I4 vs. V6

Test drive both. I chose the I4. I usually see 23 or 24 mpg with 4wd. I can't comment on towing, but I regularly load it to max payload and the engine handles this with ease.

 

I have the 5 speed manual.

 

I drove both before buying mine, the 2016 2.7 I4 was a slug, I had a 98 with the 2.4 and an 01 with the 2.4 and I believe either one of them would outrun the 2016 I4, but keep in mind the 98 and the 01 Tacos were both about 1000 lbs lighter. With that said I had to have the V6.

If one does not need the power then the 2.7L I4 is fine, the engine has proved itself for a very long time.

 

OP you've had 3 years to decide if an i4 is enough for a Tacoma. Go drive one and make up your own mind. You can't go too far wrong with either one.

 

I would test drive both, but I also thin you should ask yourself what trim level and whether its 2 or 4wd, because the 2.7 is only available on SR and SR5 trims, so you can't get a TRD OR and a 2.7, just imagine if you could. A friend of mine has a 2.7 as his work truck, and actually likes it.

 

I have the I4 with 1100 miles on it. So far I'm at 23.5mpg manually calculated (dash says current tank is 23.8, and it's been under calculating for me) in a mix of 50% city 50% highway. However, I drive like an old lady. I've barely ever gone over 65 on the highway, am usually 55-60. And I'm very light footed around town. I absolutely love the 4, will def be pulling some jet skis and motorcycles this summer. The only reason to spend the extra 2500 for the 6 is if you do some serious towing.

I also don't have the "shifting too much" feeling everyone seems to complain of with the 6. Maybe that's because I baby it though.

 

The 2.7L is a great motor, that's why I had 3 of them. But when you try to sell it or trade it in. Most people want the V6. The V6 is reliable too, maybe not as bulletproof as the 4 cylinder but still pretty damn good, plus it has about 100 more hp.

By the way my 2016 DCSB V6 automatic got better mpg than the 2015 Access cab 2.7L stickshift and a extra 119 hp.

 

The 6 cyl mated with the current transmission is unimpressive so I can't imagine how the 4 cyl would feel. It drives smooth (when the Transmission isn't slipping) it just feels gutless on the front end of the power band. You have to floor it to get the power out of it and then it winds up like a Hoover Vacuum cleaner when you do.

 

I thought the four cylinder is mated with the 5speed still? The ones used in 2nd gen tacomas? But I agree, it does sound like a Hoover vacuum lol

 

Just the manual is a 5 speed for the 4 cylinder.

 

I have 1100 miles on my 16dbl cab v6. The last 2 fill ups I avg 20 mpg, city/hway. The 2nd I had ect on. Is that about what others ate getting?

 

I drove a 2nd gen last week with a I4. I thought I was going to have to get someone to tow me up to highway speed. Incredibly underpowered. I'll stick with my V6, although I'd love to see a v8 option.

 

Get the I-4 over the van motor.

 

they used the I4 in the van too

 

In the Sienna and Venza? Nope, thats a 1AR which is not the same motor. the 2TR is also in the 2010 4runner though.

 

Still a slow ass I4 no matter how you look at it. Is "van" supposed to conjure an image of something undesirable? Because I'd gladly take a "car" engine like the 2jz or LS/LT series.

 

http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/the-4-cylinder-toyota-tacoma-is-completely-pointless-1724669002

You will want to read this if considering a 2016.

 

You ever drive a rental car with the base engine and it feels like it can't get out of its own way? Yea, that's what a 4 cylinder Tacoma drives like.

 

Nissan Versa anyone

 

It is not just $1500 cheaper to get the 4 cylinder.

If you want a manual 4x4 it is 9k between the base utility package 4 and the cheapest V6 manual. Even the SR 4x4 auto with the V6 is over 30k.