3.5L V6 vs 4.0L V6

I have an '07' Tacoma 4x4 with 353,000 miles. The 4.0 V6 has been an amazing engine with not one flaw! I didn't change the plugs until it had 279,000 miles! The oil and air were changed as scheduled or even prior to. It still has the original serpentine belt! (Still looks great but I keep a spare) Anyway, I am starting to kick around getting a 2017 comparable Tacoma. What's owner's feedback on the 3.5L? Performance? Longevity?

 

Happen to have pics of those plugs?

 

Too soon to tell in the Tacoma application (2GR-FKS) as far as reliability but the other cars it's derived from (Lexus IS and GS), the 3.5l DOHC perform just fine.

Toyota plans to move it to the 4Runner soon

 

I do not but the only one that showed significant wear was the drivers-side rear cylinder. I expected the electrodes to be all but gone, but they looked great considering the mileage. I waited so long because the mileage was still the same and it wasn't missing a bit.

 

Thanks Jason! One thing I question is why change? The 3.5L doesn't improve drastically on fuel mileage or H.P. The 4.0L seems bullet proof in my opinion. Maybe emissions issues IDK?

 

You're wecome!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_GR_engine

You can scroll down to the 2GR-FKS section and see where else it's used besides the Tacoma.

 

Thanks again Jason, I appreciate your time!

 

I just traded my 09 for a 17 and the gas savings is significant! 4.0 was an awesome engine but my gas mileage sucked. I'm consistently getting between 21-22 mpg now with the 3.5L. I did like the way my 09 drove slightly better but overall I'm very happy with the trade. My 4.0 also had 200,000 and was flawless.

 

Thanks Pete, I appreciate the info! Going to test drive one tomorrow.

 

I'm getting about 20mpg with my 4.0 and having driven a 3.5 the torque just isn't there. I'll happily trade a mpg or two to keep my 4.0's gettup and go. Course the 3.5 was an auto and my 4.0 is a 6 speed but still.

 

I would love to get 21-22 mpg. In fact, I regularly got that with my 4.0 before I lifted, put on bigger tires, armor, etc. I'm down to about 17 now.

I know that doesn't really add to the conversation other than to say that the 4.0 is capable of such mileage. I do like that the 3.5L engine can switch between Otto and Atkinson Cycles though. That is pretty cool.

I don't think you'll regret the 3.5L Tacoma. I would absolutely consider one if I were in the market.

 

I just traded a 2010 Tacoma on a 2017 and the only thing that bothers me is the transmission. It seems like it is always looking for a gear change. On a long gradual hill I really have to push down on the accelerator pedal to downshift and then its not enough. When I get to a level stretch of hiway it wants to shift. If I punch in the ECU button it takes a loooong time to shift and you can watch the tach and wait for the shift. Not sure if I am not driving it hard enough or what.

 

I think I've heard of that before. Check with the dealer. I could be mistaken, but I think someone said that a reflash of the ECU fixes that.

 

Yeah the engine and the tranny talk to each other and that's that wonderful Otto v Atkins cycle fighting itself on torque vs mpg and the tranny trying to keep up.

 

353,000+ huh!
Nice, it's what has endeared me to this power plant, I've had three of them thus far on two 4R and a Tundra, still own one.
Great little engine no issues on any of any kind, tough durable little beast, took everything I thew at them and just kept on ticking in spite of all the head gasket failures many supposedly had, I never had any.

But the fuel mileage sucked and it's what kept me out of a 2rd gen Taco, might as well get a Tundra so I drove that instead.

But now enters the 3.5L and things are changed, when I saw the specs I decided it was time to go for a new truck and the Taco with this power plant looked good and enticing so I went for it and couldn't be happier.

It delivers beyond my expectations! Not something you'll hear on this forum, far from it, just lucky I guess.
It has awesome performance, response, power, and yes in spite of what some say here, it does have torque!
MPG's are great, no issues other than a faulty CPS we all know well, no leaks so far. It does make funny noises due to the injector cleaning cycle, mine sounds like a mini diesel at times lol!

As far as durability on the 3.5L goes...Who knows??

IDK, I only have 24k trouble free miles so far, and no engine oil leaks or anything yet. But be aware, this is NOT your grandfather's 4.0L by any means, it's a totally different beast!
It has two camshafts per bank with sensors and lots of complex electronic b/s to make it all work, and as long as that works well it all should be fine.

Is it worth it for that extra gain?? Only time will tell, and only if it can last at least 353,000+ trouble free miles to pay back all those extra gadgets that give the added performance and mpg.

So far as I know, the jury still out on durability and toughness, but I don't take it easy on mine, I gun-it when I need to!
The good news is that we have reports of 70k+ trouble free miles so again only time will tell, the jury is still out, but it's looking good thus far!

Hope that helps
Cheers!

 

Thanks to everyone for the responses! I really appreciate the feedback. I had heard of the lack in torque somewhere else. One thing I love about my 4.0 is the get up and go when I need it. I don't tow often but when I do I never lack power. Also I commonly get 19 mpg in everyday travel. It use to be 20 but with all my miles it's expected to go down a bit. I live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and have drove half the way way across the country a few times. On those trips even with a lot of weight in gear/passengers I would get upwards of 22 mpg. I guess a test drive will reveal any torque or shift concerns. I will be sure to TEST in those areas!

 

Definitely test drive, it drives different and if any doubts on the one you want, try the next one

Good luck!

 

353,152 miles to be exact. Still looks pretty good. Just pulled off the lane and snapped this pic. Best truck I have ever owned. I keep talking and I may just keep it! Haha!!

 

The 3.5 is a new engine like the 4.0 was replacing the old 3.4. I see no issues beside the DI pump failing costing me a ton of money down the road

 

Pshhh! What's a dime in a $40k truck?