I'm planning on getting a Tacoma, and am dead set on the Access Cab. I like the extra bit of room over the regular cab, but don't like too much extra room (than what I would need) that comes with the crew cab. My dillema here is with the type of engine.

I'd like some answers / opinions on the following from those who have or have had a Tacoma.

I'm debating on what would be better for gas. The V-6 or 4 cylinder. Now, that may seen like an obious question (*chants* "The 4! The 4!), but I've been told the following (from a few sources) and don't know what to make of it.

I've been told that with the access cab, the 4-cylinder isn't big enough for that size truck. Due to this, it causes the engine to work harder, and uses more gas than if you were to get a V6 and drive it "lightly".

Now, like I said, I'm totally clueless here. Any help would be great!

-PC

The X-tra cab shouldn't be that much heavier than the regular cab if that's you major concern. If you don't do a lot of hauling or things of that nature then the 4 banger is plenty for you. The 4 banger is a pretty stout engine and you'd be surprised about what you can do with it within reason.

Thank you!

That's exactly the type of info I was lookin' for. Just to confirm your information - no, I won't be doing much hauling (little things, here and there). It's definitely not a part of my job. I was/am mainly concerned about the size of the truck itself.

I have heard that about Toyota's 4 cylinder engines, as well - I just wanted to get a few more opinions on it.

Thanks!

Glad I could help!

I've a 97 4 cyls. and the milage I get is superb. I also had a 6 cyls pre runner. The pre runner was a more better ride with more power. So it depends on what your looking for.Better milage on your gallon( 4 cyls.) or smother ride, more power ( less miles per gallon (6 cyls.)

I wouldnt shy away from a V6 though. You may find that the V6 gets almost the same milage as the 4-cylinder because of the fact that the 4-cylinder has to work harder than does the V6, so even though its a smaller engine, it wont get any better fuel economy because of how much harder it has to work.

Just bought a Access Cab w 4 Cylinder after driving both and wanting a V6 like my Solara. but also have a 4 cyl 04 Tacoma.

As far as the argument getting same mileage as V6 because engine is working less, How do you think the came up the the MPG numbers int he first place.

If you drive a 4 cyl hard, you'll problably drive the V6 hard also.


5 MPG difference at 4$ a gallon turns into 800 / year if you travel 20K miles a year

20K / 20 MPG = 1000 Gallons 6 cyl

20K / 25 MPG = 800 Gallons 4 cyl

200 Gallons x $4 /gallon = $800.00 or 2 or 3 payments per year in my book.

I suggest like I did go drive both back to back.

Mike M







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Im very skeptical that a Xtracab 4x4 with a 4-cylinder would get 25 mpg on the highway.
I definetly believe that a regular cab 4x2 would get 25 mpg, but I have my doubts that a Xtracab 4x4 would.
No matter how you drive, a 4-cylinder has to work harder than does a V6, so I dont see there being much (if any) of a fuel economy difference.
Both are great engines, so you really cant go wrong either way.

I just bought a 2008 2.7L access cab Tacoma. I'll tell you a few things about it. I live in Austin Tx and drive 18 miles one way to work. For 12 miles it's 65-70 mph. Then for 6 miles it's stop and go. I have a scan guage hooked up and going to work at 6pm I get between 21 and 22mpg. Now going home at 6am there is no traffic and I get 26 to 27mph. I go 65 all ther way.
I bought my daughter a 2006 Toyota Tundra with the 4L motor. I've done the same trip and got 18-19 going in and 20-21 coming home. It's a little bigger than the Tacoma.
Now when you compare the two for power the V6 beats the 4l hands down. But, I want my daughter to be able to have that extra power to move around traffic. Me in the 4 banger I can take it easy and take my time to get in and out of traffic.. Don't get me wrong i'm a speed freak but as a daily driver to work I like the gas milage the Taco gets.

The 2.7l to me seems like Toyota geared it to run got at 2000rpm. If you mash it to the floor it does have pick up but nothing like the V6.

If I were you I'd drive both. You will fall in love with the V6 butttt if you don't need the power and want gas milage I'd go for the 4L. It's also cheaper than the v6.
Oh I forgot to say I went on a 25 mile non stop trip doing 65mph. I got 31mpg on my scan guage. I just filled up yesterday. I had 310miles on the odometer and I put 13.56 gals in the tank. That's an avarage of 22.86mpg in town. My Ford F150 5.4L used to get 13-14mpg. Remember I sit in traffic sometimes for 25 mins. I used to fill the Ford almost once a week. I should be able to go two weeks on a tank with the Taco. Oh one last thing. I drive with AC on all the time.

My 02 4x4 extra cab 6 cyl gets 19 in the winter 20 in the summer and does it at 55 or 70. 6cyl over 4 more torque less shifting to avoid lugging. I ran a 88 4x2 for fourteen years and it never let me down. Started first time every time. It reved a lot higher to achieve the same speed the milage was better. Two wheel drive. The six is better for those short on ramps and quick passes on two lane black top.