Is 4-cylinder powerful enough as a family car?

Thinking about buying 2015 double cab 4-cylinder as a family car. Is 4-cylinder powerful enough for commute and family use (1 wife and 2 kids). Should I still get V6? No plan for towing or serious off-roading.

Any suggestions welcome.

 

Welcome to Tacoma World!

I think while this is mostly a matter of preference, it also depends on how heavy your foot is and how heavy your family is.

If you get the V6 you won't have any complaints or regrets about not having enough power in the future. I'd recommend going with the V6.

 

I don't think you can get a new Double Cab Tacoma with a 4 cylinder.

 

I'm pretty sure the 5 lug double cabs were 4 cylinders but I could be wrong. I'm also not sure whether these are still an option.

 

Correct, looked it up on toyota.com, Tucks, Tacoma, Build and a DC 4x2 is available with 4cyl.

in Canada, DC is only available as 4x4 with V6, according to Toyota Canada site. That explains why I've never seen a DC with a 4cyl.

 

Do some have more than 1 wife?

 

Maybe some folks in Utah?

Or in some other states one of the kids might be the wife.

 

I love my 4 cylinder for what it does... But it is what it is. Get the V6.

 

^^^^ Here is your answer.

 

My own opinion is in other vehicles with a tuned 4 cyl, yes. In the Tacoma as it currently sits .. no. That has to do with what I would want from it tho. Living in Western Wa. I spend a lot of time up in the mountains or going over passes. I wish the V6 had a bit more power.

 

The 4 cylinder has plenty of power for just family and commuting. I take mine all over the place. More power comes more responsibility as well.

 

I have seen 2.7 double cab 4 X 2s and 2.7 double cab prerunners in Albuquerque. That double cab 2 X 4 really looks strange with 15 inch wheels. Like it's riding on four temporary spares or something.

 

Basically what your gonna run across here is: Guys that have a V6 are gonna say get a V6. Guys with a 4cyl are gonna tell you that a 4cyl is enough power for daily driving.
That's pretty much my position is a 4 cylinder is enough power.

But what really made my decision came down to intial purchase price and mileage. If I was gonna give up the sheer interior volume of a fullsize truck then I wanted to be compensated in gas mileage and I didn't want to pay the same price as a full size in the used market.

The 4.0 probably averages 18mpg roughly. You can buy a fullsize (w/ the small v8 option) that can average about the same mileage as the 4.0L, with more power and significantly more interior space. I average about 23mpg.

In the used market you can pick up a good used full size Crew Cab for about $25K. A double cab V6 is gonna cost you about the same money. I paid $17.5K for mine OTD w/ 50K miles.

So it's sheer economics with me. Now the upcoming 2016 model may change the game but as it's stands the 4cyl is the more economical option in multiple respects.

 

I've driven a 2x4 Prerunner with the 4 banger. OMG that thing sucks. It was all it could do to keep up highways speeds. I couldn't imagine it loaded with people in it. I was never so happy to get my v6 back. I guess if you drive like a grandma it would be ok. If you would expect to pass someone you can keep that idea in your back pocket. Both Taco's were auto trans also.

 

If you're in a hurry, get the 6. I like cheaper insurance, tune ups and a little better fuel economy of the 4. I'm cheap. A DC auto would be sweet.

 

^^^^ This, exactly.

Itty Bitty Wheels...Just don't look right.



Looks even worse from the front...



Do yourself and your family a favor and get the V6.

 

I like my 4 but if you have to ask, get the v6.

 

i think a 4 cyl is enough for your family:

 

I have the 4-cylinder but mine is regular cab and 4x4. I love the 4-cylinder. The gearing makes it feel more peppy than you would expect and I get good mileage (22-25 mpg depending on conditions).

But the only real answer for you is going to be to drive both and see how you feel about it. One time I advised a buddy to get a 5-speed manual in a truck because I like them. Bad idea; he traded it in a year because he hated it. Point is, you're hopefully going to own the truck a long time, so it's not a decision anyone else can really make for you. Drive both even if you have to go to a bigger city to find a dealer that has both in stock.

 

I think what makes it look weird is the fender flares. The AC/RC 5lugs don't have them and they look normal to me. I don't know why Toyota insists the DCs have the flares. And if you get the SR5 it doesn't look so bad b/c they're painted to match. Just my Opinion. But I must admit I've always been partial to 5lugs. I'm on my 2nd one.