6th Generation Thoughts of Mountain Driving: A personal research

bradSRT88

New member
Joined
Feb 27, 2025
Messages
23
Reaction score
12
I've always wondered about the initial thoughts of the 4 cylinder and how well it may do in the mountains? For instance, people who live in Colorado and do go on trips to the mountains, would the 5th Gen be a better option for them or the 6th Gen? Having these thoughts in mind, I did a research and wanted to share my thoughts on here.

So I found out that it’s already been said that in terms of power, it won’t even be close. This is because naturally aspirated engines lose about 15-20% at elevations of 5k ft vs sea level. To have the turbo will be to recapture the power loss.

With respect to reliability, we know the 4.0 V6 on the 5th Gen is really reliable. It’s a proven motor and very very simple by modern standards but also is quite inefficient though under stressed. It’s interesting when I get to read about the same population of fervent Toyota supporters who swear their allegiance to the brand because of their conservative approach to product development, R&D and durability testing, simultaneously say how the new engine is gonna be a dumpster fire and unmitigated disaster.

While it’s def a more complicated engine, if someone is gonna make sure it’s hearty and reliable, it’s Toyota. They wouldn’t gamble the franchise (Landcruiser, Tacoma and 4Runner are legendary brands unto themselves). Toyota knows why people buy Toyotas. Stubborn reliability and resale value as a consequence.

This is a turbo motor engineered as a Toyota turbo motor from inception. It isn’t a naturally aspirated 4 cylinder they then strapped a turbo to like people are making it sound. The compression, cylinder wall pressures under boost, heat generation all have been considered. Not to mention the state of modern materials and metallurgy that also allow for reliable motors with technical specs not possible a decade or two ago.

With all this in mind, I think anyone who has plans to go on mountain trips should go for the 5th Gen. Apart from it being more reliable and efficient, it's also been proven. Which is a valid point for anyone who is looking to purchase either of the Gens for this specific reason.
 

New Threads

Finally got around to installing the Screen...
We are updating our tires to Falken Wild Peak...
Received everything but the hardware for our...

Recent

Finally got around to installing the Screen ProTech screen protectors for my ORP 6th Gen...
I added the beautiful candy red TRD UCAs onto my 6th Gen 4Runner TRD Off Road. These things look...
Hi there, I'm looking to get new tires for my 6th gen 4Runner and was wondering what tire/wheel...
We are updating our tires to Falken Wild Peak 285/70/18 C - Rated tires. A little pricey for...
Waiting for my 2025 TRD Sport Premium to arrive and stopped by dealer today since they finally...
When I was recently at the Toyota Jamboree in Gilmer TX, I was able to not only see the new 6th...
Received everything but the hardware for our new RCI Rock Sliders. Painted the top plate a...
If you want a FREE 6G4R.com decal, comment below with "6G4R.com Decal". That's it. Each free...
Drafting up this post as a guide/resource for new low-profile bumpers as they become available...
Are rock rails and running boards complementary, redundant or mutually exclusive?
This is a very solid shelf for anyone that wants a static platform in the rear of their 6th gen...
Looks like Toyota has increased the MSRP of the 6th Gen 4Runner by $500 starting July 1st 2025...

Similar

Back
Top