2014 V6 vs i4 Double Cab 2X4, real world diffs, paved road driving

Get a 4x4 like everyone else has said. You'll want it one day and kick yourself for not getting it. As far as V6 vs I4, I think the only application that I would consider an I4 would be in a reg cab manual. I can eek out 23 mpg if I pay attention to how I'm driving and usually end up around 19-20.

Like somebody mentioned, what about an SR/SR5 DC V6 4x4 with tow? Doesn't sound like you care for a locker in the back.

 

Yeah, I just re-read your initial post.

In the snow, these trucks aren't great in 2WD configuration.

And you're thinking of towing a boat.

Both of those speak to wanting a V6 4x4. (slippery saltwater tidal launch ramps want 4x4!)

And you don't want to overspend.

So, with all those considerations in mind, skip the TRD bells and whistles and get:

SR5 V6 4x4. Pretty sure someone else also suggested that.

 

You say there is over $8k difference between i4 4x2 DCSB and v6 4x4 DCSB TRD Off Road. To me it seem strange you are cross shopping those two configurations.

Why not get a v6 4x4 DC in let say the new SR package. You will save quite a few thousand right there and have the capability and power you may need down the road with minimal mileage penalty.

 

For what it's worth, my i4 double cab works very well for me, gets 22.5 mpg avg, when it bought it I had driven 3 dc v6's yes it's underpowered and just last week I took a 100 mile trip with 3 of my friends and there weight in the truck made a difference on hills and such. I admit in the last week I've been looking at upgrading to a trd pro with the entune premium, v6, and other goodies that I want, but when it's all said and done I have to ask myself why did I buy this truck in the first place, because it is very comfy it. Rides like a dream. I don't tow or carry a lot of cargo. BUT.. If you have it in your head that you may need the power from time to time, you should go ahead and get what you want, you may have some buyers remorse if you don't.

 

My buddy who convinced me to buy a Taco drives a 2012 DCSB I-4 PreRunner. Real world difference in handling and road manners between our trucks is slim to none. MPG wise, he gets about 2MPG better than me across the board (I drive a DCSB 4x4 V6). If you can swing the extra price for the SR5 4x4 IMO it is well worth it.

 

Would you miss the locker on the SR5?

 

Now to expand on this question.

Do all 2014 Tacomas come with electronic LSD? While the TRD Offroad, Baja and TRD Pro with a locker?

Reason I'm asking is that as far as I know before (2005-2008), base and SR5 had open diffs, TRD Sport had mechanical LSD and TRD Off Road had locker.

So do all trims of Tacomas now get electornic LSD now, or are there some with open diffs?

 

Is there an electronic front locker or some sort of front traction control on the SR5?

 

ALL 4WD Tacomas since the 2009 model has 'TRAC' traction control on the front and rear tires in H4. In 2012, they added a second level to the traction control in H4 (TRAC OFF, which is the same as TRAC 2009-2011, no engine regulation). Just press the VSC button quickly in H4 to turn off the regulation and have better limited slip.

There is NO traction control on the front tires in L4 (Low Range) except on the TRD OFF ROAD... which has A-TRAC on the front and rear available... it is an automatic 'locking' systems that matches tire rotation to provide the traction of front and rear lockers, but without the negatives (steering difficulty). The OFF ROAD TRD also has a rear locking differential.

There is a popular mod for the non-Off Road TRD 4WD trucks, and that is the 4 LO TRAC MOD (yellow wire mod). It fools the computer into thinking you are in H4 when you are really in L4... and provides TRAC in L4 to the tires.

Bottom line, if you want a truck to go anywhere without fear of getting stuck, and without the need for spending big bucks after the sale for mods, then invest in a 4WD OFF ROAD TRD. If you will not be so adventurous, or will always be traveling with others, then the SR5 4WD will be fine. TRAC and TRAC OFF drive modes are excellent limited slip systems. Only a rear locker or A-TRAC is better.

 

Thanks for a great explanation.

