4th Gen Tacoma (2024+)

Yes. I am number one. Good guess.

 

Yeah, did it 3 times in 3 days one week. Had about 30-40 miles on the tank at the time. It just kept refilling itself overnight! Ha

I think the fix is a second float/sensor or a complete redesign of the tank. If it was easy and cheap Toyota would have done it by now. Must not be either.

 

Too bad that didn’t show up in our trucks…..

 

6'3 220( I think its been awhile)

We had a slender taller tech that hated it, and anyone with back pain didnt like it.

It's similar to how the Pro used to force the snorkel, hopefully it becomes an option.

 

New Sheldon interview. ~2-hours long.

 

2 hours? Where’s that guy on here that does ai youtube tldr’s

 

Yeah 2hrs is too long, looks like a pre production interview. What could he possibly say that has changed? Nothing on the Tacoma is going to change until there's a refresh. Look how long it took Toyota to acknowledge there was an issue with the Tundra engine.

 

I wanted to see Toyota drop the TRD moniker and go with GR. Missed opportunity with the launch of the 4G. I saw somewhere the person incharge of TRD recently retired and someone else took over reigns.

 

Hard pass. There is not 2 hours worth of anything to talk about on this truck unless he is telling us how each bolt is forged. Even the AI recap will be 30 minutes.

 

Partly b/c it’s so long, but when he claims that engine covers were deleted in part to reduce mass (and maybe they should be used for luxury customers), I checked out.

The 2.4T is noisy. Engine covers provide sound insulation, particularly helpful for motors with DI. So it’s another example of Sheldon’s team reducing the customer experience and/or quality in order to squeeze costs and improve their own margins, which is an issue that plagues an otherwise really good truck.

 

The lack of engine cover makes it look preproduction, its an odd choice. But most tacoma owners dont care.

On the cars the foam engine cover absorbs sound and doubles as a passive pedestrian injury mitigation.

 

My 2024 OR is a hell of a lot quieter than my 2016 was. Of course, it had the plastic engine cover. I drove that truck with the cover on and off and couldn't discern a difference. I'm convinced it was simply cosmetic–which makes no sense to try and make an engine prettier.

But in fairness, my OR has the Premium package with the hood sound dampener and, of course, the active noise reduction–but it is quiet.

 

I will wait for the AI recap of the AI recap. Get it down to about 5 minutes and I still only might care a tiny bit.

 

He is out tearing up the streets in his new taco.

 

https://www.summarize.tech/ is the link i use:

Summary of Why Is The Tacoma $$$? I Interviewed Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown!
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00:00:00 - 01:00:00
In the YouTube video "Why Is The Tacoma $$$? I Interviewed Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown!", Brown discusses various topics related to Toyota trucks, including the reasoning behind requiring premium fuel for certain models, the smaller gas tank in the new Tacoma, and the power output of the Tacoma's inverter system. He also touches on the addition of the stabilizer disconnect mechanism in the Tacoma TRD Off-Road package and the benefits of the exposed engine. Brown shares his perspective on the challenges of maintaining a strong relationship with suppliers and managing a complex supply chain, as well as Toyota's commitment to addressing manufacturing issues and ensuring customer satisfaction. The interview also covers Brown's experience living in Japan and his thoughts on the future of automotive technology, specifically in regards to engine size and electrification.

