4 cylinders in Colorado?

[Svilar]

Getting ready to buy a new 4x4 Tacoma here in Colorado. My truck of ten years, an '89 4x4 Toyota 22re does not have the power to go over the passes or even keep the speed limit on the freeways, therefore it's time for a new ride. I don't tow anything, but do put several hundred pounds of camping/climbing gear and a topper on the back. It's between the 2.7 4cyl and an automatic v6... please help!

I want the best gas mileage possible, but also need to be able to get up the passes. I don't need to be the fastest car on the road, but I also do not want to be going 30 mph in a 75 mph zone. In your estimation, would the 4 cylinder suffice, or is a v6 necessary? Do the v6's really get that much worse gas mileage? Thanks for any help.

Svilar

[Darren]

I would sure think the 3.4 is the obvious choice. When mine was stock, I got 18/23. From what I've seen by a number of owners, 4Runners and Tacomas with the 2.7 get the same.

Even with 33's, I could hold 70 on Vail and Loveland Passes.

[reb]

Check out the thread in the 2005+ forum on v6 mileage if you are considering a new truck.

I have driven the Colorado mountains quite a bit with 4-bangers and not been too unhappy. As you say, you won't win any races, though. If you want an automatic tranny, the bigger engine might be more important, though mileage will suffer somewhat.

[Mike-in-WV]

If you can't do better than an average of 70 on the freeway you have something wrong with your engine. I can set my cruise on 80 and don't have a problem and I can zip up and down these WV mountains with no problems carrying 300 lbs. in tools and my 200 lbs. with my 01, 2.7 auto entended cab 4x4 and 31" tires.
Off road there are places where I wish I had a little more power but placeing it in 4 wheel takes care of that.
Even though I love my 2.7 I lived in Golden for a while and spent alot of time in the mountains and much time on Wolf Creek pass and up on the divide. I do believe I would go with the 6 banger and an auto. Way to much shifting for a stick Good luck with your new Toy! Mike