do you feel your lacking in power? looking to get a 3rd gen in addition to my 94. was wondering if i should only select those with v6 only. obviously i want a v6, but is the 4cyl that far behind? any feedback is welcomed.

 

My suggestion would be to test drive both the V-6 and the I-4. I'm not 100% sure, but I think they step up the gears in the 4-bangers to help compensate a little.

 

I test drove a 4cyl 3rd gen 4Runner before I bought my V6 3rd Gen. The 4cyl is surprisingly peppy. I'd avoid if if you plan on towing or do a lot of steep mountain driving, but for general around town driving and moderate offroading, it's plenty strong.

Chris

 

ive got the I4 and personally i really like it. i just regeared to 4.88's for my 32's and ive got more power than i had stock. its pretty fun. personally i think if you have a 5sp with the I4 its not as bad. the smaller(2.7 not that small for a 4 banger) engine adds character

-Casey

 

For a 4 banger, it has guts...bottom end torque...eh, so-so. A 5 speed probably feels stronger than my auto. As mtnbkr sez, for towing and hill climbing, get the 6. I like the fact it has a timing chain and changing plugs on the HEMI head is a breeze. I'm over 90K and it still feels solid...I kept my last 4 banger (Datsun) 20 years...this one's gonna pass it.
butnut

 

ive got the 3rd gen 4banger too w/ 158k miles on it and its nice and peppy. the engine is easy to work on cuz theres a lot of room where a v6 would normally be. the I-4 has as much HP as the year befores V6.good luck with your purchase!

 

ive been driving 4bangers all my life so a 6 is a welcome change. as much as i like my 4, i think ill be looking at hills and towing. im just coming across v6 with high miles as where i can find a 4 with less miles for a compribable price as the high mile v6. thanks again, peace.

 

The 2.7 has more pep than the 3.0 V6. The 3.4 V6 is more spunky.

2.7 is chain driven, 3.0 & 3.4 belt.

 

I test drove both before buying the V6, and was really disappointed with the 4. I was looking specifically for an automatic, so I'm sure the manuals are a bit quicker.