• 00:00:00 In this section of the interview with Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown, John discusses the edited YouTube video featuring their conversation about trucks. The interview, which was approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes long, has been condensed to under 2 hours and has had all ads removed. Topics covered include Tacoma pricing, the reason for the small gas tank in the Tacoma, future plans for Tundra, and Sheldon's dream Tacoma build. Sheldon shares that he is currently living in Japan for a two-year assignment, working on new product development while maintaining contact with the North American team. He reflects on the culture shock of living in Japan and the unique perspective it provides on American culture. One question from the audience pertains to the Land Cruiser's requirement for premium gas and whether the ECU in the Tacoma's 2.4L turbo engine could be tuned differently to use regular gas. Sheldon offers his thoughts on the matter.
• 00:05:00 In this section of the interview with Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown on the YouTube video "Why Is The Tacoma $$$? I Interviewed Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown!", Brown discusses the reasoning behind Toyota's decision to require premium fuel for certain vehicles, specifically the Land Cruiser and Tacoma, in different markets. He explains that the outgoing Land Cruiser was a premium vehicle that utilized premium fuel, and Toyota likely wanted to maintain that image and get better horsepower with the new model. Additionally, Toyota protects their engines from knocking, regardless of the type of fuel used. In North America, Toyota's goal was to keep all posted numbers based on regular fuel for truck customers. Brown also mentions that Land Cruiser is known worldwide for its off-road capabilities, and maintaining consistency with that image was important. He also explains that differences in fuel quality around the world make it tricky to account for multiple configurations, and changing names to maintain brand integrity is not uncommon in the industry. Finally, Brown touches on the stricter emissions regulations coming in 2027 and Toyota's plans to adapt to them.
• 00:10:00 In this section of the interview, Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown discusses the future of automotive technology, specifically in regards to engine size and electrification. He acknowledges that there is uncertainty regarding the future of internal combustion engines, with regulations such as LB4 and Tier 4 making emissions requirements increasingly stringent. Brown mentions that technologies like gas particulate filters can help meet these requirements but come with drawbacks like decreased horsepower. Toyota is focusing on using different technologies to meet these standards while minimizing negative side effects. The company is committed to reducing emissions and being environmentally responsible but recognizes that it will take time and effort. Brown also emphasizes the importance of market demand and offering a range of solutions, rather than relying on a single technology as a "silver bullet." He mentions that hydrogen fuel cells may not be suitable for all applications and that it's important to consider the specific use case for each technology. Brown expresses his belief that electrification will play a role in the future but that it will depend on how it is executed. He also acknowledges the importance of infrastructure development and the need for a balanced approach.
• 00:15:00 In this section of the interview with Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown on the YouTube video "Why Is The Tacoma $$$? I Interviewed Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown!", the topic of the smaller gas tank in the new Tacoma model is discussed. The speaker mentions that the smaller tank size is due to packaging constraints and the improved fuel economy of the vehicle. The truck's body length and width remain the same, but there are larger components such as a larger drive line, rear axle, tires, and muffler that take up space. The engineer justifies the smaller tank by stating that the improved efficiency allows for less unnecessary mass and maintaining a competitive range. The impact of modifications such as larger tires and gearing differences in the new generation Tacoma is less significant than in the previous model. The speaker also mentions their personal experience of making it from Florida to California with the new Tacoma, narrowly avoiding range issues while going downhill.
• 00:20:00 In this section of the interview with Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown on the YouTube video "Why Is The Tacoma $$$?", the discussion revolves around the Tacoma's fuel efficiency and range. Brown explains that the computer system in the Tacoma is not nerfed, and although it may indicate a lower range than actual, the truck can still travel up to 40 to 50 miles before the low fuel light comes on. He also mentions that the learning algorithm in the system takes into account the driver's historical fuel usage and current driving conditions. The system aims to be conservative to avoid leaving drivers stranded on the road. Brown also shares his personal preference for having a half tank or more of fuel when road tripping. The conversation then shifts to discussing potential future improvements and options for the Tacoma.
• 00:25:00 In this section of the interview with Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown, he discusses the reasons behind the addition of the stabilizer disconnect mechanism in the Tacoma TRD Off-Road package, which is not limited to premium packages. Brown believes that this feature significantly enhances the truck's performance, both on and off-road. He acknowledges the equipment-intensive nature of the new model and the comparison to previous TRD Off-Road versions. The interviewee expresses his enthusiasm for the new Tacoma, highlighting its improved performance and all-around capabilities, surpassing the older models. He also mentions the hybrid version's advantages, such as the 2400-watt inverter, which comes in handy for outdoor activities like charging tools or powering appliances. Brown also shares his experience with the Land Cruiser hybrid, which features an ice cooler and a more efficient inverter system, keeping the fridge cool during long drives without any hiccups.
