V8 4runner Fuel Economy - How Bad Is It?

[@CosmicStargoat]

Just another comment: OK, so this thing does not get the gas mileage of a Honda Civic. Here's the deal.. Well, with me, anyway. What is your overall total ownership cost of a vehicle? I have owned my 2006 4R for 15 years and excluding only gasoline, have spent less than 6K on this car. That is for oil, oil filters, air and cabin filters, struts, brakes, rotors,water pump, timing belt, tires, batteries AND, the only unscheduled repair in 15 years, a seeping (not leaking) thermostat housing. That comes to less than $400 per year maintenance for a Toyota 4Runner. It doesn't get much better. Like a relationship, all you have to do is to take care of them (it). Best vehicle ever.

[@joet243]

I’m getting 16 mpg all around in my 06 sport edition V8. About 320 miles on a full tank. Running 33s with a 3in bilstein OME SPC and a K&N CAI. I’ll take 16 mpg all day with that set up🤘

[@Colorado4x4]

Hell yea

[@derekmccray9332]

Devil horns all day long \m/

[@OrangePHX]

How many miles were you getting on one tank when it was stock?

[@gianni9046]

hi joe question did you ever change the transmission fluid in your 06? I have an 06 as well with 85000 on it not sure what to do. there is no dipstick and the owners said lifetime fluid.

[@joet243]

@@OrangePHX not sure. I put my lift on a week or two after I bought it but I hear a stock 4th Gen V8 is getting about 17-18 average. I also use premium gas which helps.

[@CosmicStargoat]

I'm a senior citizen and have a 2006 4R 4.7 V-8. I get 20 mpg in the city and up to 28 mpg on the highway if I keep it at 60 or so on a level straightaway. Everyone calls me a liar, but that is what the built-in MPG reading says. At turnpike speeds of 75-80 it will drop to about 22 mpg. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned and I will never get rid of it.

[@JimmyCasket02]

I drove mine out to the east coast a couple years ago and averaged 25mpg and this was hand calculated I was doing 70-80 the whole way honestly surprised the hell out of me and didn’t believe it myself but it kept coming back as 25 so I guess I got to

[@bdb1052]

A lot of mgp is how you drive it. I get 19 mgp with my 4 cyl Acura when I drive it like a maniac lol, my dad's v8 Silverado I drive like an old lady and it gets 25mpg 😂

[@ddolde]

I have a 2008 4R V8 AWD and get 19.6 with KO2's. Got 20.1 with Michelin XLT Bought new has 240K miles runs great

[@samson9428]

I have a tundra with the 4.7, and it gets roughly what this 4runner does, which Ive been thinking was pretty good, but I guess anything is good compared to the f250 gas burner I owned previously. It got 12mpg highway on a good day, but it didn't have many good days.

[@CosmicStargoat]

I've used 85 and 87 octane on my 2006 4R V-8. No problems, never a ping.

[@blackonblackseven]

I have a 1992 4cyl 22re 4Runner 4x4 with off-road tires. It’s reliable as the sun and moon and it gets about 23 mpg on the freeway with ac cranked at 65-70mph

[@ThePedalDance]

I get about the same in my 2006 V8 with OME Suspension Lift from Toytec, 275/70r17 BFG KO2, DT Headers, High-Flow Cats, Gibson Exhaust, and K&N drop-in filter. Roughly 320 miles per tank.

[@MadMaxJuggernaut]

thats how much I can drive per tank on my corolla wtf

[@CaptainFALKEN]

It's perfectly fine. I had a 98 4runner running on half the engine getting 13mpg, on shot suspension, drums never replaced, and chopped tires with a 15 gallon tank. I have a 4th gen V8 now with the 23 gallon tank. Whatever it gets is 10 times better than that pos 98 4runner I had. I just drove from MI to AL in 12 hrs doing 80 average and it cost me 100 bucks to get here and up. The 3rd gen I did 55-60 average, took me 15 hours and about 130 bucks to get there. 4th gen is the winner

[@1bizjets]

You are about right. I bought my 2006 new and 14yrs lates I am getting g 17mi/gal combined.

