is Tacoma's V6 weak?

I feel like this engine is just very weak for a truck.. I desperately miss my 2003 4runner V6. I might be just taking time to adjust..


I was watching some tug wars and seems like Tacoma is getting towed all around.

 

Did you test drive it before you bought it??

 

My 2009 with the 4.0 will run circles around my 23

 

Yes, but living in NJ traffic there was no speed to ramp up.. I just feel like they should have kept good old 4runner V6 in there. I get the MPG and all that but its a truck, should have a truck engine. I mean I am still new to it, been a 3 weeks or so, just missing the old 4runner with its rough ride.

The looks just don't fit it, looks all aggressive and talk but is just a toy lol.

 

The 3.5 makes power higher up in the RPM range.
Fuel mileage increases with lower RPM. And that’s where the truck is tuned from the factory.

My point is, you need to press on the gas pedal more.
No way around it. Or get a tune.

 

The 4.0 and 3.5 are both weak and get garbage fuel economy. But they are reliable, and that's what matters.

 

Yea I was thinking same, truck is known for reliability and not for that GMC & Chevy energy. It works for me, just need time to adjust from old 4runner i was used to.

 

You bought a truck two decades newer, welcome to the new world order.
It’ll be fine, just mash the gas and you’ll get used to it, if you don’t overthink it. If you, you’ll probably never be able to adjust.

 

Get a KDMaxx tune. Well worth it!

 

One thing worth trying is to turn on the "ECT PWR" switch so that it keeps the gears low, or manually shift, because one of the biggest bottlenecks in the truck's 0-60 is the few seconds it takes to shift down. Also I've noticed it struggles a bit when loaded fully.

That being said, my other ride is a 2.0L naturally aspirated 115hp sedan, so every time I drive my truck, I feel a lot of power in the engine!

 

I think your mind will change when you get a tune. The stock tune on the 3.5 is absolute garbage.

 

What price are we looking at when it comes to a tune and how does it affect fuel consumption?

 

I like to think of it as a way to stay out of trouble LOL

 

Plenty for me and what I need it to do

 

I read the Overland tune was a good one for daily driving. But then you’re diving into the warranty rabbit hole if something goes south. I’m going to wait a few years before tuning mine. I own a Super duty that gets 14 mpg empty lol. that’s why I bought a taco as a daily driver. It’s not a hot rod, but its solid and built to last

 

We have a whole forum dedicated to tunes and tuning.
Read about them, pick the one that fits you best.

I like OTT, but not because I’ve used their tune.
Because JustDSM has always responded to any questions I’ve had on this the working of the ECMs on these trucks. Tonered has as well. He’s been very helpful in the past too.

I can’t say what tune is best. I can only offer my opinion based on the experience I’ve had with the tuners. Not the actual tune.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/performance-and-tuning.8/

 

Yes - next question

 

I’ve been driving mine for six years now and I don’t think it’s weak. Many people have spent $300-500 for tunes and they seem to be happier with the performance. I’m to cheap to drop that kind of cash though.

 

It’s a car motor in a truck.
Has potential, but tuned incorrectly with the wrong cam profile for a truck. Torque curve is way off and it’s geared incorrectly for that as well.

 

Should of bought a 2G Tundy…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYo0lVVH2wU