even on the highway because the ICE will charge it up.

That is correct based on our hybrid. Per my other posts ours was charging going up Loveland Pass in some sections where the grade let off. Hybrids do just fine on long mountain passes. The ECU is constantly switching between electric charging and assust, including charging from engine or wheels, and the while process is imperceptible.

Toyota hybrids are A+++. Jury is out on one in a 4x4 but I'd have a hard time getting anything else for a daily.

 

[NinjahGoose]

That is correct based on our hybrid. Per my other posts ours was charging going up Loveland Pass in some sections where the grade let off. Hybrids do just fine on long mountain passes. The ECU is constantly switching between electric charging and assust, including charging from engine or wheels, and the while process is imperceptible.

Toyota hybrids are A+++. Jury is out on one in a 4x4 but I'd have a hard time getting anything else for a daily.

I wish Toyota would just say this then. All the speculation in how long the battery lasts while you’re towing creates misinformation.

 

[Cruiserhead05]

That is correct based on our hybrid. Per my other posts ours was charging going up Loveland Pass in some sections where the grade let off. Hybrids do just fine on long mountain passes. The ECU is constantly switching between electric charging and assust, including charging from engine or wheels, and the while process is imperceptible.

Toyota hybrids are A+++. Jury is out on one in a 4x4 but I'd have a hard time getting anything else for a daily.

I'm ignorant with most of this, but ~10 years ago I drove a GS450H for a while. That thing never lacked power and it was a blast. I have plenty of gripes like the rest (lack of TTV6 option, lack of tailgate, etc.) but I'll still be interested in seeing how this drives.

 

[carboncycles]

If you guys want to get an idea, go test drive the new IMAX Tundra/Sequoia. You will get an idea of how the system works but with much reduced HP/Torque.

I went to test drive the new TRD Pro, and the thing was absolutely silent at startup bc of the electric motor. But torque was near instant.

 

[Rednexus]

I'd be curious to drive an iMAX Tundra for sure.

The way I look at it, Toyota does 2 things the best: 1) Hybrids and 2) Bulletproof SUVs. If the system is dialed and off-road ready they would be very smart to combine the two. Our Highlander can get 39 mpg on some trips - and the damn things is bigger than and just as heavy as my GX. It's not fast but totally adequate and has good passing power. We love it.

 

[M1911]

Why do they feel the need to use these crappy Dunlop Grandtrak tires. They are horrible on road, in snow, in rain, off road and they wear quickly.

My guess is that they are cheap and most buyers won’t know any better. My ‘03 4Runner came with them new. I replaced them with Michelins long before they wore out.

 

[ThRiLlGmYr]

One inch shorter is not enough to make any difference.

Would you mind explaining this to my girlfriend?

 

[Trollhole]

What I'm curious about is the drivetrain. 250 gets an 8 speed the 550 gets a 10. The 250 has a 6000LB towing capacity and the 550 has an 8000lb towing capacity. Does this mean the tcases and rear axles are different in the two? Gear ratios the same?

 

[flx]

What I'm curious about is the drivetrain. 250 gets an 8 speed the 550 gets a 10. The 250 has a 6000LB towing capacity and the 550 has an 8000lb towing capacity. Does this mean the tcases and rear axles are different in the two? Gear ratios the same?

EU press release say the 250 will have 3.5T (~7700Lb) towing capacity so this 6000Lb tow in the US looks like a marketing gimmick.

 

[LazarusTaxa]

Yeah, I'm curious why they went with the NIMH battery vs Lithium Ion.. I get it's more "tried and true" but from my limited knowledge of battery technology a pretty huge step backward. It seems a comparatively sized lion battery could have WAY more energy storage and therefore better/stronger electric motor.

 

[Nottajeep]

What I'm curious about is the drivetrain. 250 gets an 8 speed the 550 gets a 10. The 250 has a 6000LB towing capacity and the 550 has an 8000lb towing capacity. Does this mean the tcases and rear axles are different in the two? Gear ratios the same?

A V6/10 spd would require different gearing IMO. How could it not?

 

[epaul]

EU press release say the 250 will have 3.5T (~7700Lb) towing capacity so this 6000Lb tow in the US looks like a marketing gimmick.

Tow ratings are uniformly higher for the same vehicles in Europe and there’s a lot of online speculation as to why.

