Engine Recommendation/Opinions

Got my eye on a 2017 4x4, 2.7L 4cyl. and auto transmission. Haven’t driven it yet but can folks chime in with the pros & cons as far as performance etc? Is the 6cyl the best choice? It’ll be my daily driver, not much hauling etc. Occasional Home Depot visit and taking yard waste to the dump. That’s about it.
Thanks.
Tim

 

If it's a Daily Commuter and don't really need it much "for a truck", the 4 cylinder is probably the most reasonable choice.

 

Well then, go drive a few.

Might as well drive the 6 for comparison.

From all I have read, the 4 is a good little engine, fwiw.

Welcome to TW.

 

V6. 4x4. MT.

It’s the best by far.

 

If you just don't care, get the 4 cylinder. It's perfectly fine for home depot runs and commuting.

The 6 cylinder is geared more for enthusiasts and those who simply need more power. It sounds better and is more satisfying to drive.

 

The V6 is definitely the best choice in terms of performance. Take the 2.7L on a nice test drive.

The determining factor for me was being "ok" with a slow daily driver.

 

I used to talk smack on the v6. To me the low end torque is just not sufficient for this truck. That said, I took the truck 1.5 hour each way this past weekend. The top end is really nice on the freeway, plenty of passing power. Truck was unloaded so I was able to feel all of it's glory. I'd go v6 all day.

 

I mean theres nothing wrong with it but it's a 4 cylinder non turbo engine in a huge heavy truck.

 

so this is the 3.5 6 cylinder, see this short video to add to your decision making
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKKILW3Zj_Y

 

Old school, those 4 pots used to run forever and were near indestructible. These days, the V6 is likely to have the same lifespan. So it comes down to a) is the extra money worth the performance difference, or b) is the 4 pot going to underwhelm you when you need it.

I had a 4 pot manual extended cab 4x4; 1992 vintage. FWIW, I loved that little bugger. Yeah, it was underpowered, but it was tons of fun to drive.

 

The 4-cylinder is a solid engine that will run forever, but the 4-cylinder Tacomas are pretty pokey. That's a lot of mass for that engine to be lugging around.

The V6 is a brawnier motor with lots of power on tap. I have an auto V6 and I love it. The only downside is that it doesn't get awesome mileage.

 

No way I'd get the four. The six barely has adequate power (IMO) can't imagine the four.

 

Supercharged 2.7

 

Interesting. I wonder if this is what the ECT button does when engaged, just switching cycles so that the “foot” doesn’t have to make the request so to speak.

 

If the 4cyl was still offered with a manual that would be my choice.

 

Personally I'd only recommend the 4 connected to a manual gearbox, but you can't buy that new anymore.

Even then it's slow, but it'll get you and anything you care to haul where you need to be.

 

I had a 2017 4cy AC 4x4 with a 5 speed MT. It was a great truck and normally the power was just fine for what I used it for. I now have a 2020 TRD Off-road with the 6. My new truck does everything my old truck did just a little easier and with less effort. I will say my new truck pulls my brothers 22 foot Ranger Bass boat really well. Depending on your use don’t be afraid of the 4 but go test them both out to see what you like.

 

Ah, forgot that the 4 only comes in auto. OP... get the 6.

 

Nothing against the 4, it’s just more limited than the 6 and unless you’re driving in a manner to maximize the mileage difference, it’s hard to justify other than initial price.

 

I’ve driven both. You should drive both as much as possible before making a decision. Are you looking at the AC or double cab? I ended up going with the V6 auto DC because I wanted the ability to pass vehicles going up mountain roads while hauling camping gear and passengers. It was more than $1,000 more the way my purchase went, but I thought it was worth it for me. The V6 gets slightly better fuel efficiency ratings too, I think. Can’t really go wrong either way.