I feel that problem applies to most small trucks. I tested a manual Frontier a few years ago and it was smaller inside than my Corolla. I'd never get a full side because I don't need it. I only wanted something truck like to slide around in the snow and go flying over railroad crossings.
The 4 cylinder turbo is one of the major reasons I bought my 2023 Tacoma 4x4 instead of waiting for the new 2024 model. I like to keep my vehicles for a long time, and turbo engines just don't last compared to NA engines. I'll take proven reliability and longevity over technically that I'll never use, any day of the week.
Really glad I decided to pull the trigger on my '23 SR Access Cab. The V6 runs smooth as silk, and though the transmission isn't perfect, I haven't had any notable issues with the 6 speed automatic. I do not want a truck with a turbo, that was one of the biggest reasons I passed on the Ford Ranger, and frankly I want my pickup to drive like a pickup. LOVE having the option of a bare bones work truck. I don't need or want a bunch of bells and whistles, I need my truck to get me to work and haul 6 to 8 bales of hay every two weeks.
I agree, it also appears that 3.5l and 2.7l are definitely out of the plans for 2024. Just turbo 2.4 and turbo 2.4 hybrid. We'll see if it can prove itself (we are still talking about Toyota after all) but the added complexity and price doesn't appeal to me personally.
One detail I should have mentioned, I said 2GR, but I am specifically referring to the 2GR-FKS. There are several 2GR engines but the FKS is the current one used in the Camry, Highlander (until now), Avalon, and other Lexus products.
@@orion000 Out the door, mine was just under $30K. Not bad for a brand new Taco with V6, tow package, convenience package, rear jump seats, safety tech features, auto climate control, long bed.
Same here man. The Toyota tech at my local dealer when I took my truck in for service stated turbo motors aren’t as reliable won’t last as long and burn oil after some time. He told me to hang on to my 23 tacoma v6. The last of the bullet proof motors. This coming from a Toyota tech
I have a tacoma with an automatic trans. I really want one with a manual transmission, and will buy whatever vehicle offers a manual transmission in the future.
I'm so thankful I insisted on a 6 speed on my '21 Taco. It's a much more enjoyable drive to me, plus with a little patience I can achieve 24mpg, which is pretty darn impressive, although I tend to average 21-22.
Love my 2023 SR V6 4x4... The automatic tranny is a bumbling one but with the ECT switch and positronic shifting there's all sorts of ways to get what you need on the fly. The 4WD system is liquid and the radar cruise control is absolutely awesome. At 6'2" 280 plenty of room for me in the access cab and while its a much bigger truck than the 90's Tacomas it still reminds me a lot of my old 94 4-banger which I absolutely adored. Suspension is nice and stiff and the V6 hauls ass when you floor it.
My brand new 1992 Toyota Extracab V6 3.0L 5spd 4X4 was 150hp. Loved that truck for 14 years. My brand new 2020 TRD Sport DCLB 4X4 AT is a rocket compared to my old truck. Love this truck even more. Overall Toyota never made fast trucks. QDR as first priority is fine with me. I like to get there reliably. I look forward to the 4th gen with a possible T4 and an upgraded hybrid T4. The 3rd gen V6 engine and auto trans is rock solid reliable. Just the programming to meet EPA and MPGs makes for an odd experience.
I bought my 21 being fairly well informed on most of the quirks and dated design of the Tacoma. On the other hand, it’s the most solid rattle free vehicle I’ve owned since an 07 Corolla. I also don’t have a turbo or new tech to worry about, or depreciation like a brick dropping off a 5th story building. I’m good with the power of the V6. The automatic trans does leave a bit to be desired, but I’m not really towing or drag racing. I’m not very heavy footed anymore and see 19-20 mpg in suburban driving. Toyota builds quality trucks. Don’t know if I’ll get the bug for a 24, but I certainly won’t be fighting for a place in line.
I bought a new 2021 Tacoma and my wife a 2022 4runner the following year because I knew the redesign was coming for both models. I'd rather have the proven reliability of these drive trains. Plus I love the way they both look. Not a fan of the new look for the Tundra.
I don't have the smart proxy key on my 2021 Taco SR5 (v6). I enjoy having a key that I can stick into the truck to start. I also opted out of a few other features that are prone to break. I really enjoy my truck.
