Time to Buy an 4x4 SR Tacoma. Which trim?

So I've finally decided to to pull the trigger on a new 2021 Tacoma. I need it as a work truck that will be seeing a lot of off road/mountain terrain across the US. In wanting to stay as low priced as possible I'm looking at the SR trim. Most of us build our trucks and an SR has a good platform to build upon. My struggle is whether or not to go with the 4 cylinder access cab with utility package(around $28K), or the V6 ($33k). I wish the V6 was available with the utility package, as my behind the seat area will be shelving. $5k is a HUGE price difference between the two trims. I've rented the 4 cylinder for a few weeks and found that it did just fine for 90% of the work I was doing. The EFT button made a huge difference in hill climbing. Has anyone had long term experience with both engines? I will be doing approximately 100K yearly on my miles, and need something that's going to hold up to the wear and tare. Thoughts? Thank you in advance!

 

They're both reliable engines, I'd personally go with the v6.

 

100mi/yr??

 

If I were strictly going to use my truck as a work truck then the 4 cyl SR Utility is the way to go.

However, you contradict when you say you will drive extensive off road then say you will drive 100K/yr. Driving 60 mph as an average for eight hours a day, it will take you over 200 days to get to 100K miles a year. Any off road will vastly slow your average down and pretty soon you will be out of days... so which is it? Lots of off road or lots of on road? Can't have both.

 

The 4 is a more proven unit with less issues that the 6.

The 6 has some more power and MPG is pretty close between the 2.

The utility bits can be bought or swapped with someone who rather have your seats. But buying is very expensive. On top of the $5k that seems to be a concern.

 

Are you sure you cant get an access cab for less than 33 in the V6? I paid 33 for my double cab V6.

 

For whats its worth i test drove a 4 cylinder access cab with a manual transmission. Right away i felt it didn't have a lot of power not believing it'd be the right choice to tow my 2k lb. plus boat. Never tried the v6 when shopping, but have had experience riding in a buddies. Imo, the 4 cyl. taco is more of a grocery getter, and shouldn't be considered if towing anything much over 1000 lbs. I don't think you could go wrong with either engine as far durability. The 4 banger will be cheaper to maintain down the road.

 

For doing that many miles v6 all the way, I love the 2.7 but it can get old dealing with it.
For that many miles you definitely want a nicer interior as well.

 

4 banger do it.

 

The only way l would buy the 4 banger would be with 5 Speed Manual but that combination was discontinued after 2017.

 

V6 never know when u need the power .

 

As someone that owns an SR utility package truck, the 4cyl is liveable. The 6 speed doesn’t seem to hunt near as much as the 6cyl for some reason, I also don’t feel the 6spd bogs down the 4cyl at all, if anything it helps it. Now, the biggest regret going with the 4cyl is the lack of towing package. I had to pay to add a towing receiver setup but still don’t have the transmission cooler.