 

Yes thanks, this is great info. So use H4 when driving on beach or on a snowy road, got it. And if my tires start to spin, press the VSC button once/quickly to turn off VSC and engage my limited diff?

But what I dont get, is that I read if I get stuck in the sand and stop, that I need to press and hold the VSC off button to turn off TRAC and VSC. Why is this? Dont I need TRAC to get out the hole?

Also, from what I understand:
VSC = stability when breaking or cornering
TRAC = stability when accelerating

Why would I turn off TRAC if Im trying to get out a hole in sand?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnSSEGGMN88

 

Because your basic traction control is trying to keep you in control by eliminating wheel spin.

It does that by
1. applying the brake to the spinning wheel (good)
and
2. reducing the throttle (bad)

I've had traction control bring my minivan to a complete stop while trying to drive up mild slope on a newly snowy road by selectively braking one front wheel then the other and all the while cutting back on the throttle.

Sometimes, wheelspin IS what you want. Just recognize when you're defeated and don't bury yourself up to your axles, OK?

 

Rubbish! I would check out some of the threads on the "4 cylinder" section of Tacoma World and you will find lots of I4 fans driving all types of Tacoma trucks and are VERY satisfied.

If you haul a lot of material and/or tow, then fine, the V6 is, of course a better option. However, if you don't have a need for hauling/towing, then the I4 is just fine.

 

I think there's a simple essence of the question: "know thyself."

Some folks know what they're looking for in a truck, have a frugal mindset, drive 'gently' and place high value on: low initial cost, good gas mileage, and longevity. These folks know they want the four banger and don't even bother to ask TW what they should get, because they already know.

Other folks aren't sure. For them, the forum tends to recommend the V6. No one should have to 'grit their teeth' while driving their truck because the truck is not powerful enough for their standard and usual driving habits.

My family minivan has more power than my 4 banger Tacoma. That's OK with me - but I do need to acknowledge the fact.

 

I have the Sienna too, a V6. I am so impressed with that car. Guys here will probably crap in their pants laughing so hard at a soccer mom car, but for real, it gets 20 mpg, cost $29K all in with taxes etc, drives like a dream, and has enough room for a big family + kids. If I finally get my bad-ass pimped out Tacoma after waiting so many years, and it drives weaker than our mommy car, then I will die a little inside haha! But I want to be frugal and be smart. So let me test the 4 banger and report back.

 

HAHAHAHA!! He said rubbish!!!

But really, why would you buy a truck if you don't have a need for hauling/towing? For looks? Yeah, but I could buy a pretty good looking car for the price of a taco.. Just saying

 

I do haul and tow with my I4. I just don't need the towing capabilities of the V6. I also put on a lot of non-towing miles on for work. I average about 20.5 mpg in the winter and 24.5 in the summer, but it is also an access cab. I don't drive slow. I have never wished I had the V6.

All that said I think the op would be happier with the V6. As another poster stated, a lot of the people that buy the I4 know what they are getting. I tend to find that anyone that isn't sure about which is right for them are happier with the V6.

 

I owned a 2010 dbl cab v6, traded it in for a 2013 dbl cab i4. WORST DECISION EVER! to start, yes the i4 is cheaper but, in my experience of mainly city driving, some very light off-roading, and a couple trips to the beach, the v6 engine is the only way to go. My 4cyl was only getting 2 mpgs better on average. Then there is the issue of power. The v6 is a beast compared. I would try to pass cars and it seemed to take forever to get around people, the fuel economy doesn't make up for the lack of power. Off-road , even though my v6 was a prerunner,if I got in a situation , I had enough power to most of the time figure it out, same obstacles in my 4cyl I couldn't do. Again lack of power. I hauled things like kayaks and simple things, my 2013 didn't even have a reciecer for towing. I ended up selling the thing and now drive a focus st. Wish I never bought the 4cyl and kept my v6! Don't make the mistake!

 

Sure was a pretty truck though! 2013 i4 dbl cab Texas edition

 

my v6 seems under powered for the double cab, they should come with 4/10 gears. I couldnt imagine a 4 cylinder.