I am about to order a 2023 Access Cab 4cyl 4wd (thoughts)

Either that 4 was exceptionally fast in the video, or the 6 was much slower than the one i own. So was the comparison towing an empty trailer bs. Load it up with some weight then do your test.

 

I read everything I could find on the 4 cylinder Tacoma before I bought my truck in March 2022. I found these threads on Tacoma World very helpful to me when I was deciding on whether to get a 2.7 or 3.5 engine. I already knew I didn't want a four door.

Utility package Tacomas (The bearded toy)
4 vs 6 cylinder Tacoma
4cyl over 6cyl, any regrets?
Is the 4 Cyl. more reliable?
2.7 vs 3.5
The Gen 3 2.7L 4-Cylinder Thread
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I also found a video on you tube that was helpful to me.

4 vs 6 cylinder V6 - Why a 4 Cylinder Car or Truck Engine is the Best Choice For Most People


In my case the SR with the Utility Package, (no rear jump seats and a 2.7L engine) was just what I was looking for. The Utility Package option knocked off $1715 from the price, and with the 4 cylinder I average 24.85 mpg (2169.2 miles/87.284 gallons) over the last four months.

 

Mine will kick and scream at times but it has never let me down. I have a 2018 sr 4 banger. 84k miles on the dash and I bought it brand new off the truck . Besides a few recalls nothing except oil changes and love for this truck.

 

Get the 6 cylinder.

 

We have both a 2022 2.7L and a 2022 3.5L. This video is accurate and representative of the two we have. The 2.7L engine is extremely “tight” brand new and desperately needs about 1500 miles to break-in for full power. The 3.5L seems to deliver full power immediately. If you test drive a new 2.7L off the dealer lot with less than 1000 miles it will give an unrealistic poor representation of this engine long-term.

 

Well, the 4 i drove had about 260 miles on it when i test drove it, but my 6 took over 1200 miles before it really started coming alive. I was even telling everyone here it was as if the truck had a break-in chip to prevent any engine damage if over revving it. It now performs much better than when i drove it off the dealership. I've run it against other 4's no comparison.

 

I bought a new 2016 access cab 4 cylinder 5 speed manual 4x4 SR model. The lack of power was an issue for me especially considering the poor fuel mileage. 5th gear was nearly useless on the highway unless the roadway was flat or slightly downhill. Passing was difficult even in 4th gear full throttle. I now have a 2019 DCLB 4x4 V6 that has decent power while getting the same fuel mileage as the 4cylinder. If you aren’t in a hurry to get anywhere the 4 cylinder is a good truck, just not for my needs.

 

In my area of Ct, I see countless HVAC and pest control trucks from companies who are using the 4cyl version of Tacomas for their fleet svc vehicles. To me that says a lot, the two Im referring to are large, well established businesses that have used Tacomas for years. If they aren’t in vans, they are in Tacomas. They seem to be the basic trim SR , access cab config with the 4cyl, many with bed caps.

 

Test drive it first, I had my access cab 4 banger 4x4 manual and it was a great truck. Downshift getting in the highway. You have to drive the truck, people have a hard time understanding that. You don't step on the gas and expect it to zoom out of the way. Use the gears as intended. I treated mine horrible since it was a work truck for 150k, high idle time, changed the plugs once and regular oil change air filters when I remembered, that is it. They are super reliable motors and actually fun to drive.

I hope you pull the trigger, good luck OP

 

Welcome to the forum
Lots of good information and good folks here.

 

Why do you have to order? In the Northeast they have a few of them on the lot or allocated. I had no problems in Colorado with my 2.7l manual, but I am not afraid to run at 3500 to 4000 rpm where it likes to eat. Now that Manuals are gone, I would not even consider a 2.7l. Anyway, I put a deposit on 23 access cab 3.5l. When it will come in and how much, not really sure.

 

Grab it. You seem to know what you want and need. My late Dad had a 4 banger 3rd gen. It was automatic, at times it seemed like a slug, especially lugging it around town. But when I would mash the pedal, it would get and go. Don't forget that its a pickup with a 4cyl. Not a semi or cummins diesel. In my Dads we would load the shit out of that thing or tow stupidly over loaded trailers. Guess what it survived. Don't do it every day, but when that thing was called to serve , god damn it did. Don't get caught up in the would've could've bull shit. Good look. PS get Celestrial Silver

 

I used to have a 2016 Access Cab that was 4 cyl. It felt like a prom date that doesn't put out. I wasn't towing anything at the time and thought I would still be happy with the 4cyl, but the V6 is almost undersized for the truck as it is, IMO.

Bite the bullet and get the V6, no one ever complained about more power than they need. And the MPGs aren't THAT different. Tires and Aero have a bigger influence on it.

 

Thanks for the great feedback. I think the 2.7 will be fine for what I need. I put a “request” in for a 2023 Tacoma SR Access cab 2.7 auto 4WD w/utility package. Barcelona Red with alternative colors of Grey and Silver. Sales tax is 6.25% OTD 33.7K. I’ll keep you posted on the progress. Thanks again!

 

That is a very good OTD deal KonaCoffee.

 

2.7 is super durable and you’ll never have to worry about speeding tickets.

 

It took me roughly 9 1/2 weeks from when I placed my request, Jan 15th, till the day I picked up my truck, Mar 22nd. Hope your wait is shorter. Your second choice color was my first choice. Someone in my town has a Barcelona Red Utility, it looks real sharp. Please post some photos once it arrives.

Here's some reading material for you while you wait.
ULTIMATE TACOMA MODS & ACCESSORIES LIST

One thing, since 2021 the Utility Package comes with intermittent wipers, even though Toyota's build site says they are supposed to be deleted.

 

Not poking at all but a fleet vehicle is usually bought to meet a different set of parameters than a daily driver. Longevity is a cross over for sure and that 2.7 is great at that but responsiveness, towing etc probably aren't receiving the same level of attention in the buy process for a fleet truck than a POV. Fleet vehicles - you just compromise to get cheap purchase price and low maintenance whereas others might want "more" from their truck.

 

got for the v6 if you have any sort of hills in your area. The v6 struggles with hills, I can only imagine 100hp less.

 

My reg cab with the 4cyl was slow stock. Don't think the current auto transmission makes much difference.

If you don't need to go fast it's fine.


I don't know if you need to request a SR or SR utility package allocation, as they are usually available at the dealer once Toyota builds them. This could very buy region.