2010 4 vs 6 cylinder access cab 4wd

I chose the V6...even though it meant I went with a Prerunner. I prefer the V6 performance.

If there had been a middle-of-the-road option, either a stronger 4 or a smaller 6, I would have seriously considered it. Something in the 200 hp, 230 lb-ft range.

 

I have the 4cyl manual and love it. Couldn't afford close to $30,000 for the V6 auto. Plus I do ALOT of highway driving and like the better mpg. Took out the secondary filter and getting around 25mpg. I can still tow my 20ft flats boat with no problem. Just pull in 4th gear and let her ride. Switch to 4lo to creep up the ramp. No complaints here

 

I've got an 08 2wd Prerunner 2.7 so I've got the same gearing you will have. I have no problems at all running at 75mph in the hills of upstate SC. The only downside is that you'll only be getting 20-21 mpg at those speeds because of the steep gearing. But as far as power is concerned, you'll be fine.

 

Plan on getting well below 20 mpg running the V-6 at 80 mph. I love the power the 6 offers, but you will not be taking advantage of this additional power and getting good gas mileage at the same time, like some here claim they get with their V-6. I find the 4cyl is peppy, and even when its ran hard, it still gets over 20mpg. Its got enough power to push itself around, start adding weight and you should have a good idea of what to expect as it should be close to the feel your truck has with weight in it.

 

when i say a bit more maint. I'm not trashing it. I meant it in a neutral way. really comes down to 30k plug change instead of 100k+ , and if you get an auto trans, a it more maintainance over a manual , timing belt for v-6 vs the chain on my 2.7l. None of it detracts from the v-6 imo, and is reasonable for a v-6.

 

The 4.0L v6 uses a chain, but the 3.4 in the first gen uses a belt.

 

Considering that the EPA numbers for the two engines in a 4X4 access cab are within a couple of MPGs of each other, and the little distance you drive, the actual difference in fuel usage per month would be less than five gallons a month. Since you are buying a 4X4 pick up, I doubt your primary concern is fuel economy. Drive both of them, you'll see there is a massive difference in the power of the two. My uncle had an 07 2wd access cab with the four banger, and I have a buddy that has a 4X4 regular cab, both feel really underpowered for a truck, IMO.

 

I've had everything from a 2.0 4 cyl Ranger (talk about underpowered!) to a V8 Dakota, and I find the Taco 4 banger just right for my needs. I run 75 all the time, jackrabbit starts, and don't think about F/E and still get 22-23mpgs. The V6 would be more fun but if I drove it I'm sure I'd be in the 17-18mpgs, and driving 20k miles a year thats a lot more money. And I saved considerable coin over the V6 as well!

 

I have a 55 mile (each way) commute every day, about 90% of which is on an interstate highway at ~75 mph. With the A/C on, I get about 20.5 mpg one way, and about 19 mpg the other way.

The couple days I've pushed it to near 80 I was getting about 20 mpg up and 18 mpg back.

 

x2
I drive aggressively.....in a good way .....if i had any more power than the 2.7 I would prolly be doing community service somewhere by now
The 2.7 coupled with the 5 speed manual and 4.10's is a very solid little rig.
If you like an auto, get the V6.

 

anyone know why the manual 6cyl is lower mpg than the auto? i thought the mpg is better with the 4cyl manual than the auto? thought manual was always better. hmmm...

 

had a 2008 4 5 speed fine until you pull a utv up and down hill
traded it for v 6 auto 2009 mpg not as good but when pulling
a trailor mpg about the same. go for the v-6

 

Ahh, sorry. I thought 4.0 was belt. A co-worker was saying his belt on his gen-1 4.0 was needing replaced.

 

Overall, it seems the manual is always better then the auto with most makes, but with the Tacoma, it seems the preformance is sound and mpg is better with most drivers with the auto/V6 combo. I have never driven a V/6 manual Tacoma, so can not comment on what is better, but some swear by the manual. However, being a manual guy, I believe I would consider the V/6 manual, with concerns of some reported issues and when I got to the pump from what I have read!

 

i'm a fan of the 4cyl myself, but you should test drive both, the 6cyl might be better for your driving. the 4 is lower maintainance but theyre both great motors though.

 

Just for thread fuel ;
I think Toy Yoda should announce the following new configurations: reg cab with a 7.5-8 ft bed and reg cab with the real short bed (5' i think) . All cabs available with locker standard and.....a new Diesel engine!!

 

thanks- that's what i needed to hear.

 

Had I had the money, I would've gone with the V6. I'm used to driving a V6 tho. From what I understand, this generation Tacoma 4cyls are way peppier then the previous line. You coming from the 1st gen 4cyl might be happy with a 2nd gen 4 cyl.

 

The v6 manuals get worse gas mileage than the autos because of the shorter gearing in the tranny. If gearing was equal, the manual would get better mileage, in theory.

 

I have the 4cyl and have a 30 mile commute (From the country into the city) and I love the 4. The rpms are high enough at higher speeds you will not need to down shift (Except if you want to pass someone in a hurry), but you can if you need to. I have had the truck up to 95 accidentally (Was not paying attention. Not sure what the 09's are governed to) and the truck did fine. I know that the manual 4cyl's wants to go 80!! You have to constantly slow down until you get use to the new truck.