Toyota: Smaller engines, smaller carbon footprints. Why it’s the right time to lose the V6s & V8s

Howdy, y'all! It's about time we have a conversation about the IMPACT of Toyota's downsizing
Find all of these numbers and so much more at fueleconomy.gov
THIS VIDEO WAS NOT SPONSORED OR PAID FOR BY ANY ENTITY.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro & Data Source Info
01:52 PART 1 - Emissions: the actual numbers
03:13 1.1 - Comparing the cars we’ve owned recently
04:54 1.2 - EVs are not zero (but they do pollute a lot less)
06:29 1.3 - Toyota trucks before and after the switch to turbo V6
08:19 1.4 - Toyota’s approach to carbon neutrality
10:20 PART 2 - Petrol heads and the environment

[@k24wkevin]

Excellent video and it fits into a niche that we do not see amongst car reviewers. It is a sad reality, but the march of progress will go on. What it means for us is compromise and more and more we will find vehicles with less NVH, more complexity and more reliability concerns. Like what you said, grab whatever V8 or V6 while you can, maintain and hold on to them.

[@joshjamescars]

Yes! Exactly to all of this. Cheap plastics, small engines, and all the rest of it… now is the time to grab that last great V6 or V8!

[@Pennychaser1]

Good to know. I do have Model Y, gx460, and modified heavy polluting 300zx Twin Turbo and have solar panels at home to charge my tesla. I do believe I'm doing my part by being unemployed and not driving much lol. Having said that I think there are bigger fish to fry then to worry about the environment at this point. Governments are all about environment at w/o the regard for livelihood of humanity. This increases costs everywhere from utility, overall cost of living via high fuel costs which trickles down to increased cost of everything. These extreme 'green' policies are lower birthrates too! Think about it. It's all connected. Didn't mean to get on a tangent lol. Cheers!

[@joshjamescars]

I could not agree more about bigger fish to fry. But we also can’t put off the environment either. And yes! I think what you’re doing to balance loving your old school cars while also still embracing new technology!

[@Jontellis]

Informative and honest as usual, thank you! 🙏

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you as always for watching!

[@dougwilkinson-uq3xr]

Finally content that enlightens us on why car companies are making these changes.

[@joshjamescars]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@asadb1990]

I wish toyota/lexus should've kept the option of larger naturally aspirated v6 and v8 and just charge a premium for them while pushing the turbo 4cyl ot v6. That way we get the best of both worlds.

[@joshjamescars]

That’s actually exactly what they are doing. At least for now, you can get a naturally aspirated V6 in an ES360 and IS360 or a V8 in the IS500 and LC500. All premium products.

[@asadb1990]

@@joshjamescars yeah agreed but i meant on the products that had them originally. Like a v6 option for the rx, is, etc. Or v8 for the ls, gx, lx, etc.

[@kofiasco]

I truly enjoyed this one. Very informative. 👏

[@joshjamescars]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@lesjohns4359]

We are a long time Toyota family but just went to a Honda with a V6. Found to 4 cylinder Toyotas a bit noisy on the hills.

[@tomkillsall]

Thanks for sharing

[@solsteriton]

Well done with the math and rational arguments. By the way, this is the reason why I went out and bought an RX450H+, even though you noted in one of your videos why an NX450H+ did not make sense for you relative to the NX350H, given the price delta does not make financial sense from a gas savings perspective. The environmental delta did make perfect sense to me.

[@joshjamescars]

Yes! That’s absolutely a reason to buy a PHEV. :)

[@jimmyhkang]

Enjoy your videos, keep up the good work

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you!

[@TEQLC]

Great information Josh! 😎 I must admit, I was so focused on "hating" how these new engines were "trash in the bag", that I didn't even consider the benefits. Now I know. 😉 2600 miles on your GX!! That's crazy. You will have that forever.

[@joshjamescars]

Hahaha I mean I still think they’re “trash in the bag” but there is an upside, LOL. And that’s the hope with my GX! I say that as I’m off this morning to drive the new GX and am prepared to be disappointed. 😂😅

[@TEQLC]

@@joshjamescars LMAO!!! Right!

[@bavardage]

@@joshjamescars Please let us know -- especially how it feels driving/cornering _without_ KDSS, what the TT engine service intervals are, how the new rear lift gate works (which, almost certainly, will fail sooner or later, and which my 6'5" frame could do without) ... I'm like you -- absolutely love my 2023 GX, which I hope to keep with me for as long as possible!

[@joshjamescars]

Not great, I’m afraid to say! I did get to shoot a good amount of video with it and am hoping to get that up next week! The new lift gate is the same as any other power gate on any other car. It does extend quite far behind the vehicle, though, since the GX is so upright.

[@hipsilantro27]

if all the petrolheads watched this video, i’d bet the majority will agree with you. It’s just a matter of being informed. amazing video!

[@joshjamescars]

I would definitely hope that would be the case!

