3rd Gen Auto Trans

There are so many threads knocking the auto trans, I have to go ahead and say it: I love my 2017 DCLB auto. I have 33’s and I think it shifts perfectly. The only time I think it seems indecisive on what gear to be in is pushing 75+ mph with cruise control on in hilly/mountain areas. The cherry on top is that I have been getting 19mpg at sea level this summer. It towed a fully loaded uhaul trailer like a champ from CO to MA a few weeks back.

 

Yup same here, after all the updates and everything I really enjoy driving my truck. I also have the 4.0 in my 4runner and it’s kind of a dog.

 

I did have that TSB done a while ago and noticed huge improvement in responsiveness immediately, but it learned my driving again and isn’t as punchy from a stop/seems like it was back to normal which I’m fine with. Overall I have been extremely happy with the auto and the 3.5L.

 

Nice truck man! Tasteful mods. Glad you love it.

 

If you want excellent throttle response and punchyness get the pedal commander you will not regret it.

https://www.pedalcommander.com/

 

Thank you!

I am always hesitant to add something like this or the sprint booster. Honestly it feels great already, the change after the TSB was just a little added bonus. Eventually I may try OVTune and the TT or SC options but I am content for now.

 

I’m having a hard time believing there is anything mechanically “wrong” with the truck. I think it’s computer based because Toyota has been doing that to a lot of their vehicles.

 

??? Not saying there’s anything wrong at all, quite the opposite. I love the auto transmission. Might be a minority on here but I think it drives extremely well.

I felt inclined to make a thread about it
cause there are so many threads whining about it, and I have enjoyed every mile (51k on odometer).

 

Same here I came from an 06 with a 4.0 and I have no complaints on how my 2019 dclb shifts and performs

 

Can you run 33 stock or do you need a lift/lca?

I’m used to a stick an having full control of the hearing. I can’t stand the auto in sport. Every time I hit the gas it down shifts. When I want a small/slow controlled increase in speed I can’t get it as it downshifts. I just wish it would hold a gear!

 

May get away with no lift, but you will more than likely require at least 2” lift, UCA’s will be dependent on your needs and alignment.

 

Loved my 2016 and my new 2019.

 

I have a 2 inch toytec lift and SPC UCA’s, plus some deaver AAL’s in back and they fit perfectly. Stock I don’t think you could make them fit but not sure.

I grew up on manuals too so it was definitely a change, but I feel as though I have complete control of what gear I want to be in. The only time I can’t get it to hold a gear is in cruise up inclines. I do also feel like it got better after getting bigger tires as strange as that seems.

How many miles do you have on yours? The more it “learned” my driving the better it got.

 

Oh brother I hear ya! Lol!! I do sometimes wish I had got the M/T but when I’m sitting in traffic 2-3 hours a day I know I made the right choice! My truck is stock height and tires and also drives perfect! It seems the people who don’t like it think it should drive like a BMW or Audi.. or wait since it has a Lexus engine it must drive like a Lexus lol!! Glad you enjoy ur ride! Looks beauty!

 

I like my 2018 Auto as well

 

No complaints with my 2019. It acts the same as other as other AT vehicles I've owned or driven. It never "hunts" for a gear, or other complaints I've read about them. Maybe some people have a driving style that doesn't mesh with the AT or haven't driven enough different vehicles to compare to?

 

Directly off the lot the auto trans sucks big time. Anyone who does not experience this must have been driving a tricycle before. The aftermarket updates I hear make it drive better.

 

I TOTALLY agree with this! The dang thing downshifts when it doesn't need to, resulting in the poor gas mileage. I put the ECO app on display while I took a short 1 hour road trip, and it gets pretty decent mileage for what the truck is, UNLESS you start going up a hill. Then, the dang thing downshifts and instead of getting 26mpg give or take, while it has downshifted, the mileage is around 10mpg until it gets to the top of the slight hill, when it goes back to its regular gear and the mileage goes back up to normal. Although I do like the truck, as it is comfortable, rides really smoothly, and just looks awesome, from a mechanical viewpoint, I sometimes wish I had my 1996 Tacoma Xtra cab back...

 

1 year and 21,000 miles later my auto is rock solid. I had TSB-0058-18 (if I remember correctly) at 5,000 miles and it's been a really good truck since. She really feels like she's just breaking in now.