3rd Gen 2.7L Automatic Transmission Issues

After hearing all the issues (gear hunting, etc.) with the automatic transmission mated to the 3.5L V6 in the 3rd Gens, do the same issues exist with the automatic transmission on the 2.7L 4-cylinder?

I have a 1996 2.7L 5-speed manual with 225K miles and love the reliability of the 2.7L. I've been looking at options for a newer Tacoma and would like to hear from those that own the 3rd Gen 2.7L with automatic transmission. Do you notice the same gear hunting issues that the V6 owners have been describing?

Most of my driving is to and from work, about 70 miles per day. I'm not too worried about the lack of power with the 4-cylinder. I don't tow a trailer often, and when I have towed with my current 2.7L it has done surprisingly well. I'm looking for an engine and transmission as reliable as my 1st Gen that will easily get to 250K+ miles.

 

I'm not too worried about the power. The 2.7L makes about the same torque as the 3.5L in the RPM ranges that I drive. According to the dyno charts I've seen they both produce about 180 ft-lbs at 3800 rpm.

 

I have a 2.7 2016 SR and I have the same gear hunting issues that others have been describing. From what I've noticed, it happens whenever I am braking or coming to a stop and get right back on the gas. Just don't floor it so the ECU can regroup for a second and it should be minimal. There's also a button called ECT mode that fixes all those problems

 

I have a '16 2.7 SR 4wd AC with a LCE street header and no complaints about shifting or drivability. I tow a 6K boat effortlessly (not highway). Truck loves the beach.

 

When I had a 2016 i4, the transmission did have a bit of gear hunting and felt gutless but it wasn't that bad.

ETC PWR is all I needed to make it more enjoyable.

 

I haven't noticed gear hunting as has been described in past threads for the V6.

To me the truck seems to have power on demand, enough for my needs.

I have noticed a couple of times that I needed ECT mode when going up a hill at a lower speed. To me ECT seems to take it out of an "overdrive mode" similar to my Ford Ranger. I was accustomed to it back since 2001 with my Ranger and, in my opinion, this is a similar thing in the 4 cyl Tacoma.

Since I bought mine I have not seen my dealership get any more 4 cyl SR5's. SR's are hard to come by in my area as well. Maybe they don't order them, maybe they sell as fast as they hit the lot, or Toyota doesn't make as many.

Damn great truck for me so far. It's like having a sport car and a truck all in one.

 

Any reason you are switching to automatic? I’m pretty sure they got rid of the manual for ‘18 but might be some new ‘17s left and for sure some gently used ones.

 

I’d prefer a manual myself, but I’m not sure my wife would be able to drive it. She is 5’1” and has a tough time pressing the clutch pedal all the way in my ‘96. I’ll have to see a 3rd gen to tell if they are easier for her.

 

Nope. Then again, who cares lol

 

Gear hunting happens to me on the interstate (65pmh or more) with my double cab.

4-5-6-4-5-6-4-5-6-4-5-6

Sometimes it just gets stuck in 4th going 70mph at 5k rpms and stays there until I slow back down to 65mph.

If I put the truck in S5 it usually takes care of it.

Kinda sucks, but otherwise the truck is great. Hopefully Toyota updates the ECU soon.

 

https://youtu.be/FP9WkhzZc5w

Didn't gear hunt on me this time, but still stuck on 4th at 75mph. Threw it into S5 - nothing. Soon as I slowed it down to 70 it finally kicked into 5th gear.

 

Only time mine ever really hunts is if I gas it to lane change and then have to let off and then gas it again. Other than that I've had 0 issues