Question for previous first gen owners now in a 2nd gen

I am considering buying either a 2nd gen taco or possibly a 4 runner. I currently have an 04 taco with the 3.4. It sucks ass pulling a 2700 lb trailer up hills. Just wondering if it's a night/day difference with the 4.0 v6 in the 2nd gens before I go shopping around?

 

If your going to be towing a lot then get the supercharger. I pull about the same and it sucks in the mountains.

 

I think the 4.0 does a great job towing. I pulled a trail manor 24-18 with ease at about the same weight.

big hills will always be a pain, even my 95 F350 turbo diesel don't like them when loaded up with an extra 11k behind it

 

The 2nd gen will tow that no problem.

 

I had a '98 with the 3.4 V6. The weight that you're dealing with is substantial, and anytime there's hills involved these trucks will struggle somewhat, but I think the 4.0 in the 2nd Gen. will pull better.

 

I bought an '01 3.4 new, but after a few years bought a +-3,200lb camping trailer. It sucked. I wasn't a fan of the new at the time 2nd gen looks and size, but I ended up trading for an '05 4.0 access cab with a 6 speed. It was amazing how much better it was at towing. I still miss that '01 though after all these years.
I can't recommend it or a 4 Runner though, as I really don't know all of your vehicle needs.

 

Towed my old single axle trailer with both my 97 Access Cab and my 2015 DCSB. Big difference with the second gen! Probably 15-20 kilometres an hour faster up the hills turning about 3200 or so. The 97 still pulled okay, but not super happy roaring along at 4000 rpm at 65 kilometres an hour. The 2015 just seems better equipped to handle the weight. We now tow a 2007 Trail Cruiser 24 foot trailer and I wouldn't attempt that with the 97.