Why did they not use the 4.0 Dual VVT-i V6?

I'm looking at Fuelly right now and the average MPG for the recent years 4runner with the 4.0 Dual VVT-i V6 is about 18.0 MPG. The most recent Tacoma is showing nearly 19.0 MPGs with the new 3.5 V6. Keep in mind a few things here:


Engine specs:

4.0 Dual VVT-i w/5 speed auto
270 HP @ 5600 RPM's
278 TQ @ 4400 RPM's

3.5 V6 w/6 speed auto
278 HP @ 6000 RPM's
265 TQ @ 4600 RPM's

2016 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Long Box V6 4x4 curb weight - 4355 pounds
2016 Toyota 4runner curb weight - 4655 pounds

2010-2016 Toyota 4runner reported mileage - average about 18.0 MPG's
2016 Toyota Tacoma 3.5 V6 repoted mileage to date - about 19.0 MPG's.

If the Tacoma had the 4.0 V6 with Dual VVT-i (which they should have put in this damn truck in 2010 when it came out in the 4runner!) and gave it a 6 speed auto I don't see why it wouldn't hit the same roughly average 19.0 MPG the current 3.5 is seeing. With more torque at lower RPM's (even though the torque peak is only 200 RPM's lower, with bigger displacement it will have more useable torque at lower RPM's), and a simpler design.

 

It's all about dollars and cents.

The Tacoma was outselling everything 10 fold, so why put a new engine in with new management for little gain as far as sales. They refreshed the interior and exterior and still continued to sell without issue. I know a lot of people that ran out to buy a 2012 without being concerned with HP.

The FJ is the only truck that switched engines during the same generation and I can tell you that you cannot tell the difference between a VVTi and a Dual VVTi FJ Cruiser.

 

They do lots of things just to make people as questions.

 

Mainly to meet future emissions standards. All the technology in the 2GR will allow it to meet future emissions regulations with minor tweaks instead of a total engine redesign.

This is also part of toyotas global architecture plan. in the future there will be fewer platforms running 1GR's and many many more using a variant of this 2GR.

 

Smaller displacement is always better

The 3rd gen Toyota Tacoma is the perfect truck in every way.

I love mine and there is nothing you can say to change my mind, no matter how much you dislike the 3rd gen

 

Since when? Ever heard the phrase there's no replacement for displacement? I take it your not a wrencher/gearhead.

 

Looks like the 3.5 makes more power to me. Especially more power than a 2nd gen

 

In horsepower yes, but both achieve same torque but the 4.0 works less to achieve it/at lower rpm than the 3.5. You can modify a small displacement engine to increase torque and horsepower, cams, etc. similar to a larger displacement engine. But in the end you cannot replace displacement, the 3.5 works harder at higher rpm to achieve the same torque as the 4.0, modify the 4.0 and you will see greater numbers than the 3.5. The smaller displacement, torque engine and transmission give the upper hand in MPG which is the ultimate goal for Toyota and the EPA, not performance. Personally I would rather have my engine work less to achieve the same power. Think in terms of engine wear and longevity. But to each their own. But to say one is better than the other silly, different engines to achieve different things.

 

If I want power, I'll get in my other car. Tacoma is a truck and does truck things

 

This makes no sense, both engines have same amount of torque which is what matters for "truck things" as you put it. The new gen has better towing due to frame "strengthening" and rear dif change, but as noted in the reviews the 3.5 is not a towing engine, but neither really is a Tacoma.

 

In a truck, you want low end torque to pull things, crawl over off road obstacles, and carry loads without really pushing the truck to do so. Logically this makes the 4.0 a better engine for "truck things". TFL Truck actually did a pretty good segment where they pulled a trailer like 100 miles and they were pleased with the feel, but the RPM stayed high (3,000+RPM IIRC) and that caused very poor fuel economy. And these guys are usually ALL ABOUT the Tacoma.

Like said, different engines with different design goals. I had every intent on purchasing a 2016. Found the one I wanted and took it for a spin...pulled out of the dealer and right back into the next entrance. Engine does not meet my personal desires for the truck, but that is okay. I will wait. Time will tell if they add engines, change tunes, etc...

 

To those complaining about the power of the 2GR-FKS, go drive one and put some foot in it. After I passed the 1k mark, I opened it up and was very impressed. This engine is quite happy at the upper rpm range. Once you get some revs, it pulls!

The "replacement for displacement" is kinda old school. It's all about the flow now-a-days. There are +2500hp 4 bangers these days. I'm totally being serial.

 

same story...it's got a 3.5 get over it already...don't want it don't buy it...just quit eye balling my 3rd Gen when I pass you on the road....lmmfao

 

No one was throwing a fuss, just pointing out the different aspects of both engines, each have their place and reason. And I definitely wont be staring your truck down. Taco wave, but that will be about it, my "archaic" 15 suits me perfect.

 

Boost FTMFW

Although Boost + Displacement = Badass (my last truck was a Lightning )

 

i agree!!

 

TFL did a comparison the other week, same route, same trailer, using a Tundra and they got worse gas mileage than the Tacoma did ... The Tundra can still tow more, but boy does it love to suck down gas!

 

The motors are just different. Can't make everyone happy.

I hear that!!!

 

That saying was accurate when my dad was in high school. Not today buddy

 

Okay "buddy".