[@smokestack9795]

My 2007 4runner with V6, and Michelin Defender All season tires gets 19.5 MPG. Stock 4runner using regular gas.

[@bobscruggs8886]

I have 2010 4 Runner V6 4 WD I get from 18 / 20 mpg higher mileage when cruise control is used. Nice 4 Runner

[@derekmccray9332]

I also noticed a significant difference using cruise control 👍 (2004 4.7L)

[@CarRevvedGaming]

Ya the new 4.0L V6 engine is slightly better than the older 4.0L V6 in the economy

[@GaryWold]

Thanks you for posting this. EVERYONE on KZbin SEEMS to use the "Lie-O-Meter" as you called it LOL... I have a 4.0L with a Heavy Steel CBI front bumper. and 265/70/17 Tires combo city/hwy 21mph (Lie-O-Meter) speed average. and I get about 14.1 MPG on average and I drive it nice most of the time. Stock tires and no bumper I could see 17/19 city/Hwy if I was very careful. BTW the 4.0L will run on 87 octane but in the California, summer heat (90-110) , it looses grunt on grades and will have to downshift more often and still is not as spry as when I full up with 91 octane. I get better mpg with the higher octane.

[@greenbanana2332]

Hey CGH...thanks for the vid! Anyone picking up any truck/suv should know you’re not getting it for mpg ratings. 😂 My V8 2wd 4Runner gets 15.2mpg (real world mostly city driving and calc). No engine or exhaust mods, but I am running K02’s 265/70/17 and a Yakima Basket. Also, like you, 87octane. 😉 Awesome chanel...keep it up!

[@CanadianGearhead]

Thanks, much appreciated

[@rj-gd3pc]

Canadian Gearhead so to sum it up it looks like the v8 is cheaper on gas than the v6 counterparts? Right?

[@CanadianGearhead]

@@rj-gd3pc In stock form the V6 is more efficient

[@8corymix8]

I'm looking at buying an 06 Sport V8. Should i stick with the v8 over the 6 & what should i look for? 210k miles, timing belt just changed

[@greenbanana2332]

paul tanner : imo, for engine longevity/durability, get the V8. Search 2UZ-FE engines ( 4.7L V8 in the 4Runners) you’ll also find them on the million mile Tundra(s), yes...more than one. Check T4R forums for common issues: RUST, Timing belt/water pump, exhaust manifold Good luck!

[@damonaniton]

on my stock v8 i am at just over 300 miles to a tank. like 310 to 320

[@aaronvogt8820]

I get like 350. Stock '05 V8

[@mikelaary911]

I get about 350 in my 4cyl Camry 😒

[@ItsPaulby]

@@mikelaary911 Well the camry holds 18 gallons of gas, and the 4runner holds 23 gallons. So it's not really a fair comparison. You get roughly the same miles for 5 less gallons of gas.

[@elvidasuave9997]

I love my v8 t4r a lot i wont trade it for nothing else i hope they bring the v8's back on the newer t4r

[@lmbear]

Beautiful truck man. I like your honest videos. Keep them coming. I'm thinking about getting a 2005 v8 4 runner. I have a 2000 tundra and it gets better mileage than my 04 quad cab TRD Taco. Tundra at 20 mpg on the freeway and Taco only gets 18 with its 3.4 v6.

[@dadgarage7966]

U.S. (3.78L) MPG? The K&N is helping. The Gibson? Maybe just the muffler, as the stock piping is slightly larger than Gibson's 2.5" cat-back piping. Run 91 octane for a few months in the name of science and note your MPG but also throttle response and ass dyno. After that, switch to synthetic engine oil and do the same. It might increase performance/pay off in the long run.