• 00:30:00 In this section of the YouTube video titled "Why Is The Tacoma $$$? I Interviewed Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown!", Sheldon Brown discusses the power output of the Tacoma's inverter system. The older Tacoma models, including both hybrid and non-hybrid versions, have a 400-watt inverter that drops to 100 watts while driving but kicks up to 400 watts during idling or parking. However, the new 2400-watt inverter maintains the same output regardless of whether the vehicle is moving or not. Brown explains that Toyota had to do significant work to support this higher output and ensure the system's overall capability. The older models may have given drivers a false sense of power due to the difference in output during driving versus idling. When comparing the Tacoma TRD Off-Road to the TRD Pro of the last generation, Brown highlights the improvements in engine performance, crawl control, and overall capability, justifying the increased price.
• 00:35:00 In this section of the interview with Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown in the YouTube video "Why Is The Tacoma $$$?", Brown discusses the reasons behind the lack of an engine cover on the Tacoma, specifically focusing on heat management and cost efficiency. He explains that the turbocharged engine in the Tacoma generates a significant amount of heat, which requires accommodations such as large water inlets and outlets, as well as floating bearings and lubrication to keep the turbos cool. Brown also mentions that keeping the engine exposed allows for easier access for maintenance and service, and that the cost of adding an engine cover may be better spent on noise suppression or other areas that provide a better return for customers. He also shares his personal experience of struggling to put the engine cover back on his Tundra, and expresses his excitement about picking up a second-generation Tacoma for his channel. Despite the potential issue of debris entrapped in the engine, Brown believes that the benefits of the exposed engine outweigh the drawbacks for most customers.
• 00:40:00 In this section of the interview, Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown discusses the decision-making process behind the Tacoma's high cost and ongoing issues, such as engine problems. He explains that there are separate jurisdictions for making these decisions, but they work together to ensure quality. Brown mentions that diagnosing engine problems is difficult and that they intend to "bite the bullet" and address the issue to make things right for customers. He also touches on the expansion of Toyota's San Antonio facility, which will help with production and future powertrains. When asked about specific issues with the Tacoma, Brown mentions transmission issues and the infamous grille shutter problem but cannot discuss specific improvements for the 2025 model year. Instead, they focus on addressing quality and manufacturing issues as they arise, prioritizing those with the greatest impact on customers.
• 00:45:00 In this section of the interview with Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown on the YouTube video "Why Is The Tacoma $$$?", Brown discusses the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with suppliers and the challenges that come with managing a complex supply chain. He explains that even a small issue can cause significant problems, such as a differential breaking on a trail, which was outside of Toyota's expectations. To address these issues, Toyota has an Early Detection and Early Resolution (EDER) team that quickly identifies and resolves problems. Brown also mentions a grill shutter issue that was not a mechanical problem but an interruption of signal caused by moisture getting into a connector. Toyota identified the issue, held production, and retrofitted the vehicles to resolve the issue. The good news for owners is that the issue did not pose any significant risk and was easily fixed.
• 00:50:00 In this section of the interview, the speaker shares a personal experience with a malfunctioning component in his Tacoma truck, which he believes was caused by moisture. He mentions that earlier models of the truck had similar issues, leading to customer frustration and negative press. Toyota's Chief Engineer, Sheldon Brown, explains that the company would rather address the issue proactively to avoid inconvenience to customers and dealerships. Brown also discusses the complexity of managing the entire production flow and the importance of quality holds to ensure issues are identified and resolved. The conversation touches upon the Tundra recall and the challenge of pinpointing causality in large-scale manufacturing.
• 00:55:00 In this section of the interview, Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown discusses the process Toyota uses to identify and address manufacturing issues. When an issue arises, Toyota engineers work to trace it back to its source, often involving extensive detective work and analysis of manufacturing data. They look for patterns and trends, trying to determine if the issue is a one-off or part of a larger problem. Toyota uses advanced monitoring systems to help identify potential issues early and prevent them from affecting customers. Despite the challenges, Toyota is committed to addressing any issues and ensuring customer satisfaction. The interview also touches on the complexity of identifying specific issues in large quantities of vehicles, making it necessary to investigate thoroughly.

