The 2.7 or the V6 engine in an access cab ???

All these terms are relative.

'underpowered'

'power'

'considerably better'

Based on what YOU wrote, based on YOUR situation above, I would say YOU should get the V6.

The I4 doesn't get that much better mileage to begin with, but if you're always flogging the 4 with the skinny pedal to force it to keep up, you'll give up most of the mileage advantage it might have had.

Some folks will come along with their stories of how good their mileage is with their four bangers. But everything ultimately comes down to how YOU drive YOUR truck.

 

On the highway running 75MPH the MPGs will be the same. In town the 2.7 will get one or two better MPGs.
I suggest staying with the 4.0. I have had both to compare running the same road and speed. The 2.7 runs good until you go into overdrive.

 

4.0 .......duh!

 

Get the 4.0

 

i love my 4banger but if i had the choice i'd go with the v6 for sure

 

Despite what you might here around here it IS ok for gas mileage to be an important factor in your decision making, especially if the truck is a daily driver. I had a 4 banger 5spd standard cab and routinely got 21-22mpg in mixed driving. My new '14 Access cab averages just over 20mpg in mixed driving.

So, I'd say that although the gas mileage differences between the 4 and 6 may be small, (or large depending upon driving habits), they may still be viable and defensible factor if gas mileage is important to you.

I do find myself downshifting up steeper grades with the I4, especially if unable to carry enough speed into it. Otherwise it is meeting my needs just fine.

All that being said, were I doing it again, I might opt for the v6. I only drive about 5K year, and the extra power can always come in handy. Still the I4 is fine for me for now, and I DO like clearing the 20mpg barrier nearly every fill-up.

 

I can get 20-21 mpg's out of my 2009 AC cab 4.0 6 speed if I don't floor it all the time. It all comes down to how you drive it. You can on a flat road run 5th or even 6th at 30-40 mph and still have enough power to pick up speed without downshifting. I will admit having a 6 speed sucks in city traffic shifting 2nd to 3rd and back again all the time.

 

Being able to clear 20-21mpg at every fill that's pretty important factor. My driving will mostly be on flat ground.