Lucked out getting one of the last '23 Tacos on the lot SR 2.7/4x4 access cab new at $31K in Feb '24. The '24 equivalent would have been $7-8K more. Love it, does all that i need, proven reliability. Ain't gettin rid of it.
Wish I could spec out an sr5 in manual. On their website you can’t seem to do that. I’d also take a NA over a turbo any day. Yes turbos are cool but I just want the reliability of NA
Honestly I like my 2020 with the v6 & automatic. People say it hunts in older models but my understanding is the programing of shift points was changed in 2019 and that they can reflash older trucks. I came to the Tacoma from a Jeep suv that had rear coil spring suspension. The truck is smooth but bouncy over rough pavement. Not an issue. The change to all disc brakes really would be nice as they are faster to replace for at home mechanics. But with the current trends to go to electric parking brakes I wouldn't want to have that. I like the lever.
I have a 2019 and it used to hunt for gears. If I down-shifted when coasting down hill, the transmission started down-shifting almost every time I took my foot off the accelerator...even when I just wanted to coast. After using the adaptive cruise control for a while, a lot of the hunting disappeared.
@@gregd4391 I recall when mine was brand new it did some hunting and extra downshifting but mostly seemed like after a few thousand miles and some highway trips of 2-3 hours it settled down and adapted to my driving.
Buy the last year of the 3 gen, and wait at least 2 year for Toyota to workout the bugs of the 4 gen Tacoma. There's always issues in the first 2 years of a new generation. From what I've heard there will not be a 6 cylinder option in the new Tacoma.
Love this video, I just did a 3-year update on my 2019 SR5 annnddd there was a good deal of frame rust already, despite the fact that I do my absolute best to clean it and spray rust-resistant coats on the bottom. Still LOVE my truck!
Ah really!? That's unfortunate, I've become friends with a welder in town because of the truck and he recommends fluid film or surface shield, is that what you've been coating it with?
I wish they would've put the new Rav4's 2.5 NA 4cyl in these base model Tacomas. 25% more horsepower and 50% more fuel efficient. Would love that engine in a nice little manual Taco.
I think we’ll see a manual on the next generation. Toyota has been putting manuals in more cars lately. The new Corolla Hatchback comes in manual, there’s a manual option on the new Supra for the first time this year, the GR Corolla is manual only, etc.
This is a valid point, but toyota seems to advertise those, the y don't even mention it in this which makes me think they are trying to phase it out. I sincerely hope I am wrong
@@Realistick I hope so too. I tried to get a 6-speed TRD Sport for about 6 months. The local dealers weren’t able to get one for a long time, and then when they finally did a couple months ago, they were marked up by $11k over MSRP. I pretty much resigned myself to waiting until the next year or two to make my truck purchase because I can’t see spending almost $50k on a Tacoma. I’d be pretty pissed if I completely missed the opportunity to own one due to stealership price gouging.
The current 3rd gen with the exception of the 3.5 V6 and 6 speed auto is definitively built upon an old set of bones. I also will speculate that 2023 will be the last year to purchase new Tacoma with a manual transmission. It's only way that I'd purchase one with the 3.5 V6 with its less than impressive low rpm torque curve. With a manual in skillful hands, the driver can keep the engine revs in the upper end of the torque curve when need be for climbing or cornering. The current 6 speed auto will definitely hunt between gears when in the hills. On a side note: I just sold a seven year old Tacoma Access Cab with the 2.7 four cylinder and 5 speed manual for what I had paid with tax along with dealer fees when it was brand new at the dealer in 2015. I replaced the Taco with a seventeen year old 2005 Tundra Access Cab with a 4.7 V8 mated to a 5 speed auto. Unlike my previous 2.7 four cylinder, the small block V8 seems to handle my recently purchased lightweight slide-in pop up camper without breaking a sweat. Size wise, the first gen Tundra is almost the same size and footprint of a second gen Tacoma. Payload capacity on the 1 gen Tundra is only 1574 lbs, but its better than a Tacoma 4x4. A bit of a rant concerning the older Toyota V8: It is yet another engine with Lexus beginnings, but Toyota some how managed to tune it so that even at a leisurely 1500 to1800 rpm there is at least couple of hundred ft/lbs of torque are available when the accelerator pedal is floored. At 3,200 rpm the torque curve plateaus at 325 ft/lbs and will maintain peak torque until 4K rpm. Gasoline consumption while performing under such a heavy footed manner definitely is not the engine's strong suit, but I really do love the way it is able to propel the truck up a mountain pass at a respectable freeway speed, if need be.
