2017 Tacoma 4 cyl Automatic Review

Paid about $22k for my new 2017 SR, with the only option of floor mats/door runner protectors. I too wanted a black one, but too late - they were all gone by Jan 18. But honestly, my dark gray metallic is very good looking and shows no signs of swirl marks. My only gripe is that mine has a stumble moments after taking off from a dead stop. Small and minor, but noticeable. Feels like I quickly backed off the gas and then pressed on. Maybe because here in Washington state we have the California emissions crap. Hoses and wires everywhere.

 

Thot I'd give an update now that I've reached 10,000 miles. No problems at all, other than the blower motor recall. No leaking diff yet. Still love the truck, and no regrets with the 4cyl vs V6. Wouldn't change a thing if I had to do it over again.

A few more comments on stuff I mentioned in the review:

Wind/road noise: still my biggest complaint. Normal winds are no problem, but a strong crosswind is bad.. as tho the window is open a crack. It seems like they've addressed this for 2019 with thicker glass and more soundproofing material. (https://news.pickuptrucks.com/2018/12/2019-toyota-tacoma-quick-spin-small-subtle-improvements.html) The day may come where I pull the back and carpet out to add sound deadening.

'Creaking' sound at the top, where the 2 doors meet: I tried so many things to stop this noise, but nothing worked. Finally reproduced the noise by simply pressing the weather stripping, on the door itself, at the top corner. (Should have done this first!) All I did was spray silicon inside the hole of the weather stripping, just to the right of the corner. Solved!

Cruise control: it sucks on hills.. it accelerates too abruptly, which drops it into 4th, when it really doesn't need to.

 

i like my auto. way to much traffic for manual!!

 

I did a few searches and did not see this article posted:
Toyota 2TR-FE Engine Review
http://www.motorreviewer.com/engine.php?engine_id=125

 

I had a gen 1 2.7 5 speed that had over 400000miles on it when the frame died. My 2019 2.7 auto is substantially more powerful. I agree that these trucks are loud though...and the cruise sucks.

 

I just bought a 2009 2.7 2WD extra cab with 98K on it from my friends estate. My wife has wanted another PU since I sold my 88 4x4 sport S10 a few years back. it is of hard to compare a 20 year newer truck but the Toyota is much nicer finished interior then the plastic S10. Comparing motors my S10 had the 4.3 which was around 165hp but the torque was around 241 compared to the 2.7s 180, but I don't tow a boat any more so that is no big deal. What is is the better MPG, the S10 was good for 15 average, maybe 18 on a long highway run and I'm impressed with the 4 speed auto on the Taco, very smooth shifts, dosen't seem to hunt, where the S10 shifted really hard from 1st to second and in the hills would hunt from 4th to 3rd. The 2.7 motor is very smooth and refined has enough power for my use. I will tow small a small trailer with it for my motorcycles once I get a hitch and it will take over towing duty from the 012 Forester.

 

2017 4 banger, 11k on it now and going strong.

 

Any more reviews of these? Seriously considering a 4x4 4cyl auto.

Thanks all to whom have posted already

 

best advice is to get your hands on one, either renting or dealer test. drive more than around a block. some say double cab needs the v6 I live in CT some hills but no mountains and my access does it job without complaining.mpg goes down to 17 if I go over 80 for long periods on hwy, otherwise its 19 to 23 combined each tank.handles great. heat and a,c both great .Bluetooth awesome for my phone.

 

I don't own a Tacoma. That said I have test driven the 4 cylinder and the 6. Two of these test drives were 'extended' test drives meaning more than a spin around the block. The 4 actually surprised me. It drives better than I had imagined. I had a smile on my face after the hour I spent in the 4 cylinder. For the record I've solely owned v-8 pickups until now. If I can find a 4 cylinder SR access cab 4x4 this summer I will buy one.

 

Hey Clear7, 2017 SR 2.7L ACCESS CAB owner here. Mine is MGM, with matching anthracite allow wheels that I added. Bought her new. I may post a few shots after I clean her up. Got 25k miles on the clock. Concur on the wind noise, especially mine- that I have removed the rear seats because I wanted the utility , but with the convenience package too lol, and didn't want composite black facias that the utility comes with, if that makes since. The back seats must be noise insulating, because w/out them, wow sounds like a small leer jet following me at 75mph . I use the back seat area for tools.
Second blower motor gets installed Friday. No diff leaks, but had the retorque recall done on the diff.
I have Toyoguard Applied from factory, and with MGM paint, the clear is holding up well here in Florida.
Love the cruise and Remote Keys. I bought specifically the 2.7 for the long term reliability. I am a professional mechanic, now for 33 years, make my living at a chevy dealer, trans specialist at this time., and know that proven technology is way better than "new" technology. I plan on keeping her 20 years. I traded in a 4 cyl Ford Ranger, which just would not die, always wanted a Taco, and felt the time was right, for a 20 year plan, at my age, 57.
After reading your thread, I felt inspired to share my reasons for the Taco, seem very similar to yours. Obviously you can tell I over researched it.
I do have a question for all you 2.7l guys, being new to toyos, this is something that is of concern to me, being mechanical.
When I first start my truck, after sitting, say all night, it takes about a second for the oil light to go off, sometimes less, sometimes flickers, then goes out. Is this common among the 2.7l ? I know this engine has been around for 20 plus years in various forms from the introduction of the Tacoma, so reliability is proven. I know this is drain back, but have tried various filters, using a bosch now, but haven't noticed any difference from the factory one. Use 0w-20, or 5w-20, no difference. Use 6.2 quarts oil as specified, plus or minus, no difference. My Ford, oil light would go off during cranking, but Taco starts, runs for FRACTION of a sec before light goes out. Being a Mechanic. I know that max engine wear can take place during staring cold, especially if there is a delay to build up oil pressure, so I try to minimize this time. Probably worried about nothing, but I listen and feel everything this truck does, from engine to trans to rear and suspension.
Hey thanks for your thoughts, just trying to take the best possible care of her....Gordy

 

Have you tried the OEM filter?

 

Hey, yes, seems to be the same with the factory filter. Not saying there is a problem, just other Tacomas I have driven don't seem to do this, but maybe some of you experienced 2.7 guys can weigh in on this/?

 

I can tell you my utility from factory doe NOT have a lot of wind noise at high speeds with the black panel( maybe they put sound proofing behind it) and my 17 light goes out almost simoutaniously with start up.

 

Exactly. And 20 years is my plan too. Regarding oil light, i paid attention starting it the past few times.. It goes out immediately upon start up.

 

I assume dash indicator lights come on briefly on startup, because the car is verifying system operation.

 

Thought I'd post an update.. just hit 30k miles, and running perfectly. No issues whatsoever. Still hate the cruise control tho on hills.

 

Thank you, please keep this thread active with updates.

 

Sounds like you got a great truck OP!. My 2010 just hit 155k and nothing but 1 wheel bearing and preventative maintenance in 11+ years. Just had the roof painted but the rest is in good shape. Best of luck!

 

1st ac cab 4 cylinder.. I really liking this basic truck over the v6? Double cabs I had Before and my first Tacoma was 4 Cylinder double cab .. so I put almost 500 miles on it .. to me the truck feels lighter then a double .. I think it has plenty of power for around town and on the high way .. will be taking a road trip in a few weeks will report back ..