[@CanadianGearhead]

The difference between just the headers and the headers + Gibson was around 0.5 MPG. I'm sure 91 would be more efficient but I doubt it'll come anywhere near making up for the high price of gas here

[@dadgarage7966]

@@CanadianGearhead Are you going by U.S. gallons or imperial gallons?

[@CanadianGearhead]

U.S.

[@jimmypage4162]

It’s the same concept from the factory/originally…the motor is tuned to run decent regardless of the climate…30 degrees with 4,000 feet elevation….110 degrees at sea level..a tune of anything will be more considerate of your climate versus factory depending on which options you take for tuning.

[@peters1821]

I have the 2003 model v8 RWD and i get 13Mpg in city and about 20 on the freeway.

[@TheTechCguy]

Even the government says it only needs 87 octane. If you actually put 91 in a truck like this, thinking it's going to help, you got a problem. You don't need it.

[@artlopez6621]

You're ignorant.

[@sanjaygandhi7962]

This city driving is more like suburban driving with few stop signs or stop lights and a cruising speed of around 35 - 45 mph.

[@wesharris07]

I agree with you everyone is a critic and if your engine isn’t supercharged or turbocharged you don’t need 91 or above you’re just wasting your money.

[@SavvyAlex]

So question about your headers.. You said you kept all your cats. Did you get the Doug Thorley short tubes and weld the original cats on those? Asking bc I'm about to do the same thing

[@CanadianGearhead]

Yup that's exactly what I did

[@jacobdinverno5087]

I have an identical Black 2003 4Runner Limited 4.7 V8 4WD with 240,000 miles, the same black rims, BF Goodrich Mud T/A K02 285/75-17 tires, and a 2.5 inch lift. I only get 14.5 MPG. I removed my roof rack with my spare tires and removed the 1-1/2 inch wheel spacers thinking it may improve the MPG with no results. I have tried to drive like an old lady and no results. I do have the sport hood with an open hood scoop and there is no front skid plate. All of my wheels have 38 psi. I cannot break 15 mpg on my calculations. The trip computer says 16.5 mpg but it is always wrong. I can only get about 250 miles on a full tank of fuel. I only fill up at BP and use 87 octane. I have tried higher octane with no improvements. I only use synthetic oil in the engine and differentials. I was thinking of getting a skid plate to reduce drag or adding manual locking hubs in the front to prevent the front axle drag from full time 4WD but the cost outweighs any benefits. Let me know your thoughts. Thank you

[@CanadianGearhead]

Unfortunately, I think your tires are the cause - I doubt the skid plate or manual hubs would help much

[@Blaqandbloo22]

I saw you have the shorty headers on your site. I have a 04 V8 and I'm planning on getting the long DT headers for the deeper exhaust note and better economy/power gains. Would you say the long headers need a special modification to the stock Y pipe? I'm throwing codes for O2 sensors even though I replaced them, but I still want to have one set of cats to prevent excessive noise. I plan to get the 03-04 DT long tube headers and eventually a Borla catback system. Y-pipe/midpipe?

[@CanadianGearhead]

I don't know much about the long tube headers. I'd talk to Jason Burtman about them for more info as I'm pretty sure he helped develop them

[@ThePedalDance]

I agree with Gearhead, talk to Jason. He set me up with my DT headers, high-flow cats and some O2 spacers. No check engine lights.

[@jameskocks4734]

i have a pretty modded 18 wrx and im in the market for one these. this video helped my decision.

[@felixfelix3421]

What color is your 4runner?

[@TheBonusHole]

Hey the hydro cut lol nice 4runner 🤙 looking to buy a v8 one too

[@1990notch]

I'm looking for a 4th gen myself and was going to get the 4.0 v6 but the EPA estimated MPG seems not much different. Also buying it for snowy winters and the v8 has full time 4wd, seems that would be better on snow to me. How's yours on snow?

[@CanadianGearhead]

Mine is awesome in the snow, the deeper the better. The V6 will be a bit more efficient if you leave it stock but the V8 seems to be able to handle extra weight from tires and accessories without having to work as hard.

