Toyota Tacoma:. 4 cylinder or V6?

I once owned a Jeep Wrangler with a 4 cylinder engine and it was the biggest car buying mistake I ever made. Trucks with 4cycl engines are so sluggish and poor on gas it's a joke they even make them.

Anything bigger than a Toyota Corolla I would always get a V6 from now on no matter what

If you can afford it I would opt for the V6 always.

I have a 2011 with the 4 cylinder. 159 horsepower is just fine for me. I can accelerate faster than my previous car (honda civic) if needed to get onto the freeway. My fuel economy for my daily commute is about 26 mpg. I got the 4 cylinder to have better mileage, not necessarily to save money on the sticker price.

If a less powerful compact truck was available that got better mileage, I would get that instead. I've never felt I'm missing anything with this vehicle that a 6 cylinder would bring.

The 6 cylinder is also less balanced, due to the heavier weight over the front wheels.

I have had mine on very light offroading, for hunting, fishing and camping. I have taken it onto roads that there is no way my civic ever could reach, but that isn't saying too much. Obviously this truck isn't meant for anything serious off road. If I need to get somewhere that requires a 4x4, I'll probably just hike, mountain bike it in or go somewhere else.

I'm in the SF Bay area.

If it was a car, I'd say go with a 4 cylinder, but trucks are heavy & usually sluggish & slow. Go with a V6. A Tacoma weighs around 4,500 pounds. In comparison a Camry (which is a pretty large car) weighs 3300 pounds.

Thanks for the reply. I assume you have RWD, not the 4x4? In the 2016/2017 Tacomas, the gas mileage in either engine is about the same, so there isn't any savings on that front. The only savings is the initial purchase price and probably easier resale.

If I was to get an older model year, there would be a greater difference in gas mileage.

I have the "big" four in my '02 - had it for 11 yrs. I've hauled quite a bit of stuff and have never felt at loss for power. Since I'm in the mtns., I've done my share of rock-crawling, too - it's been more than adequate power. I've taken quite a few distance road trips, cruises nicely at 65 - never thought about a six.

vivalarepublica wrote:

If I was to get an older model year, there would be a greater difference in gas mileage.

Don't buy a used Tacoma. Their resale value is extremely high, meaning you are paying a premium rate for an old truck.

Get the manual 4 cylinder. It will weigh less and be more reliable. Don't expect to get better mpg though, it's geared very aggressively to make up for lack of power. Also the engine is bullet proof unlike the new DI 3.5 liter. But its bullet proof because its been in circulation for 10+ years which is why it suffers in fuel economy.

Fat CaliDog wrote:

vivalarepublica wrote:

If I was to get an older model year, there would be a greater difference in gas mileage.

Don't buy a used Tacoma. Their resale value is extremely high, meaning you are paying a premium rate for an old truck.

+100 buy it new and take care of it.

I owned a 4 cylinder 4runner that I finally sold after 25 years. It was a great little truck. The only thing I never liked was that it didn't have any get-up-and-go. After awhile you get used to it, but when you drive something with more power you really notice the difference. Granted, a 4runner is heavier than a Tacoma, and engines have come a long way in 25 years, but if you can swing it definitely get the bigger engine. Gas mileage these days is pretty similar between the two, and if you will use the truck as a truck should be used, you won't regret having the extra power that a V6 will give you. Especially if it is 4 wheel drive.

Agree. I had a 2009 4 cyl with the 6.5 ft bed. Hauled close to 6 cords of firewood over the course of a winter every year that I habe owNed it. Never once has it felt under powered.

It does feel sluggish when driving 65 mph and above.

I would still have it if it were not for family expansion. Just bought a titan and am loving it, but still miss the Taco.

Not a pu 5*11 why wrote:

V6 and up is what MEN drive. Makes sense that California Liberals are recommending a V4.

Your wife and children will never respect you if you drive an underpowered "truck"

Really? California liberal here with a '99 SR5 V6 TRD. And where I live what I drive isn't considered a "truck."

OP should get a new V6. Initial and operating cost difference is negligible, as is gas mileage unless it'll be a commuter. Better to have the extra power and not use it than not have it when needed.

I opted for the largest engine in my non-commuter car. Never been disappointed. Gas mileage is meaningless if you don't drive it daily.

Not a pu 5*11 why wrote:

V6 and up is what MEN drive. Makes sense that California Liberals are recommending a V4.

Your wife and children will never respect you if you drive an underpowered "truck"

Lol v4...there's no such thing. You must be a real car enthusiast haha

Not a pu 5*11 why wrote:

V6 and up is what MEN drive. Makes sense that California Liberals are recommending a V4.

Your wife and children will never respect you if you drive an underpowered "truck"

Hey what kind of blinker fluid do you use?...ive had mixed results with my current brand.

Yea, I'm aware of this, thanks. I'm basically only looking at 2016/2017. I like the 2016 redesign enough that I'm willing to pay the price premium for it. Used seems to be about 2k-3k cheaper list price than new, depending on the model and mileage.

I don't plan on driving it daily. I will consider this factor.

I've been wondering about the long-term reliability of the V6, considering it doesn't have the history of the 4 cylinder. I wonder if Toyota has put that engine in any other cars and we could get some more data on it.

Good point, there probably will be times when I wish that I had the V6, like climbing a nice big mountain or on the highway. In the new Tacomas, the V6 actually is rated better for highway driving. The only gas mileage advantage of the 4 cylinder is city driving, and it's a minimal at best.

What mountains are you going to climb in Indiana?

If you can, get a Hilux instead:

http://www.newsweek.com/why-rebel-groups-love-toyota-hilux-74195

Oh please... wrote:

What mountains are you going to climb in Indiana?

There is this thing called traveling. Or moving.

Uriel. wrote:

If you can, get a Hilux instead:

http://www.newsweek.com/why-rebel-groups-love-toyota-hilux-74195

I actually read that article. It's always interesting to see that the rebel groups in the far reaches of the world are driving Toyotas.

The new v6 is updated....let me find a video for you that I watched on the Tacoma....

Initial reliability reports actually have it lower than the GM/chevy Colorado!!