So there have been several threads on new/used Tacoma's over the past month and in my quest to replace the Camry and GTI with another truck I took a spin in one...
Truck in question is a 2019 Tacoma TRD Offroad DCSB that had 7 miles. Dealer listed $34K
First we will start off with what everybody hates, the transmission. Truck was warmed up and ready to go when we set off, gently taking off the transmission shifted so fast into what seemed like 4th gear by 25mph. Weird. A quick jab of the throttle at 45 it got confused, but eventually took off. Letting off it went strait for 6th. Rather annoying I say, who knows if it would get better once it learns your driving.
The 3.5 was more than adequate in my opinion. Everybody seems to say the 4.0 is better, I honestly beg to differ. It does have to rev up a decent bit to get moving, so low end torque is lacking. However, this is the EXACT characteristic of the 4.0 in my 2009, have to rev the snot out of it to get it to decently move. The 3.5 felt smoother with a bit more power. The engine bay layout was shockingly the exact same as the second gens.
The interior was top notch to me, but I'm not hard to impress. Everything was laid out well and had a decent amount of technology for the price. Lane assist, front crash avoidance, wireless phone charging, etc. Seats were comfy to me and I actually liked the seating position. There was a little bit too much going on with the steering wheel buttons, maybe once I got used to it, it would be ok. Front leg room was decent, but I'm only 5'8". If you're any taller the rear passengers will be cramped.
Handling was light years above my '09, but that's to be expected as my truck is approaching 134K and has a lift kit. It rode smooth and soaked up the pot hole ladened road. Cornering was how you expect in a truck, some body roll was expected. Nothing much else to really say about it.
Overall I thought it was a nice truck and even with the goofy transmission programing I would still purchase it. Even though I own a Tacoma I went into it unbiased as I could be. Like I said the transmission was a little bit of a letdown and I don't seem to remember an earlier 3rd gen doing this, but it's been a while. Our Camry behaves the same; trying to get in the upper gears as quick as possible. Might be the reason I don't mind it as much as others. The 5 speed auto in my truck does also act similar (contrary to what people say) as it tries to shift as early as possible. I have to keep it in 4th alot of times so it doesn't bog down.
Truck in question is a 2019 Tacoma TRD Offroad DCSB that had 7 miles. Dealer listed $34K
First we will start off with what everybody hates, the transmission. Truck was warmed up and ready to go when we set off, gently taking off the transmission shifted so fast into what seemed like 4th gear by 25mph. Weird. A quick jab of the throttle at 45 it got confused, but eventually took off. Letting off it went strait for 6th. Rather annoying I say, who knows if it would get better once it learns your driving.
The 3.5 was more than adequate in my opinion. Everybody seems to say the 4.0 is better, I honestly beg to differ. It does have to rev up a decent bit to get moving, so low end torque is lacking. However, this is the EXACT characteristic of the 4.0 in my 2009, have to rev the snot out of it to get it to decently move. The 3.5 felt smoother with a bit more power. The engine bay layout was shockingly the exact same as the second gens.
The interior was top notch to me, but I'm not hard to impress. Everything was laid out well and had a decent amount of technology for the price. Lane assist, front crash avoidance, wireless phone charging, etc. Seats were comfy to me and I actually liked the seating position. There was a little bit too much going on with the steering wheel buttons, maybe once I got used to it, it would be ok. Front leg room was decent, but I'm only 5'8". If you're any taller the rear passengers will be cramped.
Handling was light years above my '09, but that's to be expected as my truck is approaching 134K and has a lift kit. It rode smooth and soaked up the pot hole ladened road. Cornering was how you expect in a truck, some body roll was expected. Nothing much else to really say about it.
Overall I thought it was a nice truck and even with the goofy transmission programing I would still purchase it. Even though I own a Tacoma I went into it unbiased as I could be. Like I said the transmission was a little bit of a letdown and I don't seem to remember an earlier 3rd gen doing this, but it's been a while. Our Camry behaves the same; trying to get in the upper gears as quick as possible. Might be the reason I don't mind it as much as others. The 5 speed auto in my truck does also act similar (contrary to what people say) as it tries to shift as early as possible. I have to keep it in 4th alot of times so it doesn't bog down.