4th Gen Tacoma (2024+)

I used to run BFGs, switched to Yokohama G015, don’t last as long, but much better in the snow and more mild mannered for the HWY. Do run Blizzaks for the thick of the winter here in Idaho. The Yokos are good for shoulder and summer seasons.

Looked at everything from Subies to F350s. Suby wasn’t quite enough, F350 was overkill. Tacoma was a compromise vehicle, it does nothing well, but works for 90% of the things I need it to do. Looks like the 4th Gen will address its issues. Doubtful i’ll upgrade, and just put up with my 3rd Gen for the next 5 years. Do mostly like the truck, but not 100% satisfied with it.

 

Expect a BIG drop off in quality. Subaru vehicles are not what they used to be. Engine are noisy, old tech, costume oil, too poppy, and software issues are common.

 

You literally just described the 3rd gen

 

I didn't say underpowered engine and spotty transmission. MUCH different i quality my friend. The 3rd gen will go 300k no problem; not the Outback unless your lucky

 

We have two Foresters (2013 4spd AT, 2016 CVT) and they do have their quirks. But I like them. So easy to drive around town, holds a lot of stuff, relatively affordable. And I believe the Foresters are still made in Japan.

I do wish they still used the simple 4 speed trans, not sure how the CVT will age.

We thought about an Outback, but after test driving one, the visibility wasn’t as good and I didn’t like the seating position. YMMV, but definitely test drive one.

If Tacoma goes up much more in price, or has turbo issues, I’ll be staying in the Subie camp for a while.

 

Sorry sir, we already jumped to Ludicrous Speed, it is far too dangerous to stop now…

 

Then join a Forester World forum and not Tacoma, no?

 

Blame the government for imposing the chicken tax to help domestic truck manufacturers. It’s also just a different market over here with more stringent regulations. If buyers need extra capability they can just buy a full size or heavy duty. The rest of the world doesn’t have that option. Making a truck domestically got toyota around the chicken tax and they tailored it to the needs of American buyers. We got a truck that handles better, is quieter and they gave us gas engines that are better suited for the higher speed highway driving we have here in the states. They also gave the Tacoma a higher tow rating. Spending time in a hilux will make you realize why they made the Tacoma softer. The hilux works great on rutted out double track and narrow South American roads. North America is a different beast. I would much rather spend 10 hours in a Tacoma at 80 mph than a hilux.

 

Picked up a bit of work in Europe last fall and noticed a lot of "compact" trucks driving around. Several looked really appealing to me. Tacoma is after getting too big, flashy, limited model offerings here in Canada, expensive to buy and operate for my liking. We don't have a chicken tax but I guess we get the US built trucks because of our proximity.

 

Lol, my bad. I'm just here to learn. I didn't bring it up, just thought someone might be interested because of what was posted.

 

No need for chicken tax, build them here. Have been in HiLuxes before the ride isn’t all that different. Neighbors brother up from Mexico had one when I lived in AZ. Not much of a fan of the interstate, avoid it like the plague, much prefer back roads and tooling around on dirt. Can get smaller trucks in tighter spots than a full-size. Need payload capacity for a camper. Plus the smaller size is great for running around town. Some of us would like both. I mean, my 1st Gen is smaller plus has a better payload than my 3rd, so there is that.

All those Tacoma brolanders are well beyond payload. We will see if the Trail Hunter package addressed that. The new Tundras payload is still kinda low, so not expecting much.

Easy fix to appeal to both markets, offer different engine and suspension packages. As they do elsewhere in the world. Look at Toyota Australia, they offer the basic work truck and all the way up to the Bro model. Petrol and diesel engines.

Towing is indeed higher on the Tacoma compared to the HiLux, the current V6 auto combo isn’t really suited for it though, it is quite sensitive to any load just over empty. Trans acts like it is having a mental breakdown and revs all over the place. My moto trailer is only around 1200 lbs with the bike, had a nasty headwind the other day, thought the trans was going to have a mental break. Can’t imagine pulling a parachute of a camper close to max. By having peak torque available lower in the rpm range, the new Turbo 4 should be much better, finally Toyota has realized it needed to change. Almost bought the Ranger because I do tow and be better at it than the Taco, but the wait was too long. Pushed the old truck until it died, and needed a new one “like yesterday” at the time, if you know what I mean.

 

ahhh…wouldn’t worry about it, as many of us cross shop, or own both. Hell there is a guy on here named “Waiting on my Rivian” why join a Tacoma forum then? Probably doesn’t hang on the Rivian forum because it is boring, here the off topic makes it interesting.

 

That’s why you have the option of selecting the gears manually.

TBH I don’t have an issue towing with my trans. Last year I towed a 5k lb TT 8,000 miles with zero issues. I did however reset the ECU before the trip so the trans would learn my style of driving whilst towing. I believe this made a HUGE difference.

I hope the new Tacoma has a dedicated “TowMode” so it knows it’s towing something heavy and adjusts the gearing and torque converter accordingly, different compared to ECT.

 

Thank you sir. Hope to join the club eventually.

 

S Mode is “ok” it still will down shift on its own, it won’t stay in the high gear you put it in. IIRC VWs will stay in the gear you choose. In cruise those climbs where it should be able to do it in 4th with just a little more throttle, but it wants to jump in and out of 3rd and 4th instead of adding more throttle. Last trip from Idaho to Washington I was fighting it…ok guess we are doing this climb in 3rd, where my manual 1st Gen with less power would have done it 4th.

I should have bought a manual, didn’t feel like paying an extra $5000 to get it. Manual in an Access Cab is only available in the Sport. Not happy that Toyota did away with the stick on the base models, doesn’t make sense. Guys who buy base are generally cheap SOBs. Manual would have made it even cheaper, that and not much of a fan of slush boxes in general, wife talked me into it “ya know you getting old”…”yeah thanks honey…”

 

you’re welcome!
Hell I thought you own a Mog. Ohhh…that is a RC.

 

Now that's what we to hear. But to be real- I've been in auto repair buisiness for 30 years - and trust me - Even with Toyotas warts - they are still far ahead of the rest with Honda trailing in back. Subaru products are affordable right until you have to work on them. Parts are very expensive and boxer engines are antiquated, noisy, powerless, and like to leak and consume oil.
Wife had a brand new 21 Crosstrek and we traded it in after being stranded 2x with under 10k on the clock (tow to dealer- software). The Rav4 Hybrid we replaced it with has been fantastic- which is why I am eagerly awaiting a Tacoma hybrid!

 

would you mind elaborating on how Toyotas are far and ahead? Does that include the issues with the new tundra? (Seriously asking)