Buying a new Tacoma Access Cab - 2.7 or 4.0? Auto or Manual?

[brianjwilson]

We're seriously considering making a jump from a 22R-E powered truck to a newer Tacoma. We are looking for a 4.0L and it's specifically because of the highway. The 4 cylinder trucks just don't cut it for us anymore. Back when I bought my truck the difference in traffic speed wasn't too bad, even with the WilderNest. When my truck was built in 1990 it was really pretty average, actually.

However since then I've added an ARB + winch, fridge, roof rack (Heaven help us with bikes on top!). I also went to 33" tires, added sliders, quarter panel protecting bumper and all of it. My truck was so, so slow up hill and with any head wind even with 5.29 gearing. I ended up going back to smaller tires, gearing back to stock and cutting off as much of the protection as I could and lowering in an attempt to reduce drag. That stuff helped, but now my truck is just tired.

Fast forward 15 years and even the tiny commuter cars have such improved power to weight ratios that merging on the highway is sphincter tightening. Used to be I wouldn't worry much until I could see the dead raccoons in the Mack grills. Also we're doing more long pavement trips than just banging the truck on local trails, being so much slower is frustrating and my wife won't even drive my truck on Interstate. Couple that with having just less time to spend driving than we used to (I personally work a full time gig and moonlight), the need to just put stress-free miles down is growing. I'm not young kid anymore (mid 40s), either, so A/C will be nice, too.

The only way I would go with the 2.7L in a Tacoma would be in a regular cab with a stick shift and even then it would have be with the expectation that it's mostly for low speed use and not primarily an Interstate vehicle. More so if there was any intention to 'build' it. The roads in the U.S. are just not conducive (read that as few friendly, tolerant drivers) to vehicles that can't keep up. I dunno.

I agree with this. I always hear people talk about how they use to get around fine with lesser powered 4 cylinder trucks back in the day. But I'm with you, times have changed and that is not the standard with traffic any more. I got around in a stock VW vanagon syncro with 90hp. But even around 2000 it was a hazard on the highways and mountain passes. Cross the border into Idaho and I couldn't maintain the 80mph limit on flat ground. Semi trucks were all up my *** with people passing everywhere and honking. Merging was a pain. Most modern cars can clear the highest passes at 70mph with ease. I wouldn't consider a 4 cylinder tacoma unless it was a basic regular cab either. Especially not for a heavier overland type of build. Even moreso when I think about driving Utah/Colorado passes at elevation.
I'm having enough trouble with the idea of a 4.0l tacoma after my f150, and the other cars that I've owned. I've test driven a few and feel like it is just barely acceptable compared to what everyone else is putting out these days. I think when I buy my Tacoma I'll skip the bigger down payment and put a supercharger on it right off the lot.

But that's just me. I've never owned a car/truck/suv or flown an aircraft and thought "boy I wish I had chosen something with the smaller engine and less power..." I'd much rather have more and not need it. Even if these is a small mpg penalty.

 

[DaveInDenver]

But that's just me. I've never owned a car/truck/suv or flown an aircraft and thought "boy I wish I had chosen something with the smaller engine and less power..." I'd much rather have more and not need it. Even if these is a small mpg penalty.

If you go back through ExPo history you'll find I'm one of those low-and-slow advocates. I still am to some extent. That my truck wasn't the fastest never really upset me, I'd just take the 2-lane instead of the highway and take an extra day to get someplace. For fun trips our outfit still works fine. We stop a lot, take in the sights, eat lunch in some little place. Over the years our trips have evolved to less and less 4-low and more about linking stuff. So the biggest disadvantage of a V6 or V8, poor fuel efficiency at idle-ish speeds, is less important now.

The fact that life is forcing this bothers me. We're all in such a hurry and getting to-and-from Denver periodically just is no fun unless you can keep up. I'd love not to have to play the rat race game but I like doing what I do for a profession and I have to accept the bad with the good. I guess my point is that in spirit I'm still in sync with the ethos but the majority of people willing to spend the money on new trucks don't want them for going 60MPH on secondary roads anymore, so this is really a deeper society question in a way.

 

[DaveInDenver]

I would also add that at the time I got my truck the 22R-E was much, much better than the 3VZ-FE in reputation for reliability. Toyota was going through the recall due to the head gasket issue, for one. Also the power jump then wasn't exactly monumental although the difference in MPG was. I still get 20~22 regularly with almost 300K on the poor thing. Now the 1GR in particular is acknowledged to be a very solid engine, maybe in some ways better than the 3RZ or 2RT, and the fuel economy trade off for a significant power improvement makes the variables different. Also I found out that the 22R-E's reputation for being bulletproof was maybe just a bit overstated. I had a timing chain failure that caused me an expensive headache, so I'm maybe a little less naive.

 

[Clutch]

I have owned two 22RE equipped trucks, and a VW van, while very charming. I couldn't back to an under powered vehicle. The 3.4 seemed leaps and bounds better than the 22RE's...now even that is feeling slow and tired (because it is) I drive my Trooper mostly now...while not an extreme power house, it has more get up and go than the 3.4 Taco...no problem keeping up with traffic, merging, or climbing mountain passes toting the moto trailer. I drive whatever the speed limit is, however it is nice to stomp on the throttle to get around or out of the way of something. Couldn't do that with the 22RE's.