01:00:00 - 01:50:00
Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown discusses the challenges of producing high-quality vehicles while keeping costs competitive in the interview on the YouTube video "Why Is The Tacoma $$$? I Interviewed Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown!". Brown acknowledges the criticism about the latest Tacoma models and Toyota's commitment to customer delight. He explains that Toyota aims to meet market prices and works closely with market planners to determine costs. Brown also mentions the importance of strong relationships with suppliers and the increase in production costs due to regulations, compliance, energy costs, raw materials, and logistics. The interview also covers the varying options and prices for the new Tacoma pickup truck, Toyota's approach to product longevity and future trims, and the capabilities of Tundra's battery system in off-grid situations. Brown emphasizes Toyota's strategic approach to technology and equipment, ensuring customers receive a good value for their investment.

• 01:00:00 In this section of the interview, Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown discusses the challenges of producing high-quality vehicles while minimizing inconvenience to customers. He acknowledges the criticism from enthusiasts about the latest Tacoma models and expresses the company's commitment to customer delight. Brown also explains that Toyota aims to meet competitive market prices and that engineering works closely with market planners to determine costs. The company prioritizes strong relationships with suppliers to ensure long-term success. Brown acknowledges the increase in costs over time but does not make excuses.
• 01:05:00 In this section of the interview with Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown on the YouTube video "Why Is The Tacoma $$$? I Interviewed Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown!", Brown discusses the factors driving up the cost of producing vehicles, including regulations, compliance, energy costs, raw materials, and logistics. He acknowledges that these costs are increasing and that Toyota aims to provide value to customers while also making a profit. Brown also mentions the importance of the Tacoma as a halo model and the need to deliver value to entry-level customers, focusing on providing basic features while maintaining safety standards. He emphasizes that Toyota takes a strategic approach to technology and equipment, ensuring that customers receive a good value for their investment.
• 01:10:00 In this section of the interview, Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown discusses the varying options and prices for the new Tacoma pickup truck. He explains that the company aimed to cater to a wide range of customers, from those who prioritize affordability to those seeking high-end features. The introduction of the new Limited model, which offers premium features, was a response to the requests of a small percentage of customers. Brown also mentions that inventory levels have improved, allowing customers to compare and negotiate prices more effectively. Despite some dealers expressing concerns about excess inventory, Brown views this as a positive development for customers, who now have more options to choose from.
• 01:15:00 In this section of the interview with Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown on the YouTube video "Why Is The Tacoma $$$? I Interviewed Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown!", they discuss the topic of product longevity and future Tacoma trims. Brown explains that Toyota is always aware of customer needs and potential deficiencies in their product lineup. Regarding long bed options, most of the volume is taken up in the extra cab application, prioritizing deck space for those customers. However, they did not offer a long bed hybrid for Tacoma at launch due to low projected sales. They are cautious about developing niche models with high investment and part variation for not many sales. They keep an eye on demand and customer feedback to determine future trims. Brown also shares his personal experience of wanting a manual Tacoma but ultimately settling for an automatic due to practical reasons.
• 01:20:00 In this section of the YouTube video titled "Why Is The Tacoma $$$? I Interviewed Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown!", the speaker discusses his experience testing the new automatic transmission in the Tacoma TRD Pro and expresses his appreciation for its improved performance. He also shares his disappointment that the Pro model does not come with paddle shifters, but acknowledges the benefits of the transmission's ability to hold gears manually. The speaker also touches upon the debate surrounding the truck's high price point and its niche market appeal. Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown is interviewed, and he explains that the Pro model is intended to cater to those seeking a performance-oriented truck for various reasons, and that the Trail Hunter and Pro models are meant to coexist in different market segments.
