2018 vs 2021 Tacoma Thoughts

I drove a 2018 OR for 2+ years and 28k miles, which was plenty to establish a baseline for comparison to the 2021 OR I just fielded (built OCT2020). Things I noticed right away:

1. Incredibly different driving experience in the 2021, for the better. Trans still has to learn, but the shift logic is vastly improved. Highway driving was a much more pleasant experience.

2. Much less engine vibration and noise. Did they do something different with the engine mounts?

3. Quieter electronic brake booster, steering wheel locking mechanism, and parking brake clicks.

4. Backup camera, worse resolution than the 2018.

Just thought I'd share my thoughts, feel free to add something I missed or comment if you agree or disagree with anything I mentioned.

 

New is better but its still the same truck. I cannot tell a diff between my 2016 and a 2020 apart from the dog smell.

 

I test drove some earlier models, and the biggest difference I noticed, was the seating position. I own a 2021 TRD OF and because of the power seat, the driving experience is more enjoyable.

 

would do you no good if the display is not higher resolution.

 

I can't imagine the camera is different, should be the same one? I'm wondering if the wiring is different or if the head unit just interprets the image poorly.

 

The bigger the display, the worse the image gets if it is not a high resolution screen and camera.

 

I understand your logic, but it doesn't really add up to me. It's going from a 7 in display to an 8 in display (15-20% ish increase in size), but the quality is, as @Tacotoast said, dog shit in comparison. Like way more than 15-20% worse.

 

Couldn't have described it any better...

 

revisions are made all along..............sometimes an improvement

vibration/noise can be assuaged thru fueling/ignition changes

 

Would also like to know if you can remedy the backup camera resolution. I have an 18 AT Sport, and was looking at upgrading to 21 AT Sport. Certainly is discouraging to know the camera is going to suck after upgrading 3 years. On a side note, thoughts on spending $9500 difference on upgrading to 21? Used tacos are worth so much now, thought I would try taking advantage because the market seems odd. The 18 and 21 are identical....loaded all the way tech packages and trd premium sport packages. I can't hardly stomach 9500, and I have never traded in my life (just private party sell). But, on the other hand, it doesn't seem too crazy..........

 

If you're making an apples-to-apples trade between Tacomas (same packages like Tech or Premium), you're still doing better than most at $9500 difference. Depends on the mileage and condition of the trade-in. If you're over 60k miles and outside of factory power train warranty on the 2018, I'd say it's worth $9500 to trade up to a 2021.

 

Biggest difference I found between the 19 and 20 were the seats.
The 19 seat made my back hurt after a short test drive.
The 20 seat is fine.

 

I wouldn't worry about the toyota powertrain too much. Now the paint on the other hand...

 

18 was the last year that had the drivers side bed cubby.

Sure, have your power seat and carplay, and sos button. I'll stick with my truck, thanks. With my cubby. To store stuff and things.

 

That's what made me hold off on the <=19 models.
Power seats most of all, and CarPlay as a nice-to-have.

 

Owned a 16 SR5, 17 OR, 17 OR, 19 OR, 19 Sport, 19 OR, 19 Sport, 20 OR, pretty much the same truck/driving experience, minus a few little things. Always laugh when I see these threads. Glad you are enjoying your 21.

 

Same, small cosmetic changes but nothing at all to the drivetrain. Placebo effect is real.

 

I remember reading that some additional soundproofing to the cab has been added along the way.

 

How does a person own that many different same vehicles??

 

Also owned a 01, 08, 11, 15. Single, no kids or mortgage, good-paying job, a few deployments and reenlistment bonus and having friends at Toyota coupled with high residual value. And I have truck ADD.