Base SR for mild to moderate off roading (I4)?

Hey all,

About to pull the trigger on a 2016 SR Access Cab with the 5 speed and I4. Has anyone used this rig or something close for mild off roading and have any thoughts on power or needed upgrades? Easier trails in Moab, fire roads, backcountry camping, etc.

Obviously, the first thing to be fixed will be a set of new tires on day one, but would appreciate any other thoughts.

 

yea get a V6. just saying.

 

Sticking to my budget! I want a stick and an Access cab w/ 4x4. With the utility package, it's about 22,000 for the I4 SR...a V6 Sport would be nearly $10,000 more including a ton of shit I don't want.

But if someone actually owned/drove this truck doing what I will be and hated it...

 

You'll be ok for mild off roading. You may want the extra power on the freeway or trying to pass on a 2 lane but the 4 banger does everything it needs to do.

 

Hills are not your friends in a 4 banger when offroading. Sometimes you do not have enough power to transfer to front and rear wheels going up a steep grade with large tires.

 

I dont know if they would say they, "hated" it but someone on here recently bought the I4 and traded it in after like 2 weeks for a V6. But again I get the budget thing so no worries, just figured you would that added power especially for any off roading at all.

 

Here is mine man 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR 4x4 5 speed manual! I got 265 75 16 Cooper at3s on it with 1.25" Spidertrax Wheel spacers and rokblokz mud flaps. Love my truck so far. I got 3,950 miles on it! I've had it since last October!

 

My 09 was a 2.7 5-speed, if i needed extra torque in 4wd i'd just stick it in 4low and it was plenty of power. That truck would literally go anywhere i pointed it just not in any hurry.

My ex's family has a 1000k acre farm, one time it was to wet for the super duty to get under the barn so i went and hooked a 5k pound round bailer to it and pulled it out in 4low, how's that for real world application.



^- Cooper St's 265/75/16

Ironically that has been my fav truck out of '13 sr5 DCSB, '14 TRD OR DCSB and now my '16

 

I never had problems with the four in previous gen off roading. As a matter of fact, I liked it very much because of the better balance. Plenty of torque is supplied by the low range as long as you don't mind screaming a little higher in the rpm range. The manual is the better trans for this use too. Lest we forget, skidders, some of the ultimate off roaders have minimal horsepower. It's all about the gearing at low speeds. My 40 hp diesel tractor does fine off road with power to spare at low soeeds. You will be fine. Off road is NOT where you need the six for your use. It's towing, load carrying and higher speed travel.

 

i got a 15 4x4 base 2.7 acc cab 5spd. i love it. it dosent have a lot of power, but i feel it has enough. i drive alot, 80mi. daly, avg. speed 65mph, 23mpg.

 

@utahskier82 I own a 2016 4x4 2.7 with the Access Cab Utility Package just like you are planning on purchasing, and I plan on driving on fire roads and logging roads once they open up in the spring. I upgraded the tires on mine immediately to Firestone Destination A/T's. I have almost 1500 miles on mine now. I've been in 8" of snow and it handled it just fine. I completely agree with you on the budget, you are definitely getting your money's worth at $22k. I couldn't be happier with my purchase.

 

OP: I purchased a base 2015 AC, 4x4, auto, 4cyl and couldn't be happier. It does everything I have asked. Although I don't off-road with it, it handles the MN winter snowstorms just fine. I also pull a small camper with it with no issues. Overall, I average 20-22 mpg and 16-18 mpg pulling the trailer. If you can get a 2016 SR 4x4 for $22k, that's a bargain in my opinion. Enjoy your new truck!

 

IMHO, having the manual is key. The four speed auto that year was a pig. Because my wife drove ours and is after decades, weaned of manuals, we got the 6 auto. For off road, the four has plenty of power for OP. Where people have problem, is sticking oversize tires on and messing up the gearing.

 

Agree'd....I wouldn't touch an automatic 2.7

 

Hi there, I want to get some spacers for my taco, but I'm concerned about the ride quality. Have you had any issues? I added a 3"/2" inch lift on my truck but I doubt bigger tires could fit without spacers I was looking at the 1.25" spacers. By the way you truck looks real nice with the spacers on. Let me know. Thanks

 

You'll be fine for that. Thats all I ever do, had a base model 2.7 5spd 2nd gen. Get to a steep section, low 4 and youre good.

 

I put 265/70-17 BFG Rugged Terrains and thats it.

 

Hey Tony, absolutely no difference with the spacers on! Rides perfect just like without them. I've had them out for about 2,000 miles and absolutely no issues!!!!

 

Love the grills on the 4 bangers compared to a trd

 

Ya they do look good. The truck looks a lot more aggressive with the spidertrax spacers, don't even look like a 4 banger lol. I really want a scooped hood to give it a even better look. Been hunting for someone to trade me hoods!!!!