How do those 4cylinder Tacos run?

If I was shopping for a 3rd gen tacoma right now I would for sure look at the utility package 2.7 4x4 MT. The 2.7 engine is made in japan i think?. There is one for $24k (!!!) at my local dealership. Add someone's throwaway tow hitch and a 60$ curt 4-flat trailer plug. The 2.7 is Tow rated at 3500lbs (around there I think) I towed 5000 lbs once with my v6 2007 and it was scary the way it shoved the truck around. Don't think I would exceed the rating on the 2.7 with what I do.

 

Also, overseas the Hilux with the same 2.7L is rated to tow 2500 kg which is roughly 5500 lbs. For what it's worth.

 

Great stuff and info guys, Is the 4 cylinder auto any good???

 

Actually it's the 2016+ 2.7L engine that got dual VVTI but not just that the 5spd manual was also overhauled with a triple synchronized and lower first gear (NICE!) and taller overdrive or 5th gear so good to see the 4cyl got some love!
Just wouldn't want it for towing

 

My initial test drive was a 4cyl auto SR5. I thought it drove great, but I am a 3 pedal guy thru and thru so I bought the stick.

 

No

 

Different clutch maybe?

 

Yes , I love mine

 

Hilux has 6 speed mt with 2.7, so maybe? From what I can gather tow rating is more to do with tow package, as v6 3rd gen tacomas WITHOUT tow package have the same 3500 lb rating as the 4 cyls

 

6spd?!? Do tell! Hope it's not the same POS they stuffed behind the second gen 4.0

 

And that's just safety shit because mechanically they're the same trucks otherwise. Tow package is just a stronger hitch receiver, 7 wires instead of 4 (for trailer brakes and battery) and bigger alternator so it can all be added pretty easy. On tundras on the other hand tow package also means lower gears

 

Just curious what you don't like about yours ? , The 4.30 gears with this 2.7 , in the automatic is a win. I think it's a great combination.

 

Good to know, I thought I heard some 2nd gen guys saying that changed happend for the 15' model year, but wasn't really talked about.

 

I don't have one and I didn't know the third gen auto got 4.3 diffs. I drove a friends second gen 2.7 auto for a few hours on a road trip some time ago and thought it sucked. Also was terrible on gas all loaded up

 

Hey OP, to get this back in track I think you could save yourself some serious coin picking up a slightly used 4cyl because they don't have the same resale value. Most people want a V6 or V8 in a truck and this 2.7 is greatly underrated. Should do for your kiddos first car

 

Yeah buddy Utility package is where the f*** it's at. Walked into my Toyota dealer and walked out with my little 4 banger for 22k.

My understanding is that the 2.7's are still made in Japan.

Good point. it's worth mentioning that 2.7 autos have 4.3 gears from the factory, and also, very important, it is NOT the same 6 speed automatic that is mated to the V6 models. Close, but different in a number of internals. (# of clutch packs and stuff are different, same ratios though)

Most of the people hating on the 3rd gen 2.7 have not driven one!

Mine with the LCE header kicks absolute ass. It does suffer from pronounced altitude sickness (get up to 8,000+ feet and yeah she's a bit wheezy) but otherwise the Dual VVTi gives you a really solid powerband around town and on the highway, returns great mileage (23 MPG highway with a lift and A/Ts...) and is pretty legendary in the reliability column.

 

I have the 2012 2.7 auto in 2wd reg cab with the 3.58 rear. Have had zero problems. Came new with 215/70/15's and had plenty of power. Of course had to put lift and 31's on and power suffered, but does fine for my needs. Mpg stock averaged 22, lucky to get 20 mpg now. Mostly get 18 mpg all around.
The 4wd's came with 4.10, so I can imagine that would be the best set up. X2 on the manual trans being the better choice.

 

Exactly. Getting the load rolling is only a small part of towing. Proper loading, leveling and driving is more important than how many cylinders you have

 

Yea , that would explain your "no" You don't own and have never have driven the vehicle we're discussing and feel qualified to give a negative opinion. Cool . I can't figure out how the 2.7 auto or the third GEN Tacoma for that matter gets a bad rap , I can't figure it out. Lol