Toyota Tacoma V6 Vs I4: The Ultimate Comparison For Truck Enthusiasts

When it comes to choosing a mid-size pickup truck, the Toyota Tacoma is often at the top of the list. It’s known for its reliability, off-road capability, and resale value. But one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when choosing a Tacoma is whether to get the V6 or the I4 engine.

In this blog post, we’ll compare the two engines in terms of power, fuel efficiency, towing and payload capacity, off-road capability, and price. We’ll also provide our recommendation on which engine is the better choice for most buyers.

Power and Performance

The V6 engine in the Tacoma produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, while the I4 engine produces 203 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. This means that the V6 engine has a significant advantage in terms of power, which makes it a better choice for towing and hauling heavy loads. The V6 engine also has a higher top speed and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a shorter amount of time than the I4 engine.

Fuel Efficiency

The I4 engine in the Tacoma is more fuel-efficient than the V6 engine. The I4 engine gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, while the V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. This means that the I4 engine can save you money on gas in the long run.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The V6 engine in the Tacoma has a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds, while the I4 engine has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This means that the V6 engine is a better choice for towing heavy loads, such as boats, trailers, and campers. The V6 engine also has a higher payload capacity than the I4 engine, which means that it can carry more weight in the bed of the truck.

Off-Road Capability

Both the V6 and I4 engines in the Tacoma are capable of handling off-road terrain. However, the V6 engine has a slight advantage in terms of off-road capability. The V6 engine produces more power and torque, which makes it easier to climb hills and navigate through rough terrain. The V6 engine also has a lower center of gravity, which makes it less likely to tip over.

Price

The V6 engine in the Tacoma is more expensive than the I4 engine. The price difference between the two engines varies depending on the trim level and options that you choose. However, you can expect to pay at least $1,000 more for the V6 engine.

Which Engine is the Better Choice?

The V6 engine in the Tacoma is the better choice for most buyers. It offers more power, towing and payload capacity, and off-road capability than the I4 engine. The V6 engine is also more fuel-efficient than the I4 engine, so you can save money on gas in the long run. The only real downside to the V6 engine is that it’s more expensive than the I4 engine.

Final Thoughts: Toyota Tacoma V6 vs I4

Ultimately, the best engine for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you need a powerful and capable truck for towing and hauling heavy loads, then the V6 engine is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more fuel-efficient and affordable truck, then the I4 engine is a good option.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which engine has more power, the V6 or the I4?
A: The V6 engine has more power than the I4 engine. The V6 engine produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, while the I4 engine produces 203 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque.

Q: Which engine is more fuel-efficient, the V6 or the I4?
A: The I4 engine is more fuel-efficient than the V6 engine. The I4 engine gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, while the V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which engine has a higher towing capacity, the V6 or the I4?
A: The V6 engine has a higher towing capacity than the I4 engine. The V6 engine has a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds, while the I4 engine has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.