School me on the base model 4x4...

I'm not an off-road enthusiast. But I am considering the base model (4-cyl.) 4x4.

I figure why not? If I'm going to get a truck I should get a 4x4. MPGs are close the the 4x2. And it will come in quite handy in the winters as well as being able to go camping/exploring off the beaten path a bit.

But then I know there are all the specialty 4x4, off-roading models, and I am just wondering what the capabilities of the base model actually are. Again, I'm not looking to doing any crazy off-roading, climbing, stuff like that...

 

Basically any time you're wanting more traction, it's nice. It will handle the snow well, ice not so much. It's not ideal to use it when driving on dry pavement.

 

Base model is good enough to get you through the majority of stuff... Only downside is it has no locker. I plan on installing an ARB Air Locker eventually, and Ive already change out my suspsension... thats what I went with the base. If you dont intend on doing serious offroading, the base model 4x4 should be enough.

 

The type of "off road" use the OP describes can easily be handled by a 4x2 Tacoma. A 2WD Tacoma is very capable on dry dirt roads, forest trails, even mild rock crawling. Want a bit more capability look at the "Prerunner". The suspension and setup is identical to the 4WD and even gets an electronic rear locker, but also maintains the better MPG and less maintenance of the 2WD.

 

The base model 4x4 should be plenty capable for anything the OP is describing. I have been pleasantly surprised by what mine can do, even before I was lifted and had new tires. You can always add lockers, lift, tires, armor etc if you decide you want to do some more hardcore wheelin.

 

Pretty sure he meant add an aftermarket locker.

 

Base model 4x4 sounds perfect for what you want to do.

The one upgrade you might want to consider is to upgrade the tires to a 265/70R16 size with a good sturdy all-terrain tire.

That's not an oversize tire, it's the same size as the TRD Off Road. But because it's wider it'll perform better, and look better too, most folks find.

 

Well, thanks for all of the great info! It sounds like the base 4x4 will definitely be fine for my purposes.

I plan on getting some sort of high-top cap with it for extended camping.

Now, I just have to pull the trigger, or wait for the 2016s... the potential for better gas mileage is the only reason I would wait...

 

If what I read is correct they are upping the auto from a 4 speed to a 6 speed and the manual is still the sturdy reliable 5 speed.

 

^Cool... yeah, I'd definitely be going with the manual... that said, I'm not sure how much gas mileage will improve since it's the same engine with 5-speed manual; although it's still supposed to be improved mileage, of course that could mean 1 mpg...

 

If you want a regular cab, you need to wait as they're not making those in the '15 model year.

If you want a 4 banger with automatic, you should wait as the new engine/trans combo should be slick

If you're getting the v6 with automatic, or 4 cyl with 5 speed - and access cab or double cab combination, well then it's up to you.

 

Is there going to be a regular cab '16?

 

Early info is that they're bringing it back.

EDIT: source: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/01/2016-toyota-tacoma-first-look.html

 

I'm not sure where you get your information but if accurate, that's fantastic news.

 

Very doubtful, Cafe (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards would make it very difficult to maintain the MPG's in the coming years.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_Average_Fuel_Economy
CAFE footprint requirements are set up such that a vehicle with a larger footprint has a lower fuel economy requirement than a vehicle with a smaller footprint

 

Yeah, there was that single source and early info is often mistaken. So unless we start hearing that from more sources, skepticism may be the right course.

 

Love my base model!!!

I haven't added lockers (yet - just ordered my compressor though) and my little Taco ran circles around all the other non modified trucks going to hunting areas in the deep snow. Sure, we all had good tires, but I don't really consider that a mod.

Lifted a couple inches with bigger tires it has been a little beast. You won't regret a base model.

finally stuck, but made it a couple miles further than my buddy He's running open diffs for now, but the Taco made him want lockers

 

Anything the other trucks can do the 4cyl base can do as well..... just make sure you get a manual as the auto is terrible imo. Also when on trails *I'm probably gonna catch heat for this again but IMHO 4lo will be your main 4x4 usage. I've only ever used 4hi on the fsr when there was snow but as soon as I hit a trial 4lo the gearing is just better. also depends on where you live terrain etc sorry I didn't look to see where you were from. not to jack your thread but here's an idea of what possible with light mods (my truck still has stock suspension)

 

Nice!! Pretty awesome what they can do, looks like you've done this before.
Don't think I'd follow you!
But it's nice knowing the truck is capable!

 

reg cab is dead Fred
that link is dead wrong