Payload Capacity

I’ve put a deposit down on a 2023 SR5 4x4, nothing added at port except running boards and starting to get curious about payload. When I first put the deposit down I was seeing the same 4-runner on lots with payload of 1165. Now I’m online and seeing SR5 4-Runners with nothing extra added with payload of only 880lb. I’ll see some with 3rd row have payload of 1165 and one without 3rd row with 880. I really need the higher payload and a little concerned that when my 4-Runner shows up that it will have the lower payload number. Seems for no reason you can take the same 4-Runner with same equipment but have a much different payload. It would be much appreciated if someone could chime in and help me on this.

 

When I looked for my 4runner I noticed the SR5’s had payloads over 1100 and the TRD OR I bought is 880. It might be a 7 passenger thing vs 5 passenger thing. I thought initially it was because the ORP came with all the upgraded off road goodies. But it does make sense that for more passengers you need more payload. In Canada I don’t think you can buy an SR5 without the third row anymore.

 

I checked Toyota's website and looked at an Ebrochure and it sure seems like they don't really want people to know. I'm not sure why they don't have it clearly listed under weights and capacities.

Your best bet might be to find the curb weight of the trim you're looking at, and subtract it from the GVWR. I believe some features and options affect the GVWR as well (like KDSS and the locking differential). I could be mistaken here, though.

 

Here's a page from the 2021 manual. I didn't see an online owner's manual for anything newer. But, since they haven't made any real changes since 2009, this is probably pretty reliable.

Otherwise, look in the manual of a '23 at the dealership.

 

I think best is to check the sticker when the 4R is delivered. First door sticker will tell the original payload capacity Eg 1165lbs on SR5 and Limited and 880lbs on TRD models. Then there is a yellow sticker that says how much further you have to reduce from the original payload. Here's an example my weight is reduced to 824lbs from factory.



I think you can go further down by measuring your self measuring empty and then calculate everything you add after.

 

It seems like the rear locker is the deciding factor. Seems weird to me.

It's definitely worth noting that accessories should be deducted from the payload.

I'd bet a lot of TRD 4Runners are running around over capacity. I Probably have around 500# of permanent extra weight, and my build is fairly mild. Throw in recovery gear, camping gear, and a cooler, and I'm pretty sure I exceed 880#.

 

Also, good call on check the door jamb. If @HMJ830 can find a 4runner on the lot with the same equipment he ordered, he could check the sticker and be certain.

 

I too not sure how strict they are. Back in Sri Lanka we do something called GVM upgrade just by springs (and shocks). I think we do the same with lifts and you having heavy springs.

My Limited with 3rd row is 1165lbs - 14lbs payload. Have no clue how its just 14lbs reduced. Pretty sure 2 seats, seat belts, additional plastic pieces have more weight than 14lbs. So no clue. Even by empty weight my TRD Pro with sliders, skids is 5000lbs and Limited with just 17in TRD ORP wheels + 285s weigh 5060lbs.

Edit-
If possible I will see if I can go check SR5 with 5 seats and TRD ORP with KDSS to see what the yellow sticker says.

 

I definitely don't feel overloaded. If a suspension upgrade can increase capacity, then I'm sure I'm fine.

But, I certainly wouldn't want to be driving around on stock springs with all of this weight.

 

That’s what has me so confused. I found an SR5 with same equipment and it had a payload of 880 and the SR5 doesn’t come from factory with rear locker from my understanding. I’ll see another SR5 and it says 1165. Seems to be no rhyme or reason as to why it’s different with same equipment. Thanks for your replies, much appreciated.

 

I just can’t figure out why one SR5 with same equipment has a 1165 payload and another SR5 with same equipment is 880. The rear locker adding weight makes sense, but the SR5 doesn’t come with rear locker from my understanding. Thanks for your reply.

 

Here is a picture of one at a Toyota Dealer I saw online, they have 2 SR5 with same equipment, both having payload of 880. So confusing that others with same equipment is 1165.

 

Glad this thread is open. Learning something new all the time.

