Drivability from ‘16-21

Hey guys I had bought a ‘16 TRD Sport Tacoma when they first released. Had issues with the transmission slipping when it was cold backing up in the morning and also had the issue of it constantly downshifting with any slight acceleration or small incline. Ended up getting rid of it because of these issues and got a ‘17 4Runner which I love. Curious if anyone had experience with these first early year models vs say the ‘19 or ‘20. I’m in the market for a truck and love Toyota and the Tacoma but I don’t wanna go through that hassle again. So curious if these are better in that area.

 

You'll get a wide range of responses but I have absolutely no issues that others have brought up on this forum. '20 OR AT bone stock with 6500k mi on the clock atm; no gear hunting going on highway at 70+ mph (downshifts to 5 then 6 once load levels out), no diff whine, no shuddering, no vibrations... etc. No way I got a 'unicorn' so maybe there were some bad batches out there.

Having done a 1700mi round trip through a few states recently, I had absolutely no concerns other than a sore a$$ from sitting for 7+ hours each day. Take complaints as they come; I have 0 issues with driveability.

 

A good test drive under multiple conditions will be the best determinant for both you and a specific truck.

But in general, based on hundreds of threads around here, I'd say the answer to your question is yes.

 

2018, bone stock, no issues whatsoever to report, rides, drives, and shifts smooth

 

I went from a '13 to a '20. Yes, different gens, but the 20 is better. Zero transmission issues. I actually want to test a '16 just to see what everybody is complaining about.

 

I went from a 2017 to a 2020. Both V6/Auto 4X4.
The in city lugging and highway gear hunting have improved noticeably.
The computer in the 2020 seems to select the appropriate gear rather than just shifting into overdrive asap.

 

I have a 2018 and I do feel that the transmission wants to be in too low of a gear at high speed, particularly at elevation. Driving between Denver and Portland, especially through like Wyoming up at 8,000 feet, going 85mph, the truck constantly wants to be in 3rd or 4th gear. Otherwise if I'm driving a more reasonable speed of like 65mph, it's fine.

 

Same. Went for 17 to 20 with the same expeirence

 

Every year people buy the new year, say its perfect until the new car smell wears off. Then they swarm to the tune threads or TSB threads. There may be some slight improvements, but its definitely still the same truck with the same motor/transmission.

 

yup same motor/transmission but the updated TSBs help. Me, anyway

 

I may be able to offer a more unique input to your question.

I currently drive both a 2016 TRDOR 4x4 and a 2021 TRDOR 4x4, many times both of them in the same day. I drive them on the exact same route, at the exact same time of day, with the same driving style.

Without diving any deeper, the 2021 drives MUCH better in every way. It feels more lively, it accelerates better, and cruises on the highway better.

Now, diving a bit deeper. The 2021 is bone stock (for now) with just ~250 lb of RTT and rack on the bed.

The 2016 has ~200 lb of RTT and rack on bed, but also has 10-ply Wildpeaks (265/75, so not huge at all), sliders, skids, and front bumper. This obviously makes a difference.

The 2021 will be receiving similar upgrades in the next 4 weeks, so I'll have a more accurate answer then.

But on the surface, the 2021 simply drives noticeably better. Anyone would be able to tell the difference with ease.

However, if you were bummed enough back in the day to actually go through with selling the Tacoma and buying a 4R, I bet you won't be impressed enough to feel good about swapping back.

 

That’s kind of what I figured but didn’t want to hear it. Probably just need to go drive a 19’ or 20’ and see how it is. Hopefully the small improvements would make a big enough noticeable difference but I couldn’t stand that 16’ and the way it hunted gears constantly

 

I was, bought it brand new and traded it in 6 months later with 5k miles on it. I’ll keep the 4R I love the 4.0 motor and tranny. Been trying to find a ‘15 Taco with low miles but pretty hard to find anymore. Good to hear you have and drive both and notice a difference in them.

 

Have a 2016 and was given a pretty much new 2021 loaner this week while they did the undercarriage campaign. No difference in acceleration really at all. Mine drives and shifts just as well.
I have to say mine rides better and handles better because of a fox suspension and better tires I believe.
All this hype that the newer vehicles drive way better is ridiculous really. Nothing has changed actually.

 

Read my above post. Tell the difference with ease ? My 2016 rides better than the 2021 does actually. No difference in acceleration either. I have had the upgrades flashes done on the 2016. The 2021 actually is a little more loose on the highway in steering, does not feel the road as well, but I attribute that to the suspension/tires. I would not take the this new 2021 over my 2016.

 

Look man, I am not here to argue with you. We are all different. I shared my experiences. I am in a unique position where I regularly drive both a 2016 and a 2021, day after day, of the same trim level. Figured I'd share with the OP as my experiences are fairly relevant to his question.

You're entitled to your opinion and your own experiences.

 

Just sharing my point, not an argument. I thought wow I'm getting a new 2021 loaner, I might have to upgrade, would be no problem to do. Wouldn't even consider it at this point, would be throwing money away for no reason. Others in the family say same thing. Driven a 2016 since brand new, and could tell 2021 did not ride as well immediately, but that is probably the suspension, doesn't feel the road as well and bumpy. (Fox vs stock). Was surprised after reading posts over the years in here. Acceleration and shifting is the same to me, couldn't tell the difference. Parts are not changing over the years changing driveability. Same parts, same engine, tranny, just software mods. Actually I think my 2016 sounds better, better tone, but that's probably because the muffler has aged. New one sounds kind of bad. Can't wait to get my 2016 back actually, don't like driving this one.

Same times over the years, zero difference.
https://www.zeroto60times.com/vehicle-make/toyota-0-60-mph-times/

 

It's still the same truck.

 

That's my experience here in AZ. To be fair though people here drive like fucking maniacs and the high altitude robs a lot of power.

 

Thanks for the input guys I appreciate it. Figured maybe with the TSB’s since ‘16 it’d be better. I did have one done on mine for the stalling in reverse problem but that’s it which was fixed then. Not sure actually how many there was after that I didn’t keep up on all that after selling the truck. I never had a problem with the power of the truck or anything. Main problem for me was the trucks constant searching of gears on the highway between 5th and 6th, to the point it was like wtf how could it be so off. If it still does that it would drive me nuts like the ‘16 did. I need to just take one out for a drive