4Runner Engine is same as Grand Highlander but takes more oil

[gvan1998]

Both the 4Runner and the Grand Highlander have the exact same engine, but the 4Runner requires 5.9QT vs 5.6QT. Why is that? Just curious why that car with the same engine requires more oil.

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[Sam]

Both the 4Runner and the Grand Highlander have the exact same engine, but the 4Runner requires 5.9QT vs 5.6QT. Why is that? Just curious why that car with the same engine requires more oil.

The 0.3-quart difference in oil capacity for the same engine in a 4Runner versus a Grand Highlander (5.9QT vs 5.6QT) is primarily due to differences in physical design, specifically the oil pan size and shape, necessitated by the vehicles' different uses.

Here is why that happens:

• Oil Pan Design: The 4Runner is a body-on-frame truck designed for off-roading, requiring a deeper or differently shaped oil pan to ensure the oil pickup stays submerged during steep inclines, requiring more total oil to fill the system.
• Cooling Requirements: The 4Runner generally faces higher engine loads (towing, crawling) compared to the unibody Grand Highlander. A slightly higher oil capacity helps manage higher operating temperatures.
• Engine Orientation: The 4Runner often uses a longitudinal engine mounting (front-to-back) compared to a transverse (sideways) layout in crossovers like the Grand Highlander, requiring different oil pan shapes to fit around the drivetrain. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Essentially, the engine holds more oil to suit the 4Runner’s heavy-duty off-road needs, while the Grand Highlander is optimized for efficiency and passenger car handling. [1]

 

[gvan1998]

But the engine is designed to accept a certain amount of oil. If it's the same engine, it should accept the same amount of oil regardless of the oil pan design.

 

[mv213]

But the engine is designed to accept a certain amount of oil. If it's the same engine, it should accept the same amount of oil regardless of the oil pan design.

Wrong! Oil capacity is 95% determined by the oil pan, and oil cooler (if any). Also the oil filter. All of those things can vary in different installations, even if it is the “same engine”.

 

[Vincenzo]

I think a sternly worded letter to Toyota is long over due

 

[gvan1998]

Wrong! Oil capacity is 95% determined by the oil pan, and oil cooler (if any). Also the oil filter. All of those things can vary in different installations, even if it is the “same engine”.

Based on your reply, toyota can put a 10 qt oil pan and function the same as an engine ( same engine) with 5 qt pan

 

[wowitsgaston]

Oil pan design, drivetrain layout, cooling systems, and oil filter size are all factored into how much the system can take. This doesn’t affect how much oil is in the actual engine itself.

so based on your response, yes. Toyota COULD put a 10qt oil pan and function the same as an engine with a 5 qt pan AS LONG AS the appropriate amount of oil is in the system (hint: the system with the 10 qt pan would probably have more oil in it)

 

[gvan1998]

thank you for all your response

 

[Vincenzo]

More oil is always gooder

 

[127.0.0.1]

But the engine is designed to accept a certain amount of oil. If it's the same engine, it should accept the same amount of oil regardless of the oil pan design.

engines are designed for oil pressures, temperatures, and flow rates,
not reservoir capacity. many parts are modified to fit the transverse configuration

 

[HVLA]

But the engine is designed to accept a certain amount of oil. If it's the same engine, it should accept the same amount of oil regardless of the oil pan design.

Lol what?

 

[HVLA]

Based on your reply, toyota can put a 10 qt oil pan and function the same as an engine ( same engine) with 5 qt pan

Correct.

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