2.7 vs 3.5

Backstory, got into a fender bender and insurance totaled my 06 tacoma. Utility package, access cab, 2wd.

i’m looking at buying a new tacoma since used prices are wild right now. Mainly going to be a daily driver and trips towing a 500ish lb skiff. Going to go the same 2wd and access cab. Looks like it would cost me about 4k more to get the larger motor. Worth it? Thoughts?

 

I just purchased a 2022 2WD double cab with the 2.7L and I think its just fine. Now if I was pulling say a pop-up camper, supplies, and wife/kids I would go with the v6.

 

There is no substitute for power.

 

From somebody who's had both, go with the v6. You wont regret it.

 

^this

 

I had a 4x4 05 with the 2.7 and a 5 speed I bought new. I thought it was quite adequate and got an honest 22mpg on my commute at the time. 4 years later the kid was bigger and I bought another 05 but a double cab with the 4.0/auto. Night and day difference in power. But 18-19 MPG. I now have a 17 double cab with the 3.5/auto. 22 MPG is what I have been averaging on highway trips and 19 around town. Doesn't have the torque of the 4.0 but it's a decent performer if you put your foot in it. If you haul or tow anything I would say the bigger motor is well worth it. And gets the same mileage.

 

I have the 4 cyl 4wd access in my picture. I had a 6 cyl before this one. While the 6 cyl is great for getting up and going the 4 cyl will get you there. The only problem is if you want to tow something large. If you don’t go with which ever one you can afford and is available.

 

The 3.5L is already sluggish IMO, so I can't imagine what the smaller engine would feel like. Mo' powa is the way

 

OP, the new Tacoma in the exact same configuration as your old one weighs about 600# more. Imagine driving your old truck maxxed out on payload all the time and think how you would feel about that. Then add 500# to that for your boat.

 

Just looking through specs for both vehicles.

2006 Access Cad 2wd has a curb weights of 3480 lbs.

A 2022 Access Cab 2wd has a curb weight of 3980 lbs.

The 2.7L output is exactly the same in each model.

So essentially with the curb weight difference of 500 lbs, you are already towing around you skiff already without connecting it to the 2022 Tacoma. This is something to consider, does the 2.7L have enough in it to add another 500 lbs when pulling. Or was it already at its limits.

 

The sluggishness of the engine you feel is not really the engines fault. It is the transmissions programming that keeps the engine low in RPM. If you drive with the engine in a higher range the V6 is very quick and quite capable.

 

test drive.

 

Not an expert on this but I think the V6 model has more differences like suspension, gearing, etc.
If so, that might also be a consideration. Maybe someone with knowledge will chime in about this.

 

The V6 was out of my budget/more than I wanted to spend, and 4WD was more important so I went with the 2.7 SR (regular one without utility package) so I'd save enough money to get the camper shell I wanted. It was $30,700 out the door + $2000 in sales tax to the DMV (I bought out of state).

The 2.7 does have dual-VVTi now and a 6-speed transmission vs. 4-speed auto back then so even though the power is the same on paper, it is a little more flexible all around and makes good power all the way out to the (low) redline (doesn't run out of breath/feel asthmatic like older engines). Like if you kick it down to 3rd at 65 MPH, it has plenty of passing power.

Mine feels like a '90s truck that will do anything you ask it to -- just eventually. 0-60 is in 10 or 11 seconds, not 14 or 15 seconds like a 4-cylinder Ford Ranger (the old small one which was too slow for Texas speeds). I like my '21 fine, though I wouldn't have bought it with a 4-speed auto ... I actually wish I could have bought it with a 6-speed manual. It is a little out of its element if you try to go 80 MPH in hilly terrain (shifts a lot and needs to stay in the 1:1 4th gear) but around town it is peppy enough. It rewards a calm driving experience but if you do need to merge into fast traffic or whatever, just floor it and it will kick down and move out. It will actually bark both rear tires with a kickdown to 1st if I am rolling at 5-10 MPH in a right turn lane and floor it to pull out into traffic, pretty funny.

It has no issues staying at the front of the pack but if you get on it a lot, it will get 17-18 MPG (rated 19/22). With a pretty light foot my lifetime average over 12000 miles is 22 MPG. Recently, with higher fuel prices, I have started trying to see what I can eke out of it and it is pretty easy to coax it up to 24-25 around town with some coasting up to stop signs and red lights, kind of like playing with the MPG-ometer in a Prius to see how high you can get it.

Plus I really, REALLY like looking under the hood and immediately understanding everything and thinking "I could fix that, that...that...that..."

But, if power is a concern, maybe take a look at a base Frontier (has 3.8/9-speed) or maybe a base Ranger (if you're feeling brave)?



Even the "base" model is pretty well equipped with automatic braking, radar cruise (kind of worthless with this engine TBH), color display in the gauges, Android Auto/CarPlay. Mine has the keyless entry add-on (just buttons on the key, not a smart key) and rubber mats.

 

I have a 2.7L and yes it's no speed demon for sure... however it is worth mentioning the 2.7L is often referred to as "bullet proof" and is generally known for it's crazy longevity.
I am going to be towing 2 dirt bikes with my 2.7L in April but that is only about 600lbs and am pretty sure it'll get me where I need to go.

 

2.7 also has a better oil filter vs the 3.5. And no need to drop the skidplate to change the filter...

I'm a 2.7 guy. Couldnt afford a 3.5 LOL

 

My post was based on base numbers. This post ^^^ is based on the differences behind the numbers. Excellent breakdown

 

A Tundra 5.7L is my daily driver. My work company car is a newer 4Runner 4.0L. I really like both vehicles, but the 4Runner is very slow / sluggish compared to the Tundra. My wife, son, and I test drove new Tacomas with the 3.5L and 2.7L. Both Tacoma engines appeared slow compared to my Tundra and her Sequoia. The perception of power / acceleration in vehicles is largely relative to what we are accustomed. If the OP is accustomed and content with his prior 2.7L, he will enjoy a 2022 2.7L. Our family is very happy with our new 2022 SR 2.7L, especially with these recent fuel price increases.

 

I currently own a 2021 AC 4x4 2.7 and find it very adequate for what I use it for. I do 80% city driving and 20% highway with light towing every now and then. For the reliability reputation of the 2.7 and my use, it works perfectly for me.

I previously owned a 2019 TRD OR with the 6MT and found the lack of low end torque of the 3.5 very lackluster. Between that and other minor issues with the drivetrain I moved on from it. While the 3.5l has higher hp and torque numbers you won’t see those results until you are high in the rpm range. The 2.7 reaches its higher torque ranges at much lower rpm’s which I prefer in a truck. The 3.5 was much nicer to drive on the highway at higher speeds but I still prefer the 2.7. Both motors are great.

 

My vote goes for the 2.7. I've had mine for 10 years now. Solid engine, not one single problem. I recently had a mini drag race with some arrogant teenager with a V6, blew him off the line. I slowed down & he went past me like a diesel from hell, spewing smoke everywhere. If you tow regulary, a V6 might be best. Daily driver 2.7, just maintain them whatever your decision may be.