2023 Toyota Tacoma 4 Cylinder vs 6 Cylinder 0-60 & Comparison 

I went with the 2.7L on my 2021. I chose longevity and reliability over the extra power. It's all in what you want. I am a no frills older man. I don't have a testosterone issue when driving. The 2.7L is fine. Also, I've noticed the gas pedal is more responsive after I've driven it awhile.

I have a 4 cyl SR. It hauls my mountain bikes around super reliably. At the end of the day, it gets you from point a-b. I really like the simplicity of the 4cyl

I just bought a new 2022 Tacoma with the 2.7 . The acceleration is much better than years past because they dropped the old 4 speed automatic and replaced it with a 6 speed automatic. Mine is red with the sx package .Love it

I went SR 4cyl. Utility package and love it. I’m a cautious driver to begin with so I don’t notice any lack of power. Plus I get maximum payload with this configuration at 1500. I don’t tow but I do haul a lot. I came from a 2000 impala and this taco gets the same city mpg as that plus the interior is like a spaceship compared to what I had (tape deck and cd). It all depends on your situation I guess. I went for reliability above all else. And keep in mind you can mod the bell out of tacos so if you want some fancy feature you can usually easily add it yourself instead of buying a higher trim that has a bunch of extras you don’t want. Just put the bed lights in yourself. Add a front facing camera. Etc. Obviously if you’re an off-roader you’ll want 4x4 and other things you can t do yourself.

My 2018 access cab has the 2.7L and I get an average of 25 mpg. After installing a sprint booster, it accelerates 10 times better than stock. If I use the ECT button, it's much better. The 2.7 gets me where I need to go, pulls my motorcycle on a trailer, and hauls DIY stuff from Lowes. Great truck.

I have a 2016 SR5. One of the biggest reasons I got it over another model. Is the 6 foot box. Anything less than a 6 foot is a pain in my opinion.

The 4 cyl is quieter and more refined, hence more pleasant to drive overall - if you're not a hurried, aggressive type driver. There's considerable exhaust noise when accelerating hard, but it can be quieted by stuffing fiberglass, rockwool, cotton or 3m Thinsulate insulation in the 1 inch gap between the truck bed and cab back panel. Then the cab becomes real quiet up to 75 MPH. The 4 cyl is also probably Toyotas most durable engine still in production as it can run 500,000 - 1,000,000 miles without losing cylinder compression or becoming an oil burner.

I bought.a 2022 4cylinder Tacoma. I dont use it for towing nor do i load the bed with anything heavy. It averages 22 mpg. Im happy with it. If i want to drive fast i use my 2014 Subaru STI 305 hp. I dont need a tacoma V6.

That 2.7 is a real truck engine. It was also in the Venza, Highlander and Sienna and also Hiluxes

Thank you so much for reviewing the 4 banger. It is a dog but where I lived in the high asian mountain passes where each turn could be your last those 2.7 are nothing short of extraordinary. I am looking forward to owning one. Funny to think the last Taco ICE will be a 4 banger ;)

I had the 2020 Taco 2.7 4×4 Access Cab long bed. Loved it. Great MPG stock. 23-25+ mpg @50mph. Less at 60-70mph. Great truck IMO.. Just got the 2023 Taco TRD Sport 3.5 4dr short bed. 22-25 @ 60mph (I haven't been faster then 60mph yet. As I'm breaking it in now). Seems less intown but shines on highway. Doesn't need to downshift on highway speeds like the 2.7 did. But less intown driving. If you drive lots of highway I'd suggest 3.5. If you drive in town & very little highway the 2.7 is a winner IMO.... I miss the 2.7. But I drive highway a lot & I'm getting better mpg overall in the 3.5.... Both trucks are awesome. You can't go wrong & trade in on old Toyota at dealership is a win win. I put a lot of miles on the 2.7 & was amazed at the trade in on my new truck. Enjoy your tacoma.... Edit. Lift did NOT change mpg IMO. Bigger tire WILL 100% change it by 2-4+ mpg & it WILL wear out parts. If you do lift. Spend the money & do it RIGHT or pay the price. Don't use spacers. Go with Bilstein 5100 to level out the front & look awesome.. How do I know. I learned the hard way & it cost me $$$ to find out.. Toyota TRD lift is expensive & if you do have it done at dealership they will back you when/if things go bad. Keep in mind. When you do alter factory specs you take chance of wear & tear. Depends on how & where you use it if it's 4 wheel drive. Hope this helps all. Good day

I got the 4 cylinder because my friend who works at the lexus dealer says those v6's are one of the least reliable engines that toyota makes while the 4 cylinders are one of the most reliable engines they make

I wish they still offered the manual with the 4-cylinder as I would buy one in a heartbeat.

