2.7 v 3.5? Light towing on flat ground

Soo… I’ve now test driven both… and to be honest I wasn’t too impressed with the V6. It was faster but when flooring the 2.7 I was pleasantly surprised, nothing like people on here talk about it.

It’s faster than my 04 RAV4. Lol

In my area the V6 is going to cost me +$6k at least.

The DCSB 2.7 are listed for $28.8k

while the DCSB SR5 3.5 are listed for $37k (if you can even find one)

There’s a plethora of 2.7s in everyone’s lot.

my boat motor trailer is around 1000 lbs. Thats the only towing I do. About once a week 30 mile round trip. With the occasional 4+ hour trip to the coast. (Like twice a year) keep in mind I live in Texas, mostly flat.

I know this topic has been beaten to death, but I feel like everyone’s situation is different. Please give me your input!

TBH the 3.5 probably isn’t even in my budget. If I need the V6 I’ll probably get a slightly used 2019 frontier (before they made the engine change)

 

While the 2.7 will get the job done for your needs, I look at the resale potential down the road in a few years. Much better with the V-6 and also with 4WD versus 2WD. That's my input. It's ultimately your decision.

 

Suggest you get the entire boat/trailer weighed.

1000 lbs seems low.

Either way, double check your tow limit. You are probably well within the limit for either truck.

Check your numbers and tow limits.

 

I towed a fully loaded 4x8 u-haul trailer, with furniture in truck bed, from CO to AR. (it is a small trailer, I know)
- It didn't hit the mpg very badly, but it did hit it.
- I wasn't the first one to the top of any hill, but I maintained 65-70 mph effortlessly.
- Couldn't really tell the trailer was even back there.
- I remarked to the wife, a couple of times, about being so pleased with how very easy the 2.7L towed that load.

Mine is the AC cab and a 5-speed MT.

 

If you are a 10+ year owner historically (not what you think you might do, but have done) and you are confident you'll never do anything different with the truck, the 2.7 is just fine.

Question though. It would seem that $6k delta includes something more than an engine variable.

You're comparing apples to apples on everything else aren't you?

 

The 4 should handle that fine. My 1st gen 2.7L has towed 4500 pounds 3000 miles. Only time it really struggled was in steep country. The 3rd gen is a heavier truck, and I expect it would do worse, but what you are talking about should be well within its capabilities.

For lots of mountain driving at elevation the 4 struggles, but it sounds like you don't do much and Texas has no elevation of note so that would only be traveling.

I would get the 4 cylinder in your situation.

 

It seems like you already got lots of feedback about month ago.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2-7l-for-towing-1500-2000-lbs.735881/

 

the 2.7L will handle that load just fine. you can use ECT mode for better drive-ability with a trailer.

 

Why, if planning to tow anything, would you intentionally handicap yourself with a lower displacement, lower HP, lower torque engine? That 2.7L is a total stinker and completely gutless on even the slightest hills.

Also, agree with what was said above regarding resale value.

 

mine does great up in the mountains.

 

I bought a new 2016 access cab 4x4 with the 2.7 and 5 speed manual. Thought process was that fuel mileage would be better. Only kept it for approximately one year and 16k miles because of the lack of power to even pass semis on the highway. I now have a 2019 TRDOR with the 3.5 V6. Power is sufficient and basically same fuel mileage as 4 cylinder. I tow a 6x10 enclosed trailer with 2 motorcycles inside regularly, approximate total weight 2500 lbs, and while the V6 knows it’s back there it tows fine.

 

youll be good with the 2.7, tbh. I had a '17 2.7 with the manual and it pulled my boat well enough. Just dont be afraid to downshift, youre not gonna hurt it.

 

I would posit that you will have some buyer's remorse regardless of which route you take, though there is nothing inherently wrong with either choice.

 

I’d go with the 2.7 over the 3.5 in the current configurations on the Tacoma but that is me personally.

Not much is gained or lost with your stated parameters except up front cost. IMHO you will second guess your choice no matter what you choose for the first year, then you will enjoy what you have. Have you looked at the cost of the maintenance intervals for 4v6 cylinder? This can also add up…

 

I pulled a utility trailer with a 2010 2.7 5sp Access Cab. My trailer was loaded a couple times a year with a yard or 2 of mulch. Those trips were typically under 5 miles. Towed more frequently with a pair of dual sport yamaha motorcycles. Those trips were typically a couple hundred miles and almost always in the PA mountains. Then I bought a 2018 3.5 auto dual cab short bed. The V6 Auto is easier to pull the loads with, but both got the job done. I'd prefer the v6 for my towing needs. The trailer and dual sports totaled about 1000 lbs, the mulch probably more. I would have lived with either, and liked the AC long bed better than the DCSB for pure truck utility.

 

Which mountains?

I could never maintain 65 mph going uphill on I70 west of Denver unless revving 4-5k rpm in 3rd gear. My 4.0L can maintain 65 mph on the same stretch in 5th without even trying.

2.7L = slow ass POS.

 

yea, it revs high, but works for me.

 

I've got the same aluma trailer....it tows so easy when loaded with my 2020 v6 access cab.

 

PA Mountains. I am unaware of any roads in PA mountains that would support 65 mph. Just twisty roads up natural ravines to ridge tops, mostly 45mph speed limits.

 

It might have seemed easy but that 2.7 had to work harder, size does matter...glad it worked for .