2018 vs 2021 Tacoma Thoughts

Relax dude just just being funny

 

Again, my truck shifts like any other vehicle I’ve ever driven. Night and day from the 17 and 16 my buddies had trouble with.

 

aren't your legs always the same length? so after you set it once, you never have to set it again.......i'm not sure how power seats would actually help with this. I adjusted my seat all of once and have never touched it again.

 

Just test drove two 2021 today, drove SR5 first and it did seem to have an odd shift pattern. Like a hesitation between 2nd and 3rd gear. Also drove a Trd Sport edition, same thing but even worse, kinda like a hard shift. I was disappointed overall. I have had 3 tacos all 1st generation, none did this. Seems like it is a hit-and-miss on whether your Tacoma will have the shifting issue or not. The ones I drove today we're all 4-wheel with 3.5 engine. Also both had a slight engine howl as well. Pretty common for this engine from what I understand, I have a 2013 Highlander with the 3.5 that has the same howl. I agree with those members that say the backup camera sucks because it does. My 2020 4runner Entertainment system is the same,but the backup camera is way better in the 4Runner. Overall the Tacoma is still an outstanding truck, I guess most people are a little disappointed because of the price tag and it seems that these few issues should have been solved by the second or third year.

 

I believe what I'm feeling is the easier and more precise adjustibility height wise, and the ability to be more precise with the forward and back movement. Also, the newer power seats are so much plusher in my experience, the older ones feel a bit hard. Then again, I'm somewhat picky because I have a bad back and knees and if it isn't setup just right, my back hurts lol.

 

2020 is when I really noticed they started feeling polished and smoother imo, but it's also possible you got the software updated at a routine maintenance.

 

I don't think it's fair to judge a transmission shift pattern on trucks with (presumably) less than 25 miles on the clock. In terms of the intelligent learning function, those transmissions have barely even realized they exist yet.

I think it takes at least 500-1000 miles for these auto transmissions to really figure things out. That said, I have 1900 miles on my 2021 and I think it is still getting better by the day.

 

The electric seat can be raised or lowered. THAT'S a big difference on how your legs reach the pedals.

 

^^^^^^Thank's !! Great source.

 

why did you own so many?

 

Cause I could. Idk. Get bored easy with vehicles and bikes.

 

It’s still very early on my eval period of 12 months, but my 2021 is a major improvement over my 2017. I’ve only just crossed over 500 miles on the odometer, but so far, no complaints. I will provide a very detailed assessment in the future, but here are a few broad strokes:

1. Leather power seat - fucking aah man. Feels great to get off the floor board. Should have been standard in 2016.
2. Tranny - the automatic programming is much better. I have yet to use ECT. Doesn’t feel like it’s in the wrong higher gear all the time.
3. Cruise - cruise control is normal now. The 2017 sucked. Too much shifting. The 2021 is much better. Hardly noticeable. As it should be.
4. Lights - I can fucking see! The LED lights are perfect. At stock height the cut line is perfect and oncoming traffic isn’t flashing me. Unlike the new Ford 250 douche blinding me yesterday. The 2017 halogen lights totally sucked.

More later but so far, really enjoying my 2021 made in Texas.

 

It’s been shifting exactly the same way since my test drive. That’s why I took it home.

 

I think the moral of this story is the best tacoma is the one you already bought. No use spending so much for such minor updates.

 

Fair enough! Good to hear you're happy with it.

 

I must be fortunate with my 2018. I just test drove a 2020 Pro with 5k miles on it. I didn’t notice any noticeable difference in shifting patterns or quietness in the cab.

On the other hand, I was quite impressed with that Fox suspension on the Pro. It really rides smooth over bumps and potholes. Much more smooth than my TRD OR. Getting off topic at this point, but I am now contemplating trading my 18 for that 20 Pro. Love that MGM too!

 

Looking at going from my 2018 DCSB OR to a 2021 DCLB OR. Bought the SB thinking I wouldn't need the bed length post retirement, but found retirement came with a chore list that grew and still grows exponentially longer than the SB, even with the extender in place. Decision based primarily on bed length, but a power seat in cloth if offered and LED's would be nice.

The DCLB suspension might also ride a bit better... I remember test driving both the SB & LB OR's in 2018 and noticing a difference. My DCSB OR suspension was firm and somewhat unforgiving, until a buddy of mine lifted his TRD Pro and offered his OEM Fox suspension my way. My SB handles and rides way better now, has very low miles, but the need and desire for a LB still remains.

 

I've owned 2 longbeds, besides the sh*tty turning radius (tundra is even better in this area), no ride difference between them and my short beds. I'd give serious thought to a Tundra if I were you, the usable bed space is on par with a taco longbed not to mention, bulletproof V8, power seat as you alluded too, LEDs as well and cabin space, tundra is definitely more of a workhorse and tacoma for play.

 

Major thing I noticed was the seats and transmission. Power seats are great.

 

Late to the party, but my truck has howled 50-55mph since new all the way to my current 700 miles. Debating if I should take it in or forget about it. Seems like normal 3rd gen stuff. As far as the transmission hunting gears, mine does it to an extent, but I live in a hilly/mountainous region. Usually will only drop to 5th or unlock the torque converter.