2018 Different Tune?

For those that have driven the 2018 3rd Gen, have you noticed anything different in the tuning of the engine/transmission for the 3.5 Auto? A few buddies of mine said that it felt a bit smoother then the 2017s but wanted to get the forums take on it.

 

I think it really has to do with each person's expectations being different with their truck. Quite a few really just couldn't be satisfied with the smaller engine combo.

 

I'm actually interested in this as well. Although I run the OVTune on my '17 I HAVE to think that Toyota did some improvements in terms of throttle and shifting in the latest ECU. The engine / tranny combo in this truck has never really been THE problem, it makes plenty of power but the calibration was wonky and copy/paste clearly.

If anyone has an OBD device (Carista, etc.,) and could run a diagnostic or something to show their calibration ID that would be helpful. The latest on the '17 ATs ended in "03" so I would assume there's a new version out there even if only for the TSS stuff.

 

@OVTune said he already has the data and ID’s for the 18 Tacoma. He didn’t say anything about the 18 maps being any different.

 

I doubt it, there is nothing wrong with the stock tune.

Don't blame the truck, blame the owner. Plenty of people are happy with it, those that aren't are a significant minority..

Placebos and confirmation bias are all the rage these days.

 

Can't speak for the auto trans ECU/TCU stock calibration. The V6 M/T code however, was a stinking pile. You CANNOT drive it "normally".
I certainly can blame the truck/Toyota for this mess. That is all, sir.

 

I own a 17, and work at a dealership. I haven't noticed any differences between the 17's and 18's in the feel of the drive.

 

Before I joined and bought my tacoma, I talked to several people with the 3rd gen and they had zero issues with the power train and I didn't find it underwhelming test driving it. Only here have I heard of the bitching.

 

Snagged my '18 on Friday and have been waiting to chime in on this. I've devoured the OV tune threads for months, so I've been hyper-critical about the transmission from the moment I left the lot. But I gotta tell ya, I don't see a problem yet. All over town, highways, with a load of firewood and up and down the steepest hills I could find. Just seems like normal shifting patterns to me, although I've been driving sticks for over thirty years.
I have been babying her for the first few hundred miles, so maybe things will change later.

 

most 18s I would assume are still in the "learning stage" so it may react differently that what they had with more than 5k miles on it but I'm sure its the same.

 

My 18 seems fine compared to the 17 I test drove. Thread below for feedback on 2018 trucks.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2018-tacoma-reviews-and-feedback.523944/#post-16666889

 

I had a ‘17 4cyl, built in April. I traded it for a ‘17 V6, built in June.
The engine / transmission combo on the 2.7 ltr was very funky. When I went to test drive the V6, I paid close attention to the power delivery. Obviously, it’s a more powerful engine, but it didn’t seem to be hunting for gears like the 4cyl. The transmission doesn’t make you even notice it, as it should be. Maybe an update had came out?

 

I have put over 12k miles on my truck in the year I have owned it and still feel the way you described.

 

The gear spacing is 90% of the auto transmissions problems. They are just spaced too far apart.

ETA - I’ve never really had any issues with mine, it shifts like a normal transmission.

 

Has anyone heard from OVTUNE to see if there was a difference in mapping of power delivery or transmission shift timing?

 

BOOM! Headshot.

Im LOVING my 3G and I came from a 600+rwhp Shelby.



The truck makes plenty of power for its intended use. Transmission works just fine. Not sure what all the gripes are about.

Very pleased with the purchase.

 

Wow. You're not just comparing apples and oranges, you're a full on fruit salad.

Regardless, it's nice you're pleased with your purchase.

 

+1... This forum can be a disease. People read that the tacoma has massive shifting problems, so the next time they hop in their truck, they magically feel it too. And add to the rage.
Don't get me wrong, I know the tuning needed to be worked out when they first rolled off the lot... But my truck shifts fine for having a thousand extra pounds strapped to it (it does hold a lower gear at higher speeds, but thats a weight issue not a tacoma issue).

 

Why can't we all own both of these rides ??????????????


My hope is that the budget will one day allow for a sporty car and my Tacoma. One day.


That is one sweet Shelby !!!!!!