Posted: Apr 09 2016 at 7:27pm | IP Logged

Talltights wrote: I am looking to buy a new truck. Light duty, personal use. Is the 4cyl reliable, is it underpowered even without towing? Can the engine last over 100K mi?

TL,

I had a '93 KC Hardbody with the 2.4,, and it did fine,, but alway's wished that It had a stronger engine.

After driveing it for 20 year's & 176K Mile's it was still running good, but decided it was about time to get a New Truck.

Compared MPG between the 2.5 and the 4.0 Frontier,, and the difference wasn't very much.

The 2.5 is rated to pull about 3500 lbs, and the 4.0 is rated to pull 6500 lbs, so that alone tell's you how much stronger the 4.0 is than the 2.5.

I got a '13 Frontier 4.0 KC, AT, 2wd, and it really has a lot more power than the 2.4 '93.

The Current Frontier's are quiet a bit heavier than the hardbody that I had.  The 2.5 does have more horsepower and rated to pull more than the '93.  You'll just have to go drive both and compare them.

IMO the 4.0 is the way to go, but if MPG matter's to you,, just go real easy on the skinny pedal.  I'm averageing 20.6 MPG in Mixed Driveing with my '13 4.0  .

I've read many post's of the 4.0 going past 300K Miles.  I haven't read anything about the 2.5 haveing problem's either,, and would expect to get about the same out of it,, if it is taken good care of, and not abused.  That goes for the 4.0 as well;  take care of it, and don't abuse it.

Rereading your question, I think you'll be more happy with the 4.0 Frontier.

HTH and Good Luck