Interesting specs on Toyota payload capacity

I am helping a friend pick out an overlanding vehicle and one of his concerns was how it would handle all the weight he planned to throw on it. My first thought was to compare the payload capacity of a proven/popular expedition rig like a Land Cruiser FZJ80 or 100-series to see how it compared with my 3rd gen 4Runner. What I found was unexpected (in order of increasing payload):


--Platform----Payload-----Cargo Volume
4th Gen 4R --- 1285 lbs - (75.1 cuft)
Lexus GX470 - 1329 lbs - (77.5 cuft)
100-series LC - 1500 lbs - (90.8 cuft)
80-series LC -- 1765 lbs - (97.0 cuft)
3rd gen 4R --- 1810 lbs - (80.0 cuft)

3rd gen 4Runner had the highest payload capacity, and possibly even more surprising, it had a higher cargo volume (rear volume with seats up) than the 4th gen/GX470. (A GX470 is wider and taller than a 3rd gen, but the cargo area is shorter.)

To compare to some non-Toyota products, a Jeep Wrangler 4 door is rated at a paltry 990 lb payload, so a couple of fat chicks (or guys, just sayin') and a cooler of Natty Ice and you're over the limit. A 1/2T Tahoe is rated at only 1400 lbs.

My friend wants a rig smaller than a LC, so I was thinking the specs alone would show the GX to have a far more favorable load carrying capacity, however it actually has less. Payload is based on Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) minus curb weight. As the curb weights of the newer vehicles goes up, the ability to carry weight AND STAY WITHIN THE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATION is going down.

All specs pulled from the same source: Edmunds.com. Just thought it was interesting, as I have never seen anyone make these comparisons.

The payload rating is more for safety. So it must be related to brakes. Upgrading brakes should allow more weight. ??

The challenges with the newer vehicles are the creature comforts suck up of those figures both payload and volume. Removing a ton of the creature comfort items will definitely help manipulate the payload number. Changing the axles and tires will get your a higher GAWR which gives you the increased payload but that's a ton of work just to add more weight. At that point you might as well get a trailer and tow it.

Did you look into the 60 and/or 70 series LC's? I'm sure those have better figures than the 80 and/or 3rd gen. Definitely surprised to see the 3rd gen up there kicking butt!

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Originally Posted by Good Times

Did you look into the 60 and/or 70 series LC's? I'm sure those have better figures than the 80 and/or 3rd gen. Definitely surprised to see the 3rd gen up there kicking butt!

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I have not, but I saw a thread elsewhere that the door jamb sticker on a 5th gen 4Runner lists the payload capacity at only 835 pounds! The thread also indicates that the 5th gen owner's manual (page 286 for any doubters) says this:

Total Load Capacity

Without rear differential lock system: 1165 lbs.
With rear differential lock system (Trail): 835 lbs

I'm not sure why the payload capacity would be less on a locked 5th gen, but apparently Toyota does not have much confidence in the load carrying capacity of the new 4Runners. 835 pounds is like 4 Americans and 10 pounds of luggage. Or a 4Runner with bumpers, sliders and skids and a single 140 pound driver.

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Originally Posted by paddlenbike

but apparently Toyota does not have much confidence in the load carrying capacity of the new 4Runners. 835 pounds is like 4 Americans and 10 pounds of luggage. Or a 4Runner with bumpers, sliders and skids and a single 140 pound driver.

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We can thank majority of Americans for that BS, people want an SUV that is capable but still want the ride of a car, I.E. softer springs, I can feel it every time I take a 5th gen out for a diag test drive, even in the GX and the Sequoia, the body roll is terrible but they do sure take the bumps with ease...

I would be curious to see what models from other lines fall under with load capacities, such as the older Honda/Isuzu Passport/Rodeo, the Nissan Pathfinder up till before its current generation, Nissan Armada and such, any time I recall test driving any of those its the same thing, you can feel the body roll but they sure handle the bumps with comfort.

Looks like I'm sticking with the 3rd gen. Maybe if I get foggy I'll get a tundra to haul the camper.....and the 4runner lol.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

Wow, I'm surprised to see that the 3rd gen has an almost 1 ton payload capacity.

- Matt