The Toyota Tundra is a popular full-size pickup truck available with two different V8 engines: a 4.6L and a 5.7L.
The most common difficulty for prospective buyers is deciding between the 4.6L and 5.7L engines.
Both engines are reliable and capable, but they have some major differences in power, torque, fuel efficiency, towing capacity, etc.
In this article, I have discussed the main differences between the Tundra 4.6L and 5.7L engines, their good and bad sides, and helped you decide which is best for you. I have also compared Toyota Tundra 4.7 and 5.7.
If you are a die-hard Tundra fan or a first-time buyer looking for the best deal within your budget, this head-to-head comparison is for you.
The 4.6L and 5.7L Tundra engines have 7 key differences, including engine specs, power and performance, fuel economy, environmental impact, applications, and pricing.
1. Tundra 4.6 Vs 5.7 Application
The Toyota Tundra 4.6L engine comes with the following vehicles:
- Toyota Tundra SR
- Tundra Limited
- Tundra 1794 Edition
- Tundra SR5
- Tundra Platinum
The Toyota Tundra 5.7L engine comes with the following vehicles:
- Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
- Tundra Limited
- Tundra SR5
- Tundra Platinum
- Tundra 1794 Edition
2. Toyota Tundra 4.6 Vs 5.7 Performance and Power
Horsepower
The Toyota Tundra 4.6L engine gets 310 horsepower, while the 5.7L engine gets 381 horsepower.
This means the Tundra 5.7L engine is 71 horsepower more powerful than the 4.6L engine.
Therefore, the 5.7L engine is the better choice for drivers who need maximum power.
Torque
The Toyota Tundra 4.6L engine produces 327 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.7L engine produces 401 lb-ft of torque.
This indicates the Tundra 5.7L engine is able to produce 74 lb-ft more torque than the Tundra 4.6L engine.
Therefore, the 5.7L engine is the better choice for drivers who need maximum torque.
Tundra 4.6 Vs 5.7 Towing Capacity
The Toyota Tundra 4.6L engine has a towing capacity of up to 6,800 pounds, while the Tundra 5.7L engine has a towing capacity of up to 10,500 pounds.
This indicates the 5.7L engine has a towing capacity of 53% higher than the 4.6L engine.
As a result, the 5.7L engine is the better choice for drivers who want to tow heavy trailers or haul heavy loads.
It is also the better choice for drivers who live in hilly or mountainous areas.
In contrast, the 4.6L engine is a good choice for those who do not need to tow heavy loads and drive mainly in urban areas.
Tundra 4.6 Vs 5.7 0-60 Times
I tested both engines 0-60 times and discovered that the Tundra 4.6L engine achieves 0-60 mph in 6.92 seconds.
In contrast, the Tundra 5.7L engine reaches 0-60 times in 6.5 seconds.
The 5.7L engine is 0.42 seconds faster than the 4.6L engine.
So, if you are looking for the fastest and most powerful Tundra, the 5.7L engine is a better choice.
Max Speed
Tundra’s 4.6L engine has a maximum speed of 5600 RPM.
In contrast, the 5.7L has a maximum engine speed of 5800 RPM.
In terms of max speed, the 5.7L engine can REV higher than the 4.6L engine.
This benefits drivers when they require maximum power and torque from their engines, especially for heavy loads.
A summary table of Tundra 4.6 Vs 5.7 engine performance and power is:
|
Subject |
Tundra 4.6L Engine |
Tundra 5.7L Engine |
|
Horsepower |
310 horsepower | 381 horsepower |
| Torque | 327 lb-ft |
401 lb-ft |
|
Towing Capacity |
6,800 pounds | 10,500 pounds |
| 0-60 Times | 6.92 seconds |
6.5 seconds |
|
Max. Engine Speed |
5600 RPM |
5800 RPM |
4. 4.6 Vs 5.7 Tundra Specs
Displacement
Displacement refers to the amount of fuel and air an engine’s pistons displaces in a single revolution.
A larger displacement means the engine produces more power and torque.
The Toyota Tundra 4.6L engine has a displacement of 4.6L or 280.71 cubic inches.
In contrast, the Toyota Tundra 5.7L engine has a displacement of 5.7L or 347.83 cubic inches.
Therefore, the Toyota Tundra 5.7L is larger than the 4.6L engine.
Cylinder
The Toyota Tundra 4.6L and 5.7L engines are both V8 engines.
Compression Ratio
The comparison ratio of Tundra 4.6L and 5.7L engines is the same, and it is 10.2:1.
Engine Orientation
The engine orientation of the Toyota Tundra 4.6L and 5.7L engines is longitudinal.
This means the engine is mounted at the front of the vehicle, with the crankshaft running parallel to the long axis of the vehicle.
Block Material
The block material of the Toyota Tundra 4.6L and 5.7L engines is the same: aluminum.
Both engines use a die-cast aluminum block, which is lightweight and durable.
Bore x Stroke
The Toyota Tundra 4.6L and 5.7L engines have the same bore but different strokes.
The bore and stroke of the Tundra 4.6L V8 engine are 3.70 inches (94 mm) and 3.30 inches (83 mm).
In contrast, the bore and stroke of the Tundra 5.7L V8 engine are 3.70 inches (94 mm) and 4.02 inches (102 mm).
The Tundra 4.6L engine has a shorter stroke than the Tundra 5.7L engine.
This makes the 4.6L engine lighter and more fuel-efficient.
However, because of its longer stroke, the 5.7L engine produces more power and torque than the Tundra 4.6L engine.
Valve per Cylinder
Both the Toyota Tundra 4.6L and 5.7L engines have four valves per cylinder.
Fuel Type
The Tundra 4.6L and 5.7L engines run on the same fuel: regular unleaded gasoline (octane rating of 87 or higher).
