Just upgraded from 2nd gen to 3rd gen

So I just got rid of a 2014 TRD sport 2wd to a 2022 trd sport 4wd. So far, here are my impressions. No particular order.

Storage: a large decrease. RH back seat storage is gone. Also the LH bed cubby is gone. I kept jumper cables and other misc behind the second row passenger seat. Not a big deal, but I wish it was better.

Charging: only one cigarette lighter type charger compared to 2 on the old one. Major disappointment. I'd really like another and a dash cam will have to be hard wired.

Cupholders: definitely an improvement. The new style is much better imo.

Power train: it seems more sluggish and weak compared to the 2014. Transmission is weird but I'll hold off judgement until it ages a bit more.

General feel: it's quieter and a much better ride than the old model. I really like the handling and ride. The whistling through the door seals is gone as well.

I can't compare tech because it's apples and oranges from the old model. The new truck has tons of new stuff compared to the old truck. Huge improvement here. Nav, moon roof, keyless entry, remote start, and better sound (jbl) to name a few. Although the improved sound system is ok, it's not the premium level you would expect from other vehicles.

Cargo: generally the same, but it comes with a cargo light and bed lights are easily added. Plus both 7 pin and 4 pin outlets built in to the bumper is an improvement. Big plus.

TLDR: it's definetly a huge improvement, but I'm really disappointed in the decrease in storage and charging ports. Power train is wonky so far but I have hope it improves. If not, I can be tuned. Blue crush is awesome.

 

You should have a 2nd charging point inside the center console unless they did away with it, my 2017 has one in there.

 

I'll have to dig around, but I haven't found it yet. If it's there, it's a bit inconvenient but would be a big improvement

 

I think there is even a tiny cut out at the top for the cord to pass thru so it doesn't get pinched by the lid.

 

My 21 has a regular USB, and a Type C in there. My old iPhone doesn’t like Type C chargers, but I can squeeze out 40ish percent out of a 20 minute drive using the regular USB port.

^ Yes, the best part about the center console.

 

People have their own opinions about whether or not this is actually true but my butt dyno says my truck drives better 4,000 miles in than it did when it left the dealership. So if my experience is any indicator your wonky drivetrain will improve with some miles. I'm coming off a Rav4, and the only other Tacoma I've owned was a bare bones gen 1 in the late 1990s (it even had manual window cranks), so I really have no point of comparison to comment on your other issues. Congrats on the new truck! I'm very happy with mine after 6 months.

Oh, and by the way.....

 

There’s no storage bin behind the seat anymore?

I’d like to see a pic of that.

 

Definitely is storage behind both seats in my 2021 OR. The only thing that I think removes that storage is the JBL system because I thought it comes with a subwoofer.

I definitely have 2 lighter ports. Plus I could tap the mirror for power for a dash cam.

 

Congrats on the new truck! Feel free to post pics in the color thread

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/blue-crush-metallic-thread.737525/

 

I've got an access cab and there's enough storage back there for jumper cables. As far as the charging...how much do you need? Auto transmission takes a couple thousand miles to adapt to your driving habits, just lay off of using the ECT mode and S modes. I kept mine always in drive and its perfect now. I truly believe breaking in the truck while always using those modes really screws up the transmission to learn your habits.

 

I too once had a '14. 3rd gen definitely has a better, smoother ride, almost like a car. Thing is, you have to keep the revs up like it's a two stroke cycle. The power rear sliding window & heated mirrors are worth their weight in gold. You have storage under the back seat where the 2nd gen didn't. Best of luck with the new rig OP.

 

I ran my dash cam power wire up over the passenger vanity mirror, down the pillar, underneath the floor mats, and into the center console charger. The wires are out of the way and barely noticeable without having to hardwire anything.

 

I do have the JBL system so that's probably why the storage behind the rear passenger side seat is deleted.

 

Is the only one I have so far. No changes except for a Lomax cover. I'll get more today.

 

Yep, can't beat having a power sliding rear window, and heated mirrors, my gen 1 tundra had neither.

 

try driving with ECT Power on and compare, you might be surprised.

 

I would prefer a single pane of glass for the rear window. Wish that was an option. The Tundra glass looks so much better, at least to me.

I used ECT a lot in my 2017. It was pretty much required for city driving. On my 2021 ECT is not required. I was going to use it this tank of gas and compare, but it’s too annoying. I much prefer ECT off on my 2021.

 

That makes sense, I was shocked Toyota would decontent that much otherwise. I know they keep deleting bed cubbies and the storage cubby to the left of the steering wheel, but that would t make much sense. I have a JL Stealthbox stuffed in mine and with two car seats it’s not going to be accessible regardless.

 

You can get an adapter to power your dash cam from the mirror. Easy and clean install.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/well-that-was-an-easy-dash-cam-install.650486/

 

Very true and definitely the clean and easy way to go, just keep in mind that this only powers up when the ignition is on, so this won't work if you have a parking monitor feature.