Here Are 5 Ways Toyota’s V8 4Runner Could Be The Best SUV Ever

(CTN News) – With so many classic Toyota models, it can be challenging to choose the most popular Toyota SUV. Usually, Land Cruiser FJ40 models dominate the conversation, but there’s one that’s often overlooked. Despite only being available for a few years, the V8 Runner is one of the best SUVs Toyota has ever built.

V8 engines were first used in the Toyota 4Runner in what year?

During the fourth generation of Toyota models, the V8 4Runner was produced from 2003 to 2009.

A total of five generations of the Toyota 4Runner have been produced over the last 40 years. In those model years, only a few models featured V8 engines. Through the 2000s, SUVs were available with 4.7-liter V8 engines.

2UZ FE engines start out with 235 horsepower and 320 pounds-feet of torque, according to Motor Trend. 260 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque were gained when Toyota added variable valve timing.

A V8-equipped 4Runner is one of the most sought-after SUV versions. The reasons for this are several.

1. A new 4×4 system was available for the 4Runner V8

There is a significant difference between the fourth-generation 4Runner with V6 and the fourth-generation 4Runner with V8.

4Runners typically use manual, part-time 4×4 systems. Almost all modern models (except the Limited trim) use four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive was available on V8 models of the fourth-generation 4Runner.

In full-time four-wheel drive, the vehicle is always driving on all four wheels. In this system, a center-locking differential replaces the rear-locking differential. In Subarus, symmetrical all-wheel drive is used.

2. Towing capacity was best with the V8 4Runner

All 4Runner models with the 4.7-liter V8 had higher towing capacities.

For serious towing capacity, these V8 models were the best. Up to 7,000 pounds could be towed by rear-wheel drive models equipped properly. That’s 2,000 pounds more than the 4Runner’s maximum towing capacity. In spite of adding four-wheel drive, the towing ability remained high.

3. Providing bulletproof reliability

In fact, Toyota’s 2UZ V8 engine, available in the fourth-generation 4Runner, is known to be one of the most reliable engines it has ever produced.

Everything from the Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Series to the Tundra uses the 2UZ. The owners of these engines are quick to share anecdotes about them going thousands of miles without much more than routine maintenance.

Neither the 2UZ V8 nor any other engine is perfect. It is important to note, however, that the sturdy engineering of the V8 4Runner, the availability of plentiful parts, and the numerous mechanics throughout the country contribute to its long-term durability.

4. Getting the most out of a V8

You will enjoy driving the V8 4Runner if you want a memorable experience.

Although its standard V6 is an admirable workhorse, its available 4.7-liter V8 is more memorable. Overall, it provides a more visceral experience with its low-end torque and grumbling exhaust. It is true that it is an entirely subjective factor. It is not true that all driving benefits come from a spec sheet or can be quantified.

5. It’s no longer possible to buy the V8 4Runner

2010 was the last year that Toyota offered the V8 in the 4Runner lineup. This marked the beginning of the V8 SUV era. For all SUVs, the V8 was axed.

There is a saying that says you always want what you can’t have. There is no doubt that the V8 4Runner is driven by scarcity. Toyota truck enthusiasts place the eight-cylinder SUV next to other classic Toyotas. There’s no doubt that it deserves to be there.

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