Test drove 2018 Tacoma - LOVED everything...except the power

Yeah, I never complained much about the transmission, never had gear hunting and it felt more than fine with ECT, but as soon as I got the update, I could tell the shifting points were better, smoother and most importantly, the throttle deadzone was mostly gone. It's basically an improved version of ECT.

I am sure most of those issues are what people deal with when they feel it's under powered or whatever.

Quite surprised so many members are driving OP away instead of mentioning the TSB fix, Tune, shift sense pro, ect on all time mod, etc lol didn't expect this many fanboys feeling insulted with such a mild post.

We all know the tacoma isn't a powerhouse, anyone looking at this trucks knows that already, there is no need to feel insecure when someone points out that it's a little worst than it should be, specially because it's mostly the factory tune that's making it seem bad.

 

Liar, Liar, pants on fire!


...oh, I get it. I get 18-20mpg towing my travel trailer with my full Mobtown steel plates, rock skids and RTT too.

So why do I carry that extra 15gals of fuel on long trailer trips? Umm... I can’t start campfires to save my arse and use that for a little extra help?

 

So members aren't allowed to give "their thoughts"? Why did OP create a thread?

Anybody here for awhile is aware of members who purchased the Tacoma even though they weren't impressed with the test drive hoping the truck would "get better", and didn't happen.

It is a rather large purchase for something you LOVE everything about except the power....lol.

Is the new TSB really that great? Wouldn't know, since my 2016 has sufficient power and drives great imo.

I test drove a Canyon and didn't like it- maybe if I joined a Canyon forum, the members would have been able to convince me to buy one anyway....too funny.

 

Get the canyon!

 

Damm, the power of suggestion is a scary thing....

what is the largest size tires I can put on my new Canyon without rubbing?

 

I always felt the transmission was fine and never complained about it, got the TSB for the lulz and it makes a big difference however.

It's cool that you are happy with it, just like I was, but staying ignorant about it doesn't change the reality which is that the truck drives better all around.

You know how it is, once you try something better, it's hard to go back.

 

...and still get good mileage, too!

 

Or another way if looking at it -

If it ain't broken, don't fix it.....lol

 

Lol that might be true in some cases but just because something is not broken, that doesn't mean that you can't improve on it.

If that mentality held true, we would have no technological advancement anywhere now would we?

 

Your 2010 Corolla is equipped with 1.8L engine. Camry (2007-2009) uses 2.4L engine. Regardless, the 1.8L on your Corolla is gutless but economical. Tacoma 3.5L is fairly peppy and lively. Should we trust an opinion from who doesn't know the engine size of his own 2010 Corolla/

 

Again, you can argue all you want about engine tunes and shift maps. Engine displacement is not a valid measure of engine performance. My 2.7L F150 outpulls both the 4.0L Tacos and the 3.5L in my Taco. Not even slightly so, more like “holy shit!!....feel the power!”

So, Toyota can do whatever they want with the 3.5L, they just chose to do something that benefits economy over driving experience. That’s all. On paper, the 3.5L has more horsepower compared to the 4.0L, but both are languid compared to a 2.7L in a full size Ford.

For the record, I like my Taco, and think the 3.5 is a great powerplant for it. I understand the complaints about the shift patterns of the tranny, but on a recent “Tacoma club” trip, I was the only 3rd Gen truck, and the only person who did not need to use the gas in my Jerry cans.

The fuel economy is a huge plus if you’re travellling remote.

 

OP ... just get the taco. Loaded. With sour cream and chives. Get the guacamole update and you’ll love the flavor as it dribbles down your chin and onto your favorite shirt.

 

I had no idea Ford equipped the F150 with a 4-banger. I looked it up since you didn't elaborate upon the fact that it's turboed. Man what they do with small engines now. Yours is 325hp and 375lb.ft. torque right? That is to me amazing and yeah, that is more than adequate power for that size truck. It's the torque and they say in your Ford it comes on early which is helpful.

 

I think the 2.7 is a V6

 

Bruh,

wait for the Jeep truck/Ford Ranger/Nissan Frontier.

 

Sorry you're right. My bad. I assumed it was a 4 since they made the 3.5 Eco v6. Thanks for the fact. My '86 Camaro was a 2.8 v6 so I don't know why I'd think 2.7 would be too small for a v6.

 

Pretty sure the Silverado is the one with a 4 banger, I think they call it Tri-Power, lol.

 

Then go big.

 

He's on TW..... which means he already knew about this, OR he signed up to specifically post this. Either way, what could you possibly say to him (and why bother) when he already said he doesn't like it.

 

yeah no shit right..............I would love to get 18 everyday.