4.0L V6 vs 2.7L 4cyl Auto Opinions (2023)

I am decreasing my "requirements" for a 2nd gen and now just trying to find the lowest mileage one I can; now seeing many access and reg cabs that have 4cyls.... I have found several v6s and 4cyls with less than 80k/mi's, and I think I'd be best to look for lowest miles rather than "needing" to find a DCSB TRD.


Opinions on the 4cyl vs the v6? I know they're both great, but what do you think is best? In auto, not manual.


I will very most likely be throwing on a small lift, 255/85/16 or 80/17s, a camper shell, 1.5 person worth of camping gear, and a german shepherd. Speed is not any concern of mine at all. Higher MPG is cool, but also not the biggest concern. I am not against regearing. The biggest and main concern/goal is longest longevity, durability, and reliability.


Thank you.

 

I've had my 2.7 for a 11 years now. Not one problem. Very dependable engine

 

Everyone speaks so highly of both engines. I'm seeing many say the 4cyl is cheaper/simpler to maintain, does that it make it a higher contender?

 

Just by what you described. Do not get. 4 cyl
Don’t get me wrong. Great engine, but for what you want to pull and carry. 6 cyl. All day
You will be so sorry for the under powered engine

 

SHORT ANSWER: Get the 6 cylinder.

The 1GR(6 cyl) and 2TR(4 cyl) engines are pretty reliable.

The 2TR “might” have an edge on the 1GR. But only if maintenance is preformed regularly.

LONG ANSWER:

The 1GR can get real close to 300k if maintained. But seems to eventually throw timing codes from chain stretch and wear. The Auto trans is pretty dang tough. I’m mean, after all it is an Aisin. Change the fluid and drive it until the engine quits. Sure, some will suffer converter shudder. But the vast majority never will if maintenance is done regularly.


The 2TR is a great engine. But can burn oil if you don’t keep up the maintenance.
It not uncommon to see 300k on a 2TR. But when you do, the owner was almost always meticulous with maintenance. The Auto trans has been around forever. It’s stout, the engine will want to quit pulling before trans will. The biggest down side of the 2TR is MPG, compared to the 1GR.
You get so much more from the 1GR with about 3 MPG loss?

The common here is maintenance.
I’d have to say, you get by neglecting the 1GR longer.
But with maintenance, the 2TR has a very slight edge.

 

I love my 2TR-FE, I don't tow very often and when I do it isn't far or heavy. I'll have to agree with the others here. With what you want you will need to go with the 6 cylinder engine. The 4 cylinder will make you sad.

As stated so well above either engine will last a very long time if maintained properly.

 

Thanks everyone. I just had to ask as I’m finding quite a few low mileage 4cyls out there. I really truly do not care about speed or acceleration at all. Hard to pass up a less than 100k/mi 4wd 4cyl for $15k.

I guess V6 it is! I wish they made reg cabs with the V6.

 

I'd say based on what you are describing (lifted with auto). The v6 will likely be the right choice.

If you are ok with a manual the 4cylinder would be my choice (not biased)