Need advice. 4 or 6 cylinder

I'm buying a 2014 or 15 Tacoma access cab 4 X 4. I'm not sure if the 4 or 6 cylinder is my better choice. I live in Northern Arizona and hunt and fish a lot. Those activities have me often driving on interstate for 250 miles and then on rough mountain and desert roads/ trails to access the fun. A couple times a year I drive to Montana for fly fishing. Once there I drive several hundred miles criss crossing the continental divide towing a drift boat that weighs about a thousand pounds with trailer and load.

If I got the 4 cylinder, I'd get the 5 speed manual. With the 6 I'd get the automatic.

Thanks for reading and any advice.

 

I have an I4 DCSB Prerunner and while I have a history of posts championing it's capability, I don't suggest it any more. It's great for around town, but driving steep grades with a load of people or towing and it does not have enough torque. It will get you where you're going, but I really would go with the V6 if you're going to see many inclines, elevation, or towing.

 

6

 

I have a 2008 v6 prerunner and as long as I watch myself I can get 21-24 mpg on the freeway. Around town the milage takes a hit. I had the same debate over 4cyl vs v6 when I bought mine and am happy I went with the v6 because I find power is lacking at freeway speeds. Note my commute to school takes me over a twisty mountain pass (1800' of elevation change) and my last truck was a 68 k2500 with a very stout 454 engine.

 

In Arizona, you want the V6!

You will make it up the grades in the 4, but will be kicking yourself all the way up the hills wishing you had bought the 6.

 

Truth. If I wouldn't lose my ass I'd trade in for a V6 tomorrow.

 

might trade for a v6 when the new 2016 models come out. i'm not sure. they cost way too much. that is the main hurdle of getting a v6.

4cyl was 20k and v6 versions were 30k or more. big difference.

 

Wut

 

Seems like my same specs with V6 was 27ish

V6 4x4 TRDs were over 30k, not Peerunner, and TRD Peerunners were still at or under 30k

 

On toyota.com's build a truck, a V6 drop the price by $130 over the I4. I know that is on a new truck, and on the used market there is a bigger difference.

 

Tons of more V6 out there, I'm not totally shocked

 

Go with the V6.

 

Get the v6. With the hills you have around there, you'll quickly hate life with the 4. Especially if you're trying to tow anything.

The 6s seem to have better resale, too, so be sure to factor that into your decision.

 

V6

because...

 

4. All day long.

 

i have a v6 access cab trd sport. i have been babying it extremely and can pull 20 mpg in the city (i live half an hour from NYC). and last main highway driving i did i had 3 other people in my car and some luggage and was able to get 22 mpg on the high way. but when i need i can really lay the power down. Its worth it to have the power when needed and in the mountains in PA (i go there often) i can easily climb them without breaking 2k rpms

 

Because that is how long it takes to get up a hill towing anything.

 

If you're even asking that question, get the 6.

I own a 4 and am perfectly happy with it
because I would never think of asking that question.


Greg

 

Greg nailed it. I love my 4 cyl, but I happen to enjoy very simple, 4 cyl vehicles, and power is not a issue for me. For most normal Americans, the 6cyl is going to be a more satisfying choice.

 

I opted for the 4cyl as I liked its simplicity. It was decently efficient, and is capable enuff to haul all I ever need. And it's in a truck sized appropriately for day to day use.

If power was a concern for hauling I would not buy a Tacoma. There are far better options for that purpose that get better fuel mileage.

For your use I'd recommend maybe consider a full size Ford. My last truck was a 2011 Eco boost quad cab 4x4. It averaged 19mpg and had 365hp and 420lb/tq on tap far more than you will see from a taco. I just found it cumbersome around town and my 4 cyl taco is all I rly need so the 4mpg I getting better than the ford was good for me.