3.5L vs 2.7L

As with most things in this world. The people who review are those who have had issues. In full honestly the only thing consistent with the gripes is U-joints were only filled with the assembly lube. I have no other complaints.

 

If you're thinking about getting one or the other you should test drive them for yourself instead of relying on our opinions.

 

I have the 3.5L and I have to admit, I was very disappointed with the power at first. However, after about 1000 miles it really livened up a lot! Now if I want it to go, it goes! You especially notice a big difference when you turn on the ECT button.

 

If you stomp on the 3.5's gas pedal there's no lack of power, unless you're expecting a sport's car, which it's not, it's a truck. Engage the ECT and the power comes on faster and smoother while your mpg goes down quicker, but really those who are complaining about a lack of power really have no clue how this engine is supposed to work, and trust me, I'm no fanboy. I have had my truck in for transmission issues and it's better now, but not perfect. However, I never thought considering it's a truck this big with a 6cyl engine and not an 8cyl was ever lacking power. Some people are just unrealistic in their expectations.

 

theres a noticeable difference in mpg going from the 2.7 to the 3.5, and there would be another noticeable difference going to a 5.7...then add bigger tires and another noticeable difference, then add blah, blah. Eventually it becomes ridiculous and you should have bought a full-size truck with a V8. My father had an old Dodge Dakota for almost 20 years that had a V8 in it, and that truck never lacked an ounce of power, but you DEFINITELY noticed it at the gas pump.

 

I'm all for 3.5l

Make sure to get the trans fluid checked and give it till 1200 miles to find its groove.. mine rides like a beaut
Knock on wood

 

Initially test drove the 2.7l without knowing it and thought, man this new motor needs to be wrung out to go. Got out and realized it was the 4 cyl. Then test drove the 3.5 and I could tell the difference right away.

Also the 3.5 feels similar to my old 4l in the FJ. Only real difference is where the power is at. FJ felt strong early on, new Taco feels much faster at higher end. Honestly the 4.0s torque and 5 speed auto made in town driving nicer. Overall though the Taco feels much more comfortable and easier to drive long distance. Apples and oranges I guess.

 

I'm quoting in hopes that this pic continues to show on the homepage as the image next to the thread. It's hilarious lol.

 

Drove the 2.7 for 5 years, drove friends 4.0, have the 3.5, all manuals. 3.5 gets me better mileage than the 2.7 if I drive them the same way. The 4.0 has more pop when you first touch the throttle but it has nothing on the 3.5 after 2.5k rpms

 

I have been making similar comments since right after I bought my 3rd gen but some people just don`t want to hear it.

It`s good to see an honest post from someone else that has made the comparisons.

 

The 3.5 has plenty of power for a mid sized pickup. The problem is that it is hard of hearing. You can't talk softly to it when you want to go, you have to say it pretty loud. When it hears, it'll scoot.

I might have gotten the 4 banger, but I tow my ATV and have a camper and wanted the power.

 

My own experience with the 2.7L goes like this: my first Tacoma was a 2012 model, which gave me good mileage (12.2L/100km town, 9.2L/100km highway, according to my own computation). It was significantly better than the 4.0L.
Since I have nothing to tow, I stayed with the 2.7L when I traded in for a 2016 model. Acceleration is sufficient if you push the rev over 3,000 rpm. Town driving it downshifts before that if I am not in a hurry.

The 2016 consumes around 13.5/100km in town and 10.5 to 11L/100km highway. About the same as the recent 3.5L. But the engine is not broken in yet.

Extra cost of the V6 over the 4 cyl: about $2,000CAD with a better resale value. If I was to start over, I guess I'd go for the V6 since even the extra registration costs on large engines do not apply here under 4L...

 

Howdy Bob - There is no significant engine "break in" on these newer vehicles... and Bob ...real cowboys don't use Metric.

 

I see many people saying 2.7L is a bulletproof motor in this forum.
Hasn't Toyota been using the same "basic" 3.5L motor in other models for years?
Is there a known issue(s) on the 3.5L that prevents it to be called bulletproof?
I had many Toyotas since last 37 years and, as far as the reliability of their motor goes, all had been super bulletproof in my book.
1.5L Tercel
1.8L Celica
2.0L Celica
2.2L Celica
2.2L Camry
2.4L Camry
2.5L Camry
2.4L Truck
2.8L Cressida
2.8L Supra

I'm hoping and believing that the same would hold true for the 3.5L motor in my new Taco.
BTW I've never paid someone to do oil change on any of my cars/trucks.

 

I'm not worried about the long term reliability of my 3.5L.

 

Is there a big difference in performance (Yes)

or should I just keep the reliable slow 2.7L? (Yes)

 

I don't think people are complaining because the 3.5L is slow, I think they are complaining when they come from other vehicles that have smaller engines and move when needed without the need for mashing the throttle. I don't like the power either, and coming from a Corvette, I of all people would notice the difference. I don't care either way, it's a truck and that is what I'm using it for. I have a motorcycle if I want some speed or my wife's TDI that has all the torque I desire. Should they have built the truck with an engine with power in the lower band, yes, did they? No.

Get a full size or a different vehicle if that is what you are looking for. I'm not saying their design was what should have been, but moaning about something after you bought the vehicle and presumably test drove it isn't solving anything. Trade it, sell it, and move on. The only way I can see them ever fixing the issue is to bring back the supercharger and/or offer the Lexus tune that the Lexus line gets from the 3.5. That would also probably involve modifying the transmission though.

 

Yes. This.

 

Drove both and went with the 2.7... I've owned fast cars, slow cars, and full size trucks. I'm using the truck for work and to drive around. Works great for me. The 2.7 is not as slow as most make it seem on here.

Also, I haul machinery around at least twice a week sometimes for a whole day and have no issue with the power. I love my 2.7, bought it to do truck things and it does them well.

 

I respectfully disagree as the original owner of a 2005 2.7L with 321,000 miles. It was pokey from day one. But it makes me proud how reliable she is.