2018 TRD OR First Days Review

Bought the truck a few weeks ago, and have put about 2500 miles on her so far. She is a white MT TRD OR SB. I have moved East from Wyoming for the time being and will be trouncing around northern New England for a bit. I have owned a myriad of different generations of Toyota trucks (maybe all?), including all Gens of Tacomas. I currently have this '18 and, in addition, a 1982 4WD pickup, which I love, partly for its almost complete contrast and opposition to this new machine. This third generation really is the best overall generation of Tacoma in my opinion, although each generation has its own advantages, the first gens more simple excellence (and design), The 2nd gen too was very good, with the throaty 1GR 4 litre at its heart. The third-gen though is the best engineered Tacoma to date, the general dynamics of this vehicle are exceptional. It is smooth and sure-footed, and the interior fit and finish, as well as the general layout, are outstanding. Although I have not off-roaded this one yet, I have taken a 4-cylinder version through the deserts of Utah and that truck was incredibly composed at high-speed desert driving. I cannot wait to try out A-Trac in combination with the rear locker in this OR. Visibility in this truck is the worst of all the generations, not really applicable or relevant to on-road driving, but for off-road the massive hood, in both height and length, compromises being able to see the ground directly in front of the driver. The 2GR-FKS is an engine that has created quite a stir in the community, and it is not hard to figure out why. It is way too early for me to cast a vote on this beating heart of the truck, but instead of feeling like an advancement from the 4L 1GR, it does seem like a bit of a step back, or, at least, maybe not a very large step forward, and therein lies I think the core of people's attitudes towards it. That being said, I kind of like a high revving motor, and as I feel this engine breaking in I happen to like it more. Time will tell. Durability, of course, is what many of us stay with Toyota for, and I think that is where this engine can prove itself, revving to 6k and kicking up dust all the way to 500,000 miles or more. The transmission feels great, though like many I find 6th gear close to useless as the engine really feels unhappy and luggy there, even at sea level. I cannot wait to take this truck over mountains and through rivers and across deserts, and then know it can take me in utmost comfort anywhere on the asphalt. This a well-engineered machine that seems ready to cross continents, both overland and on the interstate. Dig this forum and thanks to all who provide information, guidance, and education to the community. Talk to ya all soon.

 

These are solid trucks, glad you are enjoying and good choice picking the MT!

 

3800k on the odometer and the engine keeps getting stronger. Been pulling our 18’ boat all around Maine and she’s been crushing it. Love this truck.

 

The MT really makes a difference in these trucks.
I have a MT Sport and love it.
Test drove a 18 AT Tacoma TRD Pro a little while ago , and to be honest I would not even straight-up trade my 17 MT Sport for the 18 AT Pro.
Sales guy was kinda shocked when I told him that, but he did hear me bitching about the AT most of the time I was driving the Pro.

I'm surprised you said it was "luggy" in 6th, mine cruises fine in 6th, yeah it will not accelerate fast in 6th but it's meant for highway steady cruising without towing.

The electronic accelerator pedal seems to really cause the "lag" in the whole driving experience, there is also an accumulator in the clutch hydraulic system. Some are claiming that removing the accumulator gives more feedback from the clutch.

You'll soon realize the stock tires are not very good for off road , I put Duratracs on my trucked and it made a huge difference, Wildpeak AT3W's are another popular tire that is getting good reviews as well as KO2's and a few others.

Look into rock sliders, I got the Mobtown offroad bolt on sliders and not only have they saved me numerous door dings, they look awesome on the truck. Strong as hell.

I've started installing Aluminum skid plates on my truck, the stock ones on the Sport and OR would collapse if you ran over a squirrel. About the same gauge as a dollar store cookie sheet. The TRD Pro 1/4" Aluminum front IFS skid plate is actually quite strong though and looks great. The Mobtown Aluminum front skid is stronger though, and cheaper.

So many fun toys to add to these great machines.

 

I just want to see a pic of the 1982! I love those model trucks!

 

@daks thanks for all the mod advice ... first I’m gonna add a bed rack and a roof top tent, then go from there. As far as 6th gear , at east coast highway speeds it puts me around 2k and this engine is happier higher in the rev range , though as it’s broken in it seems to feel better at low rpms .

@Riding Dirty here ya go ha

 

Everyone thinks the new ones are slow, if you want slow try a 1st gen 3rz.

I love my first gen but not being able to do the speed limit got ridiculous, so que the 3rd gen

 

Looks like you have had a lot of toyotas. Any reason why this one has stuck with you for so long?

 

@Amanelot I love the 82 , haven’t had it that long though.

 

Love it! Awesome little yota!

 

I love my 82 also.

 

A little over 5k, interesting how the engine does really feel different after breaking in. It is now stronger at the low RPMs (I’ve actually been using sixth gear on the highway now) and it is noticeably more lively when I get on the throttle. Putting the pedal down in second is pretty darn fun, it’s not exactly fast but quick enough , and the variable valve timing really sings on this engine when you get on it. Now I just need to save my pennies for an OVTune ha.

 

Congrats! Nice review.

 

Still can’t get this engine to be efficient... no issues with lack of power, but it’s a strange engine... I was able to break 20mpg the other day by feathering the throttle as gently as possible while still maintaining forward progress, and keeping rpms under 2k at all times. But this is a ridiculous way to drive the truck.

But the minute I give this engine any throttle while driving, nothing crazy, just light to moderate throttle I am back at 15mpg. This has to be something with the tune or the Atkinson cycle. Any throttle on this engine and it seems to dump fuel. Gotta save up for the OV Tune, but come on Toyota. My first gen got 18 mpg if I hammered it. How are we going backwards here?

Still love this truck, the performance and design and feel, but this engine is a real quagmire.

 

15mpg is ridiculous.

 

You're in Wyoming. Winter time take a noticeable chunk out of the MPG. Reassess next summer.

Also, best way to measure MPG is on the highway. Keep it at 70mph and see what happens.

 

I got bad mileage when I first bought my 17 TRD OR Manual. Now I am routinely getting +/-21mpg. I do a lot of highway driving. I also keep it around 65mph. Truck is 100% stock at 8400 miles. I too have noticed worse mileage as colder tempuratures set it.

 

This engine is a strange one. Best i got was 25 mpg going 70 mph. On a highway with some red lights, i get a decent 18 mpg. Now red lights and stop signs everywhere and traffic too, 13-15 mpg. What i do to get good mileage is feather when acceleration isnt needed. jab the gas for a couple seconds to get up to speed then feather again. only for the highway tho. Manuals are fun

 

I'm in Maine for the winter, but I hear ya. The above is a mix of city/highway. Im at 15-17 on the highway depending on speed.

It's weird how this is Toyotas newest, but also least efficient truck engine. It uses a ton of fuel at anything off very low throttle. As I mentioned in my first post, I've owned ALL generations of Toyota trucks, and keep track of mpg, and this engine is the least efficient of all of them. As researched by @OVTune , it seems this may have more to do with sloppy tuning then the engine itself being a poor one.

This engine does really sing at the high revs and I feel the truck has plenty of power.