Your common sense approach and clear explanations are golden. Great review, Tyler!

Can confirm- I owned the 4 cylinder in a manual and it makes no sense. Half the power with almost the same MPG. I drove through the Rockies and needed 3rd gear on the highway. If you keep your Tacoma for 10 years the V6 costs about an extra $1/day. My next Tacoma will be a 2023 V6 manual.

I have a 4 door 2.7 liter taco. Love it way more than the v6. It does everything I need it to and it will run 3 times as long as the 6 because its been refined over 16 years to be bullet proof. The 4 cyl was made for the truck to be a workhorse while the 6 was initially made for toyota cars. The old 4.0 liter was the best of the two engines currently offered though and I wish they still offered that

i know many people with big 400hp v8 trucks that have never used more than 150hp with the way they drive. it would hurt their manhood to buy a 4 banger tho

I would go with the simple 4 cylinder. Now the old V6 4.0 was a good engine sold my 2005 Tacoma with 300k on it still drove like it did the day I purchased it new from the dealer.

I have the V6 engine with a KDMAXX tune. While the shift points and power are leagues better than stock it’s still very slow. I do have 33 inch tires and a 3 inch lift so if I was on stock configuration I’m sure the truck would be decently quick.

Idk why people are so obsessed with the 6 cyl. the 4 cyl is as indestructible and reliable as engines can possibly be and if you're not going to be hauling heavy stuff on a daily basis the 4 cyl is more than enough. you will feel the true cost of the 6 cyl when it goes to the shop...and it will go more often than you think

Glad to have found your channel! Thanks as I'm hunting for the new Taco now.

16’ 5spd 2.7L 4cyl I believe the motor will outlive my lifetime

Great review & solid rep of the 4 banger brother, thanks heaps!! 🤙♥️

I am so happy I got the last of the 2.7 engines .23 4x4 SR utility delete. This engine goes way back in time. so reliable. just don't take my word, do a little research and you will see for yourself.and parts will be around for a long time. Again do some research . As far as the new turbo engine, time will tell. I was kind of knocking the new turbo engine in the 24, but I take it back. I don't want to throw stones at something I don't own or know about. Remember, opinions are like assholes, everyone got one!

I agree I want the four-cylinder with four-wheel-drive, but I plan to supercharge it with the VT and change Your gear ratios in your differentials

I had 2 Xtra Cab's SR5's, a '16 2.7 2WD, and an '18 3.5 4WD. The V6 definitely has better power for towing and mpg. But...i put Nitro 4.88 gears in the 2.7 and towed a 2500lb trailer from CA to WI. I somehow liked the 2WD 2.7 better having that simple {but good looking} light weight truck with the most reliable engine ever, so I loved ringing its neck. Had I done it again, id put the 5.29's in cuz the 4.88s still put 6th gear too high on highway. And also mayb spent the money on the LCE header that lowered the torque curve to 3k rpms instead of 3600. My worst complaint about the 2.7 was with oem gearing it was taxing driving 75mph on the highway. Wind, hills, u had to be paying attention or just leave it in 4th gear.

My wife and I love our 2021 double cab sr model. Bought it right off the dealers lot with dual climate for $39k out the door with the Covid-19 prices.

I cant believe theyre STILL BEHIND! Honda 4 Cylinders CRUSH

I have a 4 banger 22 sr5 and love it. Put am racing 17 inch on venom tires. Everyone loves the look.

When the exhaust noise of the 4 cyl is muffled by insulating the gap between the truck bed and cab, the interior becomes luxury car quiet and that's because the 4 cyl is an inherently quiet motor - more so than the V6.

Toyota should do a version where they recreated their old pre-tacoma trucks. Bare-minimum everything, just need gas, oil and coolant to run. These new vehicles are all reflective of a throw away culture.

