Tacomas are not underpowered

Honestly my first gen with the 3.4 has the same “issue” with the powerband as the newer 3.5s. I’ve seen very few people mention this while people complain endlessly about the 3rd gen.

Peak hp/tq isn’t til 4800/3600 rpms in the 5VZ. It feels extremely sluggish off the line IME, even with a manual. The 3RZ isn’t much better. You really need to wind these things out to go anywhere in high range.

 

Because 2001 and 2016 are ages apart. No one complained about the model T powerband in 1907 but in 1927 it was done for

 

The basis of comparison are motors from 30 years ago? You must write for an online auto blog.

 

4th gen torque curve wouldn't even show on this dyno chart lol

 

went down the google rabbit hole on this and its extensive with the ECU and everything. I've seen a few swaps on the 4.0 v6 though.

 

I'm not sure why happy 3rd genners really piss everyone off (especially 2nd genners), but I like it.

 

Get a totally non functional hood scoop and you won’t even think about it!

 

There’s nothing wrong with the engine. You guys whine too much.

 

I'm more annoyed with how the AT downshifts when coasting at lower speeds than the power of the engine.

 

Bingo, we have a winner!

 

OK... SO I am going to CHIME in... I just sold my 2nd Gen Pre Runner...2006, and I now have a 2020 SR5. I have found that there is a throttle issue. there is a good bit of power, but I miss the 4.0L it never skipped a beat, even when I am towing. I put a heavy Load in the 2020 Truck for the Dump, and It was struggling. I am about to post a Thread Topic just for the Throttle Controller.

 

Coming from a V8... Taco has to work a lot. The lack of low-end torque is noticeable. Going uphill requires extra effort. My V8 never ever had to work hard. However, this is not the end of the world. The engine is super smooth on highways and driving around South East flatland is a pleasure.

 

I've got one of those in the driveway! Almost as heavy as a Tacoma, slightly higher payload, and I can barely get up a hill with a steady 80km/hr

 

Doing what it’s designed to do and being underpowered are not mutually exclusive. It’s a fine all around truck, the best of the midsized options, but it’s still slow and underpowered.

 

Learn how to drive sir.

 

This has nothing to do with learning to drive. I can wring it out to redline with the pedal on the floor all day if I wanted but that does nothing to solve the total lack of low end torque.

 

There's absolutely no issue with the throttle on my 2020 sr5 access cab. It's very progressive. I've pulled a full 5x10 utility trailer on dump runs with not even close to having an issue. These gen3 tacoma's run great. Pulls my boat that even weights more with no issue.

 

All you Tune lovers tell me did the tune lower the torque from original. Does it do any thing to foot of torque on the HP. just curious how or if these numbers can be change. I read the new 2024 with torque down to 1700 rpm from 2400 rpm.

 

I leave stoplights at pretty much the same acceleration whether I'm in my 2.7 Tacoma 5 speed (165 HP) or my twin turbo Explorer ST 10 speed (400 HP). Could I beat the tacoma in a drag race with the explorer? Sure, but why would I?

The beauty of the Tacoma design is in it's simplicity and durability...and the fact it has a bed and is much more capable off road (4WD vs AWD). Each has it's place...but I'm going to keep the explorer 6 years then trade it in. I plan to keep the Tacoma until my kids take my license away.

By then, the explorer will be in a junkyard somewhere.

 

Thank you. I am starting to wonder if the "tire noise" is a Differential Buzz. I am also very new to this truck, and cannot stop comparing it to the 06, I had for 160K+ miles. I have to get tires soon, and I hope that it will resolve the buzz/hum. it starts at 45pm... so I assume it is the tires.