How is the Tacoma 2.4 different from its other applications?

We all know this basic engine is not new and that is used in cars/crossovers already. Typically when automakers port an engine over from car duty they have reinforce certain parts to make them "tougher" for the extra stress of towing, hauling loads etc.

How is this 2.4 different from its earlier applications?

The same could be asked for the Tundra where is engine came from Lexus cars.

Makes me wonder if Toyota knew from the 2.4/3.4 initial development (would have to be several years ago) that they would eventually be in truck duty or if they just tossed them in pickups from the parts bin because the displacement was more or less similar to their competition.

The trend for automakers now seems to be make as few engine blocks as possible then just adapt the same engine for cars and trucks across their portfolio. Wasn't really the case not too long ago.

Cheers

 

I dont think that has been announced. My guess is mostly around cooling. Possibly tuned/cammed for more torque and less top end.

 

Good question, because except for the SR detune, I haven’t read anything about the Tacoma 2.4L being tuned specifically for a truck.

I do bet this motor has been in the Tacoma and Highlander roadmap for years. If I recall the insider who used to comment here “Carmaker1?” was rumoring this powertrain 2-3 years ago.

 

Start watching around 52 minutes. A toyota engineer speaks about the new 2.4l engine, mentions that the Tacoma version of the engine has 50% new parts vs the SUV version, and is tested to higher toughness standards for the engine and turbo vs the SUV version of the engine. Very good interview.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oZmHREBNQk

 

Thanks for the link to the video @Rocko. Let's hope the hand-wringing/sky-is-falling anti-turbo crowd watches that video; if they do, maybe noise will die down.

 

And Gen3 only shared a seatbelt bracket with Gen2….uh yeah, right Mike…

Beyond quoting 50%, the engineer in that video was conspicuously non-specific regarding what differences, or even how the long term durability tests for the four cylinder actually benchmarked versus the outgoing six.

We already know that Toyota will use a lot of different fittings, hoses, & connections in order to convert the same 2.4T from transverse to longitudinal (not to mention different hybrid systems). That alone would necessitate a significant percentage of different parts.

My guess would also be mostly cooling requirements, but since they’re deliberately putting the “50%” quote out there to make us feel better, would love to hear more specifics.

 

Not a chance.

 

Yep. Gen3 owners will still be calling the gen4 sour grapes in a decade

 

LOL, I will have long since transitioned from a Gen3 to a Gen4 (assuming the 6MT option is real).

 

They are the Uncle Rico's of the car world; stuck in the 80's and thinking turbos are the devil.

 

It would have been nice to get a more detailed breakdown of the component changes and hear more about the specifics of the durability standards. Perhaps they are being tight lipped about the specifics of their test in order to maintain a competitive advantage against other manufacturers. They clearly have some of the highest engine durability standards in the industry. Regardless this video really puts to sleep all the fabricated skepticism regarding the next gens long term reliability we have seen on here. 1.6x durability standards vs the SUV application and 1.3x the thermal standard they employed. The engine is tested to work at extreme angles and the turbo in testing has been pushed thermally past anything a consumer would do. These benchmarks are the reason Toyotas have such high life expectancies. It is clear they designed this powertrain and tested it with the expectations of current owners in mind. 30 years of data helps with that. If the powertrain has been benchmarked against their older models I really can’t see any reason why this wouldn’t be a 300k + mile drivetrain, just like the 3.5, 4.0, 2.7 and 3.4.

 

I was under the impression the 3rd gen 3.5L has an oil starvation issue when going up hills. Does it?

 

I off-road my truck frequently on serious grades. In my 7 years of ownership I have gotten the low oil pressure warning on hills maybe 8 times? It is definitely an issue but I have never gotten it to the point where it starts smoking. Every time I’ve triggered that warning I was messing around trying to climb EXTREMELY steep sections and getting stuck halfway up. Turn off the engine and slowly bring the truck down to a level grade and start over. I think you really have to be belligerent to do serious damage, it is not a scenario that a normal owner really gets themselves into, I only do because I’m double locked and enjoy playing with the truck. Regardless it’s nice to see they tested the new engine to prevent that scenario from happening.

 

We’ll see about that.

 

I don’t think we’ll have to see about it. It was clearly a design flaw of the 3.5, and they clearly stated they specifically tested it at extreme angles on the dyno using clear oils pans so they can track how the oil flows through the engine, as to eliminate any seals from deteriorating or air getting into the system.

 

If the video blogger had balls, he would have asked Brian why better testing wasn’t done on the 3rd gen, and why should we believe you now.

The information in the video sounded like approved, vetted, public relations information. Toyota doesn’t let rogue engineers say whatever the fuck they want. It’s tightly controlled.

 

Of course the information will be vetted and approved, the guy definitely has had media training as he should. Andre may not even be aware of that issue because it’s relatively unheard of outside of enthusiasts forums, there is a line you have to walk in the industry as a journalist if you want access to these people. It’s too easy to speculate.

I don’t think the problem with the 3.5 oil starvation is prevalent enough to warrant that. There’s plenty of people like myself that push the 3.5 off-road and still have only encountered the problem a handful of times. If everybody’s engine was getting destroyed every time they wheel it would be different. It’s a pretty uncommon issue that is hard to pin down and doesn’t happen consistently.

You also have to keep in mind the context of the third gens release. Due to the 2008 recession Toyota held back resources to redesign the Tacoma, at a time when the segment sold less units and they were the only real competitor in the midsize market. It was a stop gap until they could completely redesign the platform. So they took the 3.5 and put it in the second gen platform essentially. Wouldn’t be surprised if they did less r and d.

 

Not my favourite channel but they do have a pretty neat interview with Toyota Engineer regarding the 2.4L at the end of the video. I learned some things.

https://youtu.be/_oZmHREBNQk

 

Oh never mind, ^that video has already been posted.

 

There is a weird "I scratch your back if you scratch mine" relationship between automotive YouTubers and auto manufacturers. These YouTubers often get airfare and lodging as payment for the publicity they bring to the manufacturer. I am not saying that is even a bad thing but it creates a dynamic of "don't bite the hand that feeds". You won't see any of these YouTubers/internet journalists asks really tough questions because they want to keep getting invited to exotic locations to test new vehicles.