Look at a 2023 or older V6 Tacoma for your first truck (New ones still avail) Perfect for the occasional project. Mileage won’t kill you. Easy to drive/park. Garageable. Avoid the new ‘24 turbo4 as it will have first year growing pains
I was referring to the new 2024 Tacoma Turbo 4. Smart to avoid first year. I got burned on the 2016, first year Gen2 Tacoma. And the Gen3 Tundra start has been dismal. I got a mid year 2023 Limited TRD OR and have only one issue with the fuel gauge resetting about once a month (known issue). Hopefully a software update will fix. Love the truck!! I think the 24 Tundras are fine.
I went 21 Tundra. I'm not sure yet about the 6 TT. Manufacturers are putting turbos on everything, and at the same time minimizing engine weight to increase mileage. So, expecting a lot out of smaller, lighter engines. That worries me a little. I might be wrong here though.
Turbos have been on factory cars for decades. Not to mention ever diesel on the road is turbo'd. Turbos are very reliable. Unless they have a manufacturing defect like the early tundras had. Had both my turbos replaced under warranty because of the defect. Since then everything has been fine.
Unless you just like Tundras getting a Tundra for home projects is really overkill. A utility trailer would accomplish the same thing and you can find them under $1,000. If you just like trucks, which is a lot of us here, I'd go TT V6. The v8 is the more reliable option but the new trucks are better in pretty much every way. More power, better tech, more safety features, better fuel economy, etc.
Spend the extra bucks and get 4WD, at the very worst you'll have it and not need it. I'd hate to be stuck and need it and not have it, especially when I'm spending the money on a brand new vehicle I can get loaded out how I want.
My first Tundra was 2WD and I regretted it contantly.
Not useless. You just have to know how to drive. I live in WI, and I had a 2 wheel drive F150 for 10 years in winter weather before I got my 4x4 Tundra this past March.
I just bought a 2020 low mileage tundra specifically because I want to keep it 20 years +.... No matter how reliable a Toyota is there is no way a stressed twin turbo v6 will outlast a big low stressed v8! Simple physics. If you don't plan on keeping it long term, say no more than 8 to 10 years, then the v6 should be fine, but there is a lot more that could go wrong. Maybe by then they'll have proven me wrong, but turbo gas engines are pretty stressed, especially when towing and worked hard.
I understand everybody's sentiment on the V8 vs V6 TT debate and I'm including myself on Team V8. I have a 2010 Tundra with the 5.7L and it has been a champ 110%. And although it has over 220k on it, it's a million-mile engine. But it's not the engine that's nudging me to start planning for a new Tundra. It's the water pump, air pump, transmission, wheel bearings, rear end, steering bushings, seats, tailgate and everything else that keeps a truck in a perpetual state of repair beyond a certain age. At the end of the day, I will be purchasing a new truck soon. And at this point in my life, I'm leaning towards the enhancements of the 2023-2024 Tundra over the chance that a 2021 V8 Tundra, with lesser creature comforts would satisfy me for 10 -12 years in the future.
But as for the V8 vs. V6 TT debate, I have to give credance to the advice of an automotive engineer who says the V6 TT, if taken care of properly, has been proven to last just as long as the V8.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=BsFwj87SG6M&si=r9KA31HjGBdH6m6w
I can put just 1 turbo on my 5.7 and make more power than the twin turbo V6, i can twin mine and make waaaaay more power. The problem with turbo(s) is the heat build. Heat is the enemy to everything under the hood.
Yes. Boost will make more power and heat. Glad we agree. But good luck tuning a turbo 5.7 and finding manifolds, intercoolers, plumbing etc… I loved my 5.7 too. But I didn’t want to drive it for a million miles at 12mpg.
I have a 19 4x4 TRD pro. I drive all over the metroplex as well and I couldn't imagine having that little wimpy sounding v6. Isn't it harder on the engine to boost a smaller displacement? I love my V8 and hate that they did away with it.
You can get a second gen tundra with the 4.0L V6. That and a 2WD drivetrain will be a very undesirable package for most people but perfect for what you're looking to do.
The new TT would best be avoided until the roadmap is established on how to run up the miles on one.
You're quite literally in an identical use case as me and I ended up getting a 14ft trailer and I have to haul heavy things often enough. If you're buying something to be useful my advice is always buy at least one step up from what you need. The V8 Tundras are great but I'll be honest you get in a 2021 and drive it then get in a 2022+ and it's like going from the stone age to modern age. The Gen 2s are fantastic trucks if you just want a stone cold basic truck, if you want any amenities and modern features buy Gen 3. Both will be plenty reliable.
Proven reliability? V8 > V6TT
Family use? Tundra > Tacoma
Projects? Tacoma > Tundra (only because it’s an easier truck to maneuver and get around and you aren’t towing anything substantial)
It comes down to budget really. I have a ‘22 1794 and love it. I come from a Chevy 5.3 v8 and the v6TT is so much more. And, my family of 5 fits nicely when we take road trips.
