2018 TRD PRO

The way that it changes the shift points gives it more torque down low.

 

Nothing, the 3rd gen beats the 2nd gen hands down. I bought a 2nd gen about two months before they announced the 3rd gen and from that day I couldn't wait to move up. 16 months later I traded it and never looked back.

 

I've owned 1 pre-Tacoma Pickup, one 1st Gen (2WD TRD Off Road DCSB), two 2nd Gens (2WD Base DCSB, 4WD TRD Off Road DCSB), and just picked up a TRD Pro. I have no higher model to go to now, they need to come out with a Pro Plus or something. I pulled a 17 foot boat with a '92 (just to the local lake), and I think power has almost always been about right for the intended use and size of the truck across all generations.

I'm not sure what you are asking, what the 3rd gen is missing that the 2nd gen had? Or just what more the 3rd gen could have to make it better?

As far as basic capabilities, I don't see much of a difference between the 2nd and 3rd gen. They are not that different, not like the difference between pre-Taco and 1st gen and 1st and 2nd gen. Main differences are the engine and transmission and all these new safety features -- the rest of the truck is the same, and power and towing capacity is similar. I wasn't sure if I would like the new 3.5, but I think it feels a bit smoother and refined than the 4.0, and even though it has more power on paper, it seems similar in power to me.

If we're talking about things they could still improve: As has been mentioned in other threads, heated mirrors would be nice. Fully boxed frame for peace of mind. We'll see if the rear springs on the Pro are better than previous gens. They need to sell them with good tires on them. The Pro came with decent Goodyears, not sure what they are doing on the regular models now but the Rugged Trails and Dunflops they used previously are crap.

But the 3rd gen, especially the Pro, is loaded with features. My favorite so far is the bed lights, although I do like the new display in the center of the dash. The analog gauges seem to be a step back, or maybe I need more time to get used to them. Power rear glass is a good add. Lots of buttons. Maybe too many buttons. Glad they are sticking with the composite bed, more manufacturers should follow suit. Partnering with someone for a good bumper/winch combo that works with all the safety features would be a plus.

As much as I enjoy all the new creature comforts, I miss the simplicity and smaller size of the older trucks (1st gen and before), and to me they had a bit more "solid" feel to them, although the motors that came after the 22R-E (especially the V-6's) seemed to struggle for a time. The 3.0 wasn't great, vastly improved with the 3.4, but glad they went back to a chain motor. Overall quality and reliability seems to have slipped over time, but still better than most of the competition.

But I am really liking this Pro . . .

 

Lots of good points. You do have heated mirrors I believe, I’d be shocked if my SR had em and the pro didn’t. The button, of your many buttons lol, oughta look something like the middle one in this picture:

 

Button on the Pro should be near the heater knob

 

HAHA, awesome! I will look for it. Now the graphic makes sense. Three snakes in a box.

 

Changes throttle mapping as well which IMO is the real benefit to it. It doesn't lollygag with the button pressed like normal mode.

 

Forget the the ECT (which I do always use) we need Magnusson to drop that PD blower!

 

18 trd pro feels like a rolling computer. Lots of nice electronics .. most arent needed but making driving more simpl

 

I think those people are just jealous. There were a lot of them saying my Baja was not worth the higher price. To me the only thing on that truck not worth were the stickers. Honestly don't think most of them ever rode in one. That truck rode great and was all factory parts. Heck I could keep up with the UTVs on hunting ranch. I really wanted a Tundra Pro and was willing to pay a more but by the time I was ready to buy dealers were not negotiating on them.

 

Thanks, found it, and also found the ECT button in the process WOOT! Did my 2012 have an ECT button that I never found? Had that on a 4Runner a while back but haven't seen one in a while. Now I have 2 turbo buttons (counting the AC button as well).

EDIT: Oh yeah, bed mat fit fine. Weathertechs, no bueno.

 

True. Second choice gen has a little more off the line 'butt' that's where it completely ends.
Passing, hp (18% more !), towing, tech, structure, looks all belong to the preferred 3rd gen.
Once your rolling in 3rd and floor it, it puts you back in the seat and sounds amazing. It will blow by a 2nd easily. Its quite impressive.
I wouldn't even consider a 2nd gen purchase. I had a 2nd gen 2015 and got rid of it.

 

The old 4.0 had very noticeable low end grunt, quick throttle response at low RPMs, easier hill climbing, less shifting etc. The 3.5 likes to be revved, if you have plenty of road with no traffic and can ride the gears out it will get going. Both 2nd and 3rd Gen will finish the 1/4 Mile in roughly about the same times but the power delivery is totally different down the 1/4.

 

ECT is only on the auto??

 

But like with cement in 2017 is now open across the board in 2018.

 

yes. ECT PWR = Electronic Controlled Transmission Power Mode

 

No “contingency power” on the manual? Just hold the gear longer?

 

Yep! Wind out those RPM’s!

 

It’s Thursday!! Where are the pics??