Originally Posted By: Gurney
Originally Posted By: ekpolk
. . . think about this: I think the engine to watch here is the 2GR-FE, the currently used 3.5L V-6. Unlike the I-4s, which only appear in lighter vehicles, and the V-8s, which only appear in the heavies, the 2GR lives in both worlds. It appears that Toyota is well aware of the running temp/vis issue. You will notice that in the lighter vehicles that get this engine (the Camry and Avalon for the most part), Toyota specs a 20 wt oil. By contrast,
when they install the same engine in a heavier vehicle (Sienna and Highlander), they spec a 5w30 oil. [Emphasis added.]
Hey, there's nothing nefarious going on here. Toyota is making a rational call about what's best in any particular application. I'm not seeing a problem here. . . .
Really, you don't see a problem here? An engine manufacturer specifies
two different weight oils for the same engine based upon the weight of the vehicles involved? (I, personally, think there's more involved here than just the vehicles' weight; I think Toyota is also taking into account how the vehicles will likely be used.) In either case, it hasn't occurred to you that Toyota is deliberately cutting it close to the edge to eke out a fleetwide mpg?
And, more to the point, if we know the manufacturer specifies a heavier weight oil for the more arduous applications involving the same engine, why in the world wouldn't an insight Camry owner opt for the additional temp/vis protection Toyota clearly envisions for the Sienna/Highlanders guys?
I actually agree with both of you even though you're disagreeing with one another.