First Tacoma Question

First post, please be gentle. I will be buying my first new truck (2023 Tacoma SR Access Cab 4x2 I4) and was just curious of what I can expect. I am currently driving a 2011 2.0L Jeep Patriot and it has always had enough power for me. I'm just curious to see what I can expect moving to the 2.7L Tacoma. It's so cool to see everyone else's builds and see everyone's questions answered so quickly!!! I have already learned so much just from lurking on the forums!

 

Welcome and good luck with that question. I have the 6 so can’t speak to the 4 but I have had no issues and have more then enough power to get my stuff done. It’s a truck if you bought it for that reason you should be good. For the last 3 years I have been very happy with my truck. Now prepare for all the negative stuff some might throw your way on these trucks.

 

I've got what your getting, just the 2020 version. A lot of guys rag on the power of either the V-6 or the I-4 ... But I've always thought that 'Hey... It's a 4x4 pick-em-up..' I never expected a rocket ship.
The 2.7, for me does just fine. Yes it's no powerhouse. BUT... I have no prob passing a logging truck when needed. OTOH, (Regardless of the rated mileage) I've been averaging 28 mpg (summer gas) so I'm pretty happy with that.
I've got 32K on my truck right now, and with the exception of a couple very minor issues (Which the dealer took care of) it's a great truck. I will never ever regret my purchase. Enjoy!

 

Love em but they are certainly dogs, some people complain about the stock ECU tune hunting for gears making an already slow truck slower, so if you find yourself feeling the same way get the KDMax tune from your local tuner (you can find the thread for contact info)

personally helped me a bunch- even as a MT. At least the V6 has a power surge in higher rpm’s, the tune will even it out for you, since you have an Auto

 

Don't expect a rocket, but expect reliability. Ive had a reg cab in an auto and access can in manual both I4. It is a different powerband than my v6 but not as bad as what people make them out to be. I preferred the 5speed over auto since it was short on power but a very good pickup. Patriot is faster but Im assuming your not racing for pinks so you will be ok

 

might want to change your title of this thread to “2.7L questions and expectations” to get actual owners to chime in

 

Test drive a V6 and the 4 cylinder and see which best fits your needs. Since you are looking at an Access Cab, decide if you want rear seats or not (The Utility Package deletes the rear seats). I have rear seats, but always leave them flipped up for my dog platform.

 

If you want reliability over power, you picked the best one.
You can’t beat a 2.7 when it comes to durability. There’s a reason Toyota has kept it around for over 20 years.

 

I sold my 2012 Jeep Patriot ( 5-speed manual tranny ) .. just after I bought a V6 4WD Access Cab.
The Jeep performed fine for around-town driving and got great gas mileage. It would hold its own on the highway until I hit elevation.

I suspect power-wise the 2.7 will be very similar... but it is a heavier beast out of the gate, and if you plan on towing anything it best be on
flat-as-a-florida-highway and less than 2000 pounds.

Otherwise if you treat that 2.7 with any respect then it will easily be on the road for the next 20 years.

 

Having owned an 08 4cyl and now a 21’ V6 I actually really liked the 4cyl. It really wasn’t bad around town and had enough pep off the line to get around fine. On long climbs or to merge/pass you just have to get into it and really push it into its highest gear but that never felt like it was straining the truck in anyway. Neither of them are fast powerful trucks, if I wanted that I’d save up for a Dodge Ram V8 which by the way is gonna be about 15k-20k more. Honestly if I didn’t have plans to tow I’d still have that 4cyl and I probably could have driven it another 20+ years

 

I would think the 4 banger in a 2wd drive tacoma would have enough power to satisfy most. I'll certainly be reliable. Its only when you have a 4wd 3rd gen tacoma that 4 in a row makes them slow.

 

I have had the 4 in the past which was great for every day use but definetaly not a work horse. Since switching to V6 I have been very happy with the performance and power that I needed to accomplish just about any job I gave it. So it is up to you to decide good luck.

 

No one has mentioned the most important expectation. Expect empty your wallet on mods and add-ons for your new truck, especially if you keep reading here.

 

This is the content I'm here for, lads!

 

How does 2wd vs 4wd make any difference is how well the 4cyl will do? They are pretty much the same truck minus a few pounds.

 

2wd access cab i4 is plenty capable and actually feels light at sea level. You don't say in your post what you'll be using it for but as a DD truck it's pretty nice.

 

Coming from a Patriot (yuck) you should be happy, cause those Patriots are fugly! LOL.

 

Tell me about it! I've had it for 6 years and replaced the trans. I've almost got more money in it than what I paid for the stupid critter.

 

Sorry, should have specified. This truck will simply get me to and from my place of work. Carry a few light loads of fishing equipment and maybe a few pieces of furniture once in a lifetime.

 

You can expect the Jeep Creeps to tease you, but they will also tell you they are jealous that you will be keeping up for most "daily" offroad stuff but in greater comfort and with a full warranty. Trust me - I am on the board of directors for a 4x4 club that previously was a Jeep club ... until my son and I joined and started bringing Toyotas and Nissans in to the fold!

You can expect to love the truck and hate it, just as Gollum loves and hates himself.

You will spend a lot of money on everything found on TW and you will eventually be happy with how you make your Taco to be your own unique Taco.