However, you should use the same fuel rating that the owner’s manual specifies.
Because using a higher-octane fuel than recommended will not provide any additional benefits for your Tundra.
Emission Control System
The Tundra 4.6L and 5.7L engines both have almost the same emission control system, such as:
- Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve
- Catalytic converter
- Oxygen sensors
However, the main difference between the emission control systems of the 4.6L and 5.7L engines is that the 5.7L engine also has an air injection system.
Weight of 4.6 Vs 5.7 Tundra
The Toyota Tundra 4.6L engine weighs approximately 540 pounds or 244.94 kg.
In contrast, the Toyota Tundra 5.7L engine weighs approximately 570 pounds or 258.55 kg.
Here is a summary table of Tundra 4.6L vs 5.7L engine specs:
|
Subject |
Tundra 4.6L Engine |
Tundra 5.7L Engine |
|
Displacement |
4.6L or 280.71 cubic inches |
5.7L or 347.83 cubic inches |
|
Cylinder |
V8 | V8 |
| Comparison Ratio | 10.2:1 |
10.2:1 |
|
Engine Orientation |
longitudinal | Same |
| Block Material | Aluminum |
Aluminum |
|
Bore |
94 mm | 94 mm |
| Stroke | 83 mm |
102 mm |
|
Valve per Cylinder |
4 | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
Same |
|
Emission Control System |
Available | Available |
| Weight | Approx. 540 pounds |
Approx. 570 pounds |
5. Tundra 4.6 Vs 5.7 Fuel Economy and Impact
Tundra 4.6 Vs 5.7 MPG
The Tundra 4.6L engine gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg in the city.
In contrast, the Tundra 5.7L engine has an EPA-estimated 16 mpg on the highway and 14 mpg in the city.
As you can see, the 4.6L engine is more fuel-efficient than the 5.7L engine.
So, if you are concerned about fuel efficiency, the 4.6L engine is better for you.
Tundra 4.6 Vs 5.7 Environmental Impact
A vehicle’s environmental impact depends on many factors, including the engine, fuel type, and driving habits.
However, the Toyota Tundra 5.7L engine typically has a greater environmental impact than the 4.6L engine.
This is because the 5.7L engine is larger, consumes more fuel, and produces more emissions.
Here is a table that compares the environmental impact and mpg of Tundra 4.6L and 5.7L engines:
|
Engine |
Fuel Economy (City and Highway) | PM Emissions (g/km) | CO2 Emissions (g/km) |
NOx Emissions (g/km) |
|
4.6L V8 |
15/19 mpg | Approx. 0.5 | Approx. 280 | Approx. 10 |
| 5.7L V8 | 14/16 mpg | Approx. 0.6 | Approx. 320 |
Approx. 12 |
6. Tundra 4.6 Vs 5.7 Reliability and Maintenance
Tundra 4.6 Vs 5.7 Reliability
Both the 4.6L and 5.7L Tundra engines are reliable, and they have excellent reliability ratings.
Based on the J.D. Power rating, the Tundra gets 4.5 out of 5 for reliability.
This means the Tundra is the market’s one of most reliable full-size pickup truck. Both engines have excellent longevity, too.
The Toyota Tundra’s 4.6L and 5.7L engines can easily last 200,000 to 250,000 miles with proper maintenance and care.
The 4.6L engine is slightly more reliable than the 5.7L engine.
This is because of its simple design and fewer moving parts compared to the 5.7L engine.
However, the difference in reliability is not significant.
Warranty
The Toyota Tundra 4.6L and 5.7L engines are both covered by the same factory warranty.
The warranty includes the following:
- Basic Warranty: 36,000 miles or 3 years
- Roadside Assistance: 25,000 miles or 2 years
- Powertrain Warranty: 100,000 miles or 7 years
- Corrosion Warranty: unlimited miles or 5 years
The warranty is transferable to the next owner and covers both new and used Tundras.
Here is a summary table of Tundra 4.6 vs 5.7 engine reliability and warranty:
|
Subject |
5.7L V8 Engine |
4.6L V8 Engine |
|
Reliability Rating |
4.5 | 4.5 |
| Basic Warranty | 36,000 miles or 3 years |
36,000 miles or 3 years |
|
Corrosion Warranty |
5 years or unlimited miles | 5 years or unlimited miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 7 years or 100,000 miles |
100,000 miles or 7 years |
|
Roadside Assistance |
25,000 miles or 2 years |
25,000 miles or 2 years |
7. Tundra 4.6 Vs 5.7 Price
The Toyota Tundra 4.6L engine starts at $4,000.
In contrast, the Toyota Tundra 5.7L engine starts at $4,800.
The Tundra 5.7L engine is $800 more expensive than the 4.6L engine.
The 5.7L engine is slightly pricy but provides more hp, torque, and towing capacity.
Is a 5.7 or 4.6 Tundra Better?
Typically, the 5.7L engine is better than the 4.6L engine in terms of power, torque, and towing capacity.
However, the 4.6L engine is less expensive and more fuel-efficient.
Overall, the best way to decide which engine is right for you is to consider your demands and budget.
If you need more power and torque, then the 5.7L engine is a better choice.
It is also better in terms of heavy trailers and hauling heavy loads.
On the other hand, if you do not need high power and are on a budget, then the 4.6L engine is a good option.
It is still a powerful engine and more fuel-efficient than the 5.7L engine.
Final Words
The Toyota Tundra 4.6L and 5.7L engines are great choices for a full-size pickup truck.
The 5.7L engine is better for those who want more horsepower and torque output.
On the other hand, the 4.6L is a better choice for those who want better fuel economy on their budget.
No matter what engine you choose, you will surely get a durable and reliable truck that will last for years and miles.
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