Wanted that bullet proof 4 cylinder, however 4x4 double cab doesn't come with it. Also resale would be crushed in our region. Made most economical, practical sense for v6

The 4 cylinder I think goes better with the 5 speed, I had one but traded it for a 6 speed V6 TRD Offroad with all the bells and whistles. Weirdly I think they feel and go about the same but the V6 I feel so disconnected when throttling up to find the bite point of the clutch, the 4 banger just felt different and better to drive with the manual.

it’s a shame you can’t get the 2.7 with the five speed manual. My 06 has 280k miles still going pretty strong

Awesome video thank you now I know which Toyota to buy

We've got a 2017 TRD Offroad V6 and the transmission is very annoying and it's a bit small but all else is perfection

This video made my decision even more difficult to make. I like the idea of the 4 cyl lasting 300k miles but my work commute is 40 minutes with a ton of elevation change in mountains and lots of snow so 4 wheel drive with v6 is a must. im so torn.

I'm considering a new 4 cylinder Tacoma. I don't have any need for towing might as well save some $$$ and go for the 4 cylinder.

If Toyota would have put the Camry 4cyl in the Tacoma with more horsepower, I probably would have bought it, but the 159 horsepower is just too low. So my 23 has the 3.5L V6

I have the off road with the manual, I love driving it

From my experience, having bought a 4cyl in college because I didn't have the money for the 6cyl, it was fine on flat roads or very sharp corners on hills where speed isn't a factor, but getting up a mountain pass? Hell no! I was in 3rd, sometimes 2nd gear (manual) going up the Grape Vine in California on hwy5. I was in the slow lane with the big rigs. It was horrible. I would never buy, and I recommend no one buy a 4cyl Tacoma unless you have too due to your financial circumstances. In that case it is what it is. But if you have the money, get the 6cyl.

I have a 2007 5 lug with the 2.7 has 196500 miles extremely reliable but it definitely is lacking in power if you haul a lot of heavy stuff or tow a good bit I'd definitely go for the v6 but hard to beat the 2.7 reliably, cost of repairs and how simple it is to work on

Good video!

tacoma 2009 4 cyls auto 2wd 104000 KMS and i love this little pickup 2,7L 4CYLS, best engin

They should just turbo the 2.7 and put it in the new gen. Reinforce it also of course.

I've had both motors in 2 different Tacomas and a 4.0 in another. The 2.7 is bulletproof and performed really well in an 07 I had. I really didn't like the 4.0 in my 2nd gen SR5. While probably rare for a Toyota that motor pinged for octane and sounded like a diesel on 87. Had to feed it super just to shut it up. I dumped it after a year and swore I would not buy another one. 10 years later I caved and bought a 22 TRD Off Rd. Way more refined, a little noisy but typical and not an octane knock. Love it so far. Great mpg on the hwy and V8 mpg local driving. It's not a small truck by any means.

Even the 3.5L is a dog IMO. Rented one in Arizona and it struggled to maintain highway speeds without downshifting constantly. The 4-banger turbo can’t come soon enough.

I’ve had both but I do prefer the v6. But the 4 cylinder it is not bad.

I was gonna buy 4cylinder TACOMA (159HP 180LB TORQUE ...0-60 10.5SEC) & ITB TURBO TUNE (Individual Throttle Body)...Hoping 2xPOWER: --318 HP --360LB TORQUE --0-60 7.25 SEC (Of course...2x COOLANT & OIL CAPACITY NEEDED TOO!--DRAG RACING RULE OF THUMB!) METAL BECOME BENDABLE/WEAK @HOT TEMP...

On the fence with the 6 cylinder after reading all the bad reviews about the transmission.

In the Pacific NW the 6 holds its value--the 4 drops like a Chevy. Well, almost.

If I get the 2023 Tacoma sr base model but add the V6 would that still have the smart key? I was thinking save some money and go access cab base model but still add the v6 basically.

The four cylinder is a very reliable engine, but OMG! It is freaking gutless. If you don't tow and live on flat terrain, then the 4 cylinder will be perfectly fine if you're not in a hurry.

