Just from reading all the responses, if the 4.0 has more torque then if you are towing anything, the 4.0 would be better. I had a 2011 4.0 and pulled a Triton TR20 with dual axle trailer with no problems. Can't personally speak for the 3.5, but have heard like others have mentioned that the 3.5 is lackluster in the torque department. The 4.0 was designed to be a truck engine the 3.5 not so much. I have heard it called the mini-van motor. One negative I recall from my Tacoma was that the seats are not comfortable on long trips. I never have that problem in my F150, the seats are more like sitting on my living room sofa, very supportive but cushioning as well. If I was going to buy another one I would go with the long bed. A friend had one and compared to mine, there were times when I wished I had the additional room in the bed. Also the extra room in the crew cab style with full size doors makes all the difference in the world in the interior space.
