16-19 vs 20-23 those that have owned both

My understanding is that the Baja plant makes only DCSB autos, and the new Guanajuato plant makes those, plus every other variation. Baja has been building Tacos for ~20 years, including the majority of 3rd gens. If your VIN starts with a "3", guess what?

According to Toyota, the Guanajuato plant is their #1 plant for quality in North America. (#2 is Cambridge, Ontario) They completed their first Tacoma Feb 06 2020, and the plant design is optimized for assembly of vehicles on the TGNA platform.

I know anecdotes aren't evidence, but I've had zero issues with my 2022.

 

I’m sure most people wouldn’t have issues either.

 

Had a 2017 that was ok. But my 2021 has fake leather, electric seat, led lights and improved shifting algorithms. Thankfully when I bought the 2021 I got a great discount. There’s no way I would put up with the prices I’ve seen the past couple of years.

 

I traded in my '17 Sport on a '21 Premium OR two years ago, and I like the updates that others have mentioned, like electric driver's seat, LED headlights, leather seats, better shifting transmission, overhead mic for Bluetooth phone connection, etc...

But a few things you will lose are:

1. No auxiliary transmission cooler, even with the towing package
2. No driver side bed storage cubby (still have one on passenger side, but big driver side one is gone)
3. No option to upload custom images to radio
4. No tray in glove box
5. No driver side visor pocket w/ 4wd notes
6. No compass on rear view mirror
7. No Go Pro mount on windshield (if that matters to you)

 

What can I say, I have OCD...I made a complete list of the differences I noticed when I got my '21. Just passing them on to others...

 

I had ‘16-‘18 now ‘23. Not a whole lot of difference on how they’re assembled as all three had some minor trim/panel inconsistencies, no big deal, albeit the most on the ‘16. Otherwise driving character is similar as they all hunt gears to some degree. Two biggest items to consider are features and ongoing internal changes that Toyota may have made that could enhance the truck’s longevity.

Engineering tweaks could be significant over 8 years, especially when it’s Toyota. Otherwise you’ll have to decide if additional safety features, LEDs, CarPlay and powered seats are worth the extra dough.

Also remember that 2023 will probably be the last year Toyota will offer you a V6, which they’ve offered since 1995 (even further back counting the beloved Hilux-based pickup). That may factor for you, some others not so much.

 

I think the rear seat is missing the little pull loops on the newer ones too.

 

Hmm, I'm gonna have to look at that now...

 

The difference between 17 and 18 was bigger than the difference between 19 and 20. (TSS 2018, Carplay 2020, piddly differences in other years)

I went from a 2016 to a 2018. In 2020 they put the hard pressure on me to trade up again. I took a test drive and said no thank you. I couldn't justify starting a new note for the "upgrades."

 

#3 is still an unresolved issue.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/coolant-leak-2017-trd-or.791143/page-4#post-28354637

#6 the chrome tail lights are

 

I thought they brought #1 back?

 

Yes, I do miss being able to put the custom background on the newer radios. My wife's 2019 still flashes the "Hufflepuff" coat of arms on startup, and my 2018 used to do a "007" logo. I have my map on the home screen, so I don't miss the mirror-compass quite as much.

Not having the Go-Pro mount on the windshield is a plus from my standpoint; and the driver's side cubby in the box rarely (OK, never) got used, but I do have stuff in the one above the 120V outlet.

 

Towing package is standard in Canada; both my 2022 OR and my wife's 2019 Sport have the aux cooler.

 

I am not certain, but I know it's not there on my '21. I think it has the normal tranny cooler, maybe? But the auxiliary one by the radiator is gone.

 

I remember reading several posts showing the cooler was removed, but I thought I saw a thread about it being added back in later years. I've strongly considered trading my 2017 with 18k miles on a 2023, but I don't think there's much to gain.

 

Well, I learned something. I'll have to check that out...If they added it back, that's cool, pardon the pun.

 

@turbosnail - Test driving different models of 2023 tacos might make the decision more apparent, jus sayin.

 

Yes , I did actually take a 23 sport for a ride and really enjoyed the new trans mapping , truck drove very nice , power seat etc is nice but once my seat is set where I want it , I tend to not move it , I’m the only one that drives it , I know this will be the last year of the v6 so I was thinking of grabbing one but not in a huge hurry to start another loan if it’s not a huge improvement to my 2018 with 7800 miles on it , absolutly still in the wrapper in every way . I truly appreciate all the comments and insight you guys have offered up , if inventory was better it would be a lot easier to go get the exact truck I want but I hate to settle for something I can live with but it’s not My first choice . I love my 18 as far as color , wheels etc

 

i had 2nd gen sr5 loved it
dad had two early 3rd gen Limited's

i just bought a 23 trd offroad
tbh i liked my 2nd gen the most

but difference between my dads early 3rd gen and my new one
feels a little more responsive maybe gearing or tuning changed over the years
but not enough to say oh man its a must have...

the tech side yeah the jbl is nice and the offroad modes are neat.
will i ever use them? probably not lol

if i were you keep your truck wait for the new redesign to come out that might be the one you will like or is new and different enough to warrant
a change