2019 Tacoma 2.7l or 2019 Frontier 4.0l

I am in a situation where I would like to get another truck.

I have about $23,000 allocated for this purchase and want to make this purchase once and for the next ten years.

I have my eye on two crew cab pickups both are similarly equipped with optional equipment other than their engines. Both are sitting right at the $22-23k mark.

Frontier has the 4.0l engine and has a higher tow rating.
Tacoma has the tried and true 2.7l engine.

I don’t have anything I currently tow weighing more than 3000lbs. However, I recall the 2.7l in my 2014 to be a real pain in the butt when towing that much, as far as slow acceleration.

I drive around 7,500 miles a year and live in a place where I don’t need 4x4. So the question is, has the shifting and acceleration of the 2.7l 2wd truck improved to the point where it is comfortable to tow near the limit of the truck’s capacity, or should I just look elsewhere than the Tacoma?

 

if you are actually towing 3klbs, I'd look to the V6

 

Power and reliability of the 2.7 is the same as you recall. I love mine ('13 5 lug), but it would not be my choice for towing any significant distance or in difficult terrain with that kind of weight.

 

hes on a budget

if you tow a lot dont go with 2.7. if you tow a couple times a year under 3000lbs youll be fine. just get a trans temp gauge and a bigger trans cooler if you get worried. new headers on the 2.7 made a substantial difference on my 2.7 along with archive garage hangers with the cross bar. they reinforce the back end for better towing stability. i would get the 2.7 and get mods that help you out as the years go by. have my 2.7 for 4 years now, not once has it been to a shop.

 

He's on a budget, so you suggest buy the 4 cylinder and spend money to modify it and still not have a 6?


Mmmkay

 

I should add that my towing of 3000 lbs is limited range now, 200 miles maximum distance.

 

those mods i listed arent thousands of dollars, you okay?

 

I am fine, don't be smart.
I didn't suggest the modifications would be thousands, rather stating your suggesting to buy the wrong engine(possibly, only OP can decide), throw time and money at it, and still not have what is most likely needed. Buying the wrong vehicle is spending tens of thousands.

 

200 miles can be a long way if the vehicle is struggling. With anything. Power, stopping, etc etc.

IF the terrain is flat and speeds are modest, could be fine. Otherwise........

 

OP's needs are met by the 2.7, whats left? my mod suggestions are a cherry on top. have you ever towed in the 2.7?

 

I would not be able to live with the dated interior of the 2019 Frontier.

 

Tacoma interior is just as dated, but can you live with the fugly looks of the Nissan?

 

I think the interiors are about the same, the. IMHO.

Tacoma will be easier to work on as this forum is amazing and the 4 cyl is pretty simple. Fuel economy is about the same for both.

Has anyone owned both and towed a boat?

 

Really comes down to if you can live with the power of the 2.7.

IMO the Tacoma beats the Frontier in most areas outside of value and reliability. Aftermarket is way better on the Tacoma.

 

As far as towing, I’m not impressed with either engine really. But my 6 will tow a small popup just fine, of course the lack of wind resistance really helps a lot.

 

Not really the Tacoma is vintage 2016 while the Frontier is from like 2001!! HAHA!

 

Yuck!

 

Are you suggesting that the Frontier might be more reliable than the Tacoma?

 

If you’re going to get a 2.7 I’d at least get a manual one. The 2.7 manual with some gears tows decently. Though I’ve only towed that heavy with my truck 2-3 times in the past 6 years. As a 2.7 advocate/owner/enthusiast I think we already know a v6 is the answer. There’s a reason I always took the duramax out even though I could technically do it with my 2.7. You can technically do it, just depends on your patience and what you find acceptable