2016 Tacoma TRD Sport 6 Speed MT (SB) - Sluggish

I have a 2016 Tacoma TRD Sport (4x4) 6 Speed manual (SB). Anyone with a similar truck feels like the car is a bit sluggish? I just drove a 2015 automatic (loaner) and it felt like it was much faster (on pick up and in general). First and Second gears seem very slow. Thoughts?

 

I tested both and the manual felt way more responsive than the auto. You are the first I have heard of to say that.

 

Are you pushing the pedal hard enough?

(Serious question)

If you just stick to the easy part of the throttle it really won't give you much acceleration. There is a point of resistance in the throttle and if you dip into it the power is there.

 

Drive by wire throttles are calibrated that way these days to help economy and lessen the chance of idiots getting sideways in slippery conditions

 

you nailed it 3rd gen is a dog you should trade it for your loaner...

 

How's your access cab manual? You have the fastest configuration. It should run high 14s with a good launch. OP your loaner would get lit up by 3.5, push the throttle down and find out

 

Mileage? Perhaps the loaner was broken in?
I have 4300 miles on my DCSB MT and I pass Tundras and other full sizes daily heading up the passes. The gearing is great in 4th and 5th for most of my uphill driving. House at 9300', condo at 7,000', two passes at 10,640 and 10,910 in between.

 

I notice when I step on it in neutral the rpms take awhile to respond. When I go into a turn the and it's in neutral for the split second I have the clutch depressed and I step on the gas to make an easy transition, the rpms don't go up unless I let out the clutch more. It just seems like the Atkinson engine doesn't allow you to goose the throttle unless it feels it's under load.

 

No issues with performance. Just over 1800 miles...a lot of older gens in my area...I'll catch one and see whats up...I aint scared

 

Agreed with the throttle delay in neutral as stated above. Would assume that has more to do with the drive-by-wire throttle than anything else

 

Hopefully it's something I can tinker with at some point.

 

Drive by wire/computer cannot be compared to direct linkage to a throttle body. I have a 2010 Camry LE with a 6
Speed Manual (Yes it is very rare) - It behaves as if there was a sluggish 'Dash-Pot'. You get off the throttle to shift and wait for the R's to slow down - Fast shifts yield tire chirps. Once you get used to how it behaves you can move on to enjoying your vehicle. Oh yes, I took delivery of a 2016, AC Sport with the 6 Speed MT. It's sweet...And the throttle response is different but perfectly OK. If you put your foot in it...There is an abundance of power available.

Clay/Auburn, Wa.

 

Mine isn't. Feels more powerful than the old Toyota 4.0, the Nissan Frontier 4.0, and for that matter, could probably keep even with my old 4Runner's 4.7 V8 in a race. Like others have said, the power is there. I just recently started opening her up since I put 1k miles on. I was surprised by the quickness for what it is

 

OP, have you driven a manual truck before this one? The reason I ask is 1st gear is fairly low in the 2016 ( thank goodness ). Some new manual truck drivers perceive having to shift out of 1st at a low speed a lack of power.

If you only Rev first gear to 2000 rpm before shifting you will go into second gear at like 1200 rpm where you will be outside of the trucks power. I find that I shift at 3000 rpm from first to second, again in second to third. I get good mileage doing this and you are closer to the engines power if you need it.

If you still think the power stinks Rev to 3500-4000 rpms and see if you can feel the torque band you will hit. If after doing that you still think that manual is sluggish, you either need a v8 or there is something wrong with the truck.

 

The V6 M/T is definitely not sluggish. My DCSB will easily spin the tires in 1st gear and chirp them when going into second if you shift out of first above 4k rpm. It has a distinct power band that kicks in above 3k RPM.

 

I don't find it sluggish, but definitely an exponential curve and not a linear throttle, and I rather like it that way. Very similar to the middle throttle curve on my wife's Prius where the first 1/4 of throttle is the first 1/2 of pedal travel.

 

I defiantly agree, (w/ihintos) I just upgraded my Tacoma from 2008 4.0L, manual trans to the new 3.5L manual trans. The 2016 has less power comparing it to the 2008. I just got the vehicle but I tested it against my wife's car the other day. The 2008 was faster and had more power, but they say you get better MPG ( there is always a compromise) with the new lets see what happens, I'm still on the first tank of fuel.

 

The dealer gave me a 15' OR to drive till my 16' sport came in. Like I said before, the 3.5 likes the revs. Pulls harder than a pube caught in your zipper, on the top end. The 15' was a little more responsive out the gate but ran out of steam sooner, JMHO. Seemed like gearing difference though.

 

I have the manual and it will definitely kick above 3000 rpm. Maybe it's just me, but I have a TRD CAI and just added the TRD cat back, and it seems to pull better than before. Of course this is over 3500 and feels real strong over 4000. No problem hitting 90 in 5th gear with another gear to go. Not to mention great handling, IMHO, with the Sport suspension. Definitely fun to Drive.

 

All the cars i've ever rented drives better than my truck... That's because with rentals, i drive it like i stole it. Lol But when it comes to my own car/truck, i would never drive it as hard.