[@hcho8164]

I wonder if US domestic car brands kept the small block for the sole purpose to make exhaust noise and be a backup to the plugin hybrid drivetrain. This way you can stay green and eat cake too.

[@joshjamescars]

It’s possible! Toyota is also doing the same with the 2GR-V6 being the basis for the V6 PHEV drivetrain they use in the new Century SUV and our Lexus TX550h+

[@shawnacevedo8842]

Agree with your statement and I'm definitely keeping the v6 Tacoma and 4Runner of mine until the end of time. I daily drive the Tacoma because I live in the city and there's not much commute. But in a few years if I move to Canyon Lake and have to commute to Austin for work, I'll be picking up either an new gen NX 450h + or RAV4 Prime, hopefully Toyota will have greatly improved charging speed and EV range by then

[@joshjamescars]

Definitely keep those until the end of time!!! Having seen the new Tacoma and GX… well… I don’t have high expectations for the new 4Runner. And yes, if your commute gets longer either NX450h+ or Rav Prime would be fantastic. Toyota also sells the Crown Signia/Estate in other world markets with a PHEV drivetrain and I’m hoping that comes stateside soon.

[@bavardage]

Thank you for another great video! You touched on an interesting aspect of EV's. To me, they somehow have recently devolved into niche products, often accompanied with the inane promotion of insane 0-60 times; in terms of environmental or resource conservation _optimality_ , however, I think that Toyota's approach (ICE, hybrids, PHEVs, EVs) is much more reasonable and pragmatic.

[@joshjamescars]

Yes! I completely agree with the “niche product” assessment, especially since many are well over $50K and out of reach of the majority of the buying public.

[@bavardage]

@@joshjamescars The fueleconomy.gov website is *_very_* interesting. For the GX 460 (or 550), 2023 (or 2024) MPGs are listed as 16 (or 17). The upstream numbers are listed as 124 (or 123), and the tailpipe numbers as 542 (or 504). For my state, the EPA Smog Rating rose from 3 (2023) to 5 (2024) with what (to me) appears to be only about a 7% relative improvement in MPG or tailpipe numbers. I guess it's just a (small) numbers game overall?? The website also lists that the new 550 uses both port and direct injection too ...

[@joshjamescars]

Ah! That’s interesting when I made the video the numbers for the new 550 hadn’t been released. I am a bit surprised that it’s such a small difference given how big a difference, although I guess that makes sense since the Tundra and LX had 5.7L V8s while the 460 only had a 4.6L V8 but all three now share the same 3.4L TT V6. Interesting, and thanks for sharing!!

[@TakeDeadAim]

I'm in no hurry to part with my 2016 Highlander with 105k on my meticulously maintained(since 7mi) 2GR FE! 5k oil changes and fluids maintained on schedule make for a happy SUV! That said, I also own a 2020 GMC Sierra with an inline 6 turbo diesel 3.0l which I average around 25MPG with overall so I'm not averse to smaller turbo engines in larger vehicles. It's been very reliable over the last 82k miles, again, meticulously maintained so I think that goes a long way.

[@joshjamescars]

GM’s turbo diesel is a FANTASTIC engine. If I were to buy any of their full size SUVs that’s the engine I would choose hands down. And as for your Highlander, you’ll easily get another 200K out of it and definitely hang onto that for as long as you can!

[@poptartsandburgers]

Compelling data and I’m definitely not against hybrids or EVs, and I’d like to see hydrogen vehicles more abundant. Toyota’s V6, both the 2GR and its predecessor 1MZ/3MZ, are just rock solid legendary. I have the last Highlander V6 (2020 model year, Platinum AWD) and just recently purchased a 2024 Lexus ES 350 with the ultra luxury package and plan to drive both cars into the sunset. They are just so…refined.

[@joshjamescars]

I would also love to see more hydrogen cars on the road. Huge fan of the Mirai but we really need better infrastructure. And congrats on the new ES!!!

[@poptartsandburgers]

@@joshjamescars Thanks! I am loving it! I think now is the perfect time to buy one while you still can get it with the V6!

[@hjlnbi]

what do you think about honda 1.5 turbo engine? is it good ?

[@joshjamescars]

The 1.5 turbo has had and continues to have (according to many civic owners) problems with fuel dilution. Though, Honda has said that even despite that it doesn’t cause issues. I don’t know if I believe that. In any case, they are moving away from that engine with the top trim Civic, Accord, and CR-V models now being hybrids.

[@Noname77331]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@markschrader7223]

I just bought a toyota rav4 prime from , made in Japan, its an amazing car

[@joshjamescars]

Great choice! It’s an outstanding car.

[@jeff01922]

Another great and informative video Josh. Yes, I agree that we all need to start factoring in our environmental impact on the choices we make as I live in an area surrounded by wildfires lately. I used to think, nah this uptick in average temperatures is temporary but the science and the recent weather is a good wake up call to do the right thing for our kids BUT I’m still going to wait to see how reliable these new 4-cylinders turbos are. Until then, I’m still going to drive my “earth-burning” 4-Runner. Keep up the good work.

