TRD CAI worth it?

Learn the drive habit is only chance you get better mpg. I have a 9drive( like paddle commander). The eco mode will help me to push to 20mpg on highway. It will try keep your under 2k rpm.

 

Apples to oranges comparison with my experience. I had a 2010 taco completely stock and later bought an almost identical 2008 taco to use for work. The 2008 had more miles on the clock and had TRD CAI and exhaust. The 2008 had way more throttle response, more low end grunt and at 4K rpm it pulled A LOT Harder. Can’t quantify what I felt but the 2008 was more fun to drive. I plan on installing both of these on my 3rd gen.

 

The 3rd gen have software tune issues, now I heard tune service is cheaper and better than exhaust/intake

 

Sure. You'll spend less on some tunes and get more out of it. Your trottle is limited by software on all gears.
Good luck