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

[Clutch]

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.

I considered the 2.7L, test drove it it didn't feel all that different from my 3.4.

Now the 5.7 in the Tundra...yeah baby! I liked that!

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.

Thought of a SC, still stuck with a small truck though...I tend to run out of room on trips...all the moto stuff takes up a lot of it.
No matter what I get I am keeping the Taco as a 3rd beater vehicle.

 

[Clutch]

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

Yeah, is funny what you'll put with work...but in private life won't. There was a time I would think the gasser wasn't running...from being around noisy diesels all the time.

 

[surlydiesel]

If you want a manual, you have to get a Tacoma. If you are ok driving an auto, just get a Tundra. As for the 2.7 vs the 4.0, I would wait until they release the updated 16's and see if anything changes with the Tacoma. I feel like the Tacoma is just too small of a truck for hauling much, so I always get the 2.7 and drive the speed limit. I have a 4.0 at work and it's quick compared to my truck but when I load it down, it has more get up and go but it's still a small truck, you can't go fast with a heavy load. Yes, highway passes are something to keep in mind. If I was crossing the divide daily, I'd prob want a 4.0. As others have said, it depends on what, where and how you go places.

-jorge
'

 

[macgyver_ga]

Rev hang is caused by the ECU letting off of the throttle a hair slower than the driver. Supposedly it increases economy and decreases emissions. Lots of modern cars have it. It doesn't affect drivability in my opinion but can be very annoying for some people. I got used to it pretty fast.


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The rev hang bothered me for about a day then I forgot about it. Toyota really failed at that 6spd. Between the gear ratios and throwout bearing issues.The gas mileage sucked compared to the auto. With lift & 285 duratracs, I was averaging 15mpg mixed. Made switching to the Tundra a pretty easy decision gas mileage wise. The other reason is that my wife refused to learn how to drive a stick so I finally capitulated so she could drive my truck if the need ever arose. The only good thing I have to say about the 6sp is that 1st & 2nd gear in 4low were awesome off-road. I also liked the placement of reverse right next to 1st which made rocking back and forth on objects easier.

 

[tacollie]

I actually get better gas milage with my manual than I did with my auto. I get 17mpg with 32s with manual, the auto averaged 15mpg. My auto also couldn't hold 5th gear on the highway. I like that the 6 gear is low in the manual. It makes it very usable in Colorado. 105k and no issues with the throw out bearing. Maybe I am just lucky.


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[macgyver_ga]

I actually get better gas milage with my manual than I did with my auto. I get 17mpg with 32s with manual, the auto averaged 15mpg. My auto also couldn't hold 5th gear on the highway. I like that the 6 gear is low in the manual. It makes it very usable in Colorado. 105k and no issues with the throw out bearing. Maybe I am just lucky.


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Interesting, most people claim the opposite. Traditionally, manual trannys do get better mileage.

My throwout bearing squeaked the entire time I owned the truck (42k-127k). Never failed me, just annoying.

 

[cdthiker]

Did the dealership tell you 30K plug change for the 2.7? I just looked at the maintenance schedule in the toyota owner app and it says 30K for the 4.0, but 120K for the 2.7. That seems a bit excessive to me, but that is what their schedule says. Of course I suppose it could be wrong

I have learned to not trust them much past oil changes. I thought it seems a bit strange so I just skipped it. I am just going to do it my self and save some cash since the parts are not much money.

 

[cdthiker]

I think that the whole 2.7 vs 4.0 comes down to what that person likes. When I bought my 2.7 I just could not face spending the extra money on a motor that I didnt need.
The truck felt really slow at first but I was coming from a 2010 five speed subaru out back sport that was really fun and sporty to dive. Not that I have gotten used to it, I am just not that impressed with the over all power diffenerce between my truck and my friends 4.0 auto. at least not for the mark up that they sell them at. I drive from McCall ID to Boise all the time and and coming back up it is 100 miles straight up. There is one pass that has got to be close to 10% I hold it at 65 in forth gear no problem with a bit of a run up on it. the only time I have to go down to third around Idaho Utah and CO is when I am towing. The little 4cy sounds like your beating a hampster but it does the hill no problem at 50 in third sitting at 4 k on the tach.

