Have things gotten better?

https://news.pickuptrucks.com/2019/02/engine-deep-dive-toyota-tacomas-atkinson-cycle-v-6.html

 

Cons of my 2018 motor tranny, has the "turbo lag", when you step on the gas, nothing happens for a few seconds it seems like, then the rpms shoot up and you get scooting

It's kind of like the powerband of a 2 stroke, nothing down low and peak power is in the higher rpms.

2 places that are huge noticeable disadvantage is when merging on to an on ramp and switching lanes on the freeway.

It cruises fine to 90 (never went faster). The motor actually feels smoother and its happy place in the higher speeds

I will tell you this, it's not as bad as all the guys with 2nd gens who have their panties in a bunch cry about. My 13 year old niece and her friends are less drama queens I swear lol. I hope those guys are happy with their almighty 4.0 and it last them half a mil because toyota will never make another one so looks like they will still be driving their 2nd gens when they're 80 and grey and their trucks are falling apart if it isn't already.

I owned a 2nd gen and personally like my 3rd gen better, interior is way superior and nicer looking (2nd gen looks cheap and dated) and I like the exterior and overall looks much better than the 2nd gen

 

I think people are simply talking past each other on this topic.

The 3.5l v6 offers very good power delivery higher up in the RPM range. So in situations where you're accelerating from steady-state driving and the rev's are already in the mid range (like getting up to highway speeds) the 3.5l will handle itself reasonably well.

The issue, in some peoples' minds at least, is that the 3.5l's power delivery at lower RPM's (encountered during accelerations from a stop, going uphill, beginning to pull a load) is not as good as that of the 4.0l v6 which preceded it. That issue is somewhat exacerbated by the auto's tendency to shift early and keep the RPM's low (where the power delivery is lacking).

So yes, we all acknowledge that the 3.5l is a powerful engine when its rev'd up high, which is why you'll see decent engine performance on the highway. But you're also not going to notice a lack of low-end torque in those situations. At the end of the day, both engines work well enough, they just go about their jobs in slightly different manners; some people prefer the characteristics of the 4.0l v6, while others prefer, or at least don't mind, how the newer 3.5l v6 handles.

And for all the nostalgia for the 4.0l v6, the sad reality is that Toyota operates in an environment where both the governments and the individual citizens demand better mpg results. In order to meet those expectations, Toyota had to make some compromises...you can't have your cake and eat it too.

 

I have an 18, do I wish it was a little quicker? Yes, but its a truck, I think it drives fine for what it is. You definitely have to get it up in the RPMs, but then she will go. I test drove some 2nd gens, as I planned on buying a 2012-2013 when I first started shopping. It was all over after I drove the 3rd gen, it was just a much better overall package to me. I love the 2nd Gen, but after I drove a 3rd Gen I never looked back.

 

I couldn’t agree more! I’ve owned a 5th gen Runner and currently own a 3rd gen ‘19 Taco. Both have advantages and disadvantages. The Runner’s 4.0 feels a bit more responsive but mileage leaves a lot to be desired and I feel the interior and features are a bit dated. I don’t have any legitimate complaints about my Taco’s AT to justify not having a truck bed. It’s “shortcomings” are considerably overwhelmed by its design, Its economy, its styling, looks and drives, its offroad capability and performance, etc. Simply, it fits my needs and preferences the best!

 

4 banger all the way problem solved

 

Thanks all. Got an appointment tomorrow to test drive the 2019 Tacoma and Tundra.

My local dealer is running some pretty crazy lease specials on both, so probably going to be hard to walk away from either as no other comparable truck can come close.

 

Agree. I could use some more torque wayy down low, 2500rpm and lower but overall with the manual its pretty good.

 

The manual is the only way to fly, so much better than an automatic tranny.