How does 3rd gen V-6 compare to the 4.0?

I agree it's pretty disappointing to be honest.

 

Personally I won't want to know what the comparison is. I am never going to own one of those.

 

I would echo the "Take a test drive" sentiment. I did and thought the 3.5 with the 6-speed auto would be livable for around town driving, which is what I was doing mostly at the time. My driving parameters changed after I bought the truck to more highway miles at 75+ MPH. The poor torque delivery of the 3.5 combined with a tranny that always wants to force itself into the highest gear possible ended up driving me nuts. The constant gear hunting on the slightest inclines did me in. I traded my '16 Taco for a '16 4Runner Ltd with the 4.0 and the 5-speed auto. It drives more like I'd expect on the highway. I'm a happy owner now.