4 cyl not that slow

So I’m driving a 4 cyl 3rd Gen that I rented on vacation through Turo and.. it’s not that slow.. I don’t get it. It even feels more responsive than the V6 3.5L immediately off the line (more “jump”)… am I high right now? Someone talk some sense into me. What is going on here? Maybe this guy got a tune?

 

Its a fast truck if compared to a snail.

 

I'm willing to bet that the difference is barely noticeable until you either put a load in the bed, climb a hill, or pull a trailer.

 

Put some weight in, or behind it and drive it up hill.

 

Both motors are underpowered, but you'll notice the 4cyl when you add towing or cargo weight and incline much sooner. I honestly planned on buying a base 4cyl manual access cab until they stopped producing them with a manual.

 

I have no problem with my 2.7 with performance or MPG's. Not the most powerful vehicle I have owned but I tried out a couple of 3rd Gen with 3.5 a couple of years ago when the dealer offered a "Deal" but they seem even more gutless and shifts erratically plus you have to push accelerator pedal a long ways to get going. Happy with what I got and hoping it will outlast me.

 

Guys, I get it, it’s not fast - and I’m not talking about a load or towing, but immediately off the line it is not bad whatsoever …

 

You are talking about the torque band.

The 4 banger wakes up at a slightly lower rpm than the 3.5

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/enough-already-your-trucks-t-hp-and-rpm-explained.574429/

 

Could have a point. When i test drove one it went down hill just fine, also not bad going through town. It was when i started the trip back up a steep grade to the dealer i immediately notice a big lack of power. I had to scream the engine guts out just to keep up with traffic.

 

It also has smaller lighter tires

 

I don't get the complaints about the 2.7L either. Given all the grief about it I was expecting it to be much slower.

Truthfully I found the 6cyl to be more underwhelming....

 

Idk, mine seems very good. Its not a big block with massive torque, but i have no complaints. The truck tows very well and gets good mileage towing.

 

Anything can feel responsive and peppy with aggressive throttle tuning. The 2GR-FKS tune in the Tacoma is really lazy as far as the throttle.

 

Agree. Is the gearing the same on the 2.7 and 3.5… first gear on the 2.7 feels like a lower ratio

 

Same here!

 

2.7s come with a 4.30 final drive vs. the 3.5 (auto) 3.909.

 

You're right it's not that slow...it's extremely slow. Jk...sorta. my single cab 2.7 does fine on flat ground, no issue with keeping up with traffic there. The power band doesn't start until 3k rpm plus. Even on the slightest of hills it struggles but the beauty and strength of the 2.7 mated with the 5 speed is they are both made in Japan and come mated that way. It's the closest made in Japan tacoma you can get and it's a direct descendent of the legendary 22r series motor

 

I think they both have their plusses and minuses.
I looked at the 4 cylinder option but didn't buy one because:
1) EPA estimates were almost the same for the 4WD/Auto (19/22 and 18/22)
2) It restricted me to lower trim levels
I don't have any problems with my V6 and I'm pretty heavy footed. You just have to get used to the way it wants you to drive it.

 

Biggest problem I have with my Tacoma is keeping the speed down on the highway. Normal traffic flow is usually about 75 mph and no cruise control so I usually just follow someone and all is good but with no traffic that 2.7 truck motor just seems to want to go! go! go!

 

I’ve had both engines with the manual trans. Still have my 2.7L. Both 2017’s. The 2.7L is so much nicer to drive. Granted, I never tow. The engine is more alive and there is absolutely no rev-hang in the 2.7L. I sold the 3.5 because it was atrocious to drive. I know, I know with a tune it would alleviate the rev hang. I don’t like messing with tunes though. And don’t say you haven’t experienced rev hang in the 3.5. They all have it. If I towed more than 1,500 lbs I’d stick with the 3.5.