My Civic from 06 has 150 HP at 2,800 lbs, that Tacoma has 159 HP with 3,915 lbs oooof! 😂

can someone explain how a 4 cylinder is good for a pickup truck? I don't know too much about trucks, but the way I see it, for computer nerds, its like putting a quad core i3 in a 15 inch MacBook Pro

I like to talk about manual transmission and complain that companies don't offer it but I would never actually buy it

The 4cyl is a great retirement vehicle, you’ll never need another car again.

Our local Toyota dealership doesn’t sell any Tacomas for less than $65k. How does anyone buy cars at MSRP these days?

I just want a 4 cylinder 6MT 4x2

I have 4 Cyl Slow but good for daily drive and save alot money than v6

Around most of the world Toyota pickup trucks are 4 cylinder

I’m a bit curious if the transmission programming on these has improved in the last few years. I owned a 2017 Tacoma trd sport for about 25k miles. It was a great truck. But the automatic was just plain annoying. It gear-hunted constantly. Make a rolling turn at an intersection and it would downshift, then upshift, then instantly downshift again. I even ended up buying a tune for the truck which really helped, but at the end I was just tired of the behavior. It got traded for a 2018 4Runner which was amazing….the 4.0 and 5spd auto in the 4Runner was just so much more satisfying to drive than the Taco (but the 4Runner was quite a bit more thirsty as well!)

Me gusta toyota tacoma para mi papa y Abuela

So no manual option on the 4 cyl?

No manual transmission on 4 cylinders. Not buying...........................

Why people want faster cars??? They don’t even know to drive , drive slow cause they too busy texting and driving, so why?

If going petrol. 4 cyl..otherwise go diesel

4 cylinder is only worth it if its manual

You failed to mention that it’s made in Mexico! The 4 runner is made in Japan

I have toyota tacoma 2.7 and is sucks engine. Only have a 159 horse power. And you spend the same money in gas. As the v6. And 2.7 when you go up to the hills doesn't respond.

Both,”Underpowered “

My 22' Tacoma V6 does 0-60 in about 6.5 seconds stock. Video is on my channel to prove it. For cruising around town, you don't need to go above 2.5k rpms to keep up with the flow of traffic. Must better engine choice than the I4. Both will have the same reliability numbers long term.

No

who gives af about 0-60 in a truck ?

I have this 4 cyl version as a rental right now and just can't stand it. It has no power at all struggles up the slightest hill. Sounds like it's going to blow up every time you need to hit the gas. It took forever to figure out how to make the dash screen brighter, and there is no room in the back. But my truck that's in the shop due to someone side swiping me is a ram rebel, so going from a full-size real power truck to a baby truck is quite a shock. I guess it will work for point a to b, but anything else is not worth it.

4 cyl is too slow but only because the truck is so heavy. Really Toyota? 0-60 in way over 10 seconds. I know they're reliable but it's a truck, hauling even. A little weight this thing does become dangerously slow I bet

If your not in a hurry 4 banger with 5 speed is the way to go. Love mine. Ask any Toyota mechanic , they seldom see 4 cylinders in the shop and there Super easy to work on.

The 2.7 L has an IRON BLOCK! That in itself is worth its weight in gold (metaphorically…bc iron does not = gold ;) But I’ve got the v6 :)

I mean trucks aren't meant to work like sports cars they move shit and are supposed to just keep working 4 cylinder for the win

I had a 2021 SR Utility 2.7 4x4 for my mountain/desert vehicle here in CA, around town at sea level the power was fine but over high elevation passes or high elevation off-roading, the 2.7 really becomes slow. Going up to Mammoth on the 395 I would be foot to the floor trying to maintain 65 mph or so- I know the engine can handle it but living at 5k rpms for a long period of time was annoying. Now my off-road vehicle is a 2018 GX460, great power!

The 2.7 is a workhorse engine. I'd like one with a manual

I bought my Taco in 2015 when the current gen came out, and there were not many to choose from. I drove the 4cyl and the 6cyl but did not notice much difference. I really liked the reduced cost, and proven 4cyl as well as the lack of chrome. I did have to add keyless entry, but I am still very happy, and able to merge onto the highway easily every day. I live in FL and dont haul much so keep that in mind as well. I have no reason to upgrade my Taco any time soon because I still love it!

I have an older model but with the 2.7L....big difference is that mine is coupled to a 5 speed manual transmission which makes it so much better to drive.