Here SR5 with 5 seats + running boards.

 

I’m starting to wonder if something has changed with 2023 4-Runners. I just found two more SR5 online with 880 payload and just got off the phone with a dealer that had one in stock and they checked and it says 880. Seems like 2022 and earlier SR5 models is showing 1165. Very frustrating. Thanks to everyone who has chimed in. If anyone on here has a 2023 SR5 4x4 and wouldn’t care to check payload, that would be much appreciated.

 

It’s all got to do with the models equipped with a locking rear differential. The rear axle shafts have a torque limit and a locked rear diff could apply twice as much torque to an axle as an open differential. Toyota engineering did the calculations of a worst case scenario, added safety derating, and came up with those max cargo weights so you don’t break an axle shaft while driving up a sloped incline with a heavy load. You start adding a lift, over-sized tires, racks, etc., and all the calculations are changed. Something to consider.

Now if you don’t engage the locker you should have the same capacity as an open differential since only 50% of the torque can be applied to a side. But Toyota’s not going to state that for legal reasons.

 

SR5 doesn’t have a locker. I’ve just called two more dealers about a couple other SR5 they had and they both have payload of 880. All the SR5 prior to 2023 was showing 1165. It’s starting to seem like something is different on the 2023.

 

To make it even more unclear, check out the dimensions and weights page from the 2023 4Runner owner manual. It looks like they standardized it somewhat by deleting the reference to the locking differential. But the 5 vs 7 vs Pro passenger differences don’t make sense.

 

Weird..

Looks like they got rid of the "luggage compartment" capacity altogether.

If the BRO gets a higher capacity than the other 5 passenger models, that suggests that it's based on the suspension. I also wonder if the 7 passenger models come with heavier springs.

 

Since mine will have 3rd row, does that mean mine would be 1165? Is that what your seeing?

 

Looks like it. Look at the note *3

 

It sure does. That would be good for me if that’s the case. Everyone has definitely been a big help to me with this. Much appreciated

 

I also thought the difference was about protecting the axles from being broken by lockers. Especially when people do stupid things like driving around on pavement, rear locked, for 3 miles before noticing the idiot light flashing….

But then the pic you posted basically states the “capacity weight” increases if you have more seats?!?! Maybe this is a vocabulary thing? Or maybe it’s more about the body of the vehicle? For example, maybe the 7 seater has the substructure in the cargo area to spread the weight over thr body floor?

I can definitely see the weights could be to protect the floor of a stock vehicle, because the tin is quite thin in places.

 

Just in case, for those that are curious. I will let everyone know what my SR5 with 3rd Row Payload is once it comes in. Somewhere between Nov. 1st & Dec. 1st. Thanks for all the help.

 

Post pictures!

 

Thanks for posting this picture, it helped a lot. I’ve tried to locate the 2023 manual online but could only find the 2022 year. This definitely cleared some things up.

 

I most definitely will.

 

If you look into this and other forums the cargo capacity has been debated for years. Toyota just does not document their assumptions and reasoning well enough so people can understand it. My theory is that the engineers originally supplied the technical writers with something like 1165 pounds max, evenly distributed around the cabin and cargo area. With a diff locker derate it to 880 pounds. That wasn’t good enough so the tech writers broke it down further assuming a person is 150 pounds and specifying 5 or 7 people, subtracting that from 1165 and whatever weight remains can be assigned to the cargo area. But they screwed that up too because if you do the math the numbers don’t add up.

At least the manual now takes into account the different Pro suspension. They ought to specify the max capacity for each model variation.

 

Here's the measurements I have so far;

 

Yeah...

I know for a fact I have blown through the 811 lb. capacity on mine. Will again too.

 

A bit older post, but how's it handling?

The manual says 1165, but with 5 people and all my gear, I think I will be a few hundred beyond that 1165. I saw that it was 1700 elsewhere, but cannot verify anywhere on Toyota's end.

This is what I found when I Googled it.
https://www.autoblog.com/buy/2023-Toyota-4Runner-SR5_Premium__4dr_4x2/specs/