2016+ vs 2020+ Build Quality

Curious to know if there are any factory type differences (ride quality, performance, engine, etc) between the older gen 3 (2016-2019) and the newer gen 3 (2020+) for those that have owned both? Was there a major difference between older vs newer?

Debating between buying an older Gen 3 for a lower cost and upgrading stereo with the extra money leftover or buying a 2020+. I plan to put new suspension lift and tires on it. Just wondering if there any other major differences between the two.

 

Power seats on the 21s.

 

Power driver seat and passenger side keyless entry are a couple that come to mind depending on which trim you get. Mine has both and is a 2020 Sport.

Edit to add bed lights were prewired in mine as well.

 

^

adding:
TSS (offered in 2018+)
360 camera if optioned (optioned in 2020+)
power rear window (offered in 2017+)

 

Deleting: The built in CD player for the 2020's and up.

 

Ahh yeah, Apple Carplay / Android Auto (2020+)

 

base tune for the ECU is better on the 2020+.

 

difference in ride quality isn't drastic but I find my 2020 provides a better driving experience vs my 2017. Think they adjusted the tune in 2020. Also went from long bed to short - although that might be another discussion

 

In addition to what is mentioned above, Toyota shifted Tacoma assembly to Mexico last year. If your VIN starts with a 1, 4 or 5 it was assembed in Texas. VINs beginning with "3" are assembled in Mexico.

https://www.autoblog.com/2020/01/18/toyota-tacoma-production-mexico/

My 2016 has 5 Zerks that need to be greased. Now I believe the U-Joints are sealed and not servicable. In 2016 the Premium/Tech package was bundled together. Now I believe they are separate packages. Here is a cool PDF from 2016, showing Specs and Options. You might be able to compare this with what is available today.

http://www.tfltruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2016-toyota-Tacoma-Technical-specs.pdf

Happy shopping!

 

seaT.

 

I put a fox suspension on my 2016 and it rides better than any other year I've ridden in. I have had a couple of loaners for undercarriage rust campaign, bed light recall, and couldn't wait to get my truck back. Also ridden in others trucks. Get a good suspension and good tires.
I believe zerks, bed cubby, gopro mount and some other things have been removed for cost savings.
Personally I hate power seats. If drivers change it's a 20 second adjustment.
Engine on 2022 rides just like mine. Nothing has really changed but software so that people feel the jerk a little more when they press the pedal and gear shift points imo.

 

I have a '06 prerunner so time for an upgrade to an OR. Reading forums for months trying to see if it's worth me getting a newer or older one. New suspension and new tune eliminates factory ride and performance. I'd add carplay with aftermarket system. Overall to me it doesn't seem like a lot of differences. So this helps a lot... DECISIONS

 

From what I've seen on here, start with 2018. Most complaints on here tend to be heavy with 2016, less with 2017, and peter off by 2018. If you absolutely don't want radar cruise etc, get a 2017. Most of the recalls, TSBs, and issues happen in the first production year, and these are no exception.

I should also add that 2018 was the last year for the GoPro mount and in-bed storage. 2021 was the last year for these trucks being built in Texas, and I'm pretty sure the last year for getting a transmission oil cooler (consideration for towing).

 

All i can say is the tune in the 2020 works great far better than a buddies 2019 i'was in.

 

Smart thinking. You probably don't want all that safety crap they put on after the 2017's.