I have a 2006 4 cylinder, SR5 Tacoma rear wheel drive, with about 89,000 miles. Its a bit slow 0-60, but that is ok. On cross country ski trips I usually have to shift down to 2nd or 3rd gear and am in right line going over mountain passes. However after driving for about 3-4 hours, my highway mpg is 28-32. Why or how do I get this mpg on newer vehicles?

One important factor that many don't consider is the size of the truck in relation to engine choice. My standard cab 2013 with 5sp man carries a lot and tows fairly well. Truck only weighs 3300. Going to an access cab would add 500 more lbs that the 4cy has to contend with.

Be nice if a regular cab 4 cylinder 2WD with a 6 speed manual and a baseline price existed.

I’m looking for a nice 4x4 truck for the mountains in the Philippines but I’m still doing my work here & there. Thanks 🙏🏼 for the video

Best video comparison of these two trucks! I have the 4 and so far so good.

I have had the Tundra Double Cab LTD, 4.7liter TRD Off-road, All Weather Package truck since 2004 At 19 years old & less than 1,000 miles to go to attain 300,000 odometer miles, it has been a sweetheart truck for me. My average mpg is 15mpg though. Residing here in rural Western Franklin County, Western Massachusetts, I am forced to purchase a new truck this year as, the truck is suffering frame rot, even though it was involved in recent years with the Tundra recall program for the same issue. The frame was sand blasted & re-undercoated at that time, but it has rotted from the inside-out due to the lightening holes that were stamped into the sides of the frame tubes collecting road salt, sand & water over the years. Hopefully Toyota Engineers have found a fix for that genetic flaw. I found your page while researching the Tacoma SR 4 cylinder Access Cab, no "bells & whistles" version which will have A/T, 4 wheel drive & 6' bed. At 73 years of age, I'm past the stigma of longing for luxury models. I just need basic truck transportation now. If I have the same experience with this new model, my plan will be correct. I'm impressed with your page, factual & fluent delivery of speech, filming expertise & factual logic. Keep up the good content.

I have a 2018 Tacoma SR 4x4 with the 2.7. I honestly don't have any complaints. I use it for remote utility work, and it's fine for my needs. It was under $30k out the door new. It's reliable, and I don't have any complaints. I've upgraded suspension, and a few other things.

My current gripe with my 2008 2.7L is the horsepower. The Rav4 with 2.5 has 40+ more HP. I have 250,600 miles on it. All maintenance that I've had done is: new valve cover gasket, plugs, new starter, catalytic converter, and paint the roof due to fading.

I have a 2003 2.7 with 236000 on the ticker! Not a problem, one radiator and air conditioner compressor. Luv my toy!

I have the 2022 SR Access Cab with the Utility Delete, 2.7L with auto and 2 wheel drive. I like the 4 banger and it has plenty of power for me, but the throttle response sucks. So I installed a Sprint Booster for $300 and it makes a world of difference. I keep it on Sport 5 level out of 18 settings and it performs quite peppy. The Utility option removes the rear jump seats and also the rear speakers, but I was pleasantly surprised how nice the sound is. My only complaint is the transmission, which has hard shifting both up and down until it warms up. The dealer had to add a bit of fluid and found that it needs to be over 100 degrees to settle down, but couldn't resolve the issue. They have a case number with Toyota so I guess if it gets worse I'm covered.

All I care about is how long they last. I only tow light stuff like paddleboards and fishing equipment, kayaks. The legendary 2TR-FE 4 banger in my 2022 will last forever since I change the oil a lot. I'll probably get 400,000 miles out of it. screw the turbo's

I purchase a 2018 sr5 limited sport 4x4 v6 and I love it. Extended cab and long box Inferno Orange.

I have the V6 and its a complete dog. I can't believe they even sell the truck with a smaller engine.

Ha ha ,We have the Toyota HI lux . America will never have this 😅

I got a 2022 MGM Tacoma SR5 V6 RWD in late June. Don’t need an OR or Sport trim. The automatic transmission is fine as long as you know how to drive it. Just let go off the gas pedal and let it smoothly switch gears and you won’t have any issues running at lower RPMs.

the 2.7 came with a 5 speed manual FYI

I only went with the V6 because I had to. I wanted the extra features the TRD models offered and I bought a fully loaded ‘21 Off Road long bed in 2021 and have zero regrets.