Toyota Announces New Engines, Transmissions, and Hybrid Systems

I do agree with this feedback, it is pretty disappointing that a much larger truck with a larger motor gets very similar if not better mpg. I think Toyota needs to bring someone on that knows how to play around with the transmission and the tune, this will fix 95 percent of all problems people are seeing. I also think the Tacoma is slightly underpowered but I didn't get it for the power, I got it because i did not want another half ton.

 

I wonder if the 4 cyl tacoma is a dying breed. Like if sales aren't good for the 3rd gen 4 cylinders, would they cut it completely?

 

I actually think the 4 cyl will ultimately take over the entire lineup, they have 4cyl out there that have a large amount of power that can easily manage a truck this size. I'm thinking they will offer one naturally aspirated and one with a turbo.

 

I had a 1st gen with a supercharger that was still underpowered for my desire. Similar horsepower as the new 3rd gen. I can make a logical judgement based on previous knowledge that it is still underpowered.

 

Yup. My 6.2L 8spd has a whopping 525 miles on it. It's been wicked cold (several times below zero here), snow- I've been running with 4wd quite a bit, hauled a ton of pellets and been driving it hard during the tranny learn period.

My average mpg is slightly better than my Taco's overall average over 14,000 miles. I suspect it will continue to improve.

 

Yea had a gmc, they are great trucks. I took a long road trip once and averaged around 24mpg. I think it's pretty cool that they just designed a new transmission alongside ford. Mpg will only get better

 

Only prefer diesel and manual, not ok with hybrid and automatics

 

I don't think the truck is underpowered after all it's a mid sized how much more do you want out of it?

However I will say it is "underpowered" for the mpgs I get. I see about 16-17 driving fairly conservatively. If I were getting more horsepower out of her with those mpgs I wouldn't care that much.

 

As long as it has low end torque and the HP peak is not way high in the rev band.

 

I'm surprised more people have not complained to Toyota about the poor mpg. I drive on the highway a lot and see around 17-18.

 

I did. I got the following, in this order;
1. "You've got to let the truck break in..Give it 10,000 miles and it should get better".
2. "Your mileage is still crappy? Oh- It's Montana- we usually don't see great MPG's here.."
3. "This truck wasn't really designed to go above 70mph".

Not kidding.

No wonder it get's shitty mileage- my truck shifted like an epileptic monkey was under the hood.

 

What about a diesel / electric hybrid ?

 

as long as i get a stick im good.

 

The Colorado now has a 8 speed along with the Silverado (and GMC versions). All accounts so far show it is a strong improvement. However, I will probably wait another year or 2 and get the 10 speed that GM/Ford has spent years and millions of dollars co-designing. I will assume that most manufacturers are going to settle on most transmissions staying in the 8-10 gear range. I don't see it really being much of an improvement beyond 10 speeds for any vehicle with less than 18 wheels attached.

The GM full size trucks have also been using the same engine now for about 5 model years. If they are 1 or 2 more years away from implementing the new 10 speed, I can see them pairing it with a new engine by then as well. I am still undecided between a Tacoma/Colorado/Silverado for my next truck. But the powertrain and value is going to determine my choice. In about 2 years or so these improvements across all of these trucks should make my choices much more appealing.

 

That would be a torque monster...

 

If the ford/GM 10spd offering is nicer then the 6 spd in my F150 right now I can tell you for sure it will be fantastic. I say that because my 6spd shifts like butter and goes hard when I stop it

 

Manual for the win. I think the manual trans is a dieing breed though.

 

While I grew up driving manuals and I enjoy them, they aren't very practical anymore. Auto manufacturers have to go out of their way and spend more money to make those available for the small fraction of people who might actually buy them. And these days, auto transmissions not only work better with most of the computer controlled driving functions many vehicles now offer, they also get superior fuel mileage and increase most vehicle capabilities. Even most sports cars now are posting better 0-60 times and other performance improvements with auto transmissions vs manuals driven by the best drivers in the world.

 

Yeah I know but it was sure nice to have that low granny gear in the old Dodge 3/4 ton diesel, lol.

 

I can't disagree with most of what you said, but they are still fun to drive and that's #1 in my book. An auto should get better mpg, but I think you can get simular in a manual.