Do the 4-cyl automatics have the same issues as the 6-cyl automatics?

I have searched but have not found a real answer if the 4-cyl automatics have the same issues as the 6-cyl automatics?

Not sure what the effect of 119 less HP and 77 less ft/lb of toque would have.

I have read a lot about the hunting and poor shifting of the automatic transmission, but in most of the posts it looks like the vehicles are the 3.5 liter 6-cyl.

I know that there are ECU reflashes that seem to improve things for some drivers and the shift assessment quality seems to be a function of your expectations.

I considered a 4-cyl 2wd SR before I found the Gen 2 regular cab I bought, but having a six year newer truck is something that kind of tempts me if I don't take a complete bath selling my current truck.

Thanks for any help.

A 2nd Gen'er that is looking at 3rd Gen.

 

Simple solution, buy a 5 speed so you don't regret buying the automatic!

 

Believe the 4 cyl AT still has a dip stick to allow fluid checks, and one less transmission speed than the V6 for less gear hunting.

 

This past weekend I traded my 2006 Pre-Runner for a 2017 TRD Sport. I will admit, I noticed the transmission difference right away. However, I wouldn't define it as an issue. I shifts around a lot more like my wife's 2013 MDX. If I need it to gear down, I simply give it gas. Or put it in "slap stick" mode if you're not cruising down the highway. For the way I use the truck, I wouldn't let the differences deter me away from buying it, obviously. Hope that helps.

 

T E S T D R I V E

 

Yeah, that would be a good start.

Nearest 4-cyl is about a 40 minute drive away, and since I have a very useable vehicle, any looking would likely be just looking.

I was also looking for longer term impressions, rather than a "test drive".

Kind of like that first date is a whole lot different experience than the first couple years of marriage.

 

ahh ok, that completely went over my head. sorry.

The new 2.7 is different than the one in the 2nd and first gens. The whole bottom end stays the same (Crank, block) but the head is different.
It now has VVTI for both the intake and exhaust. So that makes the power band wider at different RPM. I have heard that the new automatic
transmission and low rear end gear ratio is also great because you get a 6-speed. allowing you to stay in the power band at different speeds.

In terms of long term impressions its probably going to be the same or better that the older 2.7L engines. Its the same engine with additional
performance enhancements. In my book, it is the best bang for the $$.

If I was going to stay single the rest of my life and lived in the middle of the woods. The SR 2.7L 4x4 would be mine the second I saw one.
Add a wench, a good set of tires, and maybe a lift, is all you need to have an indestructable truck. If It was a daily driver with 1+ hour of commute
time in the streets, I would add my own aftermarket stereo with navigation + a screen to tap the backup camera, cruise control and fogs/light bar. All costing
around 3 grand would really make this a really sweet ride.

 

Every man's dream.

 

James_Bond,

Thanks for your input, my Tacoma is for the stuff that is too big, too wet or too sloppy to put in my Golf R, so a minimalist approach is my goal.

I added cruise and int. wipers to my base 2011 and it's just about right for what I need, but I am always looking.

 

They don't seem to have the issues. I have a 2016 SR5 4-cylinder and it has been a dream driving it.

Mines a daily driver and I wanted real world mpg efficiency. A 6-cylinder engine getting the same mpg as a 4-cylinder was a little hard for me to believe at the time I was researching it.

The 4-cylinder, based on my personal experience, has power on demand and does what I want when I want it to. Everything shifts smooth and the truck performs better than my 6-cylinder Ford Ranger (2001 model).

This is my second truck that I've ever had but I've operated many more.

Hope this info helps.

 

I have a 6 cyl AT and a good friend of mine and my dad both have 4cyl ATs. I've driven my dad's and from what I remember it doesn't "hunt" through gears as bad as the 6cyl. My friend says the lack of power gets annoying at times and he has to put the petal to the floor when getting onto a busy highway sometimes.The issue with the 6cyl seems to be with programming and/or shift timing. I love my 6cyl automatic (came from 5 speed MT) but sometimes the shifting really bugs me. There is way too long of a delay in acceleration because it down shifts one gear at a time - Example: (6 to 5 to 4) when it really just needs to go from (6 to 4). This happened to me when I was going to pass someone but it took so long for it to accelerate because of the double down shift that the person in the lane I changed into came right up on me which probably totally pissed them off (ECT PWR was engaged). Lately I've been just driving it in sport 5 so it stops it from going to 6 and manually downshifting if I need a quick response.

To answer your question:

The 4 doesn't hunt as much but has no power.

The 6 has power but thats negated by the bad shifting.

 

Where I live you can't even get a 4cyl auto with 4x4, only manual with 4x4 or auto only for 2wd with the 4.

 

When I bought mine it was the only 4 cylinder on the lot. I wasn't looking for a 4x4 but now I'm glad I have it as an option.

I also didn't plan on buying an orange truck ever, but damn it looks great.

It's easy to fall in love with these trucks.