2020 Automatic Opinions

I don’t mean to beat a dead horse on this topic, but what are everyone’s thoughts on the automatic transmissions this year? I will admit I was a bit hesitant on buying the automatic because of all the hate I’ve seen thrown at the previous year models. I test drove both the auto and manual and drove off with the auto because my Mustang is manual and I really don’t want both my vehicles in standard transmission. That being said, what is problem with it? I don’t notice ANY “gear hunting”. Are the autos just shat on by the purists or what? I don’t get it. I don’t mean to start an auto versus manual debate, but I’m more curious as to how you other 2020 auto owners are liking your transmissions.

 

Love mine. No issues. Works like it is designed to work. In before the Dementors arrive from Azkaban.

 

Got the same truck as Mark does. No issues. Still think it needs regearing though. Otherwise, I bought it so I don't have to drive my other car, manual, alll the time.

 

I have the 2020 Sport. It shifts more often then my 2015 Off road. But it's a completely different drive train.
It does shift more often then the 5 speed auto did, but I don't feel there's anything wrong with it.
It's just different. I'm getting used to it.

 

I agree with you, I had my fingers crossed going into this purchase because of what I read about the transmission "hunting", but after several hundred miles I dont see what all the complaints were about,
I'm happy with the auto trans - the only thing I've noticed is a very slight drive train shudder at certain times, but even if that is "normal" I am still happy with the drive train overall

 

To be honest with you, something tells me most of the hate is thrown at it by the purists. Wouldn’t matter if it was a perfect transmission. Some people will give it an instant thumbs down simply because it’s an automatic. I’d only take opinions seriously if someone HAD the automatic, then traded it for the manual.

 

I put 25k on a 2018 and now have 10k on a 2020. It is definitely the same transmission mechanically speaking but something is different with the programming. It still has a lot of the same behaviors just not as bad as the 2018 was. 2018 was horrible to daily unless i had it in s4 and ECT on.

 

I don’t see any problem with it, I haven’t seen one yet that failed.

 

2018 here and I have no issues at all with the the transmission. It's all the same under the hood.

 

Pretty sure @Shellshock can walk you through that

 

Idk, I have a 16 and I haven’t noticed any issues most people have said. This is also the first automatic I’ve ever bought, so maybe I just don’t know what’s it supposed to be like but seems perfectly fine to me

99 Mazda b2500 Manual 5sp drove for 8 years, gave it to my dad for a ranch truck and he drove it another 8 years . With an ex wife with 5sp manual 626 and 01 manual protege with a 2011 Nissan Juke Manuel 6 sp with a 2012 Harley 5sp... idk but don’t personally see any issues with my auto taco

 

It being your first automatic is a good point. I’m 32 and this is my first automatic too, so maybe I don’t even know what feels right and what doesn’t? Hell if I know. “Feels” okay to me.

 

I have a 2019. If not for the complaints on this forum I wouldn't ever think about how it shifts. BTW I've never felt the need to use S mode or ECT mode. I did play with S mode once, just to see how it works. Haven't tried it since. Still haven't tried ECT mode.

 

8,000 on my 2020 with no issues . I was a little hesitant due to all the earlier years reports But haven’t noticed anything any worse than any other car I’ve driven .

 

My main complaint with it is using cruise on the highway. Sometimes it'll downshift for a hill or to pass someone but won't upshift again. It'll just sit in 4th at 3500+ rpm. Usually speeding up or slowing down a hair fixes it. Get a clunky shift here and there but that's pretty infrequent. Overall they're more annoyances than issues and not a big deal. It's reliable but not as polished as a modern trans can be.

 

I'm fine with my auto. ‍

 

I like ECT for downtown driving and the response I get. I only use S mode in neighborhoods to keep me from speeding because I can feel in my foot the rpms getting high and look for people rather than looking at my speed and it keeping it locked in a low gear keeps me from speeding, just my preference and better use of my senses driving

 

2018 A/T here. Test drove a 2020 A/T.
To me, shift points were better and less gear hunting compared to my 2018 in stock form, but not by much. You really won't notice the gear hunting unless you are in a hilly spot, towing something, or carrying a heavy load if you stay stock. After you start changing tire size, adding stuff to the truck, etc. you will notice it even more. However, I think the problem is the tune and the throttle by wire in any 3rd gen taco.
The response feels like a modern SUV to me. With manual, you won't get that delay that they have on the throttle. People use pedal commander to minimize the delay, but its just putting a bandaid on the issue w/ the complete fix being a retune.
Toyota wanted to compete in the EPA/MPG category w/ the truck. The tune focuses on fuel economy which is why people like to turn on ECT or stick it in S mode because it holds RPM higher.

Regearing definitely helped with the sluggish feel that A/T has. W/ manual you can just keep it at a lower gear and maintain the power band. The retune helps with the throttle response and shift points.

 

2020 with 5k. Not a single issue with it at all. I have NEVER used the ECT button, and find it gets up to speed smoothly with good gear choices when I slam the long pedal. If I'm more gentle, it takes a bit more, but that's because it has six speeds and a mandate to save fuel. I've also avoided that cruise control issue (using lower than necessary gear) for the most part, too.

 

I have a Pedal Commander on mine and it drives flawlessly. All though I have never had issues with how mine shifted always wondered if all those complaints came from people expecting their trucks to drive like cars.