Tacoma ext cab 4x4 V6 or 4 Cylinder?

[TuffTrigger]

I've heard that the Tacoma 4x4 extended cab in a 4 cylinder is underpowered. Does anyone have experience where the 4 cylinder underperformed on road or off road?

[toyocsd01]

I dont know about the 4 cylinders but wish I would have went that route instead of the 6. I would have had better gas mileage and since i dont tow would have suited me better. One good thing about the v-6 is that it will beat most trucks off the line.
Sorry this probably didnt help.

[80toy]

there's a trade off here. do you want power or gas milage. the v6 provides ample power to this little rig, and makes it very capable. the four banger will save you alot on gas. if you are going to drive it hard you might as well get the v6. the more fun the better, right?

[Knailgun]

having off roaded with both...the i4 is more economical for daily driving (even though it is an oxymoron statement), just remeber you NEED a 5 speed for an i4 to go off road. The 6 pulls more up inclines that a 4...but also is a tad more unpredictable at higher revs in 4wd.

[TuffTrigger]

I don't plan to do any towing and 90% of my driving is going to be on paved roads. I had a friend who complained of not being able to do the speed limit in his 4 cylinder when going over a mountain pass.

The off road driving i would do involves some steep inclines (logging roads in oregon), but as long as the engine works well in low Gears and doesn't overheat then I'd be happy.

Is there a dramatic difference between a 4 cylinder from 1998 and one from 2002?

[80toy]

i have a 1980 4x4 pickup with the original 20r (2189cc) and a 4spd manual. i, like you, do not tow stuff, and spend the majority of my times on the pavement. my little rig is putting out about 85 horsepower, and it does have trouble with the freeway and hills, but still does just fine for my needs. when i do take it off-road it hardly ever fails me. whether it be in the dunes, the mud, or on the rocks. oh yeah, its bone stock with 110,000 original miles. if my 25 year old four popper does fine, the newer ones are sure to do fine as well.