I snagged a 2022 TRD Off-Road with the manual because I’m guessing they’re dropping the stick for the next gen. I had a 2018 before and there are noticeable improvements in tuning. I think they’ve ironed everything out. As for the V6, spend $150 on a throttle controller and it feels waaaaaay better. For some reason Toyota made the throttle in the Taco absolutely fight you.
i got a 22 OR manual as well in the event they dropped the stick for a redesigned 2023 model. since they didnt redesign it for 2023, ill be trading mine on an identical 2023 stick next year.
I recently rented a new tacoma and never saw anything lagging in the transmission shifting. I am sure i could go at least 100 MPH in it , if i desired. It was a off rd model 4wd and had too stiff a ride. V6 was all the power i would ever need.
I have a 2002 Tacoma Prerunner, 2.7 four cylinder with 150k miles and a 1998 4runner with the same engine with 205k miles. Both run like a Swiss watch! I don't think I'll be switching any time soon....
I've had my Tacoma SR access cab with the 2.7L for two weeks now and really like it, but I'm considering trading it in for a better equipped SR5 model since this had the Utility delete option. I definitely DO NOT want a four cylinder with a turbo, since simplicity is my goal and this truck is probably the last one existing that meets that criteria. But no matter what I decide I will be buying a Sprint Booster to improve the sluggish throttle response.
@@machyne82 Actually I don't want the jump seats, but just a few more of the amenities available on the SR5. I'm not really sure if I will trade it, and today my running boards came for it.
I bought the rear seat delete option also. I made a platform out of 2X4's and plywood. I glued rubber cushions on the flatform. It makes a great level spot for groceries or my dog. It removes easily to access the two storage compartments. As for the sluggish 4 cylinder, the sprint booster took care of that problem 100%. I also did many mods to make it my own. You can have fun doing the same. :-)
@@JR-vi4rl That's a great idea making the platform. Just got my running boards installed and they are very nice. It's looking like I will hang onto this SR, at least for awhile. And I'm looking forward to getting a Sprint Booster for mine.
I know 2 dealers that will in my region, but it can be hard as hell depending on your location. Beck Toyota and Ed Martin Toyota were selling at msrp in my region, if you're in Indiana, maybe give them a call. I mention that kind of stuff more so in full reviews, but yeah, important right now.
It's definitely the way I would go with a 4 cylinder too, but I am a little biased since I have a 4 cylinder 5 speed as well. To be fair, the 4 banger in this large of a truck (since they got rid of the 5 lug & regular cab trucks) appeals best to work truck customers. I feel like manuals are now more popular with people like me that aren't buying their trucks for commercial or business use. So it was probably just too unpopular to justify with epa regulations and such.
@@Realistick my assumption is they figure the people working for plumbers and HVAC coming in are not familiar with Manual? So, just save on building costs.To me, the simplicity and reliability, better mpg (if you are skilled at getting the best mpg from a manual), cheaper price of entry.. these are huge selling points
I finally drove a 2.7 4cyl and i dont really see the difference other then going uphill it wasnt the best but other then that it drove very similar to v6
It is torquey for what it is, and works around town for me and on the highway, but after living with it, I learned to leave myself extra time to pull out or else I have to really push the truck which can be annoying. Same thing with passing, it takes some time. I wouldn't say it makes the v6 seem like overkill, but I do also believe the i4 is more overlooked than it should be.
@@Realistick It's also cast iron, port-injected (or not direct-injected), and rebuildable. The V6 is none of those. The i4 gets about the same gas mileage because it's a far simpler engine that will outlast everything else! I enjoy the towing capability of the V6 but would seriously have considered the 4-cylinder and MT combo, had it been available.
@@jmccoppen Correct. It uses port injection below about 3,000 rpm. What I meant by my previous comment was that the 2.7 liter engine lacks the added complexity of DI, being port-injected only.