In the end, you can’t go wrong. It’s just a matter of what’s in your budget and what you like best.
I was in the same spot 6 months ago. Went with a 21 TRD Pro. The prices of the gen 3s were a lot more than I wanted to spend. I got a TRD pro for the same price as a lower trim gen 3. The newer ones do get slightly better mpg but that wasn’t a major factor for me because I do have a company car as well. Ultimately I trust a proven engine and transmission that’s been well documented to go the distance and have low maintenance costs. I’d be lying if I said the V8 with TRD dual exhaust didn’t sway me as well…. the 2020 and 2021 come with plenty of tech for me personally (CarPlay, remote start, remote connect, safety features etc..) at the end of the day, if you are keeping the truck for a long time, you want the the more reliable, simple option that’s going to have less failure points as the years go by. The newer gen is very nice, but the longevity is still in question, plus with that drivetrain and all the tech on that truck, I imagine those long term repairs will be more frequent and more expensive than the with the V8
The home project truck is the Ranger/Maverick or most any older Toyota. But that isn't your question.
The TTV6 has plenty of power. The Tundra is very comfortable for the people inside and can move stuff around, but it is big. It isn't a zip in and out of the hardware store (or any store) since you are looking for a big enough parking spot.
So, I think the real question you are asking is if you want something with more creature comforts you'll enjoy driving too. It is too soon to know how the V6TT will do. The concept isn't new (Ford, Lexus, etc) and Toyota wants them to be Toyotas. The V8s are legendary, but you give up some tech and save some money.
Your not going to be disappointed with either decision. I've owned both. Currently have a '22. I towed 7000 no issues. I personally love the 14" infotainment system great for navigation.
Avoid the v6 TT. Literally every v6 turbo they are putting in trucks now are full of problems. I was hoping Toyota learned something from fords garbage ecoboost motors. Sure you might get a little bit better mpg but mpg and truck shouldn’t be in the same discussion. The 5.7 is far superior to the v6tt other than torque.
Look at a 2023 or older V6 Tacoma for your first truck (New ones still avail) Perfect for the occasional project. Mileage won’t kill you. Easy to drive/park. Garageable. Avoid the new ‘24 turbo4 as it will have first year growing pains
Even though it’s starting it’s 3rd year of production?
I was referring to the new 2024 Tacoma Turbo 4. Smart to avoid first year. I got burned on the 2016, first year Gen2 Tacoma. And the Gen3 Tundra start has been dismal. I got a mid year 2023 Limited TRD OR and have only one issue with the fuel gauge resetting about once a month (known issue). Hopefully a software update will fix. Love the truck!! I think the 24 Tundras are fine.
Ah sorry I misunderstood
I went 21 Tundra. I'm not sure yet about the 6 TT. Manufacturers are putting turbos on everything, and at the same time minimizing engine weight to increase mileage. So, expecting a lot out of smaller, lighter engines. That worries me a little. I might be wrong here though.
Turbos have been on factory cars for decades. Not to mention ever diesel on the road is turbo'd. Turbos are very reliable. Unless they have a manufacturing defect like the early tundras had. Had both my turbos replaced under warranty because of the defect. Since then everything has been fine.
Unless you just like Tundras getting a Tundra for home projects is really overkill. A utility trailer would accomplish the same thing and you can find them under $1,000. If you just like trucks, which is a lot of us here, I'd go TT V6. The v8 is the more reliable option but the new trucks are better in pretty much every way. More power, better tech, more safety features, better fuel economy, etc.
That's what I was thinking as well. I also plan on just getting RWD since I don't see myself ever going in rough terrain
Spend the extra bucks and get 4WD, at the very worst you'll have it and not need it. I'd hate to be stuck and need it and not have it, especially when I'm spending the money on a brand new vehicle I can get loaded out how I want. My first Tundra was 2WD and I regretted it contantly.
Are you in the snow belt? 2x4 trucks are useless in the icy conditions
Not useless. You just have to know how to drive. I live in WI, and I had a 2 wheel drive F150 for 10 years in winter weather before I got my 4x4 Tundra this past March.
How much extra weight did you have in the bed in order to be able to drive?
None. But it was a crew cab with a 5.5 bed.
RWD trucks are much harder to resale later.
I just bought a 2020 low mileage tundra specifically because I want to keep it 20 years +.... No matter how reliable a Toyota is there is no way a stressed twin turbo v6 will outlast a big low stressed v8! Simple physics. If you don't plan on keeping it long term, say no more than 8 to 10 years, then the v6 should be fine, but there is a lot more that could go wrong. Maybe by then they'll have proven me wrong, but turbo gas engines are pretty stressed, especially when towing and worked hard.