[@jasonbennett9995]

Hey brother I'm from Guelph and I see you use the same place to get your undercoating and rust proofing done where do you live? I'm looking at a 03 4runner for my family I checked out some of your Videos thanks for the heads up on some things to look for congratulations on the new wife eh! I just got me one a baby and another on the way peace and respect

[@ryanreining4310]

The most I've ever gotten on mine was 15 city and 17.5 highway normally I get 12ish on normally driving completely stock

[@CosmicStargoat]

Doug Thorley Headers. Did you have an exhaust manifold crack, or just add them for performance.?

[@CanadianGearhead]

It had a cracked manifold so the performance was really just a bonus

[@CosmicStargoat]

@@CanadianGearhead Yeah, I've read that it is not a matter of IF, but when they crack. At what mileage did yours crack? I have 122,000, and so far, so good. From what I have gathered, there are 5 options: 1) Do nothing 2) JB Weld 3) Take off manifold and have it professionally welded 4) Replace manifold with OEM parts (replacing defective part with another defective part) 5) After market parts like Doug Thorley Headers. I don't know how viable 1 & 2 are. I guess when mine cracks I'll go with the DT headers.

[@CosmicStargoat]

@@CanadianGearhead Also, I wonder if I can use the DT headers in Colorado? They are not CARB emission certified. Does anyone know? I guess I can check with my mechanic at Engle.

[@chimbatete]

Hey, quick question. Can any Toyota mechanic install the Doug Thorley headers? I live in the GTA so any suggestion is appreciated. Thanks!

[@CanadianGearhead]

Yeah as long as they can weld. Otherwise the job is not much different than replacing them with OEM manifolds

[@josephc1148]

mine on 33's will do 19.2 at 60mph on level ground. I usually average 16 where I live.

[@user_16loading]

Some body please help me how much fuel consumption of a 2004, 4runner per KM 🙏

[@charliewatson9581]

0:37 he said shut up and ya still didn’t listen😂😂

[@coffeecode2479]

Canadian gear head I have a 4 runner v8 my self just curious I have a skid plate under my 4 runner I was thinking of removing it do I really need the skid plate on

[@CanadianGearhead]

It offers a bit of protection but your 4runner won't explode if you take it off

[@coffeecode2479]

Thanks man I bought my 4runner last summer when I went to go change my oil the skid plate was being hold by zip ties people and other mechanics tell me you dont realy need it so was curious some people say it's for off road when you need it...but the last owner didn't take care of it but it ride realy good has 139.560 miles on it I love this truck but since it wont do harm to my truck ima take off the skid plate thank Canadian gear head god bless you man

[@esaesa5849]

WOW!!!!! For this Engine, this mods, this driving profile, and the estimated reliability of this engine.... It's just awesome MPG!!!! I have a 08 Sequoia with the 5.7 V8, completely stock, just copper all season tires, I'll reach 10 MPG!!!!! May I ask you why you're sticking with 87 octane? I'm just wondering because as i bought my sequoia, it ran very badly...I switch to 91 octane and added seafoam... After 3000 KM, I would say I have a completely different engine...

[@CanadianGearhead]

91 is a pretty big price jump around here and I just don't think I'll see the gains to justify it. I already have to run 91 in the Harley and 94 in the MR2 so I figured I'll catch a break on the 4runner since it'll run on pretty much anything

[@esaesa5849]

@@CanadianGearhead do you think it is an option to fuel 87 octane and add an octane booster together with a "cleaning additive" like seafoam or something from Amsoil? Just an idea to keep the costs under control AND have a better gas...because for me the jump from 87 to 91 is also to much, but my engine need the better fuel ⛽🙈

[@InteractiveMail]

Is there anyway to still get those Canadian Bug Deflectors? I just got an 07 V8 sport and I want that bug guard!

