Test rode a '16 TRD Sport tonight... loved it... but...

Ok, Toyota in Tracy, CA has 2 TRD Sports 4x2 DCLB and DCSB in grey and red in stock (both AT). i test drove one on the side roads and highway... I have never owned a tacoma (or any truck). I've driven a Nissan Xterra SE since 2005. My family has a 2010 4runner V6 and a Lexus RX350, which I drive often. (I mention these vehicles because they both have about 270 HP engines). Full disclosure, I really really want to love this truck.

My initial thoughts, Positives:

+ I know it's subjective, but the truck looks badass. It looks BETTER in person.
+ The cabin feels and looks refined. things are where you instinctively expect them to be
+ The Sport model actually had a sunroof
+ handling was very nice. took corners with confidence, and handled road bumps well
+ acceleration and power felt nice at highway speeds

Now the Negatives... and these really irritate me.

- This engine feels and sounds like a 4 cylinder. I was very underwhelmed. I actually double verified that it was a V6 and not a 4cyl. My 10 year old Xterra engine feels like it has much more power (doesn't sound like it's working hard). the Tacoma does not sound at ease when accelerating at lower speeds. There is no push off the line. Granted it's a truck, not a sports car. But my Xterra and the RX350 (with similar Hp) have much more take off power and shift much smoother in lower gears.

- More on the engine... when letting go of the gas pedal it has an unexpected lag in motor revving, which you can hear and feel. I don't know how to technically explain it, but after accelerating hard and letting go (not necessarily hitting brakes, just coasting) I can hear the revving of the engine for much longer then I expected. [edit... several ppl have suggested that this is "engine braking". I had no idea what this was, looked it up, and yes it fits what I felt. this is surprising to me, I have never felt this before in the other vehicles I mention in my post. The prominent sounds of engining braking further makes me feel like the engine is really, really working hard.]

- The back seats on the double cab have low ceiling clearance. My 5-10 father's head had less than a quarter inch clearance. Going over a bump would certainly hit his head on the ceiling.

- The model I drove had the upgraded JBL sound system... it's weak as hell. Hardly impressive sound, and absolutely not an upgrade I would consider.

Ok, this is my first post... just wanted to share my experience and hopefully hear what others think. I'm especially interested to read what others think of this brand new engine that, IMHO, is ok on paper but less appealing in person. Both my father and I gave the truck a thumbs up, but am surprised the the V6 engine has to work so hard, especially compared to our other trucks with similar spec'd engines.

 

Auto

 

How was the shifting in the new 6 speed tranny? Any hunting for gears?

 

Did you get a chance to try the "sport mode" where you can shift gears and such?

 

great question... I honestly don't know how to answer your question, given I've raised the concern about the "lagging revving" of the engine after a hard acceleration. I am not technical enough to know if that is an engine issue or tranny issue. sorry.

 

What do you expect it's a car engine in a truck we put them in Lexus's built on same line as the Camry.

 

"engine braking"... no idea what that is... i'll look it up.

the interior space is fine... it's the low head clearance in the back seats that surprised me.

The JBL system is crap. Useless upgrade.

 

Thanks, I'll keep driving my 2010

 

no sorry. didn't think to try that.

 

Close enough.

 

I expected it to be better than my 10 year old Xterra engine that has very similar HP and MPGs.

 

This is why you don't buy the first model of the first year! I can't wait to test drive one and see what you're talking about. Cause that sucks. Toyota should have never changed the 4.0L

 

Hmmm interesting take. Can't say I'm surprised about the JBL but am disappointed. I want to drive one to get a feel for the powertrain, I was expecting better than what your thoughts reflect.

 

Should have put a4.6 in it with fuel injection

 

I hear yeah and that is certainly conventional logic.... I was just hoping and trusting that Toyota would do better. Read so much hype about the all new engine. When the specs came out, I was happy to see more HP, but the rest was ok. I had hope in that actual test drive would win me over. I don't mean to suggest that the engine is deal breaker, because I'll prob still end up getting one.... it's just that the engine is a really a head scratcher.

 

Exactly! If Nissan can put a v8 in a frontier why can't toyota

 

Idk just want we was talking about at work we thought they would go for a 4.6 liter in it with fuel injection probably the same mpg.

 

Got it, thanks.

 

This. And Toyota did put a supercharged 3UR in a one off Tacoma built for a drag strip so it can be done.

 

shocking. it's THE SAME TRUCK as a 2nd gen with a new face and ass, and a new car powertrain. i love what you do for me toyotaaaa.