2016 Tacoma 4 cyl verses V6!!! My opinions after driving the 4 cyl Auto

I have had 6 Toyota's since I was 23. And am now 44. A variation of V6 with 5 speed,Auto, 4 cyl with 5 spd and auto etc..one was a 4 runner 4 cyl 5 spd..the rest were trucks! My 2000 4x4 short cab 4 cyl 5 spd did ok as someone stated because of the 5 spd I could run up the rpm's. My first V6 is my current 2004 Trd and it is amazing!!! eVEN WITH A AUTO TRANS IT WILL SMOKE THE TIRES !!! Even that being said, today I went to the dealer very excited to maybe buy a 2016 4x4 4 cyl (all I can afford right now at $28,000 for a basic 4x4 Sr.) and let me tell you the 2016 4 banger 4x4 automatic is gutless and was so slow merging onto the freeway on flat ground I was embarrassed!!
People were actually tail gating me and rushing around the side of me!! I even asked the sales rep, "Do I have the e brake on?...am I in the wrong gear (its a auto) Lol...he said, "NO! There gutless!! I can not justify buying a 2016 v6 Trd right now with a beauitful 2004 v6 Trd lifted with no issues that is almost paid off.... so I left almost disappointed with Toyota for the first time in 30 years but grateful I have a v6!! I can also tell you before this v6 I had a 4cyl automatic 2wd extra cab I drove for a 178 k of the 224k on it and it was worse on gas than my current v6!! So my opinion...??? If you have to settle for a 4 cyl on a 2016 BUY A 5spd!!! But it will still be gutless and you will use more fuel running up your rpms! Or save and buy a V6! I personally am keeping my 2004 Trd v6!! When I got back in and left the dealer I merged at the same ramp and blew everyone away!!! Lol..
I can also agree with what others said about mileage on the v6...I have had the 4 cyl 5 spd 2000 4x4 extra cab and now have the 2004 v6 trd extra cab auto trans and the v6 gets better mileage and does not work near as hard! Recently I towed my dump trailer with my V6 and had 2700 lbs of garbage plus the trailer weight and my v6 full of tools and was headed up to the mountains on us 50 to truckee and the cruise control kept that v6 at 62 mph even on the hills without over working!! The 3.4 liter V6 is amazing! And I have seen them with as much as 331K on the original motor!!! Anyway just my 2 cents!! Stay away from the 4 cyl auto!! I highly reccoment to everyone that you do what I do before I buy any truck!! I rent the exact model from the dealer and drive it in the same conditions I drive daily! Then I know I wont be bummed. Its funny because back in 2004 I rented a V6 extra cab Trd auto trans and loved it and in 2014 finally bought one!! Thanks for hearing me out!!!!!!!!! I am new hear and have gained a lot of knowledge from all of you over the years reading your answers!!!

 

Please rewrite this with more exclamation points. I don't think you conveyed your excitement enough...

 

Please remember the 4 cyl has to rev to make any power. Also please remember the gas pedal is tuned in Toyota's "Eco" mode unless you push the ECT Power button so you will have to push the pedal farther to get it to do anything. I don't know where you were driving it, but I never have people impatiently flying around me unless I purposely accelerate slow.

That said, the feeling of power, or the lack thereof, is based off what you're used to. I can tell you if I bought this right after the WRX I had I would think it's dog slow, but coming from a Ford Escape it's not really much slower.

 

My 4-cylinder does just fine merging onto the interstate and driving over the mountains of WV.. I really don't care what the people behind me think..

 

I disagree that the 5-speed makes it any better. In the auto, just use sport mode and paddle through the gears. The main thing is that the 4 banger has to get rev'd up to make power. You have to mash the go pedal and not lift until you get to speed. If you lift for even a second with the auto, it will upshift and refuse to downshift. Getting helps with that issue (but so does manually shifting the auto), but it doesn't give you more power.

 

Well, as they say there is a butt for every saddle. I am completely happy with my 4cyl. It does everything I need competently and is capable of getting me 24 mpg on my 20 mile commute to work. Once you learn how the transmission and ECU work, getting up to speed and climbing hills is not an issue.

If I were pulling a boat or a trailer often, I would have bought the six, but I don't tow. Lastly...I drove off with a $26k dollar truck, which is what I was willing to spend.

On a different note, it seems some people drive as if under the expectation that throttles are still operated by a linkage, instead of drive-by-wire. Today's throttle response is completely a matter of computer mapping for miles per gallon targets. You can learn how to get the 4cyl to respond, and the ECT button for performance completely changes the throttle response when you need it.

 

Amen Brother!

 

Before you sit on your $28000, try driving the truck in the "ECT" mode, or as some might say, the "non ECO" mode. The 4 cyl doesn't really wake up till 2500 rpm.

 

This^^^

It drives me crazy when people compare throttle response from trucks that were designed 20 years ago. Hate to tell you OP, but the 3rd gen V6 is just as lethargic in throttle response/feel as the I4.

 

I thought the 4banger did just fine, and would have bought one but i need the v6 for that touch more of towing

 

I raced a suzuki sidekick today and smoked him. Maybe the one you drove was a lemon?

 

Thanks for all your replies! Drur04 that is a great point. I had just been in my 04 TRD V6, so the difference probably seemed more apparent! However, I did use the ect and it helped but I am still disappointed in the 4 cylinder 2016 Tacoma. I can't even imagine how gutless it would be lifted with a larger tire. Last week I was considering buying a 2014 4wd 4 banger with a 3" puck lift and 32" tires at a used dealer but now have no interest.
Anyway I am learning more by reading your replies. I am interested in hearing from more V6 owners. I noticed most of the replies were from 4 cyl owners and some even defensive. Which I totally understand. Its just my opinion if your going to spend the money protect yourself and get a V6...I have met a lot of guys out and about that regretted getting stuck with a $350 a month payment on a 2016 4 cyl...4wd...KEEP IN MIND my post was about a 2016 4 cyl 4x4 not a 2016 2x4 pick up that someone may just use for commuting. A 2 WD is probably going to be lighter and accelerate a little more efficient.
Bottom line is I can't justify buying 159hp 4x4 that I can get out and run faster than when for $3100 more I can have 278hp V6! Lol

 

I have the 4x4 4 Cylinder access cab. I work for Toyota, so I've spent many hours in both the 4 and 6 cylinder, both great trucks. Why did I buy the 4 cylinder? I simply didn't need the 6, and just kept the 2/3 grand for mods. It's slow for sure, but not unreasonable.

 

I mostly drive my truck to work and I surely don't get in a hurry to get there.. Haha

 

What I find interesting about this thread is that it is a great example that what people want/need from a truck really dictates which model and engine type fits the bill.

Good discussion.

 

The same could be said about the v6 taco. The prices most dealers want for a 3rd gen TRD-OR can get me into a well equipped F-150 XLT or Silverado LT in V8 or turbo V6 trims which will blow away a taco. It's all relative to your needs and wants. Telling everyone not to buy a I4 taco because doesn't live up to your expectations is silly.

 

!!!!

 

I purchased a 2015 access cab auto 4 banger brand new. I did have regrets for the first 5000 miles, BUT my 2.7 has really woke up I believe after somewhat of a break in. I don't know if its just me or the ecu learning but it feels totally different pep wise after few thousand miles, anyone else experience this?

 

Right on, glad to see someone lay it on the line when it comes to throttle expectation l

 

Lmao!!!

I gave up after two lines