My number one item for my new truck was a manual transmission. Only the Tacoma and Gladiator were available. Hit it lucky as my local dealer had one coming in within a month. Had to settle on the color, but love my Taco.
V6 turbos Ware the engine out sooner. Love the truck ,mine I’m waiting for 2024 or 2025 can’t wait to see what they offer than. Thanks man have a good-1
Aside from the rearview mirror height, there's very little I'd change with the Tacoma, and I wish the V6+6MT combo would stick around. Indeed, only 5% of Tacomas are manual because dealers don't stock them. When I see a manual in inventory, it's been special ordered OR it disappears immediately. Mine was 6 months wait. The 3.5 V6 has grunt IF you feed it 91 octane and have a transmission that lets you access it. The torque/hp ratings are at high rpm where the octane matters less, so they rate it on 87 octane to improve sales. But the ECU pulls timing, bogs, and cuts power below 3000 rpm on regular. 91 octane and a manual is night-and-day better. The industry is awash with boring, buzzy, overworked turbo fours. I enjoy the V6 every day despite its quirks, especially since I stopped cheaping out on the fuel. I've been driving less these days, however, knowing that it will be irreplaceable if someone totals it. I'd put up with a turbo 4 and 20-speed automatic, but I wouldn't enjoy it. At that point, might as well go cheap/used. The over-emphasis on fuel economy is only because of regulations and because it's a number to compete on, like when radio manufacturers used to compete based on the number of transistors.
Tacoma modification availability certainty a plus for the third gen Tacoma. There are tons of videos on Tacoma mods. Normally aspirated engines last longer than turbocharged engines period. The ride of the Tacoma is trucky. But then it’s a truck. You want it to do truck things like tow and haul. A stiffer suspension makes this easier to do. I have a TRD sport 2wd that I tow a small travel trailer with. You certainly don’t want a mushy suspension for that. Contributing to the drive ability quirks of the Tacoma is the Atkinson cycle engine. In Atkinson cycle the intake valves are open for the first part of the compression cycle sending fuel air mixture back to the intake manifold. This is great for fuel economy but not great for power. When there’s a larger power demand the cam actuator puts the engine back in Otto cycle which gives the engine more power. You can feel it when it happens. It’s almost like a turbo lag. Because of this engine design I get around the EPA fuel economy rating pretty consistently. If I have to choose between bells and whistles and reliability and longevity, I’ll take the latter!
I have an '07 tacoma 4.0l v6 that is still running great. And bought a new 2022 tacoma because the truck fits me perfectly and I really don't want their new 4 cylinder hybrid supercharged whatever junk that will break just like the new Tundra. The current v6 3.5l isn't great but it's tried and true like you said. And simple, pretty easy to work on. I'll never buy a truck with a auto start stop thing, that drives me insane and increases wear and tear on the engine. Current engineers are horrible, destroying tried and true technology and making everything garbage.
I am glad I bought my 2019 Tacoma before the turbos are put in. Every manufacture has issues with the turbos. The engines in turbos burn hotter and put more pressure on the engine. Not to mention the huge cost to fix them when they break. I will stick with my asperated engine. Its a proven technology.
Not every manufacturer has problems with them, and that’s no problem if the engine is overbuilt for the pressure. Though i do understand where you’re coming from and I’d personally prefer the more proven engine too. Hopefully the new engine can prove itself.
I actually wouldn't mind seeing the current 3.5V6 with the new 10 speed They're talking about using with the 2.4 turbo. I went with the manual transmission for my 19 Tacoma, but would've gladly gotten an automatic that was better paired with this engine. Doubt we'll see that, but would really like the current V6 to be a base engine at least.
@Realistick hey real world fuel economy WAAAYYY BETTER on my 2020 4cyl vs. 2022 V6, maybe it is the way V6 sounds keeps us revving higher, just wanted to say the window sticker closer to real world city/highway on the 4cyl auto vs. v6. the V6 auto...the auto (programming) has gotten smarter over the years, the six is more likely to induce engine braking after hitting brakes on 22 OR, it figures you need engine braking, whereas the 4cyl doesn't, perhaps explaining the wide variance in MPG... 5 MPG difference in real world...
in addition... both engines get "broken in" and mileage is actually better than what is calculated on your dash, thankfully, they are conservative, but also if you plan on keeping it, for God's sake don't wait until 10K miles for first oil change!!!
