Thinking of trading 2.7 for a V6

Currently own a 2021 Tacoma SR 4X4 access cab with the 2.7 engine and automatic transmission and I'm considering trading for a V6 Tacoma. I've had my current truck for just over a year with 20,000 miles and I really WANT to like this truck however that little 2.7 liter engine with the automatic transmission is an absolute DOG on the highway. I had the KD MAX tune done recently and that really helped with some of the shifting complaints I originally had and improved the driving especially around town at speeds lower than 50 MPH. HOWEVER when I drive this thing on the highway and try to maintain a modest 5-10 MPH over the sped limit and keep up with traffic flow it does OK on the straights but any SLIGHT incline or hill on the road and the truck LOOSES 5-10 mph going uphill even on the highway and will not maintain my desired speed or even the speed limit unless I floor it and then I feel like I'm pushing that little motor to hard. It really seems like these newer trucks are to big and heavy for a little motor like that. If it had a manual transmission I would like it better but they stopped offering that with the 4 cylinder after 2017. When I purchased the truck in December of 2021, new vehicle inventory was extremely limited and has only improved ever so slightly since then which is the main reason I ended up with the 4 cylinder to begin with and this is my first truck after driving a 5 speed Subaru for years. Overall I just want a smoother ride with more power for the highway but feel sort of stuck the way the current market is. There is a used 2020 SR5 V6 I'm going to test drive today and see if the bigger motor helps. My father has 2010 4.0 V6 that I test drove and it's certainly noticeable with more power. I really want to make the right decision and stick to a vehicle long term and driving the 2.7 I currently have just isn't enjoyable or fun to drive longer distances from home.

 

Yea its reliable, but man highways are rough when you need the power to merge during rush hour. You need a different mindset, I don't have that way of driving either. I want to get up to speed and stay there.

 

Plus one on the V6 test drive

 

it's stressful to a extent trying to keep up with traffic in certain areas on the highways where people tend to do at least 10 MPH over the limit on average.

 

My truck is stock with the V6 and have come to the point that I just, put it in Sport 5th and go. I.M.O. 6th gearing is just too high which dogs the engine and reduces m.p.g.

 

Have you entertained a regear? Might be cheaper in the long run.

 

I have had both engines, like the V6 much better, about the same gas mileage.

 

if i were you and made the decision to trade it in, i'd get the V6 with the manual transmission. if you are going to do it, do it right.

 

I don't like doing 10-over even in the V6.

It's a truck. It's not a WRX. Embrace life in the right-hand lane.

 

How fast are you going and what kind of terrain?
I have no problems with my 2.7L keeping up with traffic at 75mph on the highways in NC and Virginia. And it doesn’t lose 5-10 mph on a “slight grade” as you say-try ECT or push the gas pedal,it’s not that hard.
I Don’t drive that fast in the mountains and it’s not hurting the engine even at 4-5k rpm which usually is just short distances. Don’t be afraid of high rpm’s when needed that’s where this engine makes it power and she hums smooth as silk there. Merging hasn’t been an issue either it’s all about timing and accelerating early.

Wouldn’t trade my reliable 2TR-FE for a V6 if you threw in a couple hundred dollars lol.

 

which trim levels offer the manual transmission? I've driven manual's in bumper to bumper traffic before, It's not fun however maybe it would be worth getting the stick shift.

 

The V6 definitely will be a bump in power, but the way it's made it has to rev to give it to you.

 

I live in MAine and there is lots of hills

 

I've looked into it. about $3000 with parts and labor.

 

I added to my post regarding not to worry about high rpm’s when they’re needed. I also recommend reading on TW about issues some have had with the V6.

Also see if you can drive a V6 and you’ll see that engine revs high on big hills as well. Choose wisely and good luck.

 

Use the ECT button and heavy go pedal foot, and report back in a month.

 

i believe the trd off road and sport crew cab with 5' bed, and the trd sport access cab with the 6' bed. i have the later.

many are not satisfied with the V6 power. i find it adequate and somewhat fun to drive if you like to rev and row gears. the V6 power is the least of my complaints.

 

V6 will cost you way more in upkeep if u plan on keeping it a long long time.

 

Well if that 2020 sr5 v6 is anything like my 2020 sr5 access cab v6, it'll be a great truck to have. I have zero complaints about mine, everything works well. If you're not happy with the 4 cylinder, and the price to upgrade makes sense, I'd say go for it. When I test drove the 4 with an auto I too thought it was a pooch.

 

There is more power on v6 but change is not abismal… I did change 4 cyl for 6…