Have a 2015 as a loaner, all I can say is WOW!

Took my 2016 DCSB OR back to the dealer to get a couple things worked on. They have free loaners so I expected to get put in a Corolla but they offered an 2015 access cab sport. I couldn't pass that up! I haven't driven any Tacos other than my '98 and a couple 2016's during test drives. I have to say, wow! It's like these came from different companies.

Transmission shifts much smoother, is in the right gear and much better shift points. Engine was smooth, torquey and refined. There was a bit more tire roar but over all the engine seems much quieter and most importantly (for me) there were no drone from the engine/exhaust constantly lugging in the wrong gear.

I think I'm going to be in the minority here, but to me the mechanics of the 2015 seem like they work together better.

 

Are you thinking about trading in?

 

Now you know why there was much fuss over the engine on TW. Most who drove the 4.0 are a little disappointed when it comes to the 3.5. But for those who never drove the 4.0, the 3.5 seems adequate.

 

Not thinking about trading. I do like the new features for how I use my truck on a day to day basis (stuck in traffic). Things like the auto climate control and the sunroof. Before I bought I did think long and hard about getting a '15 with the supercharger instead.

i didn't think the 4.0 would make such a difference with just a bit more torque being offset by the shorter axle ratio. My dad has an older 4Runner with the 4.0 and I thought it was pretty meh, but in the Taco, what a difference!

 

You're driving a truck that is lighter, bigger engine, less gears..so less shifting, and one that has been broken in. Sounds about right.

 

Makes me happy I bought the 2015 and didn't wait

 

Coming from a 2014 tundra with the big v8 , I can say the 3rd gen taco has plenty of power . ( I also own a 2008 v6 taco)

 

ECT PWR will get you that feel of the 4.0. for the most part.

 

There is no question that the 2nd Gen Tacoma has a better Engine/Trans combination. The sad part is that the 3rd Gen should get a lot better gas mileage, but it doesn't? I think people might be willing to put up with the 3rd Gen quirks if the gas mileage was better.

 

But there goes your fuel economy...

 

It's a truck. If you want fuel economy get a Prius

Besides it will get around the same as the 2nd Gen with ECT PWR on.

 

You miss the point, if you need the ECT PWR for it to drive normal, you don't get the mileage advertised for the truck!
As far as getting a Prius,

 

I had similar complaints when I was shopping for a new truck, which is why I chose the Nissan Titan.

It's nice to see someone admit the are disappointed/underwhelmed with the purchase. The only chance Toyota upgrades the Tacoma is if the word gets out the engine doesn't quite live up to expectations, and sales drop. Sadly this isn't happening any time soon.

 

That was my impression when I test drove the 2016 as well. I really like the looks and extra features so I wanted one. After taking it for a drive I felt like the drive train was a downgrade from the 2nd gen. It reminded me of my old 2009 4 cylinder automatic Tacoma taking off from a stop and the gear searching at highway speeds was annoying. I like the 3rd gen but I think they could have done better with the drive train.

 

You need to go out to your truck right now and remove the automatic windows, locks, A/C, back-up camera, cruise control, and radio. Its a truck, and you're a man, and you don't need all of those niceties.

 

Well that explains it, since my last one was a 22re!! Haha

 

The great thing about the 3rd gen is choice. You can choose to get 22-24 mpg - the slow acceleration off the line, the early shifting points, all aid in improving MPG for someone with a fuel conscious foot. Or you can choose to have power, just like the 4.0 off the line, with great acceleration, great response, and terrible (14-16) MPG, like the 2nd gen. But the point is, you can choose what you want. Choice is always better.

 

Put the crack pipe down

 

I average 19 in my 2nd gen and I don't baby it.

 

Agreed. I get 17-18 consistent and I'm on 285's with a 3'' lift. Sure they are ATs but still.