[@CanadianGearhead]

I'm not sure, mine had it when I bought it

[@americafirst423]

Got an 06 v8 sport, I bought about a month ago. Was getting 19+ stock, lie-o-meter said 21.5. Took it in and had it lifted 3”, new struts and springs, then in rear so went with a heavy duty spring. I will be towing a small camper 1500# or so. I went with Ridge Grapplers 265/70/17 , Nitto doesn’t make the ridge grappler in a 265/65/17, dammit man! Got it back last Fri and the lie-o-meter now says 15.9mpg, 😥 ouch! We will see the hard numbers when I fill up. Yes I’m running 93 octane. You put out some great vids keep up the good work. No wwlll President Trump’s in charge 😂😂😂

[@CanadianGearhead]

Keep in mind the lie-o-meter doesn't know that you're covering more ground now due to the taller tires so it's not quite as bad as it says

[@americafirst423]

Canadian Gearhead I hope not brother

[@americafirst423]

2 tanks now and I’m getting 16 in town and 55mph combined

[@captainRcornelius]

Does the exhaust tip make it sound better?

[@CanadianGearhead]

A tip won't really change the sound much

[@JimmyCasket02]

In my bone stock v8 4Runner I averaged 25mpg on a trip out to the east coast going between 70-80 mph the whole way this was all done hand calculated didn’t really believe it myself but every time I fueled up it I calculated 25mpg so I guess I have to

[@cblackmail]

Do you know the years they put the V8 in the 4Runner? Thanks.

[@CanadianGearhead]

2003-2009

[@greenbanana2332]

Yup, only 4th gen 2003-2009.

[@dominiquestephenson195]

My 03 V6 Sport 4Runner gets about the same combined and thats stock with 31” tires. Maybe above 20 on highway tankfulls. I keep the basics clean like TB, air filter (AFE dry filter), MAF and use Techron bi- monthly. I’ve really enjoyed the ease of maintenance and reliability of the 4.0 but I tow a small boat so I think I will sell my 03 and upgrade to an 08 or 09 V8 4Runner. I’m moving from MN to CO this summer and the extra torque and center locking diff will come in handy. I am very excited to experience the mountains and deserts of the southwest in a 4Runner! 🤪

[@greenbanana2332]

Dominique Stephenson: not all V8 come 4wd. Hope you can find one at decent price/mileage/condition. Good luck 🍀 CO...nice!

[@chrisjane1194]

i get 12mpg on my LC100, and that is grandpa driving. But I am fully built with armor and with 33" MTs.

[@CanadianGearhead]

That's not terrible considering all the weight

[@artysmotorsports]

What do you guys think about purchasing a high mile 05 4runner ? She's got about 250k on her.

[@PervertedThang]

Miles or kilometers?

[@artysmotorsports]

@@PervertedThang that'd be 250k miles

[@Ozzy5610]

Artee's garage which engine does it have and what are they asking for it?

[@artysmotorsports]

@@Ozzy5610 it has the 4.7 v8. The guy's asking 3500 for it.

[@Ozzy5610]

Artee's garage I guess if it’s not rusted out and is on it’s second or third timing belt then it should be good. I did pay cheaper for mine with 185k miles though, just something to consider.

[@michaelsheppard8371]

wdo you notice yout better mpg when you use premium?

[@CanadianGearhead]

Haven't tried but it's certainly possible

[@stevenphelps1072]

I have an 04 with a 3 inch lift

[@ike7539]

I have converted mine to a hybrid. I am getting 28combined 32 city and 26 freeway.

[@IOIScorpion]

Ike how do you convert?

[@mikechapman7720]

Your in Waterloo aren't you? I really want a 4 runner

[@CanadianGearhead]

Yes sir

[@braydenmoran1462]

I have 2003 v8 4Runner limited with a cold air intake and I get 12.5 to the Gallon

That about sums it up. I have an 03 as well. Hwy I get 17 between 70-80mph. City I am sure it is what you get or worse. In winter you might as well have a fuel station on your yard

[@paladin3116]

does that really give you extra mpg and if so by how much?

