Test drive both an auto and manual V6

So. . was just at my local dealership getting BOTH front wheel bearings replaced on my 09 dbl cab (~85k miles in case anybody is wondering), and I drove a stick and auto V6 2016.

First of all. . I LOVED LOVED LOVED all the new tech. little cluster screen display that you can change to display everything from the next turn on the nav, to the tire pressure of each wheel. Digital speedo, fuel economy. . it's all there. 7" center display is very nice, and the software (apps) easy to use.

Rode very well, and much quieter than my 09.

But, I could NOT get past the anemic torque of the new 3.5L. I tried so hard to like it. The HP up top seems fine, but I sware it feels like an old 4-cyl sedan off the line.

Would love to hear from other people that have a 4.0 now, that drove the new 3.5 to see what they thought. . .

I could afford this truck. . it's not like I'm "trying" to be happy in my 09 and telling myself the new one is bad. Other way around .. I'd actually LIKE to get a 16, but to me, felt so underwhelming in the power dept.

 

Use the ECT Powa button or shift it into S shift mode and step on pedal...the truck has plenty of power.

 

lol another one of these threads

 

You did not mention how the manual differed from the auto. I too thought it felt very anemic. My mind was blown how little power it had down low. Even with the ECT button on.

 

But once you hit about 725 miles the Horsepower opens up +50 and fuel economy improves by 4mpg

 

I guess they are both weak compared to the powerful 4.0

 

They were both underwhelming. Manual tranny in the 16 did feel overall "smoother" than the 09 I drove when I bought my 09 auto, but, that was also FOREVER ago.

Anyone actually have or see torque curves for each?

 

How about someone who had a 4.0 and now has the 3.5? Power is sufficient and the difference between gen 2 and 3 is negligible. My 2nd gen was great and my 3rd gen lacks nothing that my 2nd offered.

 

Yeah I am realizing the 2016 might not fit the bill for me. It seems like the 2016 can tow about 1 ton fairly effortlessly but much more weight than that it is a dog. I'd like to take my trailer to the mountains without 20 pissed off cars behind me going 40 mph.

 

Toyota is keeping torque curves top secret in hopes that @BlueT does not see them before the masses.

 

The Manual is the best choice if you can actually put up with the extra input into driving a vehicle. Shift Points can be made whenever. It makes an engine that's lackluster and makes it more enjoyable, being able to downshift, Rev match, etc.
I speak from experience from driving both Auto and Manual 16's.

 

Well... I have a 4.7 V8 now, have spent a good time driving a Taco with the 4.0, and I'm still getting the '16 with the 3.5. It didn't feel like it lacked power to me on my test drive.

My 4Runner was rated to go from 0-60 in around 7.5 seconds, the new Tacoma is closer to 7 seconds. It's not a slow truck. It's not going to have the torque of a larger engine but it's not like the truck can't get out of its own way

 

Lol.
No need too, all you have to do is point 2016 truck at the same hill as older truck set cruise control and see how much torque it has to climb that thing.
Even with 3.90 gears can top it.

 

i notice the difference when waiting for traffic to clear to make a right turn and a opening comes up, my 08 would spin the tire if i gave it too much gas and could easily get up to speed. with my 16 almost have to floor it to get into the flow of traffic.............

 

Auto?...don't have any problems merging or making right turns with my manual

 

Took my 6MT on a fishing trip today. Stayed in 6th on all of the highway through the hills of Pennsylvania. Truck had no problem holding from 55-70 on the grades at 2000-2500 RPM. Kind of nice not having to deal with the gear hunting that the AT guys are...

 

And I've driven both. I knew I was going to get a manual but I test drove one of the first '16 V6's in PA back in September. The manual feels so much better than the auto

 

Climbed a bunch of hills in 6th gear today in my '16. My V8 4Runner would have shifted up and down like crazy on those but the Taco did it in 6th without issue