2,500 mile review

I've had my 2016 Tacoma SR5 for a little less than a month now. I just turned over 2500 miles. The following are my observations and opinion of this truck.

First and foremost, I LIKE this truck and am very happy with it. So far the 2,500 miles are from commuting to work, two trips from Va Bch to Washington D.C. (about 400 miles round trip each), and one trip (most recent) from Va Bch to Snowshoe, WV (about 600 miles round trip).

MPG's around town are not too bad, averaging 17.8. Which is way better than what I was getting in my 08 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland (5.7L HEMI). I was lucky if I got 14 mpg's running around town. One interesting thing I noticed about the Tacoma is there is a "sweet spot" for the best mpg, which was highway speeds between 55 and 65mph; I was getting 19 -20 mpg's when I keep my speeds in that range. My most recent road trip to Snowshoe I drove on I-64 at speeds between 65-75mph and noticed I only averaged 16.5 mpg's. Before all the trolls jump my shit...I acknowledge there is nothing scientific about my data... like I said before, just my observation.
The ECT PWR button really made a difference while driving in the mountains of WV. I found that the engine didn't have to spool up too high to maintain speed while climbing. In fact I don't believe I ever had to "stomp" on the gas to get up a hill where the rpm's were greater than 4k. The truck's power band is definitely between 3k and 4k rpm. I used S mode when going down steep grades (usually limited to 3rd and 4th gear). It saved the breaks since I allowed the engine to do most of the breaking. The truck really handled awesomely in the hair pin turns. It was A LOT of fun to drive and didn't "feel" like a truck.
As far as comfort, I found it very comfortable and could easily do a cross country in it. BTW, the steering wheel is awesome! The ergonomics really made a difference when I was driving the switch backs. I felt like the wheel just "fit" my hand placement really well.
Now for the not so good things I noticed: I do have a little hood buffeting/vibration similar to what others have posted in TW. I checked the adhesive spots and there are a few that aren't making solid contact with the hood. I spoke to the dealership about it and they are going to check and re-glue where needed. I also noticed I do have a bit of a "whistle" like someone blowing across a beer bottle from somewhere around the rear passenger side. I only notice it at speeds between 20 and 30 mph. It's intermittent and not that bad. I just turn up the radio... problem solved. In crosswinds it's more noticeable. The sound system is weak and will probably be on my short list of things to upgrade. I also will look into Dynamat'ing the doors, floor, and roof. Lastly, the plastic "shelf" in the glove box rattles on rough road surfaces.. it's gotta go.
Other than these few annoyances I am really happy with this truck and believe it will bring me years of solid reliability. I do miss the HEMI in the Jeep, but such is life.

 

Nice write up.

I am only ~600 miles into my SR5 and agree with everything. The steering wheel is wicked comfortable

 

I have had mine right at 2 weeks sport dbl cb 4x4 and now at 1600 miles. I do not have the whistling noise but do have the shelf in glove box same exact. I also don't have any hood vibrations or anything. I do agree on all the rest. My mpg is better than by about 2 mpg for some reason but exact same speed and rpms is the same situation for me. Love the steering wheel and I still find the seat hard and little uncomfortable but ok. Wish we had up and down and electric 10 way but oh well. Love my truck too. Also miss the 5.7 in the 15 Tundra but so much happier at over 21 mpg average instead of 15 or less and I can park in the garage again. Great write up !!

 

Does the shelf come out of the glove box? Man that would be great because you cannot put anything in it but the manuals.

 

I do believe the glove box shelf does come out. Just haven't had a chance to pull it out.

 

Good deal, I know where a dumpster is to throw it in.

 

Yes, you can remove the shelf. I had a passenger side rattle I traced to the shelf. Removal is in the manual, but if I remember right, you pull forward, then up.

To the OP, nice review and thanks for posting.

 

Yes it does come out with a couple yanks. One glove box shelf deposited in the dumpster.

 

yup, shelf comes out (have to force it some). I took mine out first thing. It has to be removed so cabin air filter can be accessed.

 

Yep. Mine is in the landfill.

 

funny. I just read your post and saw you used "wicked". I thought to myself he must be northern. Sure enough, your a fellow masshole. I used to turn heads down in FL when I said this word haha. Even had someone make me explain it.

 

Thanks - I've got a bit of a rattle over there on cold mornings - this will give me a place to start.

 

I have about the same miles so far on my TRD Sport. Same impressions. I use ECT all the time, however. I just like how the engine feels at a bit higher RPM all the time around town, at least. On the highway it doesn't help much. Seat is comfortable despite few adjustments. I think the sit height is perfect. Steering wheel is very comfy too, it needs a bit of hand sweat or oil to make it more grippy/sticky on top which will probably happen this summer. Visibility is excellent in this truck! My 2004 was good too, but this is also amazing. You don't need blind spot detectors with the double cab, you can easily check your blindspot with the large side mirrors and perfect side view with a head turn. Love that! A few gripes would be that the volume knob is very small and you easily touch the screen with your finger and hit a button accidentally. Also it's very difficult during the day, (when lights aren't on) to see where your heater setting is on the knobs. I'm just picky I guess with little stuff like that. Who designed the heater adjustment knobs?? Make the indicators easy to see!! Other than a few little things, I love it!

 

It's the same steering wheel that's in the 15, that's why it's so good it's from a 2nd gen .

 

I am at about the same mileage with a Double Cab Off Road! Love the truck. I get the squeaking rattle from the passenger side. Mine is from the speaker cover on the top of the dash that doesn't seem to be sitting right. The edge closest to the windshield seems to pop up in the cold.

 

well, looks can be deceiving. There are differences in the steering wheel from the 2nd Gen to the 3rd Gen (I traded up from a 2013). The feel/grip is different, controls are different, and most of all...this new steering is very precise "dead on", and it can turn on a dime even with 4 wheel drive.

 

The 13 steering wheel is different then the 15

 

yup, looks just like my 13'. My new 16 is different...button layout especially.

 

Post a pic and model , I've seen that wheel in the 16s