2.7L for the Newbie

This is my 2nd thread, so please be easy on me. I tired search but there is no "official" 2.7 I4 thread for me to read.

1. Both dealerships in my area do not have 2.7L in inventory. Are there no demand?

2. Is the 2.7 reliable? The easy answer is yes, it's a Toyota. Do you see this engine to stick around for a while? Or is there something new coming up as the 2.7L is a carryover? The 2.7 used to be in the highlander, 4Runner, and Venza. Now, it's just the Tacoma.

3. No plans to go offroad or tow. And I understand the V6 is more powerful and a better driving vehicle. If I get the 2.7L, do you think I will regret it? I used to drive 22RE(?) I4 so I'm sort of trying to capture that feeling. There is something about driving a truck. Power is not everything. I can't exactly describe it, some of you may know what I mean. There is something about a 4 cylinder truck. Or do you think those days are over because cars/trucks have gotten a lot bigger and heavier? Double Cab 4X2 Auto trans model.

4. The same type of question with features. The Tacoma will be the 3rd car. So it's ok without all the features and high tech electronics. So I'm looking at the SR model. Any comments on SR model?

5. My other choice I narrowed down would be a Chevy Colorado. These are the only "new" trucks. Because I have other cars to drive, do you think I should wait....Nissan would be introducing a new Frontier, so there is more comparison you think? I understand this is a Tacoma forum, so more (positive) opinion will be toward the Tacoma.

 

Hello Drew,
Welcome to TW!!! I'll be nice and answer what I can to the best that I can.

1) the 3.5L V6 is far more in demand usually especially now since they get the same MPG as the 2.7L
2/3) Yes I can't speak to the 4 cylinder of the 2nd gen but my first gen 2.4 or a 2.2 something with a 2 then a decimal L I believe it was was a great little engine didn't have a single problem with it, not one. The 2.7 is a well tested design been around a while. Having had both a 4cyl extended cab (little back seats) and the V6 double cab, I can not ever go back to the 4cylinder. There is a noticeable difference for me and I don't tow. Going off road I'm not sure that it would really matter which one you get. I just love having the V6, my ability to pass on a road is greatly improved, the power is there when I need it for sure. I have heard some folks with the double cab 4 cyl feel it is grossly under powered. Yes there will likely be a direct fuel injection 4 cyl I'd assume that will come along in a year or so....but this is pure speculation I'm totally guessing, etc.
4) I really can't comment on the SR model, my old 1st gen was an SR5 and now I have a TRD Sport
5) Mehhh.....The Colorado is supposed to come in a turbo diesel but I don't like the aesthetics of the colorado so the engine doesn't much matter to me.

I hope that helps answer your question some.

 

If I'm not mistaken, the 2.4 and 2.7 were similar. My 1st gen is the 2.4, 5-speed, 2wd. I absolutely love that engine and trans. Its not a powerhouse, but it does the job. I pulled an enclosed triton trailer with two sleds in it, 2 people in the truck and the bed loaded, from Pennsylvania to mid Ontario. It did the job, struggled but it did it, towing with it is all about using momentum. Only reason I got a 3rd gen is for pulling my trailer and to have 4wd, or I'd still be using my 2.4 all the time. If the 4cyl fits your needs, id say go for it especially with a manual trans.

 

The 4cyl in the 3rd gen is the same exact 4cyl thats been in the Tacoma since 2005.


For me living in the northeast, I need something AWD/4WD and I would prefer a manual. For 3rd gens, this leaves the base SR with the 4cyl, or the TRD models.

I'd prefer a double cab, but to get that with a manual trans, I'd need to go with a TRD trim, of which I neither want nor have use for.

So basically the truck I *want* doesn't exist from Toyota.

If I got a SR trim, double cab, 4wd, it has to be a v6 automatic, which puts it right around 30k. For a little bit more, I can get a v8 double cab 6.5ft bed SR Tundra that has every thing I'd want and also more usable features and realistically not much worse gas mileage (maybe 2mpg drop, tops.)

So, unless Toyota decides that manuals can come in double cabs that cost less than 34k, I won't be getting a new Tacoma for a very long time.

 

The 2.7 is a beast, I love my truck, I feel like it has a lot of power, but of you get the 4cyl it has to be a manual transmission.

 

the 2016 AC 4cyl gained like 365lbs over the 2015 AC 4cyl curb weight. That's a good chunk of weight for an over worked 4cyl. However it is reliable and will get you from a-b. I wouldn't bother if you like to go fast, pass cars, or are on the highway at 75mph all the time. I would consider the 5 spd so you can ring her out as needed.

 

Ordered 2016 Taco SR IL4 with AT couple months ago without taking test drive first. Have had said Taco for two week now and I'm very disappointed in the power and felt sick about my choice as I'm committed to this truck for 10 years. I called my dealer, Parker Toyota in Coeur d'Alene ID, and told them of my disappointment and they said "no problem". They would order an SR5 with the 3.5V6 and offered to take the SR back when it arrives. Fortunitly we're talking Tacos and they said they will be able to resell the SR easily. Two things I learned, 1) test drive first even if you think you'll be happy with the IL4 and, 2) go out of your way to purchase from Parker Toyota as they truly were willing to do anything to make me happy. Parker Totota is the best but the IL4 isn't.

 

I had no problem going from a 2015 extended cab, Chevy Colorado V6 to a 2016 access cab 2016 Tacoma 4 cylinder automatic. I get it up to 60 and set the cruise and you can hardly hear it running. No problems here.

 

I like my 2.7 auto AC 2WD.not the fastest on the road but not the slowest either. My only complaint is 21 MPG avg after 50K miles. Dropped 2 to 3 MPG. And the cat converter recall has been performed.

For me my next trk will be fulls I've V8 auto. Almost same economy MPG wise. But I'll drive this taco a few more yrs yet. Don't want a monthly payment. Mine paid for now.

Ron sends....