• 01:25:00 In this section of the interview with Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown on the YouTube video "Why Is The Tacoma $$$? I Interviewed Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown!", the topic of ISO seats in the Tacoma being potentially optional comes up due to customer feedback. Brown acknowledges the trade-off between the seats and the truck's performance, but Toyota will consider the market opportunity and customer demand before making a decision. Brown also discusses the Pro model's identity as a go-fast truck and the value of the features it comes with, comparing it to competitors like the Ford Raptor and the GM Twins. He argues that while the Tacoma Pro may appear more expensive on paper, the standard features it offers make it a competitive option.
• 01:30:00 In this section of the interview with Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown in the YouTube video "Why Is The Tacoma $$$? I Interviewed Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown!", Brown discusses the pricing of the Tacoma Pro and the competitive market in the compact segment. He explains that the Tacoma Pro is Toyota's premium truck and comes with all the bells and whistles, which comes with a higher price tag. Toyota's team aimed to offer a range of vehicles at different price points to cater to various customers while protecting the core market. Brown encourages customers to compare specs across different brands and emphasizes the importance of competition in driving innovation and delivering world-class products to customers. He also mentions the Ford Maverick as a cool new competitor in the market.
• 01:35:00 In this section of the interview with Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown, he discusses the reasoning behind the pricing and offerings of Toyota's Tacoma and Tundra trucks. According to Brown, Toyota strategically places its vehicles in different market segments to compete effectively and cater to various customer needs. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer dynamics and prioritizing product offerings accordingly. Brown also mentions the similarities between Tacoma and 4Runner customers and how this influences the shared DNA of these vehicles. He hints at potential future developments in Toyota's truck lineup, including improvements in hybrid technology.
• 01:40:00 In this section of the interview with Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown on the YouTube video "Why Is The Tacoma $$$? I Interviewed Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown!", Brown discusses the capabilities of Tundra's battery system in off-grid situations. He explains that the vehicle is not designed to keep the high voltage contactors open when people are not in the vehicle to prevent high voltage leakage. Instead, if used in a camping environment, the vehicle can be put in "run" mode, which will cycle the engine off once the battery reaches a certain charge level and come back on to charge the battery. With a full tank of gas and a full load on the inverter, the vehicle's core essentials can run for 48 hours straight, providing about 18 minutes of runtime every 33 minutes to bring the battery back up. Brown also mentions that Toyota is focusing on making their trucks more competitive by improving quality, adding new features, and sharing resources across their vehicle lines.
• 01:45:00 In this section of the interview with Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown in the YouTube video "Why Is The Tacoma $$$? I Interviewed Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown!", Brown discusses Toyota's intentions for the Tacoma truck, which will never be a Ford-F-150 replacement or aim to be part of the "big three." Instead, the Tacoma is Toyota's best-selling truck, and the company aims to keep it competitive by addressing customer requests, such as customizable dash features, fast-charging USB-C ports, and an automatic tailgate. Brown also mentions the solidity of the Tacoma and the desire to improve the Tundra's issues, like rattling and weather seals, while introducing new technology and content throughout the truck's life cycle. Additionally, Brown hints at upcoming improvements and updates for Tundra fans, including potential bed storage solutions and cubbies for straps.
• 01:50:00 In this section of the interview, the speaker expresses his appreciation for the Tacoma truck and shares his plans to sell it due to personal reasons. He reflects on the truck's features, including its powertrain and comforts, and compares it to an older model. The speaker acknowledges that the Tacoma, which is technically 12 years old but only 5 years old with a refresh, demonstrates the truck's longevity and quality. Despite the late hour, Toyota's Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown graciously continues the conversation before wrapping up the interview.

 

It took almost 2 years , you do realize they have to go through a lot to confirm findings. They just can't flip a coin . Just because you didn't hear anything doesn't mean they were not looking into it for quite a while .

 

Rather watch the video then read all of that lol

 

yea that would take me 3 hours to read.

 

Already watched it , not sure why people are complaining. I have watched several Sheldon interviews this was one of the better ones .

 

Because that's what people do here.

Me? I watched the part about the Tacoma and found it of interest. The most useful part to me was about the Tacoma algorithm that calculates range. But you guys can keep whining about a video you didn't watch.