[@paladin3116]

@ cold air intake

[@greenbanana2332]

J M : true, MPG ratings on ANY vehicle is “grossly overstated.” However, one must note that the way manufacturers measure MPG is NOT by IRL driving. My ‘16 hybrid camry gets 37mpg, advertised at 43mpg. ‘04 V8 T4R gets 15.5mpg.

[@braydenmoran1462]

Paladin so I have had this K&N cold air intake for about a month now and by no means it has helped my fuel economy it has definitely made it Worse but not by a tremendous amount the benefits of the air intake for me is definitely the sound my 4Runner sounds a lot more aggressive

[@imanuelchristian2740]

Wtheck? Im so jealoussss!!! 17 gals of gas and it only cost 20 ish?

[@CanadianGearhead]

That's liters not gallons

[@jameshintergardt768]

My 2000 stock Toyota Tundra get’s 14 mpg. 280,000 on that v8. Never did anything to the motor.

[@MrBendayho]

What year is your toy please?

[@CanadianGearhead]

2007

[@Grant.R]

I’m averaging 14.2 stock 😭

[@ddolde]

I got 21 until input ko2 s on it then 20

[@Spencahh_808]

Lol i get 15.5 mpg on my lifted 5th gen v6. Shitty thing about driving around in hawaii.. gas, brake, gas, brake, gas, brake.

[@CanadianGearhead]

Your worst day in Hawaii is still better than our best day in Ontario LOL

[@greenbanana2332]

Spencer Lum: braddah, for reals...yeah?

[@smyproductions]

Just realized that's the hydrocut lol

[@goprogreatness3136]

Its so funny, I have the exact same setup 4r a you but mine is an 04, has 33s and 17" methods, but mine is a v6 and yet still gets 15.6mpg calculated... doesnt rlly make any sense...

[@CanadianGearhead]

Once you add the heavy tires, the V6 has to work harder to turn them than the V8 does

[@goprogreatness3136]

@@CanadianGearhead ya the sad thing is Im abou to go to 35s wit a 2" BL, thinking about high flow cats, tune, and JBA shorty headers

[@S1KRR_Rider88]

Just drove my 2007 limited V8 from Calgary to whitehorse, wish the tank was more then 87 litres But I was able to get close to 500 kms before feeling like I needed to fill up, Plus there was two stretches where there is no gas for like 530 kms I had a 20L Jerry can with me and I didn’t need to use it, Could have been that there was a storm and I was going 80k for a lot of it but Needless to say I love my new purchase !!! Even if she is very very thirsty for that go go juice

[@777Jan]

You are analyzing fuel efficiency without even mentioning the RPMs? Hmmm.... I got the same T4R V8 Limited with the 2UZ-FE engine and with RPM of 3000 on the highway I get an average of only 12 mpg, but that means a constant travel speed of 90 to 100 mph. Same trip with 2000 RRM gets efficiency up to 16-17 mpg, but speed down to 70-80 mph. I decided to convert my T4R to dual fuel, and added an LPG (liquid petroleum gas) system with a 90l additional tank for the LPG. LPG is little less energy dense than benzin, but the price of LPG is about half of that of benzin. So, in terms of running costs my T4R V8 has about the same expenses as a much smaller engine, but the power and fun of a V8. The only thing I had to give up for it is a bit of space in the back for the tank.

[@foskco87]

But the thing is the V6 isnt much better... like hardly at all

[@buffalobmf]

Wish i got that. With my 34s on my truck i get 11mpg and with my winters which are a 265.70.17 i get 14mpg and thats highway and city combined. Thats what the truck says so its prolly worse

[@CanadianGearhead]

A heavier foot makes a pretty drastic difference with these 4runners

[@ddolde]

mine gets 20 mpg average per the computer

[@Colorado4x4]

Not bad!!!!

[@Dirty-D]

12mpg