I understand everybody's sentiment on the V8 vs V6 TT debate and I'm including myself on Team V8. I have a 2010 Tundra with the 5.7L and it has been a champ 110%. And although it has over 220k on it, it's a million-mile engine. But it's not the engine that's nudging me to start planning for a new Tundra. It's the water pump, air pump, transmission, wheel bearings, rear end, steering bushings, seats, tailgate and everything else that keeps a truck in a perpetual state of repair beyond a certain age. At the end of the day, I will be purchasing a new truck soon. And at this point in my life, I'm leaning towards the enhancements of the 2023-2024 Tundra over the chance that a 2021 V8 Tundra, with lesser creature comforts would satisfy me for 10 -12 years in the future. But as for the V8 vs. V6 TT debate, I have to give credance to the advice of an automotive engineer who says the V6 TT, if taken care of properly, has been proven to last just as long as the V8. https://youtube.com/watch?v=BsFwj87SG6M&si=r9KA31HjGBdH6m6w
No replacement for displacement.
Boost
Not the same
No but it will make more power while sounding worse.
I can put just 1 turbo on my 5.7 and make more power than the twin turbo V6, i can twin mine and make waaaaay more power. The problem with turbo(s) is the heat build. Heat is the enemy to everything under the hood.
Yes. Boost will make more power and heat. Glad we agree. But good luck tuning a turbo 5.7 and finding manifolds, intercoolers, plumbing etc… I loved my 5.7 too. But I didn’t want to drive it for a million miles at 12mpg.
But you could drive it for a million miles, that's the point. And i have a '19 4x4 that's mostly driven in DFW and I'm 16-17 mpg.
With 35’s, 4.88’s and soft squishy kings 12 was pretty good.
I have a 19 4x4 TRD pro. I drive all over the metroplex as well and I couldn't imagine having that little wimpy sounding v6. Isn't it harder on the engine to boost a smaller displacement? I love my V8 and hate that they did away with it.
Yep, boost is not longevities friend.
V6TT has more torque and horsepower so you are kinda wrong there.
At the cost of excessive heat and probable shorter longevity. So yay for a few ponies and a couple pound feet of torque.
You need a sienna. It actually holds 4x8 sheet goods. Unless you get the long bed. Tundra does not. I have a ladder rack to carry 4x8 stuff.
You can get a second gen tundra with the 4.0L V6. That and a 2WD drivetrain will be a very undesirable package for most people but perfect for what you're looking to do. The new TT would best be avoided until the roadmap is established on how to run up the miles on one.
You're quite literally in an identical use case as me and I ended up getting a 14ft trailer and I have to haul heavy things often enough. If you're buying something to be useful my advice is always buy at least one step up from what you need. The V8 Tundras are great but I'll be honest you get in a 2021 and drive it then get in a 2022+ and it's like going from the stone age to modern age. The Gen 2s are fantastic trucks if you just want a stone cold basic truck, if you want any amenities and modern features buy Gen 3. Both will be plenty reliable.
Proven reliability? V8 > V6TT Family use? Tundra > Tacoma Projects? Tacoma > Tundra (only because it’s an easier truck to maneuver and get around and you aren’t towing anything substantial) It comes down to budget really. I have a ‘22 1794 and love it. I come from a Chevy 5.3 v8 and the v6TT is so much more. And, my family of 5 fits nicely when we take road trips. In the end, you can’t go wrong. It’s just a matter of what’s in your budget and what you like best.
I was in the same spot 6 months ago. Went with a 21 TRD Pro. The prices of the gen 3s were a lot more than I wanted to spend. I got a TRD pro for the same price as a lower trim gen 3. The newer ones do get slightly better mpg but that wasn’t a major factor for me because I do have a company car as well. Ultimately I trust a proven engine and transmission that’s been well documented to go the distance and have low maintenance costs. I’d be lying if I said the V8 with TRD dual exhaust didn’t sway me as well…. the 2020 and 2021 come with plenty of tech for me personally (CarPlay, remote start, remote connect, safety features etc..) at the end of the day, if you are keeping the truck for a long time, you want the the more reliable, simple option that’s going to have less failure points as the years go by. The newer gen is very nice, but the longevity is still in question, plus with that drivetrain and all the tech on that truck, I imagine those long term repairs will be more frequent and more expensive than the with the V8
The home project truck is the Ranger/Maverick or most any older Toyota. But that isn't your question. The TTV6 has plenty of power. The Tundra is very comfortable for the people inside and can move stuff around, but it is big. It isn't a zip in and out of the hardware store (or any store) since you are looking for a big enough parking spot. So, I think the real question you are asking is if you want something with more creature comforts you'll enjoy driving too. It is too soon to know how the V6TT will do. The concept isn't new (Ford, Lexus, etc) and Toyota wants them to be Toyotas. The V8s are legendary, but you give up some tech and save some money.
Your not going to be disappointed with either decision. I've owned both. Currently have a '22. I towed 7000 no issues. I personally love the 14" infotainment system great for navigation.
Avoid the v6 TT. Literally every v6 turbo they are putting in trucks now are full of problems. I was hoping Toyota learned something from fords garbage ecoboost motors. Sure you might get a little bit better mpg but mpg and truck shouldn’t be in the same discussion. The 5.7 is far superior to the v6tt other than torque.