4.0 vs 3.5 (2nd gen vs 3rd gen)

To me, it sounds like you need to get a full-size truck/SUV. Based on your sentiments the 4Runner is at its max. I think towing wise, 3.5 and 4.0 are comparable. But they are far behind a proper full-size tow truck.

Take your boat to Toyota and test drive the Tacoma, 4Runner, and the Tundra with the boat hooked up. If the dealer wants your business, they'll let you do it.

 

Toyota is trying to use the same V6 in every vehicle they sell, and just use minor tuning for each vehicle.

The Tacoma and the Camry XSE seem to have received the worst tuning.

This engine is literally in the Top lexus models (LS hybrid, LC Hybrid , GS350) and the most mainstream models (Tacoma, Camry, Sienna).

I don't think any engine can be so versatile that can be used in every platform with only minor software tuning.

You can bet $100 that this engine will be in the next generation 4runner, Landcruiser, Sequoia and Tundra. They might add turbos or a electric assist motors, but this v6 will be powering Toyota's full size truck platforms.

 

Okay, I'll take your $100

 

A Landy with a 6cyl and a MT again would flip a lot of wigs.

 

Not saying V8s won't an option, but I expect to see V6T or V6h in Tundra, Landcruiser and Sequoia.

Toyota has already made it clear that they intend to phase out the V8.

 

OP, here is an identical comparison of both trucks (same truck configuration, same load, same conditions):

3.5L Tacoma completed the Ike Gauntlet towing test, 0:44 seconds faster than the 4.0L Tacoma.

Ike Gauntlet towing test - truck – loaded nearly to the max – up and down an 8 mile stretch of the I-70 with a maximum grade of 7% and the top elevation of 11,158 feet above sea level. This is truly an extreme test of a truck’s towing ability.

 

Winning a race doesn't make it better. Unless you are in a racing league where you tow. Being comfortable on long trips and not stressed out about grenading your truck is probably more important.

These trucks have to last many many years and the results of a single 8 minute white knuckled towing showdown in brand new vehicles shouldn't be factored into your buying decision, IMO.

 

about 2800 lbs wet and tows beautifully. Stops great and acceleration inst deadly slow. Towed my parents ski boat too and that is closer to 4,000 lbs wet and again no issues.

 

If you get it OVtuned it’s pretty darn nice and the mpgs are insane on stock setups. Not kidding, like 22+mpg

 

Buahahaha...

The 3.5 beating the 4.0 by 0:44 seconds on that towing challenge clearly shows which truck was more efficient at towing.

Sorry about your hurt feels, bro...

 

18% more hp on the 3rd gen. Tows better than my 2nd did. Gauntlet test seems to prove that as its faster then 2nd.
I tow 5K with no issues. Flat terrain.

 

Grenading because of 800 more rpm ? What a joke.
How about we back off the power/rpm on the 3rd gen to about 80% while the 2nd gen is flooring it and have the same times ?
The 18% more hp will be there in the 3rd gen if needed for passing while the 2nd gen is flooring/grenading it to keep pace.
The hp lacks in the 2nd, bottom line.
People forget that the higher rpm can be backed down and equal the 2nd in pace with power to spare if needed for passing.
3rd tows better/smoother than my 2nd did all day long.

 

I'm all for the 3.5, but those dudes on TFL are after one thing. Subscribers. None of what they do is scientific. So many variables in that test they don't address. That show should be taken at face value: For entertainment purposes only. Ike Gauntlet, Gold Mine Hill -- Fun to watch, but not a meaningful gauge of performance.

And all y'all bickering about the towing "prowess" of a Tacoma takes me back to Civic kids arguing 1/4 mile times in 1999.

 

It is really more about the trans and diff.

 

Welcome toTW OP. You will hear a wide range of opinions on how the 3.5 tows. Here is some light reading for you and good luck.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/gen-3-towing-thread.413026/

 

My feelings aren't hurt in the least. I could give two fucks if the 3rd gen is better at towing. It's a nice truck, I like it.

I'm just going by the multitude of threads I've read bashing it when towing.

And to say a truck is the clear "winner" because of a TFL truck video is pretty gullible. I'm just trying to point out that winning a "race" is only part of it, the other parts are intangible factors like how it feels and how comfortable it is while towing that much weight. As well as how much noise and stress the operator experiences.

Maybe you're a fucking towing expert, in that case I defer to your wisdom. The homophobic and aggressive comments are totally unnecessary.

 

The problem comes with the OPINION.

What some one else idea of a towing performance is.
I've had a 12v Cummins, 2 7.3 powerstrokes, 4.0 Jeep, big block truck, and a SLEW of service Van's from a little 5.7, to several 6.0s. A V10, an ecoboost....

If you want to crawl off the line with no throttle,l and tow ike you have a diesel, or a v8....

Wait for it....

Get a diesel or a v8.

The 3.5 makes more power than the 4.0. End of discussion.
That the peaks are higher in the rev range? Just means you gotta work for it now.

Toyota said, towing was the 22nd reason for buying a midsize...... so... yeah....

Sorry, sick of the whining. I'm not a fan of the trans tune.... but, that is my only gripe. And the more I drive it, and the harder I drive it, the less it irritates me.

Concerned towing prowess with a midsize get a colorado with a diesel



Chase

 

Hey boss man, easy on the tone... it was just a little interwebz humor.

No need to get all crazy and shit...

 

4.0L. It makes 1lb-ft more torque than the 3.5L, but more importantly it arrives 600rpm sooner.

It's a very noticeable difference.

 

And 40 less HP.