 

[cruiserdan]

Why do they feel the need to use these crappy Dunlop Grandtrak tires. They are horrible on road, in snow, in rain, off road and they wear quickly.

My guess is that they are cheap and most buyers won’t know any better. My ‘03 4Runner came with them new. I replaced them with Michelins long before they wore out.

Fuel economy and NVH are both factors in tire choice.

Larger more aggressive tires negatively affect both of those.

 

[Trollhole]

EU press release say the 250 will have 3.5T (~7700Lb) towing capacity so this 6000Lb tow in the US looks like a marketing gimmick.

Are you talking GX or Prado. The 2.4 I believe has a 6k towing an the 3.4 has an 8000. This leads me to think the drivetrain is going to be less beefy in the LC vs the GX.

 

[epaul]

Are you talking GX or Prado. The 2.4 I believe has a 6k towing an the 3.4 has an 8000. This leads me to think the drivetrain is going to be less beefy in the LC vs the GX.

The Prado in Western Europe will only come with the 1GD-FTV and have a 3500kg rating.

 

[Phillyd2]

Yeah, I'm curious why they went with the NIMH battery vs Lithium Ion.. I get it's more "tried and true" but from my limited knowledge of battery technology a pretty huge step backward. It seems a comparatively sized lion battery could have WAY more energy storage and therefore better/stronger electric motor.

I would guess supply issues, despite how they spin it.

 

[on the rocks]

If it makes you all sleep better at night, just know Toyota does extensive testing at elevation and steep grades. I can assure you they have spent a lot of time testing this system over passes in Colorado. While I haven't seen any GX or LC as I haven't been traveling up in the hills this year much. I did see as many as 4 Tundras at a time just going over one pass being tested before it's launch. They are not just throwing this hybrid system out the hoping for the best if some should take their Toyota SUV out to Colorado or Utah on a whim.
I would be curious to know if they are required to add payload stickers in the doorjamb similar to what trucks are required to do. If so, research what your getting into and do the math just like you would do with a 1/2 ton truck and camper setup. Ideally, just like with any other vehicle, the more options you add on the less payload and tow capacity you will have. The guys going for the loaded edition 1 250 will suffer on towing and payload, those opting for the base 1958 will have much less white knuckle experiences due to the less added weight from the dealership. Start adding tires, armor and RTT and you might as well pull the receiver hitch...

 

[Rednexus]

Yeah, I'm curious why they went with the NIMH battery vs Lithium Ion.. I get it's more "tried and true" but from my limited knowledge of battery technology a pretty huge step backward. It seems a comparatively sized lion battery could have WAY more energy storage and therefore better/stronger electric motor.

When a NIMH battery can get 35-40 mpg in a 5,000# crossover, like it easily does in ours, why bother? Toyota NIMH batteries are excellent, reliable, and aren't' held hostage to countries like Chile who are nationalizing their lithium supply. Supply chain issues for advanced battery metals are very, very real. Lots of nickel is produced in North America from friendly countries.

 

[Rednexus]

If it makes you all sleep better at night, just know Toyota does extensive testing at elevation and steep grades. I can assure you they have spent a lot of time testing this system over passes in Colorado. While I haven't seen any GX or LC as I haven't been traveling up in the hills this year much. I did see as many as 4 Tundras at a time just going over one pass being tested before it's launch. They are not just throwing this hybrid system out the hoping for the best if some should take their Toyota SUV out to Colorado or Utah on a whim.
I would be curious to know if they are required to add payload stickers in the doorjamb similar to what trucks are required to do. If so, research what your getting into and do the math just like you would do with a 1/2 ton truck and camper setup. Ideally, just like with any other vehicle, the more options you add on the less payload and tow capacity you will have. The guys going for the loaded edition 1 250 will suffer on towing and payload, those opting for the base 1958 will have much less white knuckle experiences due to the less added weight from the dealership. Start adding tires, armor and RTT and you might as well pull the receiver hitch...

Agree - Toyota knows hybrids. They've been doing it the longest and have the best, most sorted system. Their hybrids are their "other" Land Cruiser and a flagship product.

 

[SnoopisTDI]

Tow ratings are uniformly higher for the same vehicles in Europe and there’s a lot of online speculation as to why.

My own speculation - Europe has restricted speed limits while towing. If tow ratings are (at least partially) based on braking, then stopping from 80kph is a lot easier than stopping from 80mph.