I am pulling the trigger after the 1st of the year on a Tacoma..I believe the 4.0 is available up to 2016 and then they started putting 3.5 in the 2017 to current. I have read a ton of write up's on both engines..What say you and why?
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Taco 3.5 VS 4.0 V6
- Thread starter DinkyDau
- Start date
2015 was the last year of the 4.0
The 4.0 is a great engine, mpg isn’t great but a solid motor that will go for a long, long time.
The 3.5 isn’t a new engine, just new in the Tacoma. It is used in several vehicles from the Toyota and Lexus line up. It makes more hp, the torque is a little lackluster compared to the 4.0, which is why I went with a manual to get the different gearing. I get 3 mpg better in my 2020 than I did in my 2015.
Both were/are the double cab TRD Off-road 4x4. The only difference is my 2020 is a 6 speed manual vs the auto in the 2015.
We also have a 2005 4Runner with the 4.0 that we bought new. It has 250k miles on it. Replaced the plugs, fluids, brake pads, rotors, and had the valve covers replaced. Been a solid vehicle.
The 4.0 is a great engine, mpg isn’t great but a solid motor that will go for a long, long time.
The 3.5 isn’t a new engine, just new in the Tacoma. It is used in several vehicles from the Toyota and Lexus line up. It makes more hp, the torque is a little lackluster compared to the 4.0, which is why I went with a manual to get the different gearing. I get 3 mpg better in my 2020 than I did in my 2015.
Both were/are the double cab TRD Off-road 4x4. The only difference is my 2020 is a 6 speed manual vs the auto in the 2015.
We also have a 2005 4Runner with the 4.0 that we bought new. It has 250k miles on it. Replaced the plugs, fluids, brake pads, rotors, and had the valve covers replaced. Been a solid vehicle.
Yes
I have no experience with the '16+ 3.5L, but my '15 4.0L has been great for my brief ownership experience so far.
Found a '15 PreRunner SR5 with a single owner this past February. Only had 20,4xx miles. I'm at 35,6xx now without a hiccup.
I did all fresh fluids, filters, and plugs when I bought it. The driver side bank of plugs is a bit finicky to get to but easy nonetheless. Toyota ran NGK on one bank and Denso on the other which was odd. Replaced with a full set of Densos.
I have a Ride88 2-bike rack that lives in my bed. I don't do any towing so I can't speak to that. As a daily driver and MTB hauler it does admirably.
I've tracked fuel consumption since I got it and I'm averaging 22.8 MPG so far.
Oil changes every 5k are a breeze.
Overall, a very low stress truck to live with so far. Plenty of interior space too. Love it!
Found a '15 PreRunner SR5 with a single owner this past February. Only had 20,4xx miles. I'm at 35,6xx now without a hiccup.
I did all fresh fluids, filters, and plugs when I bought it. The driver side bank of plugs is a bit finicky to get to but easy nonetheless. Toyota ran NGK on one bank and Denso on the other which was odd. Replaced with a full set of Densos.
I have a Ride88 2-bike rack that lives in my bed. I don't do any towing so I can't speak to that. As a daily driver and MTB hauler it does admirably.
I've tracked fuel consumption since I got it and I'm averaging 22.8 MPG so far.
Oil changes every 5k are a breeze.
Overall, a very low stress truck to live with so far. Plenty of interior space too. Love it!
Can't go wrong with either one IMO.
Both are tough engines. Please take your time and find a well maintained one, unless you're looking at a new one. I know you treat your vehicle(s) well.
Here's 3.5 replacement for someone who went wheeling, cracked the radiator then decided to drive down the mountain while overheating... to the point of melting intake manifold and valve covers into the engine.
Gen 2 is very DIY-friendly for basic maintenance except for transmission fluid. No experience with Gen 3 but I don’t like the new oil filters.
General Tacoma tip. Get as aggressive a tire as you need and no more. People put serious offroad tires on there to get to the grocery store and back. Then they complain the ride is rough.
General Tacoma tip. Get as aggressive a tire as you need and no more. People put serious offroad tires on there to get to the grocery store and back. Then they complain the ride is rough.
