V4 vs. V6?

I am with Greg on this one. If you are questioning the power of the I4 (I refers to inline) and want more power like what the V6 (V represents the shape the crank and pistons make when looking at the engine head on) then you should get the one that you know you would want in the end otherwise you will just end up regretting your choice later. I got the I4 because I also wanted a 4cyl and a manual transmission and like Greg I have not regretted my decision at all. I did test drive a V6 with an auto and an I4 with an auto and didn't like either but as soon as I drove the I4 with a manual I knew it was the truck I wanted. In the end you will end up spending more money if you get something that you truly don't want because you will either spend more money trying to improve it till you like it or trade it in later for something else. JMHO

 

V-6 4WD mileage (in 2WD) is only 14-18, I don't know on what planet one gets 22 mpg with this 4.0 V-6, on an automatic tranny, 4WD equipped truck. Of course I have the double cab.
I think you will do fine with the 2.7 I-4 if you want more than 20 mpg and are expecting to downshift when climbing hills.

 

Me too. I wanted a reg cab, 4x2, 4 cyl, 5 sp, inexpensive, base truck. It's plenty quick. I am not at all disappointed. And it handles much better than I expected. Highest MPG so far was 33.5, and that was with one morning stuck in traffic.

If you have any doubts about power, just get the V6. Also, the I4 with an auto, 4x4, and heavier truck may not be ideal.

 

I would say if you're going with a prerunner or a 4x4 especially with an auto trans get a v-6. If you're going with a 5spd and/or 5 lug the 2.7L is fine. The prerunner/4x4 4cyl w/autos just have gears that are too tall and you'll end up getting about the same mileage as a v-6 anyway. So why not have the extra power. I had a 99 2.7L (3RZ-FE)prerunner auto. Average mpg was 18-19. My 2011 5lug 4cyl auto averages 22.5-23.5 in normal driving and about 24.5-25 on the highway. But I bought the truck with mpgs in mind and I don't give a crap if I look like an old man driving around.

 

I love these kind of threads! Everyone gets so passionate and worked up. Kind of reminds me of Nascar when the car brand was as important as the driver, but that's material for another thread. My experience is limited to what I now drive, which is an AC 2.7/Auto Prerunner, so I can't speak from firsthand experience about the V6. OP, like you, I had no plans to haul heavy loads or pull a trailer, so the 2.7 was what I went looking for. I'm 62 years old and have driven a lot of manual trannies over the years, and honestly, I wanted the auto. Plus, my wife has to drive my truck occasionally, so that entered into the equation. There are times when I wish I had a little more power, but i find the 2.7 to be a nice little engine...smooth and responsive. Also wished the auto had another gear so the gear ratios would be a little closer together. I get 17.5 to 18.5 around town, which isn't too bad. I had a Honda Fit that only got 26 in town, so overall, I'm pretty pleased.

 

I had my last 4cyl Taco for 17 years, and it had only one down day while I replaced the front wheel bearings.

For 26 years, I've only bought new and driven the cheapest 5 lug standard cab base model 4 cyl Tacos with manual transmissions and no options... and I'd never drive any other truck. They are unsurpassed as reliable dependable work trucks.

1988 22r 2.4
1996 2rz 2.4
2012 2tr 2.7


Greg

 

Stupid question. Why would you not want to pair a 4 cyl w/ an automatic trans?

 

There's no such thing as a stupid question, Dave.
Automatic transmissions sap the engine's power with a fluid coupling and also pumping trans fluid to shift gears, whereas manual transmissions don't.

In my opinion, you should get a 6. But if you're set on a four, here's mine...





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvIBURPwtXw

Greg

 

Thanks Greg and everyone. So helpful!

That's interesting. So what do people who want a regular cab and need an auto trans do? Just except the auto trans sap the engine? because they don't make V6 for regular cab.

 

They usually either get a standard cab 5 lug 4cyl with a stick,
or a 6 with an auto in a larger heavier 6cyl 6 lug model.


Greg

 

When I want to go faster I push my right foot closer to the floor. If you want an automatic, buy it.

 

I would definetly test drive both. I have a 2.7 manual. It tows my 15ft fiberglass boat without a problem. I was just out in western pa/maryland and did have to shift into 3rd a few times on the hills. I am on 33s so I'd imagine 4th would have done the trick with stock size.

My dad just bought a 2014 2.7 auto and I personally didnt like it. To me it just didn't seem like it wanted to go. He says hes happy with it and has no problem hauling a load of fire wood or mulch.

Now my ex just bought a 4.0 6 speed and that thing moves!!!! lol I'm not gonna lie, the power was nice! It probably wouldn't take me long to end up with a ticket lol

In the end I'm happy with my little 4 banger keeps me out of trouble, hauls what I need it to, simple to work on and I average about 21MPGs with 33" tires.

 

Yep, what he said.

"The only stupid question is the one you don't ask when you had the opportunity."

 

Saw that your getting a 4x4. Don't know the extent you plan on using the 4x4 but You can only get a rear locker with the v6.
Rear diff locker > I4.

 

If there was a V8 I'd have it. The V6 is a little slow. I probably should have put the supercharger on it.

 

Now that's good advice.

It's the only way to know first hand for yourself which you will like the best. Then there are no surprizes after you buy.


Greg

 

I have a '97 Tacoma 2.7l. I have had it for a few years now, and I wish it had more power. I'm a guy, I enjoy off roading, and I don't have the torque nor HP that I would like. Uphill climbs are slow, My speed is usually between that of a semi and most other vehicles. Gas mileage is fine. I haven't bothered to find out exactly what I get.

If you're not into doing anything out of the ordinary, I think the 2.4l or 2.7l would be fine.

 

I drive a 4 cylinder for work and own a V6 for play. IMO the 4 banger couldn't get out of its own way. I would skip the 4 banger. Unless you want something that will run for 500000 miles get the V6.

 

i have a 13 RC with the the auto...at times can feel a little sluggish, but when i only drive 10mi a day on city streets it works. After a year of having it, and 5000mi later....knowing what I know now I probably would have gone with the 5spd, and probably a AC.

 

So, us guys on TW are passionate about our trucks which means we're probably opinionated on our motors. Really, you're just going to get fanboys for both sides and will never get a clear answer on here. (I'm a fanboy too) Your best bet is by far to test drive both, a lot, till you've decided. Car salesmen are desperate to sell so test drive as much as you need!