No power, sluggish.

Not sure how that applies. Mechanically speaking I mean.

I'm quite aware of what a failing diff can cause. And certainly an uncorrected leak can eventually cause a failure, which is why the recall is in effect. To avoid a failure, which is much more expensive than the gasket that is needed to fix the leak.

 

Hell ya "petal" to the metal!

To the OP - I've had my truck for a couple months have observed the following. I initially felt it was very unresponsive off the line and at low RPM, but that has seemed to improved a bit (could be I'm getting more used to it or could be the truck has adjusted to my driving habits... or both).

When I'm towing my boat or on the highway and need more power I always put it in S mode and use the ECT Power. This helps significantly, although not perfect.

Another thought is... sluggish compared to what? What did you own before? I had a Audi Quattro 1.8T and that POS had massive turbo lag, so I'm used to it. Compared to my wife's GMC Terrain 3.6L (which has over 300hp with AWD) the Tacoma is gutless, but they are such different vehicles. Compared to my 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 I had before the Audi, the Tacoma is "sluggish", but that is also comparing to a V8 with a lot of torque. And finally, compared to my 1994 4runner V6 5-speed manual, this thing has TONS of power. That 4runner was so under powered and towing my boat up the mountains I was usually in 2nd or 3rd gear and was being passed by the semi trucks

I think this trucks transmission is far from perfect, but I have gotten used to it and don't mind it much anymore when I use the S mode with ECT.

 

i agree, especially after i saw the video of how the Atkinson cycle engine functions. but on the other side of that coin i run into 3rd gen tacoma owners in parking lots and chat them up, ask how they like their truck. they are very happy and thrilled with it i then ask if they know about this forum and they do not. i compare it to a news junkie that watches news 24/7 and are afraid to go out of the house.

 

Completely True

 

How recent was this update?

 

It really is tough to get a good feel for power during a short test drive. The only way you really notice is if it is massively over-powered or massively under-powered, especially when you are driving on flat roads in the city. The specs don't always put it into perspective either, they are just numbers until you actually put your truck to work.

A friend of mine just bought the same truck/engine combo. He says he has to keep it revved high to really feel the power.

 

The low engine speed torque/response has always been there. I think most just didn't notice on the test drive.

 

Don't look at me...I'm trading mine in for a fat girl and moped.
I'll fuckin' show you sluggish.

But seriously, do a search through the service manual on the word "learned"; the tune it eventually learns, is shit.

 

i am one of those people..

 

I noticed it. That's why I went to a MT.

 

@ScottyMo ... @alwaysHI is only partially right. Yes, don't drive like a pussy. BUT... Ive had my Taco since November of 2015, drive with a heavy foot, use my truck for hauling light loads, drive in the mountains, city and freeways and had zero complaints until about 2 months ago. At that point there was a noticeable drop in "skinny pedal" response and a noticeable drop in MPG. @alwaysHI ... I'm only concerned about my MPGs when they drop well below my usual trends. I keep track of it so I can maybe catch an issue prior to it being a major problem. So, point is, there may be an ACTUAL problem with the truck.

 

I test drove a 2017 TRD Off-Road V6 4x4 AT, and it did feel sluggish. But I'm sure that with a manual transmission it will be much better.

 

How many miles?
Have you periodically disconnected the battery? If so, how many miles since your last disconnect?

 

He might not be right about YOUR situation, however, this thread is not discussing YOUR truck or specific situation.
OP has buyer's remorse, not a truck issue.

 

Getting too used to it maybe?

Not pertaining to you tRNsPort but this forum seems to overanalyze simple stuff like this and it's getting really difficult to log in and read new, useful, info.

 

You trading the turd?

 

Haha...I'm dodging this one and got a "new to me" daily driver that's not so sluggish for a few weeks from our company vehicle sales (A Honda product). No trade on the Taco yet...

Now back to smitty's original quote. Not sure the rear diff can correlate to fuel economy unless some magic gnome changed the rear gear ratio or poured ultra heavy gear oil in the diff and had the extra parasitic drag to induce a bit more strain on the engine. If nothing else changed and no fluids were ever changed out to non-factory spec'd weights, there should not be such a drastic change in MPG as tRNsPort mentioned. Even if you leaked a teaspoon of oil, it wouldn't cause an MPG drop. Not sure how that connection was made....