Please help! 2wd or 4x4

Hey, I'm new to this forum and joined because i'm really looking forward to being the owner of a tacoma. (hopefully will be very soon)

I have been searching for about a month now and really wanted a 2wd, access cab, 2014. I test drove one today, and then i wondered if i should maybe go towards the 4x4 v6 instead.

Brief description of why i want a truck.
Im a cabinet maker/wood worker and need space for tools and also delivering things i make. I live in Quebec (snow=4x4, this is what got me to rethink). I mostly drive in city, so gas mileage is important. but i also go up north to the cottage a lot (dirt roads, off road, etc) Reason why i started reconsidering the 4x4... they look so much better (imo). (2x4 needs bigger tires, probably a lift = extra cash to spend to have a truck i really like)

So heres my question, is the gas mileage really that huge of a difference between the two? are that pros and cons about both that you guys can share?
I'm hoping to buy this truck in the next month, and really want to make the right choice.
Thank you very much

 

Get a 4wd and don't look back.

Welcome to the site!

 

Always 4x4.... Always

No difference in 4x4 or 2x4 gas mileage to make a huge difference that would make me want an 2wd. That would be the engine option

 

You will get better mileage with a 2WD then 4WD but the 4WD will handle better if you get into snow or rough terrain . If you have the money IMO the 4WD is the better investment and it will be there if you ever need it .

 

I think all Canadians get the 4x4 DCLB Sport Tacoma.
Good to see a fellow cabinet maker on here!

 

I'm guessing the poster is comparing the 5 lug to the 4x4 - rather than the pre runner.

In that case, yes there's a little gas mileage to be lost by going to 4x4.

This part of your post:

"i also go up north to the cottage a lot (dirt roads, off road, etc)"

makes me think you'll be happier with 4x4 if you can afford it.

 

Thanks for all the responses!
I am looking the toyota website... 4x4 has the 2.7L or 4L...
Gas wise 2.7 will be better?
Any opinions..?

 

If you plan on towing I would not recommend the 2.7. If you do not plan on carrying over 500 lbs I would recommend the 2.7.

 

Consistent snow during winter and trips to cottage = 4x4 IMHO

You don't necessarily need the 6cyl or a lift/bigger tires. My 4cyl with 5spd manual does fine by me, to include towing up 3000 lbs quite a bit during the Summer. Running Blizzak tires in Winter and heavy LT rated all terrain tires in Summer, I average 19.5 to 21.5 MPG. When towing it drops to about 15 MPG.

Hope that helps and welcome to the site.

 

2.7 will be better gas wise. Idk... My friend bought a 2.7 and wants a 6cyl now.
It's not worth the loss of power to me.

agreed with moose. Don't lift it and just run some blizzaks in winter! I have a DCLB 4wd V6 and was getting 20-21mpg with stock tires and no lift

 

I mentioned the lift only because i don't like the look of the 2x4 stock.
I went to test drive a 2014 access cab today.. it just didn't look right and so i figured maybe with a lift and bigger tires, might look better.
Either way, don't feel like spending that extra cash right away after buying a new truck!

 

For the record, I wouldn't want the 4 cyl with an automatic trans.

 

Get a SR5 4wd... Just depends on what engine you want now

 

This x1000

It's a great engine but I tow too much and too often and too fast not to have a V6

 

4x4

 

I believe you will end up regretting a 2x4.

The other day I was driving down a dirt road at night and stopped for a second off to the side where they were logging. Looked like more dirt road. Went to go again and the truck would not budge in 2WD, forward or reverse. Kicked it to 4WD and it walked right out. Just one situation where I would have NEVER expected to be stuck, but would have been if I didn't have a 4x4. Must have been soft, but it sure didn't look that way!

 

Yeah OP, we have the same climate. I can't imagine a 2wd where we live (I'm on the border)
If you were in the south then whatever, but being where you are, I don't think anyone will tell you 2wd

 

Sounds like you're better served with 4x4.

 

4x4 no question.

I vote 4.0L. The difference in fuel isn't much and the capabilities of the 4.0 are not holding you back if you decide you need to haul something in the future. Also, a lot more passing power if you find yourself in the oncoming lane with a vehicle closing faster than you expected. You don't need to use the power all the time but its nice to have it if you need it.