Just bought a 2021 Tacoma SR5

i've heard various things. maybe the ecu adapts over time to whatever fuel you use but if you change it around too much, the ecu never gets a chance to properly "adapt" to whatever octane you are running.

 

Well i ran premium fuel for at least 3 fillips, and it got way worse on the last one. Took nearly a month to get back to normal after switching back to 87. It showed by my fuel mileage slowly coming back up from 20.3 to 23.5 mpg.

 

What I can summarize, the 3rd Gen has very low torque from 1k - 2k rpm. The transmission isn't the main problem. Using larger tires, will increase the problem. I always use mid grade gasoline, keeps the valves clean and gets 19mpg.

 

Actually the torque is pretty good in my truck from 1500 rpm on up. Your right its lazy if you go below that. I leave it in S5 if trailering.

 

I was never sure how to handle trailering. I tried S4 that seems like it spins too much. I just pushed the tow button an put it in drive the last trip. Seemed like it never went above 5 anyway.

 

Not sure if your truck is like mine, but if i use S5 it locks out S6. I'd have to go have to the D mode to get 6th gear. Your right about S4 spinning excessive rpm, especially if the trailering is under 2k lbs.
I just did a trip this morning...love the truck. I think its even getting a bit better now as far as having more torque up hills. Don't even miss the v8 my old 4.7 tundra had.

 

Well it's the pop up so it's under 2k pounds. I think it's 1400 something empty. But of course I got stuff in there.

 

I've that and a bit more in my 5x10 utility trailer with no problem towing in S5 all the time. Found a waste of fuel using ECT along with it, so i turned it off...truck ran much better.

 

I'll try that. Heading out to western pa laurel to camp in Ohiopyle in a week. There are bigger so called mountains out that way so that will be a good test.

 

No big hills here except for some longer grades that the truck downshifted to 4th a few times. I never saw more than 2800 rpm on these rual secondary highways where the speed limit is 45 mph.