3.5L V6 or 4.0 V6 more reliable?

You talking about the Minivan RX350 from 10 years ago ?

 

ES350 From six years ago. 2017.

 

I'd guess the "minivan" comment makes some feel more macho. The reality of it is- modern day, engines are used across multiple, and sometimes many platforms. Some of the upsides are, more R&D and investment up front, and more used support way down the road,,, should you need it.

 

I suspect either can be expected to go 300,000 + miles with diligent attention to maintenance, and not subject to server service like extended towing 4000lbs+ in the mountains. It is an engine that Toyota puts in a good many of their top selling models. My wife's 2018 Avalon has one, and in that car it drives like a sports car with unexpectedly good acceleration when in Sports Mode.

 

Instead of debating, I'll try to add some data. Assuming Wikipedia is correct, the third generation V6 Tacoma uses the 2GR-FKS, an engine that first appeared in the Lexus GS 350 (crossover) and has been used in the Sienna, Corolla, and Camry.

 

How bout all of them

 

3.5 6 MT is excellent

 

Wasn't the GS 350 a sedan?

 

You're right.

 

The 2GR-FKS is a 3.5 litres (3,456 cc), 24-valve DOHC (with VVT-iW and VVT-i) V6 engine that combines the D-4S system from the 2GR-FSE with the simulated on-demand Atkinson cycle used in the 2UR-GSE and 8AR-FTS engines.[12] The 2GR-FKS and the 2GR-FXS selectively use direct and port injection.[13][14] This engine first appeared in the 2015 Lexus RX350.

 

You don't have to pull the motor to do the timing chains.

3.5 has to be pulled to reseal the timing cover.

 

I'm at 270k miles on my '09 4.0. (more like 300k if you adjust for the larger tires).

Complete list of engine "work" I've had to do includes: changing oil every 5k miles, changing spark plugs ever few years

That said, I wouldn't doubt any Toyota motor to go 200k+. If I had to choose between 2015 or 2016+, I'm going with the 2015. 2016+ are called Turd Gens, after all.

 

Ask any service manager who's been at Toyota a while which motor is better. most of them say the 4.0

The 3.5 in the tacoma isn't a bad motor, it's just not a great motor.

$5k timing cover re seals are a huge kick in the nuts when owning a low milage vehicle.

Super early 4.0s had some head gasket issues but after that they are failty trouble free engines. Most bad HG threads I have seen were with people over 150k miles.

 

I wonder if OP ever comes back to look at, and maybe appreciate or not understand, the path of destruction.
Posts like this should be Dumbgeon bound for the sake of civility, but if history repeats itself, it'll be left here for us to eat our own, until threats of bodily harm get it shutdown.

Have funs boys n girls!

 

Oh man. This is gonna be a good one.



Although I know exactly what’s gonna happen haha.

 

That's a sedan though, not a pickup truck. Apples to oranges comparison. Even if the tacoma isn't being used as a truck, just the weight of it alone makes the engine work more. (Not that it can't do it)

 

Sub-zero, WINS!

 

Ummm, the shop manual I referenced before he sold it says the 4.0 needs to be pulled to change the timing chain.