I'm thinking of ordering a new 2023 before they turn the Tacoma into another Ranger with all of the B.S. associated with these new powertrain layouts. But when I read some of the online reports of how long it is taking some people to get their trucks, I'm skeptical as to whether it would ever actually wind up being built.
@@flyingbison I did some checking around since my original post. Some dealers are saying Toyota won't take a build order. Others are saying they can, but they have to put it in and wait for Toyota to confirm it against their allocation. I was told "probably" 4-6 months IF they confirm it. If you want something with a 6 foot bed, the only things in the existing pipeline are the SR 4 cylinders with the utility package, or a TRD quad cab for $46,000. Nothing in the way of an access cab SR5 with the V-6. Everything in the pipeline is this nonsensical 5 foot bed stuff. I put a deposit on a SR access cab utility package. My fear in ordering a build, even if it was confirmed, would be that by the time they get to it they will be into 2024 with the makeover and they'll hand the order back. Nobody has said that but the way things are right now, I don't really want to take the chance.
Had Taco's since 1st gen '1 Ton'. They lost me at the size change. The smaller size along with incredible durability made them legendary. Mid-sized Tacoma has been just a mid-pack, 'me too' vehicle. Loved my FJ. But, it won't tow crap. Tundra 5.7 'flex-fuel' brought my 38 year Toyota ownership string to a terrible end. Great management?!?!
I just purchased a manual transmission Toyota Tacoma TRD off-road, from Andy Mohr. I'm coming from a 2006 Jeep TJ. I expect this to be nothing short of the Starship Enterprise.
There are two segments with an uphill battle. Those who like a manual, and those who prefer the access cab. The upgrade options are sad on the access cab.
People who buy a base tacoma want simple and affordable and want it to last 250k miles- so incomes a turbo model- how long will the turbo last before it falls apart and that 2-3 k repair makes your tacoma not such a deal- toyota needs to keep to reliability roots- you can buy a lot of gas for 2-3 k?
I would rather have the naturally aspirated hybrid system out of the Avalon and Camry than a hybrid with a turbocharged engine. I am looking for significantly improved gas milage not increased power.
Maybe those are what matter to you the most. The tacoma has the most consistent name in the class right now, just like the f series trucks have been the best selling in America despite them not being the best trucks every year. The tacoma is no different, that's not a valid reason to stop innovating. I just hope they don't screw it up!
@@Realistick those are what matter to toyota the most too, obviously. Their reputation is based on reliability. and just because they don't add 36 inch infotainment centers and tampon dispensers to all their models doesn't mean they're aren't innovating. They tend to innovate where it matters, at least more so than most other manufacturers
@@Doomzdayxx I own a tacoma myself and I bought it for its reliability and practicality with the 6ft bed, that doesn't mean they shouldn't improve its handling, comfort, ergonomics, gas mileage, etc. That's what I mean by innovation. If they can redesign it, keep a manual, and there aren't a bunch of problems immediately, I will upgrade.
@@Realistick you say that you bought yours for practicality, yet you want improvements in handling, comfort and ergonomics? Dude, it's a truck, not a luxary sedan. As for gas mileage, yes, improved gas mileage would be nice, especially with the prices these days (Thanks Joe!). There will be drawbacks to getting better gas mileage though. Most likely in reliability (turbo engines, hybrids). Then there's the inevitability of Tacomas going electric, which for the foreseeable future will not be as flexible as gas engines. Our infrastructure isn't there yet. not even close. in some cases though, electrics are a great option.
@@Doomzdayxx Just because it's a truck, doest mean it has to be a pain in the ass. Achieving better gas mileage could come from better aero, more aluminum, etc. Not just turbos and electrification. Full size fords and Rams are your proof. Those trucks are also better handling and more comfortable. As are much of the tacomas class too. It's not reliability OR competence, you can have both, so long as they don't go too far chasing mpgs.
