Hybrids only thread.

I'll get around 22 on a highway if i take it easy on speed and 17-19 around town. Go too much faster than 65 and it drops. Probably get around 20 if I'm cruising at 75. Its pretty hilly out here and the TH is gonna be worse than other models.

I didnt really want a hybrid because of mpg, but more so because 184lb of extra torque available at 0 rpm. better able to handle larger tires and smooth torque is nice offroad.

 

I usually average between 20 and 21. Worst I did was a 100mi highway trip into a 40mph headwind. I got 18.

If you're concerned it’s loud between stop lights, it really isn’t. But, you can turn off the noisemaker with Carista to make it a little quieter, and there’s the insulator panel for the hood you can get.

 

If there's any other nuts out there like me that didn't buy the hybrid for the gas mileage, and do not appreciate the engine start/stop function, it can be defeated by switching over to S8 as previously mentioned. I found out today that you can "long press" the shifter up instead of going through each gear and skip right to 8. Works backwards down to 1 as well. Just FYI, carry on.

 

im not sure how everyone is calculating their gas mileage, but be aware that the computers are off. Probably most of them. My truck (Pro with rack) says I am getting 16.7 overall, but my hand math says over 21mpg. I trust my hand math. Im not easy on the truck either. PS, I think the pro does have some extra Getty up over all other versions. Maybe the intake? maybe the exhaust? either way, no chance im babying to get what I consider good fuel mileage.

 

Ok so I finally purchased one...Hybrid with 4k package 14" screen and sunroof, as I got the price I wanted. Loving this thing so far is an understatement (agree on "amazing"), but also coming from 05 Tacoma....here are my observations after a few weeks for future buyers...


Good (or great):

• Smooth transition of power. Up to speed quick.
• It sits high. Higher than my 05 with 2 inch lift. Gives a commanding feeling right off shelf.
• Mileage so far normal driving in city is 21ish
• Looks awesome
• Auto locking tailgate. I didn't realize this doing research.
• Lots of Technology (cool guage cluster options)

Curious (or bad):

• Turning radius is less (I knew this)
• JBL sounds worse than 05 JBL
• Lots of noises from hybrid system, but not an issue.
• Very limited storage (I knew this)
• Roof channels look unfinished and need a black cover all teh way through.
  
• Lots of Technology (more to go wrong)

I have owned many Toyotas trucks (including a 22RTE) and hopefully this will be as reliable, as that is a main factor in vehicle purchase. Now I have one question for current owners...how do you guys keep the miles from racking up!!

 

Anyone that experienced or is experiencing a rougher transmission sensation when driving steady between right 35 & 45mph? If so, did it smooth out over time and roughly how long did it take? Or still going? It's like it can't decide between shift points or ICE/Hybrid discharge/recharge... Something... That's taking the otherwise smooth ride and giving full on minor haptic vibration. Below or above that range, very smooth.

 

Mine does that exact same thing from new.. truck has around 700 miles on it" just going to wait to see if Toyota comes up with a ECU reflash

 

does it come and go? as in some days wont do it on same section of road? if so mine has done something similar to that also. 7000 miles on mine. not to worried about it.

 

I notice it mostly all the time..some worse some less at times. I figure Toyota must know about so just going to wait. Already said something to my dealer so they know about it

 

Road, temp, time of day, etc. don't matter. It's always when you're between ~35mph and ~45mph. Exact point it starts or stops on the high or low end varies 1-3mph at times, but for me it's 100% when I'm between 37&42mph regardless of back road, state road, highway, interstate. I have not attempted to 'play around' to see if it's better or worse in a different drive mode. I have the full time 4wd. I crossed 1K miles on the ODO and it's still there and has been from day 1 at ODO=4mi.

I'm pretty certain it's a software/firmware issue and not any form of mechanical "issue". But was also curious if it was "break in" related based on others getting more miles/km under their belts.

 

first real cold push with some snow in the midwest and my MPG is down from 19.5 to 17.5..... 4HI and longer idle times with the cold. Fun driving in the snow again though.

 

Also coming from a 2005 TRD OR and now in a TRD OR Premium iForce Max. I agree with damn near everything you mentioned. It's a lot of fun. Can't wait to get it off road...after some PPF I think.

 

Talk to me about driving in the snow. I live on a small mountaintop with a steep gravel road and driveway--20-30% grade in spots, and I've got a TRD OR hybrid. Right now I still have 3-5" of snow on parts of the road. Do I try my luck going down the steep drive? And do I use MTS on the snow setting or do I use the downhill crawl control? In normal weather I use the DAC and it works great on these steep grades.

 

if your OR has the same crappy falkens mine has the tires are going to be the weak spot...

 

Is this your first winter there?

 

@CrispyTacoLover is it that obvious? Ha. yes I've been coming here a few years, but finally have a place to live. I've driven the road in lots of weather but not snow-cover. I was hoping to have a Gator by now to go up and down in bad weather, but it's not in the cards just yet. (Maybe something to do with buying an expensive hybrid truck?)

@gmtech, are the tires that bad??

I'm guessing it's better to use 4Lo in this situation for more traction, rather than 4Hi. That argues for using MTS on the snow setting and not DAC, which would be in Hi.

 

If it’s just snow, I would not worry about it. 4Hi and go wherever you want. You will never know until you try it.

These Tacoma trucks and 4Runners love the snow.

 

I am posting this more in jest than for your own situation, notably because conditions are more extreme, and there are comments criticizing his 4x4 driving (choices, aggressiveness, etc).
For you? (and me). Slower is better, especially as snow turns to ice depending on conditions. So yes, 4LO in snow.

https://youtu.be/CD4dfLAlyD4?si=AXVa-LkD_V_L73JR

 

@dleithaus thanks for that and the video (yikes!). So, 4Lo for steep downhill? I'm curious why Lo vs Hi for downhill?

There's no snow setting in MTS on Lo, so I guess I'd use auto? And yes there could be ice underneath in spots. It's gravel so hopefully some traction under there and not just a sheet of ice.

I see in the video, he shuts off the rear diff. is that actually a useful idea in this setting? I'm not sure how to use that feature.