Are you still experiencing transmission issues?

My 1989 Silverado full size bed with a 160hp. 4.3L V6 5 speed manual, towed a 18' box trailer loaded with sleds/equipment/fuel tank from western PA. to Vermont at highway speeds.

 

It was also a full size truck with presumably different gearing.

 

I think (?) 3:43 gearing I was mostly thinking in terms of HP 160 and torque 235'lb. Heck, I'll bet it was close in size/weight to the 3rd generation.
Wheelbase 117.5 in
Length 194 in
Width 76 in
Height 73 in
4x4 Standard Cab 8 ft. box 4365 lbs Curb 6400 Gross

 

I'd bet that chevy tranny didn't have those 5th and 6th gear ratio's like a gen3 taco does.

 

My 19 Access cab
Wheelbase 127.4
Length 212.3
Width 75.2
Height 70.6

 

To be fair, any truck can technically tow far more than capacity. The tow rating today is more about safely towing (trailer brakes, etc) than the truck's actual ability.

 

I drove my wife's 2020 Highlander to work today. It is crazy how much more powerful and responsive the 3.5 feels in it compared to my Taco. I know: different vehicle, different transmission, and a little extra HP (15-20). And damn, her stereo puts mine to shame!

 

Never drove a new highlander, but i've been in my brothers hybrid rave4. That suv goes well, period. Really can't complain much about my taco 3.5...yeah its soft on the very bottom, but you use that right foot like you mean it, the truck is no slouch.

 

Honestly, I love how my AT 2017 drives. On odd occasions, the tranny allows the engine to lug a bit, and I think to myself “this is what people hate”. The funny thing is, when I drive my Ecoboost F150 with 10-speed, it also lugs once in a while. I think to myself “same as the damn Taco”.

I think Toyota owners are either more demanding, more aware, more intelligent, or more knowledgeable, or all of the above. Modern AT trucks all cruise at low, luggy RPMS to get better MPGs. I think the Toyota crowd just is less likely to tolerate it.

What I like about the Toyota AT, is I feel I have more control over gear selection, using the gas pedal, than I do in my Ford. The Ford pretty much does its own thing. You actually have to “drive” the Tacoma. Sounds counterintuitive, and maybe stupid, but the Toyota AT is a more engaging drive.

 

I just traded a 2018 F150 with 2.7 and 10 speed. I drove it for 2.5 years. I can tell you that my Taco transmission shifts smoother. The F150 10spd shifted roughly and jerky in the first 5 gears. 5- 10 were always smooth. I can't believe they can't fix that. I read about the same complaints on the Ranger forum and on Explorer reviews.

 

Maybe, someday there is a C.V.T. available... especially, for lighter duty trucks.

 

I hope not.

 

Works well in our prius

 

As an option...

 

For sure all modern autos try to keep the RPMs low. But I don't think we're some special more demanding group. The 3.5 is a little weak down low so you really notice when the trans bogs the engine down. It's not as noticeable in your ecoboost because of the huge TQ advantage down low.

 

Remember, you are driving a truck not a sports car. My 2018 has not had an issue with searching, except when climbing a hill at highway speed. It will downshift to keep the rpm's in the powerband. Try driving a 1978 Land Cruiser up a 6 percent grade at highway speed. you will find yourself in 3rd gear going 45 mph.

 

1. What is it about a truck thats supposed to make poor shifting performance acceptable?

2. Thats a funny way of saying your truck has gear hunting issues.

 

I did not say poor shifting was acceptable. As far as climbing a hill at highway speed would you rather the transmission just stayed in 5th or 6th gear as you slow down to 45 mph.

 

I would rather the truck be capable of selecting a gear appropriate for the situation without hunting or bogging. Don’t care if its 4th 5th or 6th.

 

My truck will downshift to 4th on a 6 percent grade and hold 55mph. I consider that acceptable.