[@joshjamescars]

Could not agree more about doing the right thing for our kids (or in my case, other people’s kids LOL). And I’m with you on the turbos-personally if I had to go out and get something else my money is on a hybrid, not one of their new turbos. I just drove the new GX yesterday and would so much rather have my GX or your 4Runner.

[@wonderboy1998]

Well he is not saying I will.... LIKE THE VIDEO COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBE.... Abt the topic ...you nailed like always But here the thing.... the more EV's they produce ...more impact we will have too, sooo, ion.

[@joshjamescars]

Hahaha! I know I always mean to. 🙈 So thank you for adding that here. And yes! You’re spot on about EVs. The footprint that is created in the production of an EV and its batteries is a whole other ballgame. I also have yet to find an independent third party who publishes those figures on a level playing field the same way the EPA publishes emissions numbers.

[@wonderboy1998]

@@joshjamescars That is true, but I think they are not releasing any data to avoid that eternal discussion if with Ev mass production is really going to lower the carbon emission.

[@JokerG16]

Toyota could've tried to make their V8s more efficient, like Nissan did in the Titan. I'm also unclear as to why they're downsizing their engines if they aren't getting that much better MPGs

[@joshjamescars]

Emissions are NOT equal to fuel economy and don’t correlate. You can have two V8s that get exactly the same fuel economy and if one burns cleaner or has additional carbon scrubbing tech, it will produce less CO2 and NOx gasses. Likewise, you could have a V8 and V6 that get the same fuel economy (like what Toyota has) and the V6 is going to produce fewer emissions.

[@inthendwealldie]

I think that could’ve been possible, but AFAIK the EPA is veryyy strict and it would’ve brought up the price on a car due to the EPA’s gas guzzler tax, that’s also why engines are being down’d to V6s, turbo 4 cylinders, hybrids and electric these days because I think the US is banning the sale of gas vehicles around 2035 with some bill they passed I say this because I remember reading about the Dodge Charger Hellcat last year to reference, the V8s and Dodge from my understanding was able to do it because they passed on the EPA $2,100 gas guzzler tax onto the consumer, really souped up V8 Hellcat engine, but Dodge said emission regulations kept getting stricter and stricter, so last year Dodge had to discontinue the V8s on the Hellcat and moved to electric, they just couldn’t do V8s anymore because of the EPA And Dodge is American, right, so it makes sense for V8s on a Hellcat, but would Japanese Toyota dare do that for the US market with strict states out there and federal emissions and regulations getting stricter? Passing on the $2,100 bad gas guzzler tax onto the consumer to keep the Toyota V8s rolling? I don’t really think the Japanese Toyota higher ups would do so and all agree on that. So, turbo 4 cylinder and V6s it is… I also remember going to a Ford dealership and seeing a bunch of V6s F150s, the V8s are definitely phasing out

[@I_like_pears]

Saying how good a vehicle is on the environment is not just emissions from the vehicle, but also how long the vehicle will last. It is a fact that a normally aspirated V-6 will last longer than a turbo-charged V-4 (it doesn't have to work as hard to produce its max horsepower, which puts less strain on the engine and long term this is better for the engine). So if you get a car that can stay on the road for say 50% longer, then which one is better for the environment? Not an easy question! 🙂

[@joshjamescars]

You are right that a car’s total environmental impact is more than just its tailpipe emissions, however an N.A. V8 or V6 lasting longer is definitely not a fact, and definitely not across all brands. Ford, Chrysler, GM, Mercedes, and others had many naturally aspirated engines that were garbage. And there are a good number of German-made turbo-diesels that are still around today from 20-40 years ago. The same with hybrids. What is a fact is, per Consumer Reports, hybrids are actually far more reliable than a standard ICE vehicle. Your average transmission will go out between 100-200K but Toyota’s power split reduction gearset (also known as the eCVT) rarely ever needs to be replaced. So we don’t need to have NA V6 and V8s to have cars that will run for 20+ years.

[@weroliera]

People replacing tundra engines at 25000 miles is ridiculous. I’m not against switching to smaller engines with turbo. I am opposed to switching to smaller engines with turbos if they are not equally reliable as naturally aspirated v6 and v8s.

[@weroliera]

Edit I drive a Camry hybrid 2016 with 200k miles and next car is probably an es350 v6. I want to buy before they go turbo trash on that car.

[@joshjamescars]

YEP! Same here. And completely agree.

[@revmotor]

Good move using government data

[@FatalAnimal]

Nothing you said was worthy of getting pissed off over. To me you just gave a run down of facts and common sense opinions.

[@joshjamescars]

Hahaha thank you. And I’d agree, but you know how fragile the male ego is in many car guys.