I admit it, I was wrong; Gen 3 is awesome.

Ok - so - maybe I've been a little too harsh on the Gen 3. Broke down and drove a DCSB O/R today and gosh what a dream. So to bore you with my story, I've owned my share of Toyotas, with my favorite being my '76 FJ40 in my garage. I had scrimped, saved and planned since January to order a '16 Taco - I was set on it. However, after remembering my lemon law experience with my first FJ Cruiser (first one off the boat in 2006) I had second thoughts about a first-year vehicle and got a '15 DCSB O/R (with JBL!) in late July.

I have 2,500 miles on my '15, did the break-in oil change at 1,100 miles, waxed it twice, babied the heck out of it, love driving it, and it really is a badass truck - but - the Gen 3 is a different animal altogether. My first impression when seeing it on a lot a couple weeks ago was DISGUSTING - wondering what the heck was Toyota doing. But then I drove it today. The new 3.5 is smooooth and accelerates well from speed. The new transmission seems solid. The braking is better. The interior design is laid out better - the material still feels cheap and seats are too soft, but everything seems like it's placed where it should be. Overall Toyota has maintained their solid feel, but taken it in a new direction just enough to make it refreshing while re-using many of the components from their other models (e.g. shifter is from Highlander, etc.) so it's not a "reinventing of their wheel" that's worked.

Sure, the '16 has its flaws, like the big ass grill (which actually is called a "black chrome" and doesn't look all that bad in person), the fat lip air dam thingy (that's got to be the worst), cheap blackout stickers on B pillar, misplaced oil cooler line in front, and the cheap flimsy plastic rear bumper (which I was told is three-piece for easy replacement if dinged). But the ABSOLUTE WORST part about the '16 is the OVER INFLATED HOLY CRAP price. Wow. The '16 version that's equivalent to my '15 with JBL (and also has to come with tech package) is $4,000 more MSRP. And, dealers aren't dealing on them like they were for the '15 so the difference is over $6,000. Aside from that I love it.

And the '15 has its REALLY annoying flaws too, like NO BED LIGHT, NO OUTSIDE TEMP GAUGE (so annoying) and sucky MPG. But that 4.0 engine and 5 spd tranny are tried-and-true and as reliable as they come by being perfected over 10 years.

The reality is the Gen 2 and Gen 3 are so different, but kinda the same, and they both have their place. It really comes down to personal preference of looks more than anything else. The drive of the '16 was just outstanding, and then when I got back in my '15 I felt right back at home.

I realize these descriptions are all generalities and of no use to anyone, but I just have to say I was very pleasantly surprised and excited after driving it. So much so that I'm going to put the '15 up for sale and switch over to the dark side.

Just for fun I snapped a few pics of my '15 next to the '16 I drove, below. They're both beautiful to me.

 

I've got to say, after test driving one yesterday, I'm on board as well. Can't wait for mine to show up in about a month! It's going to be a long month...

 

AWESOME BLOSSOM!!

 

I haven't even driven one yet and have mine on order. It's going to be amazing once I am actually able to drive it and that I get to take my first ride home with me!

 

Traitor, you'll be back.

 

Thanks for the comparison pics and review..

 

Thanks for the comparo, BTW... your 2015 should have an outside temp readout in the rear view mirror?

 

Shoot I wish! It's a fully loaded TRD OR with all options and a standard dummy rearview mirror. I've checked around the forums here and found it might be prewired for one I think under the overhead console, but I'd have to run the temp sensor out the firewall. Seems too much like a pain. Would rather spend another $10K for a 2016 mirror.

 

Thanks for the writeup. I was considering saving some money and hunting down a 15. But I really do like the looks of the 16 and all the new stuff. So i'm going to spend the extra money and go w/ it. Can I ask you... why do you go for short beds instead of long?

 

Main reason is they fit perfectly in my garage and a long bed won't. Plus I have a Ranger as a work truck. Otherwise I'd go for a long bed. I know short bed can kinda get annoying when you want to haul bikes and stuff. Oh also, it makes it easier for the wife to park and not run into things.

Yeah, I don't think you'll be disappointed, either way. If you like how everything looks on the '16 then you'll love how it drives. I was kind of down on Toyota's direction lately, but the kool-aid is starting to work.

 

Not on 2015, and there is also no digital clock either.

 

I drove a 2014 OR for two years and now have a 2016 sport. We both know the differences between the two and its night and day... Why are you complaining about a 6k difference? It's a far superior truck and you know that.

 

I can honestly say the 16 is a beaut. however I'm going to hang on to my '13 for a year or two just to make sure all the kinks are worked out before I switch over. Even though that new truck smell is like a million buck.

 

I'm probably in your camp unless the planets align:

1. Good discount on the 2016 - currently shooting for 2000 off MSRP
2. Excellent deal on trade-in vehicle - 2009 G37 Coupe in excellent condition.
3. Excellent financing for balance - probably only going to finance about 15k.

If they don't align, no biggie. I like my 2013 PreRunner.

 

Agreed, Especially since I just ordered some new tires for the winter season!

 

So the "Chrome" bumper on the SR5 and TRD OR are plastic with chrome paint? Wow, that sounds really tacky.

 

This is a confusing post. Sounds like the '16 is "awesome", but then so is the OP's '15. The pro/con discussion could go either way, after reading it.

So, your gonna pony up $4k higher cost, plus the cost of selling your '15, and that's worth it somehow? Sounds like you just gotta have the shiny new toy, not that there is any significant, logical reason to spend all that money on something you truly don't need.

That's OK, if that's where your priorities are. Believe me, I've been there/done that. Me, I'd keep your well maintained '15 for as long as she lasts, which would be a really long time. Stick the $4k+ in an IRA and forget about it until your 70.

 

That may be stretching it there bud.

 

Great pics and review.
The more I see the 3GEN the more I like it.
As other chimed in, I'm going to wait for a bit,
paid my 2013 off early & want to enjoy that for a bit, stash some cash.

 

The resale of the '16 will make up the difference in price. I was thinking the same thing as you, but the cost difference isn't any more than any other company does when a redesign comes out, and let's face it, in 3-5 years the 2nd Gens are going to seem way old.