3.5 Gutless? Eh, not really. 10,000 mile review

Great review. You are right this truck provides you with a different driving experience. It does have the power at mid range and add the ECT she really gets up and go.

What I am trying to get use to is the power at low range (slow acceleration at low speeds). It seems like the truck is struggling trying to go from low to mid range speed. Once it is in the mid range speed she flat out flys. I like it thus far. No vibrations, no cabin noise, thus far.

 

Yeah I've power washed the hell out of it. But I'll definitely need to jack it up and try to spreading the leaf a bit to access it. But tomorrow is getting dirty so after that it'll happen.

 

It's just not in its power band.... so it'll strugle there.

 

You did say you ended up getting a 17 correct? Just wondering because of the different gearing, it should of helped it a bit. I'm worried coming from a 3.5 ecoboost to this 3.5.

 

Great review. Thank you.

 

Has anyone complaining about the gutless lower end RPM tried driving this this without traction control off?

Traction control off + ECT =

 

I love my truck but the engine in underpowered and the trans is goofy (will get TSB done @ 10k next month).
I think the cab is WAY too loud and, as you stated, the '16 can be shifty on the freeway with the CC on.
I traded in my 2006 for the 2016 so that was my direct comparison.
Here's the truth....
Give me a bunch more HP and quiet the road noise and I'll be completely satisfied. I can fix the noise issue myself with some rammatt and a few other things but still waiting on a significant HP upgrade option from SOMEONE... ANYONE.
Still, best mid size truck on the road. Every day I get in it I am very thankful for such an awesome ride.

 

Are you running stock tires?

 

nice review man.


Just hit 7500 miles, very happy with the truck.

 

Almost o 10k with mine, love it. No major issue. I do have a 1-2 second lag when cold and going from R to D but hoping the TSB fixes that when I go in for the 10k service. If not I can live with that small issue. If I had to do it all over again I would.

 

I remember the difference in engine power bands when I sold my FJ40 with the 2F and bought the 22R-E Pickup. One was a tractor engine that could idle up stuff, the other happy to cruise at 2500 RPM all day. You adapt your driving (or mod the truck, I ran 4.7 gears in the transfer case) to how things are. I really dig my 1GR, it feels like a Toyota to me, kind of a 22R-E that has more power across the whole band. It's a great engine for a truck and how I use it. OTOH, the mileage stinks and I do feel it struggles at hyper warp Interstate speeds, happy up to 65MPH but 75 or 80, it's just not good at it. So the 2GR-FKS is supposed to fix those things and if so, fantastic. Eventually fit a Marlin Ultimate to solve the lack of low end off road and you have the best of both!

 

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Very good write-up OP ...

Close to 5,000 now and good truck overall, mileage dropped a little and will get a transmission re-flash & etc. @ 5,000 mile dealer service.

Less problems than my 2012 Tacoma.
.

 

I'm a Chevy guy and have built engines and raced at the dragstrip. I've been around cars with lots of power. Seriously, the truck has plenty of power for what it is.

My truck is also pretty quiet. It got a little noise when I changed the tires.... but it was expected.

 

I will never again in my life complain about rough rides, squeaks, rattles, etc.
Just sold my 2013 Jeep Wrangler and bought a new 2017 Tacoma. What a difference! Day to night. I'm happy.

 

I'm almost at 12000 since December of last year when I bought it, most of the review posted is accurate. I have the Limited so the JBL is installed by default. Radio is fantastic, everything works without issue, I think those that have issues with it when it comes to usability aren't used to technology in their vehicles. I have had several vehicles now with Navi installed and everything else, Toyota's is by far the best and most user friendly. Nothing is difficult to do with the Entune system.

As far as the engine goes, if you put your foot into it and hit that upper RPM range, it almost feels like a small turbo spooled up and let go. Definitely has the speed if you drive it and don't pussy foot the damn thing. The transmission is my only real complaint aside from the leaf springs that needed replaced and now the skid in front that constantly has a metal on metal grind. RCI will take care of that for me since I'm going aftermarket for a new skid plate, so that problem should disappear.

Out of all the medium sized trucks, the Tacoma is still the best for me. Those that don't like it can either A. get rid of it or B. deal with it and get whatever they don't like changed if possible. I understand there will always be moaning and groaning but this is possibly the worst I have ever seen it when it comes to an online discussion forum. I don't plan on getting a new vehicle for another 8 years or so, I think this truck will do just fine.

 

Thanks for the great review, OP. I agree with many of your points, especially the comparison with the 4.0 (I came from a 2014 TRD Baja) and also the MPGs. I just went over 10K myself and love the truck. If I could have done anything different, I kind of wish I would have went with the MT...well, except for those times that I am stuck in traffic (which happens more than I would like).

 

Interesting review. How is the power at 80 mph? Is there a lot of upshift? Maybe no one drives them 80 mph. Looking at getting a MT though and Utah has 80 mph freeways. Edit- So its more like 85 mph if you go the flow of traffic lol.

 

Honestly, I about never drive it that fast. Most speed limits here are 70 mph and less.

 

It will wind out to 4500-5000rpms if you apply power at 80. It will drive 80 to 85 and mpg will drop to 16mpg.

 

At 80 mph it runs at 4500 rpms!!!??? I was thinking it would be in the power band enough to not have to down shift at 80.