The 2.7 or the V6 engine in an access cab ???

Hi guys, I might pull the trigger on a new Tacoma 4x4 access cab, with manual tranny.
My dilemma is which engine to go with. I don't need a lot of power, but the same time I hate underpowered trucks, yet gas mileage is a concern too since it will be my daily driver (city) as well.
I've driven both trucks and I do like very much the power of the V6 manual. On the other hand against a strong head wind (35mph) I couldn't get the 2.7 to go faster then 75 miles which was disappointing (this was a 2009 used Tacoma with 60k miles) That said, I could live with the 2.7 but only if the mpg is considerable better then the V6.
So how is the gas mileage between the two engines in real world numbers, driven normally, city and hwy driving, and how do these engines compare in durability and reliability.

Thanks ahead for your opinions.

 

The V6 stick is the worst for MPG, 2 less than the V6 auto, so you are probably 4 mpg better with the I4 stick.

If you don't need 4x4 the 5-lug is way better for mpg.

 

mpg isnt going to be worlds different between the two in the 6 lugger tacos especially in the AC prerunner or 4x4.

If your looking for mpg out of the v6 get the auto as it has a taller final gear compared to the manual.

In my DCSB trd off road v6 auto 4x4 i get 17-18mpg in the city and 20-22 on the hwy.

Both engines are toyota reliable.... with standard oil changes, your looking at a 300k mi motor easy.

Like stated if you really want mpg get a 5 lugger 2.7L AC that will get a decent amount better mpg.. but you wont have the ground clearance.

 

If you want good mpg buy a Prius if you want power get a tundra. The Tacoma gets okay mpg for a truck.

 

I'll be trading in my 4 door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (2008 JKU) I'm pretty familiar with bad gas mileage.

 

The 20014 manual Tacoma 4x4 SR5 is a six speed tranny + reverse, how is the automatic "taller" ??

 

Auto has better OD gearing. Auto is .72 and stick is .85.

 

So why the mpg on their 4x4 manual tranny trucks is higher in their factory specs on both engines??

 

It's not.

 

the 2.7L is not under powered at all I drive my 09 ac 5spd every day right now im getting 21 mpg, city hwy mix, I take it off road, put stuff in the bed!!! it does everything i hoped it would. you end up downshifting a little more but I don't find it an issue, at the end of the day get what fulfills your needs

 

You are right, just checked it.

 

If I am buying a vehicle I am going to buy what I want, not what I can live with. Sounds like you should buy the V6 because you'll regret it if you don't, the couple miles per gallon you lose in mileage is worth it IMO. As pointed out, if you are looking for good gas mileage as your main priority then buy something other than a 4wd Tacoma.

I have been very impressed with my 13 TRD OR AT, it does fantastic in the snow. especially on steep terrain. I wish it had a V8 and more grunt, but the V6 does pretty good. The gas mileage sucks though. I might as well be driving a 1/2 ton.

 

My truck is a double cab 4x4 automatic, so it's a little heavier than an access cab. I am very glad that I got the V6, although I don't think you can get a 4x4 DC with the 2.7. I can get a solid 17 MPG all day long in the city and I have hit 22 MPG on the highway during a road trip. So it's not horrible and the truck doesn't struggle to maintain speed or get out of it's own way.

If you want a 4x4, I would say you should get the V6. If you want MPG get the 4x2 5-lug Tacoma.

 

I have a 2014 regular cab 4X4 and they only come with the 2.7. My fuel mileage is 18-19 in city. Have not had it on the highway. I did put 265/75-16 tires on it. That hurt my power and I am sure the fuel mileage dropped. I will buy a 1/2 ton pickup next. That might be sooner than I thought.

 

Just out of curiosity, what do you plan on using the truck for?

 

Will be using it for fishing, hunting pulling a light snowmobile trailer. Nothing heavy duty really.

 

I have the v6 and a stick, wouldn't have it any other way. Lets me rev it out when I want more acelleration and also lets me shift the way I want and I end up getting 17.4 mpg during my around town commute of 50% suburban driving 50% highway driving at 70-75mph. I see a lot of automatics get much less than that.

On the highway due to altitude and mountains I find the higher revs/taller final gearing of the 6spd let me stay in 6th more which gets me 20mpg or about 17 mpg with two dirt bikes. Speeds are 75mph usually on long interstate trips. If I got 60 on flat ground I pull 21mpg easily even with bikes in the back.

Stock tires stock body work, stock engine.


I'd say however if you generally get better mileage than EPA in your vehicles then get a v6 with a stick if you like sticks.

At 2,000 RPM which is what a automatic is at going about 75mph I'm at 2,500 rpm or so. I think at least at altitude or if you're pulling anything 2,000 is too low in the power-band. It's also why some people with automatics get better mileage with the supercharger, since they don't need to downshift when towing or going up a hill.

I would say the difference in mileages is not that significant between the 4 and the 6 if you're going 75mph on a regular basis since you'd be flooring the 4 while the 6 has a bit to spare.

 

I thought about the same questions as you have. Ultimately, I picked the V6 auto. The four banger just could not get out of its own way (auto). My mileage, with 1200 miles on it, has been just shy of 20, 50-50 mix. Hope this helps.

 

The rule thumb is to get the most powerful engine that is offered.

 

I have owned both in acc cab. My v6 auto gets exactly 1 less mpg in combined driving. I say go for the v6. There's no real savings mpg wise.
Not to mention towing and hauling.