Thinking of trading 2.7 for a V6

I agree. I just got home from test driving a 2020 SR5 V6 double cab with 25,000 miles. Very noticeable difference and it's smoother overall.

 

I traded in a 2022 Camry XSE for my 2023 Tacoma and this is spot on. Maybe its because I'm over 50 now, but I have learned to chill.

 

the tune was $450

 

That might be the silliest statement I've ever read on this site. The 2.7 truck would have to literally weigh half as much as a 3.5 truck to keep pace.

People love to dog on the 3.5's power, it's plenty for a truck IMO, just can't be afraid of the skinny pedal.

 

If you like to live in the left lane, pull a large trailer, or drive cross country, you may be put off by the V6 but…. a.) it’s in part b/c the tranny is programmed for mpg, and b.) heavy hauling/towing or long freeway travel is just not the intended purpose that the engineers designed for these trucks. For a lot of people who have issues w the V6 in the Taco, Toyota would be happy to show you a Tundra, and they’d probably be happier too

In normal driving the V6 will get about the same mpg as the 2.7 with smooth & quiet running. And there’s still plenty of torque low for around-town cruising, DIY work, lighter loads or offroad (in other words, what they were designed for).

Always amazes me how expectations and intent of purpose creates wildly different opinions on these powertrains, from “trash” to “great”. My advice is take a very long test drive, and drive home the truck that feels best to you

 

4 cylinder feels like it's working to hard when I push the pedal harder and the cruise control is like a schizophrenic psycho on methamphetamine and cheap wine.

 

I'm used to driving underpowered trucks. Had a RWD Mazda B2200 (2.2L), have a 3.0L Ranger in the driveway and even as a 6cyl that thing is rough to drive. I don't think I'd like the double cab 3.5L Tacoma but my access cab is fun to drive and on par with my B2200 even while keeping the (latter's lack of)power - weight differences in mind. Very different trucks, both just as fun to zip around in even if my 2.2L couldn't make it up the smallest hills in town at the speed limit.

I do, however, really enjoy just how much get up and go my 3.5L V6 Tacoma access cab has. If I let it, it will go, and I haven't had any engine related issues between my long-traded 2016 and my new-at-purchase 2021. If I turn ECT on or put it into "S"/gear limiting mode I don't even notice hills and I have to pass through and return in mountain passes that climb a close to 1000m in 120km, in areas it's more like 500m in 40km <. I think you'll enjoy the V6.

 

And there I am thinking about going from the 3.5 to 2.7 for long term reliability. If you want a 3.5 then get it. There’s no reason to be unhappy like that when you can change your situation.

 

Oddly enough, when I don't try to go 10 over, I miss out on what most people consider traffic.

 

ive had both, get the 6.

 

I preach that harder than an ex smoker rails against cigarettes.

If you cruise along with the flow of traffic, and by that I mean the slower third of the bell curve, it's so much easier. It's easier on your car because you aren't constantly accelerating and braking. It's easier on you because you get to your destination without any stress. Most people don't realize how much stress they are picking up when trying to push their way up the road.

I hang back. Enjoying the scenery. Listening to this music. Watching the poor angry souls to my left, who are tailgating the gravel truck and having an absolute rage fit. Life is good.

 

I had an Audi A4 before the truck (V6), that thing would sneak you to 80 and cruise there totally comfortably, suffice to say camping in the right lane at the speed limit took a little getting used to. The (feels like) 1mpg penalty per MPH over 65 helps keep the excitement down.

edit: maybe more relevant to OP, I do a lot of mountain pass driving and I couldn't imagine having less power. V6 already struggles frankly.

 

Same. I think top gear did a spot on this. You really don't get there any faster by driving like a bat out of hell, and its a better experience just chilling in the right lane

 

Top gear did a spot? Do you happen to remember the episode? I was just considering doing a rewatch from the early seasons, such solid gold there.

 

Don’t expect the V6 adaptive cruise control to work any better. Get one and enjoy, sounds like you just want to trash the 4 cylinder. I drove both, got the 4 cylinder 2TR-FE for its time proven reliability, access cab with 6ft bed, 1500 lb payload capacity, nice 4.30 ratio differential. No regrets!

 

Same!
Life got much much easier when I grew up, and realized haulin’ straight ass places caused me nuthin but stress, low MPGs, and usually got me there MAYBE 2-4 minutes sooner,,, that’s IF I didn’t have to spend more time making up for that turn I missed cause I couldn’t just wait in line like normal folk.

 

Amen on the cruise control. I just don't use it at all anymore unless I am driving on 100% flat with no traffic. "Gentle throttle" is not in the CC vocabulary.

 

lol reminds me of about shitzing my pants the first time I was running adaptive cruise control. Had a slow driver in front, changed to the passing lane and the truck suddenly went pedal down and downshifted a couple gears, zoomed to 5500 rpm trying to accelerate from 60 back to 72 mph as fast as it could. I’ve since learned to momentarily disable cruise when changing lanes from behind a slow driver and now love it. Nice to be able just relax my right foot.

 

Bet you've never come close to kissing the rev limiter. Which is there to let you know when enough is enough.

Your mind is made up. A v6 is all that will satisfy you now. You're just here seeking additional rationalization.