3rd Gen to 4th Gen Question

I'm really surprised that nothing came up using the search function. Currently have a '20 SR5 with the 5' bed, white. Looking at a '25 SR5 in Underground with the 6' bed.
This is for those who traded to the new generation Tacoma from a 3rd gen. I'm looking at trading but am hesitant for a couple reasons. From what I've been able to find is the Gen 4 SR5 2.4t is rated at 278 hp. The SR at 228 hp. Can anyone verify that? How's the 2.4T feel? I had the 2.7 in my '17. It was fine as long as I didn't tow anything with it. I have a smaller, open 5x10 trailer to haul a dual sport motorcycle. Lot of it is in the mountians. Wondering how the truck will do when I'm towing?
What was your experience going from the 3.5 V6 to the 2.4T? What about the fuel economy difference? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject.
Gonna drive one tomorrow after work. See how I feel about it.

 

The HP listed for the SR and SR5 are correct for the auto trans. It is going to tow just fine. Everyone is going to tell you it is so much better than the 3rd gen or sucks balls compared to a 2007 Frontier. Go drive one and feel the engine.

 

SR5 will be 278 HP, but it’s the 317 ft lbs of torque that comes on at 1900 rpms that is impressive. The mid range power in the new 2.4 is great. My 3.5 would downshift on the slightest grade, and I swear my 2.4 doesn’t ever downshift. Bottom line, the new engine/trans combo is leaps and bounds better.

 

Way better trans and power delivery.

Biggest issues is larger turning radius and the ride is a lot more sensitive, you feel every little bump on the road. But it also rides "better" because it doesnt have a saggy leaf spring.

So far we havent had many customers tow but the feedback has been good. The 3.5 was awful in the mountains even without a load.

 

I went the other direction (4G to 3G) but not because I didn't like the 4G; my truck just had a lot of first year issues (tranny, brake controller, rattles, etc). The 4G tows great compared to the 3G. The low end torque mentioned already helps immensely.
I had a '24 DCLB and got a '22 DCLB, and I didn't feel the 3G had a significant improvement in turning radius. Of course, you are going from the shorter wheelbase to the longer wheelbase, so that alone will obviously make it seem like the turning radius is not as good as your 3G. I agree with another post above about the ride quality - for me, I think the 3G rides a bit 'softer' than the 4G did, but it wasn't like the 4G was a rough ride or anything like that.
My opinion only, but I like the interior better in the 3G - my 4G was a sea of dark grey plastic and I'm just not a fan of the trend in cars/trucks where the factory radio/entertainment center looks like a laptop grafted onto the dash. The 4G was an SR5 with the Upgrade & Cold Weather packages, but it still only had the 8" screen and I still thought it looked funny. But I did like the seats in the 4G (but wish they were power, like they are in my '22 SR5) and the improved seating position/ergonomics better in the 4G. I just wish it wasn't so 'gloomy' inside basically, LOL.
When Toyota gets around to offering a 4G DCLB hybrid, I will likely go that route and jump back into the 4G now that they seem to have most of the bugs worked out. For my needs, it was great so I hope they eventually offer the hybrid with the 6' bed in a trim level other than just the Trail Hunter.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/towing-with-the-turbo-4-cylinder.842189/page-2#post-30719798

 

I didn't have a 3rd gen Tacoma but I did have a second gen Tacoma and a 5th gen 4Runner. Way different power delivery in the 4th gen. Tacoma, huge improvement. I tow a 20-ft camper in the mountains of Colorado with the 4th gen. I have not had any significant issues and the vehicle can actually accelerate uphill while towing if I want to. I did install airbags to keep the trailer level.

The drawbacks I've noticed are the smaller fuel tank an inconsistent distance to empty, the cup holder size and reduced gas mileage when you're over 65 mph with cruise control on.

Highly recommend you try one to see if it's for you.

Skyler

 

Just moved from 3rd gen to 4th gen.
Seems better in every way so far.
Engine has surprising torque at low rpm. Haven't towed yet, but I expect it would be just as good or better.
Mpg has been similar, or just slighly better.

Ride is much better. Cabin is quieter. No driveline vibrations. No weird lugging/shuddering like I had in my 3rd gen.

Only thing I've done to the new one is to turn off "ANC" "active noise cancelling", which was creating an artificial drone sound around 2000rpm. Super quiet now...

 

I don’t post much, but I have some experience with your question. My kid has a 2022 3rd gen sr5. I have a 4th gen TRD OR Premium. 4th gen power delivery is leaps and bounds better than 3rd gen. You don’t need to wind it up for power, it’s powerful just as you start rolling. I have a long bed and the ride is great. Very comfortable. The OR suspension is softer so it soaks up the road whereas a sport or SR5 4x4 will be tighter and bumpier than the OR.

Everything in the interior is thoughtfully placed and in easy reach. There’s loads of storage for the miscellaneous items in your pockets. I’m taller and can’t fit in a 3rd gen and have plenty of headroom in the 4th gen.

Mine is a nov 24 build and is perfect. No issues.

I don’t think you will regret a 4th gen.

 

Thank you guys for all the input. I bought it. Very nice truck. Little over an hour’s drive home and seems very comfortable.
I do appreciate all the feedback. Every response was spot on. I think I’ll like it here. Thanks again. I’ll post a picture in a new thread.

 

Well that was quick! Damn test drive got me too, I just had to wait a couple months to get the options I wanted.