Has anyone traded their 3rd gen for a 4th hybrid?

Yeah looks are subjective. I agree to that. I just like the sharper angles of the new gen over the rounded edges on previous gens.

 

And?

 

Just one Chevy emblem away from looking like a Chevy.

 

the Colorado is a Toyota emblem away from looking like a tacoma

 

I owned an Access Cab 3rd Gen with the V6 in 2020. Loved the truck, but hated everything about the drivetrain. Lacked torque, gear hunted and was just a general dog. I traded that truck on a Diesel Gladiator, which I then traded on a Ranger Raptor, which recently got traded on a TR OR Hybrid. I haven't had a ton of seat time in the 4G Hybrid, but I can tell you so far it's leaps and bounds above the 3G V6.

 

Holy Trade In Batman!

 

3G owner for 6 years here, finally took a drive in a gen4 hybrid yesterday. Observations:

- power is there when demanded, no question. It pulls hard, like almost V8 hard (I have one of those too so I know) except you don’t need to get the revs over 3.5K to get it. The E-motor helping out on the torque end is no joke. Leaves my 3g in the dust.

- my truck’s nickname is “Shifty”, because that’s what the 6sp on the 3G does, and it never stops. This thing is almost imperceptible shifting, like for the first time finally a Tacoma actually knows what gear to be in, unless you are doing it yourself with a third pedal.

-WIDE turning circle, I intentionally went by the dealer entrance to U-turn back to see. It’s wider than the 3G (5 foot bed). Not 83 Cadillac Eldorado or F350 wide, but it’s wider. Wheelbase is longer so this isn’t that unexpected.

-Heats up incredibly quick. Sales guy had me start it, pop the hood and he explained some things, then we got in to drive. It wasn’t running for more than 3 or 4 min just at idle and when I got back in it was just under 1/2 way on the coolant temp from cold starting. Likely a very good thing for longevity, especially if you have short drives, because that’s only going to get it, and more importantly the oil, to temp quicker which is a lot better for really the whole motor and especially the turbo.

Attached to the above: My only question is the combination of turbo motor and the hybrids normal behavior of shutting off. I know Toyota knows this hybrid thing better than anybody, but turbos run hot and they need oil flow for that. What is the effect of the constant shutting off and losing oil flow to the turbo for longevity?

-Feels much lighter on its feet and sportier. Third gen feels like a truck, this does too but the ride is better and I feel you can maneuver it quicker at speed and it won’t fight against you.

 

Regarding turbo heat, you can always let it idle 30 or so seconds to let the turbo cool down. I think it’s unnecessary for the majority of drivers. But if you’ve been at the drag strip, or pulling a trailer across a mountain pass, it probably makes sense to idle before turning off.

 

No 3rd gen but I did trade in my 2nd gen for the 4th gen TRD PRO. Such a big upgrade as far as tech.

 

I get bored quick.

 

The turbo is also water cooled. Designing water cooling systems to generate passive coolant flow to the turbo when the water pump's not running is common at this point.

 

For me I am less concerned with the powertrain but the build quality. When I had my deposits and test drives noticed so many little things like gaps, flimsy tailgate, plastic galore interior (not that 3rd gen any better), didn't like the turning radius (drove almost similar to the Tundra I drove after) and seating position and just the giant screens, not sure how those will age / hold up. And despite what Toyota's numbers will tell you the backseat is smaller as I tested with my daughters rear facing carseat and caustrophobic with the tiny slider and rear door panels. Honestly will probably end up with a 2.5 gen Tundra for my next vehicle.

 

from ranger raptor to iforce maxx?!?! what was the turn off/boring with ranger raptor? every reviewer would say that is top of midsize trucks.

 

I agree it might be a little bit smaller, but my daughter and her car seat and wife were also with me as if I decide on the upgrade, my daughter’s comfort in the back is a required consideration too. My wife gave the complete ok with the passenger seat as she thought it was comfortable and I have to agree. She even sat in the back behind me, 5’9”, in my driving position and she thought it was fine and had extra room to move back there, she’s 5’4” or so.

My daughter’s seat sits behind me as it’s easier to get her in and out with the truck in the garage because the passenger side is pretty close to the cinder block wall. My daughter is 3, turning 4 this month, and is now forward facing which solves a lot of problems with car seats. She’s in a Graco “transitions” harnessed forward facing booster seat. Like my 3rd gen, Behind me she has plenty of room, is comfortable, and decently easy to help her get in and out, get a seat back protector though.

 

I could have gone with the ranger raptor price is in the same range but to me I prefer the design and aesthetics of the taco more. Especially the interior. It is laid out perfectly for my taste. I’m not to concerned about speed as I’m not buying a mid size truck for Baja desert runs but more for recreational purposes. Lastly, I prefer the reliability of Toyotas in general.

 

I was set on getting the Ranger Raptor over the Tacoma Hybrid, but last minute decided to stick with the taco.

Mind telling me what you liked and dis-liked about the Ranger?

 

The back has so many stolen design elements from the Silverado and Sierra.

 

Can’t but like the a** on mine better and it’s paid off.

 

Ricer posted how the 3rd Gen is everyone’s darling, I’m telling you I’m not buying one - ever. Not into trucks that like to shift all the time, And if I was buying new I’d also want to be able to run 35s without getting out the cutting torch and grinder and taking off a bunch of sheet metal.

 

Yep pretty much identical