3.5 Hit or miss?

I wasn't disappointed in the power or responsiveness in my 3.5 when I drove it off the lot though. Now that I have driven 2000 miles it does feel a little more gutsy under normal driving conditions but I just thought maybe the transmission had to learn my driving style or something like that (not even sure if that's applicable here). I wasn't to focused on it much. But either way, she seems to wake up more now.

 

These buzzy, busy, high RPM V6's don't seem to be getting the higher MPG's with a heavy high profile 4WD truck.

The Tacoma and Colorado 4WD are 4500 lb picnic tables. I saw Car and Driver compared the trucks on a 1900 mile road trip and they both got only 19mpg for the trip.

Those buzzy V6's don't have enough torque to overcome the wind resistance, a truck needs torque.

 

There is no replacement for displacement.

 

My needs for a new truck are minimal. Tow my 3,000 lb trailer over I70 without being forced below 60 or 55 mph on the steepest parts and have enough power to occasionally pass people under 80 mph (on normal highways). I guess the TFL Ike Gauntlet test should give me a good indication. However, I think the TFL guys just slap overall positive reviews on everything because automakers fly them to press events all the time and give them press fleet vehicles to test. I'd be inclined to endorse a product if I were wined and dined too, but that is for another thread. =)

 

Never said that my post actually says they are not a good competitor. I was talking about current pricing and sales.

 

traded in my 2008 trd 4dr for the 2016 trd 4dr. not as much pep taking of from a stop. noticeable if stopped waiting for traffic to clear to make a right turn. a gap in traffic comes up this is where i really notice it, have to put my foot in it. if i put that much foot in my 2008 it would spin the tire. thought about looking under the hood to see if i got a 4cyl by mistake. if it was not for all the new gadgetry like smart key and stuff i would be really bummed. my advice if you are not interested in the new gadgetry opt for a new 2015 if any left. just have to get used to it i guess.

 

I put 78,000 on my 4.0 in the 2011 TRD Access cab. Then now a 2016 TRD access cab.
Both auto's and the new truck is quicker and gets 4.5 MPG better MPG. It's winner!

 

So off base please buy something else! Because my 3.5 has less noise engine wise. Is faster than the 4.0 gets 4.5 MPG better.

 

HAHA! The same truck TRD access cab 2011 is /was slower than the new 3.5 in my new TRD and gets 4.5 or so less MPG
3.5 is better in my book!

 

Drove both the OR & the Sport and they both seemed to kick between 5-6 a lot at about 65ish so I don't think it is the tires. I know on the twisties and such I keep my first gen Tundra lock out of OD or it hunts quite a bit at lower speeds. It simply has a button to turn OD off. I think with the new Taco I would be spending a lot of time with it sitting in 4th. With my Pro I drive most of the local stuff with 5th gear locked out, and only use 5th on the highway so not much different.

 

This

 

While true in most cases, the newer technology in all these new vehicles are making up ground quick. Just take the 3.5 twin turbo in the F150. Probably the fastest and most powerful off the line of any full size light duty truck out.

 

With that being said, I wouldn't want to own one past 100k miles. Those turbos and everything else will be very expensive to replace

 

I had a 2014 F150 w the 5.0 v8. Would NOT own a full size without a v8.
And yes, I have driven the 3.5 EB. Would NOT own.

 

Why not an EB? One of my friends just bought a FX4 EB and it's pretty nice, fast AF tho!!!

 

Preach ! Lol
I couldn't have said it any better my self sir !

 

I drove the 3rd gens a while back. I think the power is adequate normal driving and stop and go. I did notice that when you need torque, it has to be revving at least 4K+ to move. Makes me wonder how towing or loaded up will be like.

 

This is the same with the 2nd gen, though it needs 3-3.5k.

Glad I have a 2nd gen, glad I bought the manual trans.

 

The 4.0 towing 3700 plus a bedload and cabload maybe 5000 lbs gross was adequate over I70, Eisenhower and Vail passes. Had my foot buried in the firewall the entire time, shifting down to 2nd gear at times (manual trans) with the 4.0 near redline. But never dropped below 50 mph. 4.0 at about 5000-5200 rpm to hold 50 mph in 2nd gear, but that was for short stretches. Mostly 3rd gear between 3200-4500 rpm climbing the passes, but foot buried in the firewall. I got tired of having my foot buried in the firewall, bought a 4.7l Tundra.

3.5 should have similar performance since they have the same torque numbers. 3.5 won't be a poor performer towing, but won't outperform the 4.0. I get about 2mpg better with the 4.7 towing, the 325 torque makes a difference.

 

I just love my 3rd gen. It does what I want it to do and it does it really well! If you're concerned about towing and hauling, buy a Tundra!!!!

The people that's knocking the 3rd gen makes me feel bad that I bought one but I know my 3rd gen, is better for me, than the 2nd gen. I would have loved a F150 Ecoboost but I couldn't justify $40k for a used truck and the uncertainty regarding the resale value.... In 3 years and 80k miles the dealer gave me $3k less for my 2010 DCSB than what I paid for so I was happy!!!