New Toyota

Hello everyone, I’m looking for opinions. I had a 2012 Tacoma TRD 4x4 that gave me 4 fun and trouble free years and like a fool I talked myself into trading for a Silverado Crew Cab which is also a great truck . I am considering a 2017 or 18 Tacoma as my everyday run around truck . My old Tacoma had the 4.0 V6 my question is how is the power with the new v6 and other than engines has anything changed that I should know about. Thanks

 

More refined, the new v6 runs better after around 7500 miles. Nicer truck in every way and I had 3 2nd generation Tacomas.

 

Hello and welcome back to Toyota, first and foremost the difference between the trusty 4.0L is night and day in comparison to the 3.5L. That being said the 3.5L is an adequate amount of engine for this truck depending on whom you talk to. Some say it's horrible in the Automatic configuration, others say it's a dream, furthermore members whom are fortunate to own the Manual configuration in this truck swear by it as being better of the two transmissions, again that's based on who you talk to and how long they've owned their truck. Personally I think it's a great, beautiful truck and no matter which transmission you go with, you can't go wrong. Best thing for you to do is hop into your heavy Chevy and take a ride down to your local stealership and test drive the taco is both configurations if that's optional and see which one best suites your lifestyle, hopefully you get what you want and enjoy it for many years to come. Best of luck with your decision. Welcome aboard.

 

Take one for a long test drive.

While the new 3.5 has more power than the 4.0, it is in an entirely different area in the RPM band.

 

The 4.0 has all of its grunt down low and starts out quickly and pulls hills without having to downshift. The 3.5 likes to Rev and needs wound out to get going, but averages about 1 or 2 MPGS better. As suggested above, make sure you get some long or overnight test drives to see if you like it.

 

I’ve had both, a 14 4runner with the 4.0 and now the 17 Taco with the 3.5. Very different revving/shifting drivetrains, but i find the 3.5 to have plenty of power up high. The shifting and gear searching has gotten better as the miles rack up, and let’s be honest; if you buy a tacoma expecting it to be a powerhouse, you’ll be disappointed. But as far as passing people on the highway and getting up to speed quickly, it does just fine, but at a higher rpm range than the 4.0. Test drive, test drive, test drive!

 

If Toyota put the 4.30 final drive in the AT, it would make a better impression.