Still uncertain what the next truck will be, waiting to see what the 2016 Tacoma will be like. Might even go all the way up to a Tundra. My nostalgic side says get a vintage something...then I go test drive the new stuff...and go "wow!"....makes the old stuff feel barbaric. Does that mean I am getting old?

 

[jeverich]

I have owned two 22RE equipped trucks, and a VW van, while very charming. I couldn't back to an under powered vehicle. The 3.4 seemed leaps and bounds better than the 22RE's...now even that is feeling slow and tired (because it is) I drive my Trooper mostly now...while not an extreme power house, it has more get up and go than the 3.4 Taco...no problem keeping up with traffic, merging, or climbing mountain passes toting the moto trailer. I drive whatever the speed limit is, however it is nice to stomp on the throttle to get around or out of the way of something. Couldn't do that with the 22RE's.

Still uncertain what the next truck will be, waiting to see what the 2016 Tacoma will be like. Might even go all the way up to a Tundra. My nostalgic side says get a vintage something...then I go test drive the new stuff...and go "wow!"....makes the old stuff feel barbaric. Does that mean I am getting old?

Guess I've just gotten used to my 2.7.. But yes, with the regear - it can be a struggle on long passes, especially with a head wind. The trip down from Alaska with a fully loaded rig, 255s and no re-gear was interesting to say the least.

But yes, I've driven friend's Tacoma's with the 4.0 - and the difference is night and day. Is it better? I dunno. As I said earlier, I've never had many problems keeping a consistent 70 on the freeway; loaded with tent/armor, etc.

If I had to do it over again - I'd probably step up to a V6. Didn't have much of a choice, as I bought the rig from my father.

Plan on keeping it for quite a while. I've found that my truck (second generations as a whole) have a few glaring weak points in their overall build, definitely don't want to see what's added to the list for 2016.

Solid axle and turbo'ed diesel...?

 

[Nessmuk]

I must have gotten two Tacomas with the magic 2.7s! I know that I only live in central VA, but I have driven both of my Tacomas all over West Virginia and Pennsylvania regularly. Never have I had an issue keeping up with traffic on the interstates. My god, I even manage to pull a 6x10 cargo trailer once a month to the highest point in WV. No I know this isn't the same as the high mountain passs of the west, but I have never had to ask for a push up a hill either.
Both my 98 regular cab 4x4 and my 15 4x4 access cab have 5 speeds. Just so you know it is possible here is a photo of my new truck and trailer at Spruce Knob WV. I guess I just don't need to blast past people at 90+

 

[Clutch]

Guess I've just gotten used to my 2.7.. But yes, with the regear - it can be a struggle on long passes, especially with a head wind. The trip down from Alaska with a fully loaded rig, 255s and no re-gear was interesting to say the least.

But yes, I've driven friend's Tacoma's with the 4.0 - and the difference is night and day. Is it better? I dunno. As I said earlier, I've never had many problems keeping a consistent 70 on the freeway; loaded with tent/armor, etc.

If I had to do it over again - I'd probably step up to a V6. Didn't have much of a choice, as I bought the rig from my father.

Plan on keeping it for quite a while. I've found that my truck (second generations as a whole) have a few glaring weak points in their overall build, definitely don't want to see what's added to the list for 2016.

Solid axle and turbo'ed diesel...?

My 3.4 (which roughly the same power out as the 2.7) is fine when empty, it is when it is loaded to the gills and towing the moto trailer with two dirt bikes, is when it suffers. 2nd gear mountain passes is common. Yes it will keep up with traffic, but in an emergency situation...or being polite. Say when traffic is merging onto the freeway it doesn't have the get up and go to get out of the way. I normally don't pass people at 90 miles an hour either...nice to have the option if I need to though.

The 22RE's were fine back in PA, when I moved out West to AZ...that is when you noticed how underpowered they are.

I don't really build up my vehicles too much...suspension and that is about it, but we do haul a lot of gear...I love my Tacoma for everything but traveling.


Solid axle and diesel??? I dunno...I am over the diesel lust...can't make the numbers work for me. Extra torque would be nice but it doesn't seem worth the other trade offs. Solid axle might be nice, but all-n-all don't really need it for what I do...just need a gear hauler to the trail head. 4-Wheeling is boring to me compared to riding moto and mountain bikes.

 

[jeverich]

My 3.4 (which roughly the same power out as the 2.7) is fine when empty, it is when it is loaded to the gills and towing the moto trailer with two dirt bikes, is when it suffers. 2nd gear mountain passes is common. Yes it will keep up with traffic, but in an emergency situation...or being polite. Say when traffic is merging onto the freeway it doesn't have the get up and go to get out of the way. I normally don't pass people at 90 miles an hour either...nice to have the option if I need to though.

The 22RE's were fine back in PA, when I moved out West to AZ...that is when you noticed how underpowered they are.

