Access Cab I4 / V-6

Now that I know it's possible to get an I4 with an access cab (auto), here's another question. I've been told by some that due to the size/weight of an access cab, it would be better simply to get a V-6 versus an I4. (With the reasoning that it wouldn't have to work as hard.)

Any comments or opinions on this?

 

Not exactly sure what you're asking...... What are your reasons for considering an 4cyl in the first place?

A 4cylinder access cab and a 6cylinder access cab are gonna be able to handle & haul the same loads if they have identical suspensions & options. You'll just have a lack on power in the 4cylinder if & when you actually tow/haul stuff (pending how much you haul). They both have the same hauling & towing capabilities.

The Pre-runner 2.7L access cab also has the same towing capabilities. The Pre-runner actually has a larger payload (1580lbs) than the 4x4 4.0L access cab (1360lbs).

So - what's your question?

 

I read alot of happy 2.7 owners right here

 

I was very happy with my 2.7L PreRunner Access Cab, but I needed the extra towing capacity and the 4 doors. So, I traded it in for my current truck.

The link tcBob gave you is my move from Houston to San Antonio with the "old" truck. It handled everything fairly well with the exception of the 4,000+lb load in the hills. The 2.7L loves to rev high, and it does great on the low end. However, it suffers greatly on the top end. Thus my highway fuel economy at 75 MPH was around 22 MPG. I can get 21 MPG out of my V6, so I didn't see much reason in having the 4 cylinder.

I hope this helps you make your decision. Either way - both engines are wonderful and serve the purpose without hesitation.

 

Sorry if I didn't make my question clearer before. I've been told that if I get an access cab, I should simply get the V-6 because the I4 isn't a big enough engine to efficiently pull the weight of an access cab. I wanted to see if there's any truth to that.

I personally won't be doing any (heavy) hauling or crazy off-roading, if that helps. I'm simply talking about the truck itself (and no extra cargo [e.g. trailers, etc.]).

 

In which case the 2.7L is a great engine. Check out that link. I did quite a bit with mine. My problem was that my projects were getting bigger and the engine wasn't...

 

Roger that. Thanks for the info.

 

I've had my '08 4WD Access cab with the 2.7L I4 & 5 spd. for about 3 months now and 5,500 miles. I have no problems with it's power, but I think the manual trans. definitely helps get the most out of the 4 cylinder.

Granted, it's a huge departure from the 300HP 5.3L Silverado I traded in, but it does just fine - and the 23.5 MPG ain't bad either!

 

And I honestly don't see any problems with the 4cylinder not being able to *pull its own weight* per say.... Surely it's not gonna be as good as the 6cylinder.

But with the gas savings you'll get with the 4....do you really care about all that?

 

A PreRunner Access cab, with man trans, and 4cyl weighs only ~320lbs more than a similar reg cab PreRunner, not enough more to make the V6 a must have.

 

I take it there's no way you can get a PreRunner in an automatic?

 

Hey Pheonix! The 4 cylinder has plenty of power for almost anything you'll ever need to do with a mid sized truck. It even has more HP than the smaller V6 Ford is selling (I LOVE teasing my coworker about his.) I've noticed you're looking for an automatic but I'd like to suggest to you that you learn to drive a manual. It's a skill that will serve you well and in most vehicles you'll get extra performance and mileage.

 

If you aren't going to be doing any heavy hauling or towing, the I4 is plenty of engine for you, and especially now in the day of $4+ gas. Mine is a regular-cab with a manual, so maybe a little lighter than an access-cab, but it has all the power I need and gets decent mileage to boot. Plus the 2.7L engine has an amazing reputation for long-term durability.....not saying that the V6 is unreliable by any means, but Toyota's 4cyl truck engine will last a very loooooonnnnnng time if you take reasonably good care of it.

 

Thanks for the info, sir.

BTW - I plan on learning to drive a manual soon. My dad (who's got a '97 regular cab Taco) is going to teach me.

How many more miles per gallon does a manual I4 Taco get versus the automatic? (I've read what the Toyota site says - but I'd like to get some personal opinions here.)

 

I don't think the manual gets that much better. It isn't because of the transmission. It is because of the final drive gear ratio. The PreRunner Access Cabs come with a 4.10 gear ratio and only come in Manual 5 speed. The same goes for the 2.7L 4x4 and Regular Cab PreRunners. That gives you excellent get-up-n-go, but really hurts your fuel economy. The only way to get Automatic (and 3.58 rear differential ratio) is to go to the regular suspension. Then you can upgrade your wheels/tire/suspension if you wish.

 

On a couple other threads I mentioned that the last few tanks I've been getting 28 MPG +/- a couple tenths. This is due to a tonneau cover and a couple small mods and paying attention to my scangauge. If I really tried I bet I could squeeze 30+ MPG out of it but it would take some of the more extreme hypermiling techniques that aren't very practical in every day driving.

 

I've been thinking about getting one of these for the specific reason of improving MPG (when I get the truck, of course). I did a quick Google search and found a few "cheap" ones (compared to others) at around $200-$250. I don't want a hard-top type, but rather, one of the softer ones. How much would a soft-cover improve one's MPG?

 

I did not notice a difference with my Access (AgriCover) Limited Edition, but it is worth EVERY PENNY I have spent on it. I had it on my 2.7L, and then I moved it to my Double Cab V6. It is the best accessory for a truck - PERIOD.