2020 SR5 4i

Have been back and forth as to which Tacoma to get, budget was a factor and looks like the SR5 4i 2.7 is the one I’m going with. I’ve read the 4 v 6 pros and cons, but there isn’t much info reviews on the 2.7. Is it a good truck for running around town, occasion highway, occasional light towing? Was really looking at the b6 3.5L, but feel the 2.7 may be better suited for my needs. I know ‘better to have the power/speed and not need it’ but $3k difference is preventing it. What’s everyone’s take on the later 3rd gen 2.7? Is it as solid and reliable as people say? Does it have decent pick up and speed for a daily driver? Is the AT decent enough (wish MT was available). Thanks

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome aboard new member

 

Yes it's been around for at least 15 years in North America. Major problems have already been addressed.

No. As a daily, the 3rd gen 2.7 has the worst power-to-weight ratio of any vehicle in Toyota's lineup. A Prius will run circles around it. On the trail, it's less of an issue because of low-range 4WD.

Yep, and huge improvement over the 4-speed AT in 2nd gens.

 

I love the 4 cylinder in my 2009, which is the same as the 4 cylinder in the 2020s with some minor tweaks. I have the 5 speed manual though (which I don't think is offered any more).

YES, it is slow compared to almost every other car on the road today.

But NO, you will not have any trouble keeping up with traffic except on big hills (I live in Colorado).

If you're okay with driving in the slow lane, the 4 cylinder is a great economical choice that will return decent gas mileage and be bullet proof reliable.

 

I had a 1st gen 2.7 and the motor was flawless, shouldn't have any problems there.
Get up and go is more like get up and wait.
Light towing better be very light towing. That being said it was used before to pull a 16' tandem axle trailer with some light stuff on it. Just don't be in a hurry.

On a side note, if only $3k is keeping you from stepping up to the V6, why not just buy a used V6 and pay less than the new 2.7L?

 

Dealer incentives warranty etc, the new actually works out cheaper than a used with low-ish miles in it.

I’ll be in the flatlands of Florida so hills shouldn’t be a big issue.

Want to have this for a long time, and eventually give to my son. As the truck ages I hear the maintenance is easier and cheaper on the 4i v the 6?

 

As long as you take care of it and maintain it, you will have no problem keeping it long enough to give to your son. I can't speak on the new 3.5L V6 maintenance, but maintenance on both my old 2.7L (300k+) & current 4.0 V6 (220k+) have been VERY minimal. *knock on wood*

 

Depends on region. A 4 cylinder 4x2 would hold no resale and you'd be upset at the power due to elevation. But in southern states its all you need, and there's demand for a simple truck.

I always worry about resale with big purchases, and v6 4x4 has the most hands down.

 

Is there anything to be said about Tacoma’s built in the US vs outside the states?

I’m going to test drive both the 4 and 6 to see how they feel.

thanks for the info

 

Texas - built Tacomas for 9 years
Baja California (Mexico) - built Tacomas for 25 years
Guanajuato (Mexico) - built Tacomas for 7 months

In theory, Guanajuato-built trucks may be more likely to have learning curve-related issues (like the Texas plant did with door latch fitment in 2011), but none have been reported on TW so far.

It's a wash. Spark plugs are easier on the 2.7, though you only have to deal with them every 100K. Fuel system is simpler with no high-pressure pump or direct injectors, though the system has been reliable on the V6. The 2.7 has an electric smog pump and switching valves that will reach end-of-life at some point and cost $1000+ to replace, though you typically don't have to worry about it within 10 years. Maintenance on rest of the truck is the same.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to TW!