Which is better?

I have two available optins. Both second-gen btw. An access cab 4 cylinder 4x4 auto. Or an access cab Prerunner SR5 v6 TRD auto. I don't need 4x4 but would the trim be better?

 

I did plenty of research before buying. Everything said v6 manual. Problem is they're hard to find used. New, of all the multiple models of tacoma available, there's 1 with that combination, I think it was a trd offroad or sport.

 

There’s 3 3rd gen v6 MT configs

 

Since you don’t need 4x4. I vote get the V6.
Make sure you really don’t need 4x4.
What year is the PreRunner?

I had a PreRunner Access Cab w/4cyc.
It just didn’t have much power. Probably even less with 4x4.
Definitely not towing much with it.

I now have a 4x4 V6.
I wouldn’t consider another 4 cyl. Unless it were single cab 4x4.
And then, only because they are so sweet in the woods. Probably the best little hunting rig you can find.

I’ll also say, the V6 has more power. But it isn’t as powerful as you’d think.
I’ll be the first to say, Toyota gave it a generous towing capacity.
You have to run high in the RPM if you want to at 50+ mph steady here in East Tn. (3k trailer weight for reference)

 

The 4 cyl auto is going to be a dog.

The prerunner should have a locker if its an offroad. And the fact that its a TRD (sport or Offroad) means it will have the better trim package. Sounds like a cool truck, that's what I would be getting

I use to have something of a unicorn, 2011 Offroad V6 manual access cab in black. No air injection system, electro-boost brakes, no clutter anywhere, cleanest engine bay on a truck I've ever seen.

It actually had cloth on the door panels

 

2019, when I was looking, the dealer told me just the one model, it would have needed to be special ordered. I remember it was one with 4wd.

 

The only down side is if it’s an 05-08.
It’ll probably want to spin in wet grass, unless you have good tires, or use the Locker.
My PreRunner spun one wheel stupid easy in wet grass/mud.
09+ should be better with Auto-LSD.

 

If you don’t need a 4x4 then don’t get a 4x4. Just confine your search to 2WD. You need to make a list of what you want and what you need in a truck and shop for trucks based on your needs and wants. Why are you deciding between these two trucks? Why not widen your search. I mean no offense but it sounds to me you really don’t know what you want?

 

I had to special order mine. There’s actually 4, all v6 MT

DCSB TRD OR
DCSB TRD PRO
DCSB TRD SPORT
ACLB TRD SPORT

Canada gets a ACLB TRD OR

I’ve seen a few MTs on lots around here, there’s just way less than the ATs

 

4x4 on these trucks tend too have a lot threads about the 4x4 not working.

 

That's true of any function. The more moving parts, the more opportunities to go wrong. Get what fits your lifestyle. Trim isn't all that different on any of these, and you can add things you want later.

 

I'd rather have a prerunner v6 over a 4 banger 4x4 auto.

The TRD trim is nicer as well.