Toyota's engine is biased for torque, producing 320 lb-ft, while horsepower is only adequate at 235. Ironically that's 10-hp less than the all-new 4.0-L V6 due in November. While still rated at 2,268 kg (5,000 lb) the 245-hp beast should be more capable at accelerating while towing a serious load due to its 283 lb-ft of torque - incidentally that's 8 lb-ft more than GM's class leading inline-6 but still 30-hp shy. How does it compare to the Ford Explorer? Its 4.0-L V6 puts out a mere 210-hp and only 255 lb-ft of torque but makes the Jeep Grand Cherokee's 4.0-L inline-6 look positively anemic at 195-hp and 230 lb-ft of torque.
You can option the Jeep out with a 4.7-L V8 that matches the V8 powered 4Runner in horsepower but is slightly down on torque at 295 lb-ft or opt for a high-output version with 270-hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. Dodge uses the lower output 4.7-L as its base Durango engine but offers a 5.9-L upgrade boasting 250-hp and a class leading 345 lb-ft in torque. What's more the rumor mill is hot and heavy about the all-new 345-hp 5.7-L Hemi V8 with 375 lb-ft of torque finding its way into the Durango next year. Ford's available 4.6-L V8 shows a respectable 240-hp, besting the Toyota by 5-hp, but its 280 lb-ft of torque, down 40 lb-ft, is the lowest in the bunch. What about the Chevy Trailblazer and GMC Envoy. The EXT and XL models will each receive an optional 5.3-L V8 with 290-hp and 330 lb-ft of torque in late autumn of 2002. All in all the 4Runner 6 and 8-cylinder engines compare well with their domestic rivals (chosen for comparison due to their standard or optional V8 engines).
Following a justifiable trend Toyota has added a 5th gear ratio to their automatic transmission. That said it's only available with the V8. This gearbox is not related to the Sequoia or Tundra unit but will be used in the Lexus LX470. V6 buyers will have to make due with a variant of last year's 4-speed automatic, standard. Still, from personal experience this is a wonderfully smooth transmission, downshifting quickly without fuss while shifting up in smooth and deliberate increments. It should be a good match to the much more powerful V6.