Tested a 2016...My $.02.

STFU BlueT

 

I think the black pillar is just paint. It looks like the uptick in the windows is slightly different on the gen 3.

 

I am a couple years out from a new truck. Hopefully the new Tundra, new Frontier, new Jeep truck, and new Ranger will be on the market then. I need a nimble daily driver that can occasionally tow my 3,000 lb camper. Not a giant behemoth daily driver that will only be asked to tow on a few occasions per year. Compromises either way I suppose.

 

Personally have no plans to tow anything. And as for the cost, I look at all factors, including style, resale value, size, practicality, mph. Not just if my truck will feel like a race car, and go from 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds. Or if it will tow a small nation. I look for something that I think looks good, will haul a few things home from home depot, and will be reliable. Now reliability is going off past experiences with toyota. Cause nobody knows how reliable this new model will be.
So if you feel the need to tow a semi-trailer, or if you feel like every green light is a NASCAR starting flag, then no this truck is probably not for you. Take your toys and go play somewhere else. For the rest of us we are going to continue to enjoy the gutless pig of a truck that Toyota made, not sit around bitching about it.

 

This is the most I will ever tow here. My gen 1 does ok on flat roads some more power would be nice. I'd hardly call this "heavy duty" towing, but I realize a V8 would be better to pull it. I just don't want a V8 for 99% of time I am not pulling a trailer.

 

What does that trailer weigh?

 

Thats why If I was you I would keep your 2002 truck. I gave up my 1gen and it was mistake. I have to drive to NYC from time to time or MA. Parkign DCLB in there is crap shoot, vs my 1gen was the size of normal car. Parking Fullsize in any of those locations will be impossible.
Keep 2002 as long as you can. You are better off.

 

Casita says it has a dry weight of 2500 lbs. So, probably closer to 3,000 lbs all loaded up. Fiberglass body, so it's pretty light.

 

That's awesome. Sweet lookin' rig!

 

Thanks. Bought it because it was the right size. Gets me away from the crowds because it is nimble enough for tighter Forest Service roads. Indoor/outdoor shower for my mountain biking trips and everything I need inside.

 

Still ugly.

 

OP, thanks for the review. I think you and I are saying similar things about the in-traffic stop/go throttle response. I described it a little differently here in my review: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/trd-sport-4x4-test-drive-impression.392452/

I do think once you tell this truck lets go, that it has plenty of go but if you are gentle on the accelerator it is initially underwhelming. Drive it for real and you are good to go.

 

Yep. Seems to be consensus. I have heard people talking about the computer learning your driving style? What is all that about?

 

Dude to tow your Land Cruiser on a trailer, you at least need a 1/2 ton.. Why even the thought of using a mid size for such a task is just asinine. Why would they build a midsize if there are a multitude of full size trucks available for that purpose? To come here and dog a vehicle for not doing what it was never initially intended to do is just absurd..

Kind of like the "40K for a midsize when you can get a full size" argument.. News flash!!! Not everyone uses trucks in the same manner and not all trucks are built for the same job.. I've never known anyone who found it "easy" to drop 40 grand on anything, but I see more folks driving full size trucks as daily drivers than I do midsize.. That to me is crazy! I bet more than 50% of ppl with a full size rarely use their trucks the way they were meant to be used.. But then it's not my money so why dog them for it.

And not trying to argue, just stating an opinion like yourself..

 

I'm a little confused. I've been reading the various impressions of the new engine and six speed. Is it a thumbs up for towing light loads? My heaviest load is a 12" trailer and a couple of ATV's (pictured). My 2013 Prerunner does fine but the added power of the new V6 is interesting to me. Will I even notice a difference? Not sure I am going to make a change but I do like the idea of having a moon roof, new tech, quieter ride, etc.

 

The 2016 motor has 1ft-lb less torque I believe and torque has more to do with towing than horsepower. So I doubt you would notice much difference...as far as towing power goes.

 

I appreciate the write up, TacoJonn. This is exactly the color, trim and options I have on order. Minus the roof rack. First time I've seen pics from in-person. Makes me look forward to it even more.

 

That's what I figured. Seems like the added horsepower might come in handy at higher speeds if you need to pass someone safely. Sounds like the brakes are similar so stopping power probably hasn't changed much. I'm certainly in no hurry to make a change. When I bought my 2013 they knocked 3k off MSRP and there was another 1k rebate on top of that. I would not expect that kind of deal until calendar year end (at best) with the 3rd gen. Definitely going to go drive one though.

One of the things I like about my Prerunner is that it rides pretty good. I don't really need a stiff 4x4. I would be interested in knowing which 2016 compares ride wise to my 2013 Prerunner. I'm guessing it will be the Limited 2016. So, for those of you doing test drives and have good knowledge of the 2013-2015 gen 2's, please comment on that if possible.

Thanks!

 

Jeez, 278hp and 265 Lb feet of torque for a 4000 lb. vehicle, and it's just a motor scooter to you. How much do you weigh, anyway?

We are so spoiled in this country--some of us want one horsepower for each of our overweight pounds.

 

Man I love those Casitas.....My wife and I were looking to get one...The Oliver is another "egg" and very nicely equipped..Quite the forum for those eggs too.