4 vs 6 cylinder Tacoma

Thanks for the info Jere. What makes you say the v6 is not as good at the 4?

 

I think it all comes down to how their initially driven. My automatic is perfect...just as good or better than the tundra. Shifts right when its suppose to, and never hunts like it did the very first time i drove it. These transmissions need to adapt to your driving habits. As they learn them, they work better and better.
As far as the 4 cylinder, it was ok when toyota had it in early generation tacoma's that were much lighter, but these 3rd generation trucks are nearly 4,500 lbs, where even a v8 would be nice. The 4 i drove in an access cab 2020 felt like it needed full throttle just to make it up the steep hill back to the dealer when i took a test drive in it. Said to myself no way i'm going to happy with it.

 

Had a 2006 6cyl TRD auto (150k)now 2016 4cyl sr5.(75k) Love them both. The 4cyl is a bit sluggish and wouldn’t tow anything heavy. I usually haul mulch or lumber in the longbed with no issues. Washed and treated the frame. I have had no problems with either and see my 2006 around town all the time. If you want pep 6cyl. If you just want to get there my 4 works fine

 

Thats something I heard too about the truck adapting to driving habits. I spoke to someone who mentioned the gear hunting in the early stages after he bought the truck new. He said as time went on, the truck learned driving style and now has improved with the gear hunting.

 

Cruise control also helps. But the fact is these trucks come with 6 gears. The more gears, the more the truck is going to "hunt" since it has more ability for optimization at its disposal. Lots of complaining about gear hunting in the GM/Ford 10 speed transmission. But to add to your earlier comment, in my time on here I haven't seen many, if any, issues with the actual reliability of the automatic transmission. Just a lot of complaints about people not liking the way it shifts. But, again, in my opinion that gets better with time. The only time I get hard shifts is when I'm laboring the engine (fully loaded at 80 MPH and starting up a hill, for example). But I also had a similar story with my GMC Canyon which only had 4 speeds.

 

FWIW. My '06 4.0L V-6 has about 115,xxx miles. To my knowledge, I was the first "mechanic" to crack open the engine. Needed to replace valve cover gaskets. According to the maintenance records, there has been no work performed on the engine. Just oil and plug changes.

Although, I think the previous owner wasn't too interested in the longevity of the truck. Autolite sparkplugs and Fram oil filter.......anyhow. The engine runs strong, starts easy, sounds like a sewing machine at idle, sounds like a V-6 above idle.

I see no reason why this 1GR-FE won't continue to run well past 200 kmiles with basic regular maintenance.

This only MY experience. Others may tell a tale of angst.

Urge you to test drive. Don't be afraid to stress the engine during the test drive. Open the hood, check the general condition, look at fluids (brake, coolant, power steering, engine oil). Ask for a copy of the maintenance record from the Toyota database.

 

I think he was talking about MPG.

 

They’ve both proven to be equally reliable, only real difference is the higher power output, higher initial purchasing price, and the higher repair cost on the V-6, to that of the four, should any repairs arise.

It sounds to me that the 4 banger should serve you well based on your description of its intended use. That said, test drive, & test drive.

 

I've found that my truck has enough low end at low rpm like 1400 that it'll take 6th and run with it with no issue. My buddies 2019 trd won't and it hunts. I keep saying theres something different the way both these trucks are tuned, yet both have the same latest tsb. His trd doesn't make the same hp its down a few. Only real difference is i have an access cab sr5, and his is a double cab trd.

 

My old man has a 4 door 2012 v4 Tacoma. He is over 250k miles on it. Has done nothing to it but regular maintenance. The 3rd gens I feel like the body is too bulky and big for a v4 engine but that’s just my observation.

 

4 cyl = 160 hp, 25 mpg, super easy to work on, and should last 500k or better.
6 cyl = 280 hp, 21 mpg, super hard to work on, and should last 300k or better.

If your going to trade in your Tacoma in 7 years, get the 6. If your going to keep it over 10~15 years, get the 4.

None of what I've stated is absolute, just my opinion.

 

It's an I4, not a saab V4.

 

You may have a different diff ratio.

 

I had a 2016 with the 4 cyl. and man. trans. Going up into the mountains with a riding mower and some other tools in the back required me to sometimes drop it into third with the engine wound up pretty good but not screaming. I felt it was a bit underpowered. I really didn't enjoy driving it. Traded it on a new Tacoma with the V-6 and man. trans. and I find it pleasurable to drive. Same load, same mountains, no problems. Wife's car at 3,100 lbs has 184 HP. 2016 Taco at 4,100 lbs has 159 HP. New Taco at about the same weight I believe has 278 HP. More than is really necessary IMO but I'll not complain...

 

I think a lot of it has to do with the way you drive. I use cruise a lot and don't really have issues. Side note: a benefit of the higher torque curve is the ability to get going much more controlled in the winter.

 

I’ll be towing a riding mower but on flat land. How did the four cylinder pull on flat ground?

 

Idk about 6 being super hard to work on, its doesn't appear much more difficult than my old 4.7 tundra and that was easy. I plan to have this truck another 15-20 years. Probably be my last vehicle i own.

 

Hell, you can do that with a honda civic. I've towed a lawn tractor with my 5x10 utility trailer in 6th gear on semi i flat highways without even knowing i'm towing anything with the six. You'll be more than fine with the 4 cylinder. Its on the hills that truck will need some chipmunk whipping.

 

Its all stock around 3.90, just a good running tacoma.

 

I have a 2006 4-cylinder Tacoma and liked it enough to test drive a 2020 4-cylinder when I was looking for a new Tacoma. I was disappointed as it felt a lot more sluggish than my 2006. I chose the 6-cylinder this time and have zero regrets. Maybe the added weight or transmission changes made the 2020 feel more sluggish? Just my experience. I’d recommend a thorough test drive.