Tacoma Access Cab 2.7L Ability of off road?

I'm looking into buying a bottom of the line 4x4 tacoma with the 2.7l and 5 speed. Utility package. It just excited me to have a bare bones cheap ish tacoma to upgrade as I please.

How is the 2.7l off road. Does it have enough power to get you around fairly well?

 

Welcome!

The 2.7 is actually pretty peppy at low speeds. I just traded mine for a DCOR (long story) but not because I was unhappy with it. I only took it off road once, through a fairly easy trail, creek crossing, mud pit...it was great. 4WD low really multiplies the torque anyway.

 

So far I have had only 1 off road situation I didn't know if I could overcome or not - I got through it and surprised myself with just how much this truck is capable of, granted I was extremely glad I had a good skid plate! Going down the trail on the left was a bit tricky, didn't know I would have to go back up it later but came out with flying colors and one gash on my skidplate from a good sized rock.
!

 

Nice. That looks fun.

 

Check out my signature. I have had three 4 cylinders in the past. I have offroaded a ton in these trucks. I always said if my Toyota could not get up the road then there should not be a road there. Off roading is not where the 4cyl struggles, it is highway and towing power that it lacks. Dont be scared to buy a 4cyl because you are worried about offroad ability.

 

Appreciate it. Makes me feel better about it if I go that route.

So how is it on the highway. Cruising at 70 or 75?

 

They drive like a 4cyl at 70. Just kidding. I can not speak to the 3rd Gen 4cyl, but my 1st Gen had to work at it to maintain 70 MPh. My was 2nd gen was much better at highway speeds bit still no where near the power of this V6 in my 3rd gen.

 

I have no trouble maintaining freeway speeds. It just takes a little longer to get up there.

 

If you get the 2.7L 4x4 try not to go above a 17" rim and 265/70 tires or it will struggle on the freeway and going up hills.

Other than that the 2.7L 4x4's kick ass and will do just about everything you may want except tow some heavy shit or race the neighbors teenager.

0-60 in about ten minutes.

 

The awesome thing is in a lot of third world countries a decent set of tires on a stock 4-cyl Tacoma can get you about anywhere you need to go.

Trust me your truck will be fine,
I know there is a decent deduction with the Utility Package but on the 2016s Toyota doesn't paint the bumpers. Maybe look at a base SR but w/out Utility Package.

 

Power is in the gearing, not the motor. When I bought mine I said show me the cheapest one on the lot. There were two to choose from. I went with the closest one. Have been very happy and have upgraded the suspension, wheels/tires, gearing, and added a detroit truetrac for less than I would have paid for a TRD.

 

I have off-roaded in a 70hp Land Rover and never thought it was underpowered offroad. Maybe in sand or mud bogging it may be an issue, but for anything you need you will have plenty of power. Low range is quite good. Only thing I wish it had available is a rear locker.

 

There's a guy here on TW who is a commercial fisherman and drives his 2nd GEN 2.7 on the ALCAN highway to the coldest, most rural parts in Alaska. He has a decently built rig and hauls a decent amount of weight in the bed.

I have to agree, on the highway it has no balls once you hit 70-75. I can tell you that the 2.7 is the most reliable motor Toyota makes right now compared to all their new vehicles. Based on the old 22re- it is completely trouble free and bullet proof.

 

I have a utility manual trans 4x4 access cab; absolutely loving it!
It'll have issues up inclines in soft sand (dunes), and deep mud; but have plenty of power to go off-road in 4-low.

The engine really is a gem with the variable valve timing.