I hate to say it

Love my 3rd gen, it’s my 3rd Taco. Just got back from a business trip where I rented a 2024 OR and I have to say: man! The turbo I4 and transmission was 20x better than my truck. Drove from Detroit to Cincinnati for a week with it and just kept thinking about how to financially make the jump. Then I got home and drove an hour home from the airport in my baby. I’ll stick with my 22 TRD Sport but sad to say Toyota finally gave the model a winning transmission/engine combo to the line.

 

Who did you rent from? I travel a lot and haven’t seen any 4th gen’s much less a TRD Off Road, as a rental vehicle.

 

From what I hear, it seems great, except for towing heavy loads. I've never had a problem with my 2.7L after 12 years.

It probably would tow a Tundra just fine, lol. Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, Zach

 

I wouldn't want one. Turbo's add a whole `nother layer of stuff to go wrong, and do not have the longevity of a normally aspirated engine.

 

I can’t wait to beat the shit out of it.

 

Heres a TRD Off Road at Enterprise near me.

 

That was true 20 years ago.
Fortunately Europe did a really good job of pioneering little efficient turbos in fairly pedestrian cars and the whole set up has gotten better. Remember, 60 years ago someone was saying the same thing about Overhead Cam's adding too much complexity. "Pushrods work just fine." We solved that didn't we?
Turbo'd Engines are going well into the 300K range now. Not without service along the way and replacing that turbo at some point but longevity is tit-for-tat at this point. Neck and neck.

 

They shift a lot better. I’m not as excited for this generation due to price and potential issues. But it’s more comfortable, rides nicer over all driving experience is better.

I prefer the dash layout of the 3rd gen but that’s about it.

 

I rented it at National at DTW. Turbo engines run to the million mile mark and have for decades. Now, improperly maintained and self installed turbos on engines not designed for them: nightmare fuel. One note to add to the gen4 review: Toyota needs to fire their audio/interface engineers. Entertainment was still wonky, at least it ran CarPlay on Bluetooth.

 

Good read, just for grins I think I'll slip over to the dealer and take one for a test-drive.
Wouldn't dream of trading my 2021 but still I'd like to check it out.
( still don't like the 'look' of the 2024 )

 

I can't really vouch for this but It is my understanding (I've read it but can't say it was a reliable source so take it with a grain of salt) the 3rd gen computer mapping is all about Toyota getting MPG ratings etc. not performance.
Anyway I can attest to the fact that after an OTT tune my 3rd gen runs great - no gear hunting and more responsive and peppier. I would tell anyone the first mod and if the only mod to a 3rd gen should be an OTT tune.

 

The active grill shutters will be an ongoing issue for anyone looking to keep a 24+ long term imo.

 

Does the entire rear window do down or did they do away with the sliding rear window?

 

I thought it did on the one I test drove, but I could be mixing it up with the 3rd gen I had as a rental while my 4Runner was getting bodywork done last October.

Edit: looks like it is optional on some trims, standard on some, and not available on others

Edit #2: referring to the power sliding rear window.

 

Things that used to come standard like the powered drivers seat, rear sliding window, and dampened tailgate are now additional options on a lot of trims.

 

As far as I know, they do not roll the whole thing down. That's only on the Tundra. Some Tacos do not have a sliding rear at all in the 4th gen.

 

I'm with you.

I have no doubts that they are nicer. But I don't like the window sticker and good grief, the looks of that warthog have definitely not grown on me.


I just pulled my ol 3rd gen out of the garage for the first time in a month. It still put a smile on my face.

 

Every fast, new girl in your life feels great for the first few weeks. But will your mother tire of her in a month?

 

There’s only one way to fix that type of ugly.

 

I’ll have to keep an eye out on my next business trip. I’ve got a stick so don’t live with the transmission problems, yet have rented a 3rd gen auto a few times. Looking forward to putting a few days of driving on a 4th gen.