4.0 or a 2.7, what to do

I just wanted to gather some different opinions on a decision to make, So i own a 2011 TRD OR access cab 4.0 4x4 with the 6 speed, and was considering just trading it straight up for a 2013 2.7 SR5 access cab 4x4 with the 5 speed. I realize the TRD is a nicer truck but honestly i don't really tow anything or ever really use the locker or ATRAC, and yes i know those bells and whistles are sweet, and in the pacific northwest it gets foggy and those lights come in handy, but for an additional 100 miles per tank of gas is it worth the trade? anyone out there who has owned both who could maybe testify the signifigant power loss will just piss me off everytime i drive uphill? I welcome all constructive criticism, thanks.

 

I went from numerous v8 trucks to the 2.7. Live in the hilly northeast.
I set the cruise at 70 and leave it in 5th gear even driving into Boston.

No regrets

 

Never driven the 2.7 but fog lights can be easily added to a base model Tacoma so that shouldn't even be part of the equation in my opinion.

 

I have a 2.7l access auto ... up hill ... 18 wheelers would pass me BUT then again it was when I had that stupid 2nd charcoal filter still on (i have no clue why they put that on the 4 bangers - for the 4.0l it doesn't matter if you have the 2nd filter on or off, from what I have read on here). Feels A LOT different when I took it out and put in the AFE pro dry filter in. Feels like I have more "push" when I'm traveling up hill on the freeways.

 

Ive driven my buddies 2.7 and i could never own one after having my 4.0

I like the extra power IMO but up to you in the end

 

I have the 2.7 now (will be getting a 4.0 DCLB soon) and I do get a little frustrated having to drop to 4th on some of our hills. And I do have to do it more often than I would like to admit, but I have also bounced off the governor without realizing I was going that fast more time than I would like to admit.

After I posted I saw my Fuely sig, That was 7 tanks of hauling ass on the highway with larger than stock tires. It should be closer to 21.

 

One does not go down from a 4.0L to a 2.7L and remain happy about that decision...

 

I went from a '05 X-Runner to a '02 2.4L automatic, back to a '06 4.0 TRD O/R 4X4.

Got tired of paying $800+/month in gas to commute to work in the XR, so I sold it and got a little 4cyl. I didn't mind it too much knowing how much gas I was saving... not only in the mpg, but also because I would punch it after every stop and drag race here and there.

I have a 4.0 now, and don't drive nearly as hard as I used to when I had the XR. The 4.0 is nice to have, but not necessary IMO. If you don't need all the TRD stuff and more power and are mostly commuting, the 2.7 should be perfect. And you will still be able to drive up hills

 

I have no problems with my 2.7. Saves gas and there is no need for the extra power so I am perfectly happy with it.

 

I have a 2009 4cyl access cab 4x4 with 265/75/16 tires a 3in lift and wheel spacers. I get 22mpg and get close to 400 mi per tank. 4th pulls hard and if I need to power up a hill it does the job well 5th gear can be alittle weak on hills but regular highway driving its fine.

 

Depending on what you are doing with it the 4.0 will never let you down. I have hooked my 05 up to trailers way beyond its payload it has no problem pulling its payload nor more. It does have a little more power than I need. My 05 gets 15.8 mpg it's a 6 speed manual. My 2012 gets 18 mpg they are both 4x4 4.0. I say get what you will need the 20 plus mpg is appealing though. My older 4 2.7 got 25 mpg. If you need the 4.0 I say get it. Hope this helps.

 

Honestly, I've never had any problems with my 2.7.

Yes, there are times when I wish I had more power - especially when I did the Alcan drive. But, that was with about 1000 pounds of cargo in the rear of the truck. If I had to do it over again and the opportunity arose; maybe I'd go with a 4.0.

In all honesty though, I don't drive fast and am going to be throwing 4.88s and ARBs front and rear in hopefully by February.

FWIW I think it's cool having a modded out 2.7, as they are definitely in the minority on TW..

 

It really comes down to what your going to happy with and if the compromise for less power for a few more mpg is worth it to you. I haven't driven a 2.7 taco yet but my father just picked up a 2013 2.7 auto reg cab base for his daily and he told me its about the slowest thing he has ever driven, but he is happy with it as he drives 50+ miles a day for work and mpg was more important to him. He has been getting about 25-26 hwy with it so far with 5k miles on it.

 

I went from a 09 sport to a 12 single cab. Depends on how you drive. I do feel that the 2.7 could use a little more power and could defiantly get better mpg. With my lift and tires I'm lucky to be getting 18. Bout what I got with my 4.0. Before lift and tires around 22? I really feel now a days these 4clys should get 25 plus.

 

2.7 is actually not to bad. drove my access cab 2.7 loaded down with gear for 4 peeps in the bed and 4 peeps in teh cab from chicago to missoula. only issue was heading up some small mountains in 5th with cruise. cruise would cut out when speeds dropped 10 mph. a downshift would be needed to maintain speed. 4.O is nice if you need to tow, beyond that, 2.7 will get the job done.

 

2.7 is my choice and what i drive . 2.75" lifted 09 acces auto trans with 31" tires im getting bout 330-345 miles between fillups roughly 19 mpg in town. very smooth 4 banger if your just commuting youll be happy with the $$$ savings. good luck

 

I thought the 2.7 was a peppy little motor with the 5 speed. Very snappy off the line with that 4.10 rear end.

Honestly, I was || that close to buying one, but every one I test drove had that nasty drive by wire hesitation into 2nd gear that drove me bananas. If the computer didn't ease into the throttle in 2nd (trying to save those crappy Luk clutches maybe?) it would be like the 3VZ - a 4 cyl you swore was a small 6. That, and for me the mileage wouldn't be that different since I hardly ever drive city, 6cyl 14/19 vs 4cyl 18/20 isn't that big a jump. A 5 lugger would make 100 miles more per tank but I don't think the 4x4 would.

Another thing to consider, perhaps ask your insurance agent if the 4 cylinder is cheaper to insure. When I was shopping for trucks the difference between the two, all else the same, was about 25% more for the v6.

 

No problems with my 2.7. Yes it's horribly slow, but I didn't buy it to go fast

 

The 2.7 is adequate, but barely IMO. Maybe for a reg cab, but add in the access cab and that's another 400 lbs.

I actually bought a 2012 2.7l access cab and took it back after 60 miles. It just didn't have the beans. I wanted the 2.7, but it just didn't have the beans for a 4055 lb curb weight truck. I figured once I start adding in passengers, cargo, and towing, no way that 2.7 can keep up with traffic. You're stuck there in the slowest lane with the 18-wheelers and don't have the beans to make a pass on a hill.

 

Same here, can't imagine going back. I'm spoiled now