4x4 vs 2WD: differences in mpg, size?

Hi. New here and looking to find out some information about Tacoma's. I'm looking for a 1st gen Tacoma to use for commuting and to move things around on some land. The trails are pretty tight so I want to go with a smaller 1st gen Tacoma. I'm not going to be towing anything and want to use it as a daily driver so I'm thinking I need the 2.7L. I'm considering getting the 4x4 (snowboarding, light trail use) and have a few questions:

1. What kind of MPG hit will I take with the 4x4 over the 2WD model (when driving in 2WD mode)?

2. Is the Xtra cab model physically longer than the regular cab? Is the bed size different? MPG difference?

Thanks!

 

Xcab is longer than the reg. cab by the length of the room behind the front seats, so is longer overall. They both have the same bed dimensions. The double cab is the same overall length as the xcab, because the bed is shorter.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

What HE said^^^!

 

Like they said, welcome to the forum! As for fuel mileage, between the 2WD and 4x4, the difference should be slight--maybe two or three MPG, depending on how heavy your foot is.

The decision is yours to make, but I'd recommend the 3.4L over the 2.7L if you can find it, because even the V6 doesn't have all that much power, if we're all being completely honest. But both engines are solidly built, and they'll last as long as you want them to.

 

Thanks for the warm welcome everybody! I'll probably go take a look at some in the next few weeks (and some Ford Rangers too haha... sorry) and see how they drive. If I'm taking people and gear up to the slopes, I don't want to be stuck on the mountain...

 

i have the 08' 2.7 4x4 im averaging out about 20-21 but thats on very hilly terrain also, and a lot of time under 30 mph going through fields and stuff.

 

the rangers have transfercase proublems so if i were u id stay away from the rangers (or any ford for that matter)
go with a tacoma u willl be happier

 

for what its worth...........on my double cab with the 3.4v6.....im averaging around 20/21 mpg.................was a little better in the summer when we didnt have the "winter blend" gas from the gas station. i think you will be very grateful if you got the 4x4, and the 3.4 isnt bad on gas at all.

 

(1) When you say "4X4 versus 2WD", are you meaning comparison of 4X4 mpg estimates against 5-lug 2WD Tacomas ('minis'), or againt 6-lug 2WD PreRunners?

To give an example ... In the 2001 - 2004 generation, a 2WD PreRunner (on the same 6-lug suspension, etc., as the 4WD models) only gets about 1 mpg more than the equivalent 4X4 model for both city and highway.

(2) In the last pre-2005 generation (2001 - 2004), 4X4 Regular and XtraCab models were rated as follows:

4-cylinder manual: 18/21
6-cylinder manual: 17/19

4-cylinder auto: 18/21
6-cylinder auto: 17/19

 

really my 98 taco gets like 24-25 mpg

 

What one gets mileage-wise will naturally depend on the driver, etc.

The figures I cited are the official EPA mileage estimates for the listed models.

On a good day I can typically expect to get 10 - 15% better mpg than the EPA estimates.

 

My '99 Std Cab Manual 2.7L 4x4 gets 20mpg with mixed driving.

When using the 4wd, it has dropped down to ~17mpg. I have seen as high as 26-27mpg on highway trips when keeping the speed ~65mph.

I bought mine for basically the same reason you're looking. I was driving my 96 Impala full time, and was averaging 14mpg on premium. I also ride 1-2x's per week in the cold season, and was working regularly on my house (trips to Home Depot) so I could use the utility. I've also since found a new hobby--wheeling! If I could go back and do it again, I'd get an extended cab. I don't care for the look, but I sure could use the interior space!

Buy a Taco, you'll never regret it.

 

im 16 and have a 2 ton right foot

 

Hmm they do look nice with the bigger tires so I guess I would be wanting that. Mileage be damned.

Also interesting that the xtracab and 4x4 are rated the same MPG (guessing this is due to added weight).

Too many options making my head spin! I think I would be more than happy with daward's setup, getting 25mpg on the highway.

tempting...
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/1004357662.html

 

I do live near it... might go check it out over the weekend.

What's this I hear about 95.5-2000 Tacoma's having frame rot?

 

Dumb question: Do regular cab tacoma's have room for people to sit behind the front seats (sideways folding seats in the back?). I kinda like the idea of the shorter wheelbase but it would be nice to be able to move people as well.

 

no
i can fit three people in my extended cab but thats with the front seats moved all the way foward and there still cramped

 

i hate u all mine were dudes and 1 girl