I don't really build up my vehicles too much...suspension and that is about it, but we do haul a lot of gear...I love my Tacoma for everything but traveling.


Solid axle and diesel??? I dunno...I am over the diesel lust...can't make the numbers work for me. Extra torque would be nice but it doesn't seem worth the other trade offs. Solid axle might be nice, but all-n-all don't really need it for what I do...just need a gear hauler to the trail head. 4-Wheeling is boring to me compared to riding moto and mountain bikes.

Same; the diesel thing would be cool and all, but honestly the numbers just don't make sense. Other than the "bling" factor of course. I spend 8 months out of the year working on diesels; not overly keen to suck diesel fumes when I'm on vacation...

Curious as to where the OP is. I've managed to derail his thread.

 

[Nessmuk]

It has been 40+ years since I have been out west. I am certain that road conditions are different than the Appalachians. I tow my trailer rgularly over Rt 33 from Virginia into WV. The road is steep and full of switchbacks. I generally go up the mountain as quickly pulling the trailer as without. You can only go so fast in any vehicle when dealing with tight switchbacks. I also never go over 65 when towing. Most trailer tires just aren't rated to go any faster.
When just out traveling on interstates I never have a problem maintaining 70 to 75. I will let others be trooper bait! I have been driving the 2.7s for 17 years so like jeverich I guess I am just used to them. I guess I just don't know any better before my first Tacoma I drove an 84 SJ410 with a 1L engine and a 53 CJ3B. I guess I have been woefully underpowered for most of my life :-0

 

[DaveInDenver]

I must have gotten two Tacomas with the magic 2.7s! I know that I only live in central VA, but I have driven both of my Tacomas all over West Virginia and Pennsylvania regularly. Never have I had an issue keeping up with traffic on the interstates. My god, I even manage to pull a 6x10 cargo trailer once a month to the highest point in WV. No I know this isn't the same as the high mountain passs of the west, but I have never had to ask for a push up a hill either.

Don't underestimate the effects of altitude. My truck feels like an absolute rocket when we head to visit family in St. Louis. My truck when new was 115 HP, so here normally in town turns into about 97 HP but going over through the tunnels at the Continental Divide at almost 11,000 feet it's even worse. It makes a big difference. By the time you're at 10,000 feet that 115 HP is 81 HP. Since my truck weighs about 5,000 lbs loaded normally, that's 62 lbs per HP. A new Tacoma is about 3 times better than this, assuming it's still about 5,000 lbs but with 235 or so HP. If it's only once in a while you can deal with 40 MPH in 3rd gear for 15 or 20 minutes on every grade. But after 2 decades of it, well, it's kind of a drag. Add in that it's nowhere near 115 HP anymore, maybe 105, I dunno. I'm at like ~60 HP at elevation.

 

[Nessmuk]

I believe you. Around here, VA and WV, 5,000 ft. Is maximum altitude. Half of what you are dealing with.

 

[montypower]

My 3.4 (which roughly the same power out as the 2.7)

Not even close...

3.4L = 183 HP / 217 Ft Lb
2.7L = 150 HP / 177 Ft Lb

I really liked the 3.4L. However, it wasn't great after adding weight, larger tires, lift. Add the supercharger and it was fun again.

 

[Nessmuk]

Those are the numbers for the old 3RZ. Here is info on that and the 2TR. The 2TR is a wee bit better on both numbers.


The 3RZ-FE is a 2.7 L (2,693 cc) version. Bore is 95 mm and stroke is 95 mm. Compression ratio is 9.5 to 1. Output is 150 hp (112 kW) at 4800 RPM with 177 lb·ft (240 N·m) of torque at 4000 RPM. This engine features twin, chain-driven balance shafts. It has four valves per cylinder and DOHC. Valve adjustment is by shim over bucket.

The 2TR-FE is a 2693 cc I4 gasoline engine. It features DOHC, 16 valves and VVT-i . Its power is 159 hp (119 kW) at 5,200 rpm, and 180 lbf·ft (244 N·m) of torque at 3,800 rpm with redline of 5500 rpm. The bore and stroke are 95 mm × 95 mm.

 

[Clutch]

Same; the diesel thing would be cool and all, but honestly the numbers just don't make sense. Other than the "bling" factor of course. I spend 8 months out of the year working on diesels; not overly keen to suck diesel fumes when I'm on vacation...

Curious as to where the OP is. I've managed to derail his thread.

I used to operate heavy equipment for a living, I am over it. Why I downsized to Toyotas years ago...wanted something small for my personal vehicle. Though I could use a little bigger vehicle now. Still a 2nd gen Taco is big enough for 90% of the things I do.

Gassers have come a long way....don't really see the need for small diesels. And especially now with the overall cost of them.

 

[jeverich]

I used to operate heavy equipment for a living, I am over it. Why I downsized to Toyotas years ago...wanted something small for my personal vehicle. Though I could use a little bigger vehicle now. Still a 2nd gen Taco is big enough for 90% of the things I do.

Gassers have come a long way....don't really see the need for small diesels. And especially now with the overall cost of them.

Yup, verbatim... Here's my other ride...