3rd Gen Taco 6 speed transmission vs T4Rs 5 speed

I had a 2018 SR5 and then upgraded to a 2019 OR and I could instantly feel the difference in the transmission. I feel like some of that clunky shifting was a fixed for the 2019 tacomas. So far I've had no complaints either with my 2019

 

Was the T4R brand new, or very low miles? The 4Runner doesnt really hunt for gears, it has 1 OD gear unlike the Tacoma. Its either in 4th or 5th and alternating, so switching between two. The Taco is doing the same, only with 5+6 being OD it's switching between 3 gears just to get any power down. Both do it, but the Taco just feels worse to me because its swapping gears more often.

 

Not sure if the logic is different on your 2018, but on my 19, the tranny delays the upshift for a period of time after the road has flattened back out or starts to go downhill. I rarely, if ever, get gear hunting in mine. It will drop out of OD rather easily on small inclines, but it doesn't shift back and forth which I noticed the 4runner doing a lot.

The runner didn't seem to have the upshift delay like my Taco. As soon as the road leveled back out or started to go downhill it would immediately upshift. Then as I reached the bottom of the hill and started to go back up again, it would downshift... wash rinse repeat.

 

Odd, but I guess its not realistic to think they all act the same. I do wish the 4Runner had a 2nd OD, and I like the S mode of the Taco. Trannys aside, the 4runner is simply a "nicer" vehicle. But it wont fit everyones taste, OP try both, or be like me and buy both, lol.

Even though the 4runner is nicer I still take the Taco every where, because I like 3 pedals.

 

I do agree that the 4runner had a nicer ride to it. Less driveline vibration and noises. Also a more comfortable/spacious interior for long trips.

 

Get the 4Runner, little more expensive but especially the drive train is so much better than the Taco’s. 3.5L plus AT is just awful. If it has to be the Taco do yourself favor and at least get the manual transmission

 

Thank you all very much for input.
I must add that I do fair share of driving on sand in summer/fall. And in snowy hilly areas in the winter. That's why I though optimal ground clearance and 4wd on demand should be part of the future package.
Also, I checked the dimensions and even though Ridgeline is 2" shorter then Taco Access cab, it's still 10" longer then t4r.
I must say, even though I really like the Taco looks, I think I'm tilting toward the 4r. Being in the city and all...

 

Having owned all three generations of the Tacoma, I kept the 1st and 2nd Gens. While the 3rd gen has the nicest interior, the transmission is what I couldn't live with. I hated making turns and find the transmission on 3rd gear instead of 2nd and would have to step on it to get it to move. There's also a noticeable delay when I stepped on the pedal. One time I was backing up into a driveway and needed to get out of oncoming traffic and that's when I noticed the delay even though it was just for like a second. We also have a 5th Gen 4runner and almost 160K trouble free miles being oil, brakes, rotors, sparkplugs, and a belt being replaced. My point is that I got rid of the 3rd Gen for it's tranny. Test drive both back to back and you'll see what I mean but if you're getting a manual 3rd Gen, I say go for it. Welcome to the site.

 

Appreciate it.

 

4Runner limited has AWD, if traction is a big concern. Otherwise I prefer the manual transfer case on the Off Road 4R.

 

I think all 4runners are full time rear drive, with both: 4 High (which is AWD) and 4 Low (4wd) on demand. Plus different locking options, like central or rear differential lockers on premium type trims.

 

Owned a 13 Tacoma with the 5spd auto and still have an '18 with the auto, lastly considering a T4R. The 3.5 v6 in the tacoma now is a different type of power delivery AND it is under-geared from the factory, those two things combined have made a LOT of people upset. You are spending a TON of money, drive them as much as you can before you make a decision. Spend as little time here as possible. It is your money and your vehicle, don't let this place ruin it for you.

 

Thank you. Just need to find that time... lol.

 

A manual 4R would be sweet!

 

Nope. Anything other than Limited is a Part time 4WD system. Only the Limited get the Fulltime 4WD.

https://www.toyota.com/4runner/features/mechanical_performance/8664/8666/8668

 

Thanks, that's fine. I don't really need full time AWD. I'm used to switching it on when I really need it, like on my 2002 Sport Ed 4R.

 

Checked new Taco past weekend. I must say I was kind of disappointed.
The cab is way to small and constricted for a taller person.
I'm 6'3" and have long legs, I tired to fit in the double cab with seat lowered and moved all the way back. And I would imagine after 2-3 hrs drive in that cab my body would be aching. My 3rd gen is not the most spacious car, but I feel that even she has more space than new Tacoma... Sad, but it kind of simplifies my choice...
Just wanted to post an update. Thanks all for the help.

 

Did it have a sunroof? That will go a long way toward it feeling cramped. I don't have that issue at my height, but I was sure to not buy one with a sunroof in it

 

Good luck. If I were 6’3”, I’d be looking at a Tundra.