Thoughts on the Atkinson engine?

But to be fair, it will never be apples/apples comparison between a full size and mid size. Like comparing the Tacoma to a Tundra (DC). Now, the new Ranger coming out, that will be interesting.

 

Love it!! Of course I have never driven the AT, but the MT is a blast to drive. You will ALWAYS have the same 2 or 3 folks that have a 2nd gen and apparently are so bored with there lives they hang out in the 3rd gen forums.

 

Thanks Bud.

 

Right on bud good to hear.

 

Yes canadian.But I still love the truck if it performs like it looks it will be awesome.

 

My 2-cents,
it's a great motor, as others have said it makes its power up top, not low-end. But once you have that in mind it performs well, 2nd fastest vehicle I've owned (my 05 GC Hemi was a beast, before the electronics killed it, LOL).
I appreciate that it's geared towards economy by default, but if you put the pedal down it has the power just waiting.

 

My 05 hemi was a beast too headers,dual exhaust,cold air intake,and chipped damn it was fast.But electronics killed it too.

 

My 2016 MT destroys our 05 AT 4.0 access cab (with topper). Shits all over it going over mountain passes and towing.

 

Once it has the OV Tune, it is a very responsive engine. Regardless, the big end is very strong, overbuilt for the power it is currently pushing.

It lacks low end torque off-idle to about 2k RPM, but once you get there it scoots. With an M/T and a tune, you can use wheelspin to keep the rpm up in 1st and you will be hauling ass in a NY second (well, for a truck). Not recommended for daily consumption... It really opens up at 3K rpm and pushes hard through VVTI to above 6K.

If you baby it, you can get extraordinarily good MPG. 22-23 with the M/T in suburban / rural drives. Anything above 70 MPH and the MPG takes a hit with an M/T.

Port-back exhaust would free up a lot of power, but nothing is offered to manage O2 sensor faults yet, so there is nothing really available to replace the factory downpipes without CEL issues. Rumor has it that at least one is being developed, same vendor is rumored to be working on a twin (small) turbo setup, which would fix the off-idle torque issue and make the trucks into fun beasties.

So far, I'm pretty happy with it. Yes, I'd prefer it was a 3.0L inline six twin-turbo diesel, but for what it is, it is very good.

Just my opinion, YMMV.

 

Holy crap you know your shit man. My head is still turning as a newbie.

 

everything he states are generalizations as fact.

 

I shouldn't even be on this site I don't know shit compared to some of you guys.But I guess we all have to start somewhere.

 

I drive mine like a racecar.

 

What’s not to love about the new 3.5?

More powerful that its predecessor. Forged internals, direct and port injection. Built to last.

Its a win win.

Yeap, underpowered by putting down 40+ more RWHP. LoL

The 3.5 is quite a bit more powerful than the 4.0.

Exactly.

No issues with my ‘17.

Nothing unfortunate about the automatic. You are confused.

Spot on.

Headshot.

 

This picture pretty much summarizes the negative reviews for the 3G truck:

 

Sticker price is not selling price

 

My thoughts are I knew I wasn't interested in the 3.5 when it was released. Didn't even bother to test drive one so I can't say if I was wrong or not, I just know I went from a 4.0 to a 2.7 and am plenty happy. Most likely would have bought another updated 4.0 but it is what it is.

Yeah the 3.5 has more power but ask anyone that drove a GM 5.3 00-06 and then a current 5.3. 80% will tell you the new engine doesn't seem to have near the power of the old Vortec even though it's much more powerful.

 

Very true but I do not want to call dealers to haggle just to see what bottom line is on both so for now I'll just go by internet prices which, in my experience can actually be lower than the dealer will actually sell at.

Edit: when I said "asking" above it wasn't sticker btw, it was sticker minus whatever discounts and incentives they are offering at this moment.

 

Coming from the Jeep Wrangler world with the 3.6l Pentastar and 5spd auto, this engine feels peppier (Probably more the 6spd auto at play). And fuel economy is considerable better fwiw. I Just hope it has that long term reliability, not interested in winning drag races

 

@12 TRD OffRoad - OP asked about the 3rd gen V6. Why are you posting about the 2.7?

@Freegolf - I'm not disagreeing with you because I don't understand your comment about "general statements as fact". Yes, my comments are fairly general, does your statement mean that you believe that they are incorrect? They are, quite obviously, opinion. That is what the OP asked for. Is a general statement about the 3.5

actually more specific/technical or helpful an opinion that what I offered the OP? Looking forward to understanding your intent. Thanks!