Looks like the OP is from Seattle area. There are a couple big passes in that area that I have driven a few times for work. Kept up no problems 65-70 the whole way. except for when it was covered in snow of course.

 

[Clutch]

The little 4cy sounds like your beating a hampster but it does the hill no problem at 50 in third sitting at 4 k on the tach.

Ha!

The 4 slug, is like a 125cc dirt bike...yeah they'll do it...but you have to ring its' neck.

Actually I feel the 4.0 is a little underpowered compared to what is in the current 4Runner. Not sure why the Taco gets the detuned version.

I think that the whole 2.7 vs 4.0 comes down to what that person likes. When I bought my 2.7 I just could not face spending the extra money on a motor that I didnt need.

I wanted to like the 2.7 since you can get the B-Max Grade package, just not enough oomph for me, and I drive like an old man.

Didn't think the price difference was too bad.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Ha!
The 4 slug, is like a 125cc dirt bike...yeah they'll do it...but you have to ring its' neck.

Indeed. I have a buddy who's driven only American V8s his whole life and I don't think he'll ever get used to how I make my 22R-E scream uphills. They don't even start making power until 2900 and don't care about 4000 for extended pulls. He might be in for a surprise now that his V8 Dodge Dakota is on the block for replacement. Even the Toyota V6s are happy with a few RPM, it's a little different than how you drive a small block.

 

[cam-shaft]

This thread brought a lot of interest. I admit I did not read it all but.... Only reason I could see going with 4 banger would be to save up front cost or buying for your kid, single cab basic truck, local wheeler., shop truck, etc. Other then that buy the 4.0 v6 auto. I would assume the taco will get the dual VVT soon like its sister the 4 runner and 2010 and new FJ, this will give it the 270 hp and somewhat improved mpg. Maybe the 16's will have direct injection and a 6 speed auto also. I would not get to caught up in people's mpg claims, it is tough to believe most people's claims. An I-4 will gobble gas when loaded just as a V8 I Vote V6 with auto. Carry extra gas no matter what your choice��
Cameron

 

[Clutch]

Indeed. I have a buddy who's driven only American V8s his whole life and I don't think he'll ever get used to how I make my 22R-E scream uphills. They don't even start making power until 2900 and don't care about 4000 for extended pulls. He might be in for a surprise now that his V8 Dodge Dakota is on the block for replacement. Even the Toyota V6s are happy with a few RPM, it's a little different than how you drive a small block.

When I moved from my F250 to the Toys it took me a while to adjust my driving style...thought I was going kill it, read an article somewhere...that they are meant to be revved, so I adjusted. I hear some of the diesel guys complain that the modern V8's need to be revved too much.

 

[Tinfish]

In fairness, while the 2.7 isn't fast it is still capable. I can hold 80 on the freeway no problem even with a load in the bed and was able to tow a loaded 6x12 enclosed trailer as fast as felt safe. I downshift to fourth going over mountain passes but still keep up with traffic just fine. There are definitely advantages to the larger engine, but the 2.7 manages ok and has some pluses of its own.

 

[tacollie]

I actually wanted a 2.7 with a 5 speed(or a V6 Frontier but that's for a different thread). I figured that it wouldn't be any slower than my 2000 4Runner and the 6 speed in the 4.0 trucks didn't have the best reputation. We ended up with a 4.0/6 speed truck because it was the first clean truck we could find. The first drive to Moab through the i-70 corridor and I was sold on the 4.0. Both are good motors so buy what you want! I'm glad I have a 4.0!


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[Dr. Cornwallis]

While I was at the dealer today getting my truck worked on I test drove a 2015 4.0 auto and I actually didn't like it. It was nice not having the rev hang but the truck actually felt very "slushy." Maybe I've been driving manuals too long but the auto actually felt slower and more sloppy. I won't be trading my six speed for an auto anytime soon.


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