V6 over turbo powered 4 cylinder all day. More crap to break. Why mess with something that works and is proven to last. Manual > automatic, hope they dont get rid of the manual tranny. Wish they offered the manual in the SR5 trim.
That's another big one to mention, but you still can get a 6 foot bed in a manual, you just have to get the trd sport access cab instead. To be fair, 6 foot bed crew cabs are kind of rare with ATs too.
great video all good points. 🏆✅ i believe the wastegate issue has been addressed by Toyota, however it's a shame that owners are having to deal with taking their brand new trucks back to the dealership for repairs. (always a good idea to wait 6 to 12 months before purchasing a brand new redesign.)
Thank you, I haven't read anything on a fix yet other than replacement! I'll look into that more, I've just heard that Toyota knows it's a consistent problem and is being fixed under warranty.
@@Realistick oh sorry you're probably right about that. I should have said Toyota is _aware_ of the issue and likely working on a permanent fix and will issue an updated part. i don't know.
@@Realistick I would love them to keep the 3.5, I hope if they don’t do that they at the very least keep the 2.7. I just doubt with the extra wear turbos put on engines that even Toyota can make a turbocharged engine last anywhere close to as long as a NA engine.
@@Hensleytheultimatehoundsman That's because some other brands have tainted the reputation of turbo engines. There are some engines out there from even German makes that have trusty turbos, and while it's not apples to apples, many many turbodiesels are incredibly reliable. In the end, there is more to fail but they can last as long. The manufacturer just has to do better engineering and testing for a turbo motor.
Who told you that? Toyota reports the manual has the same tow rating if you compare it to the automatic TRD 4x4 models. It's like 6000 or 6400 or something. The v6 is quite the solid engine though, I definitely agree there, even if I'm not a huge fan of it's power delivery.
@@Realistick You are right - on the TRD model manual - all others are lower tow ratings with the manual. Talked to the dealer today. All the best to you.
Had a 2017 taco trd off road with electrical issues, CEL, leak around third brake light area , water stain headliner caused by leak. Got rid off 2017 for 2018 Taco trd pro. Premature frame rusting, water leak third brake light area, water stain headliner caused by leak (dealer won't fix)....and transmission slipping with only 5000 mi and a host of other things. Gor rid off the Taco for a 2017 4Runner TRD off road with zero issues . 4runner now has 50k mi. Suffice to say I'm done with Tacomas for good.
Are they really going to sell the 2tR-FE powered Tacoma again for 2023? That's awesome if true. It's so reliable but very old technology which I love. I bought a 2022 Tacoma with the 2TR-FE thinking it may be the last ones ever made.
It's still around for 23, but I don't see a reality where it makes it to 24. Probably the last workhorse engine Toyota will put in a US product. I've definitely regretted not getting the V6 but I really appreciate how cheap it is to run and fix, just not super great for heavier 4wd models with a camper shell like mine.
I have had multiple Honda civics the SI models back in the day with a K20 & k24 I've also driven the newer civics with the turbo hatchback 1.5 with the CVT & 2019 SI 6-speed manual & a 2020 Accord 2.0 t touring & now I have the 22 Tacoma 6-speed manual 4x4 off-road & yes after going with turbo for years & all motor for years prior, I'm definitely more happy with "all motor" I would NOT buy the Tacoma if it has a 2.4L turbo if i could help it 🤷 That's why I was in a hurry to get the 22 because I figured for 23 they would switch it but oh well my 🚛💨 has been refined since 2016 I think all the bugs are worked out it drives great I only have 1,200 mi on it so far & I've already done 1 🛢️ change at 545 mi lol 💪💯👍👍
I'd be all over that, so long as they have it hooked up to something with actual gears. It would probably be more pricey than the 2.7 but a great option for people using it as a city work truck.
Proven v6. Everything turbo’d or supercharged shits out around 100k. Look at the ford eco boost. Most have turbo issues around 100k and costs thousands to fix. F that.
The v6 is proven and it is less to go wrong. But there are reliable and proven turbo engines, there are also plenty of bad ones, but numerous ones exceed 100k with no problem. Including the 2.3 ecoboost.
Yeah I hope they keep it but I know they won't that's why I got a 2022 4Runner TRD off-road premium I wanted a new old school truck with Proven reliability
