Yup, the 22RE is probably a more reliable and less costly engine to maintain than the 3.0 but if the timing chain guide breaks, getting all those pieces out of the oil pan is a PITA! I would take the 2.7 or 3.4 easily over the 22RE or 3.0 any day. As for best design, yes, the 22RE is less complicated and a better head design than the 3.0. But I've towed a 1000 lb boat with a stock 22RE in a standard cab 93 4x4 and it was a bad experience trying to get up to the speed limit. Thank god most of the driving was on flat ground. The worst Toyota engine I've had is also the best. When I first got my 87 4Runner turbo it had a cracked turbo housing that made no boost and a broken timing chain guide. I bet the engine wasn't even making 90 hp! The UPS truck could accelerate faster than that truck. But with a new timing chain guide, new turbo with ported housing and manifold, that truck was fast!