3.5L V6 vs 4.0L V6

I'd be willing to Beta the tune but this 17 is just a loaner for a couple-few months while my frame is replaced on my 06.

 

I have had the 4.0 in an 07 fj cruiser, the 4.0 in a 15 4Runner and then this 3.5. My fj and this truck are both manual transmission. The 3.5 compares more to the dual VVT 4.0. It is a little more sluggish off the line but otherwise similar. With the OV tune I prefer the 3.5 currently. I did not have any problems towing with any of them because I kept the engine in the powerband while towing by either using s-mode on the 4Runner or the proper gear on the MT's. The 4Runner and this truck would absolutely smoke my FJ I had. They all were running 285's and similar mods. My buddy has a 2015 Tacoma and we compare them alot. It's pretty even in first gear after that mine will pull away. I am running the OV tune though. He is excited about it coming to his truck in the future.

 

Like to see that test. 0-60 is faster with the 3rd Gen too btw by a few tenths.

 

I have an 07 FJ with just under 75,000 miles on it that I bought new and in December I bought a 17 TRD Tacoma. The FJ is a six speed and the Taco an auto. I have not really seen much difference in the power. The Taco does get better gas milage. I have just under 5,000 on it and sometimes get in the low 20's on the highway. Never got that good a milage on the 4.0 FJ. I haven't towed with it yet but the FJ never had problems with boats, small U-haul trailers or utility trailers.

 

Okay, got a real world test for y'all.
I've pulled this trailer with both my 06/4.0 and the loaner 3.5 now.
First, the trailer probably weighs about 3500lbs. Not a whole lot in my opinion...
But, I got to give it to the 4.0 on this one.

The 3.5 was pretty sluggish off the start and when the trans shifted it was almost like a firm but bouncy shift (ECT on). And the truck wanted to keep downshifting, then hang in a lower gear for an excessive amount of time.
It struggled to say the least. And had some weird characteristics.
The 4.0 hauled that same trailer from Central FL to Statesboro, GA. In 4th, no downshifting, running 27-3000 rpm @65-70. You could tell the trailer was there but it handled it well.
As far as fuel mileage goes, both are about tit for tat with the trailer.

 

Here's the set-up

 

Thanks for the replies everyone! So the test drive went very well. The engine seemed fine for my driving style. However throttle is definitely less responsive. To me, it just seemed like "mushy" and with more "travel", for lack of better terms. Yet the more I drove the more I got use to it's feel. Now when I mashed on the gas it got up and went, comparable to my 07. I am not looking for a hot rod and I am a pretty slow driver on the country roads. Yet when I am on the highway I like keeping up with the flow. The truck rode, sounded, and felt very nice at 70 when we hit the big road. I found one little hill in the area of the dealership and it took it fairly well. All be it, a short and not very steep grade. I am mostly on flat land anyway. With only a dozen or so runs into Western Maryland where the hills can be found. So the shift hunting during those few trips will not affect my decision. I guess my biggest looming concern would be longevity. Only time will tell in that area. Knock on wood, Toyota has never let me down there! As for the interior it felt like an old glove. I really like the look and feel. Someone posted earlier about lack of comfort, but he was 6'2". I am 6' even and I was perfectly fine. We all know how big of a difference two inches can make though! HAHA!! The Radio/Nav/Camera display was extremely nice. Very similar to my wife's 16 Camary. I am looking at a Double Cab 4x4 TRD Sport edition. Which has the hard tonneau cover. The cover was really nice. It doesn't look all that weather proof but it was dry as a desert inside despite having rain earlier this week. No big deal as I plan to take off the cover and add a cap soon after my purchase. All in all I was happy with the test drive as far as performance. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and creature comforts. Looks like it's time to crunch the numbers and make the dealer sharpen their pencil!

 

Well I bit the bullet! Wish me luck! Rides really nice so far. I get the shift hunting. Seems to me to do more with gear ratio and another available gear. I am loving the lower rpm's at speed and the 25.1 mpg showing on the fuel economy display.

 

OP - you will love it!! I enjoy my Sport more everyday. Just did a 3+ hour round trip this weekend with eh family and truck was great! ~11,6xx miles

 

I would have stayed with the 4.0L knowing what I know now.... no question.

 

Nice new truck! Enjoy it and don't look back.

 

Yup.

And unless you have a specific question or need help with something, the less time you spend on here the better (for your sanity).

 

Congrats, nice looking ride!

Don't be afraid to put it in S mode around town at speeds below 45mph or to push the ECT afterburner when you need to pass someone. It may take up to 1500-1800 miles for it to adjust to all the new drive-train components and if so, you'll see it getting amazing as the miles pile on.
I really don't know what all the fuzz is about for the 4.0L that some folks talk about here but mine feels and drives like a V-8, no kidding, I've driven V-8's most of my life at work so I know the difference.

Oh wait, it wasn't that long ago only V-8 had this kind of power

And but of course some V-8's now have insane HP in comparison too so yeah we're ack to square one, I take it all back, carry-on lmaoo!

Just enjoy!!
Cheers!

 

This site is terrible for those with hypochondriac personalities haha. People also like to antagonize and dump fuel on the fire.

 

"Wish me luck..."

"Rides nice so far..."

"I get the SHIFT HUNTING..."






Someone hold me back before I go off on him for trading in his 07...

 

V8 power? That's an exaggeration. You might feel like you have a v8 once above 3000 rpm but below that it's a v6. At below 2000rpm it's more like a 4 cyl.

 

Exactly, it's like an old VW Bus at low RPMs!

 

Dude, nut up and start saving for the LS500 twin turbos. It will be the greatest truck of all time with 400 ft lbs of torque.

 

Those went out the window when I knocked up my wife about 8 months ago.

 

I have faith, you'll get them back