2019 Tacoma TRD Offroad - An Honest Review from a Ford guy

Yep. We have the 4.0 as well also....don’t see the big deal about the 4.0 and don’t see the problem with the 3.5.

 

No -not with the standard radio - this is why I upgraded to the better head unit.

 

I took my 2019 TRDOR on its first road trip this past weekend: a 300-mile round trip over the Cascade Mountains.

Now I see what many owners don’t like about their Tacomas: the lack of torque, the gear hunting, the vibrations, the shuddering, the engine sound, etc. It was just two people, no towing, no hauling. Can’t say I was impressed. Passing other vehicles at 50-60 MPH was an absolutely painful task, in every sense of the word. Had to mash the pedal to the floor to force the transmission to downshift; wait for power to build; listen to those cylinders grind against the engine block. There was nothing refined or gratifying about the experience; I cringed every time. The seat discomfort was an issue on the way there, but I guess my leg got used to it or fell asleep ‘cause didn’t feel much pain after awhile. At least I got 20.2 MPG, and it corners much better than my Wrangler. And the stereo sounds great.

Most likely this truck won’t be a “destination” for me. I’ll try to hold on to it for at least a year to see if I can live with its many issues...keep it as a city driver; see how it goes.

 

I must have purchased one of the good Tacomas because mine exhibits none of those attributes. Maybe you bought a Chevy? LOL

 

Try the ECT button.

 

I guess Toyota used a butt from a 6ft, 34 in waist, 170 lb guy to design the driver's seat because I find mine (seat) quite comfortable. I can easily do 200 miles with no discomfort. By then the bladder says it's pitstop time. I have Carhartt seat covers and they didn't change how comfy the seat is. Happy Keister.

 

I had a 2003 F150. 5.4L V8, 4WD, FX4 Off Road -- nice truck, very capable off road. Loved it until it developed a head gasket leak. Only 120k miles, with pretty meticulous maintenance all along - I had figured I'd keep it a lot longer. So I got rid of it and will never buy another Ford.

 

Lol welcome to Tacoma world

 

I took mine on a 600 mile road trip a few weeks after I bought it and it only cemented my love for the truck. While my F150 did have more leg room etc, the Coyote always felt a little underpowered and near the end a long road trip usually meant a trip to the service department at the end. By contrast my Tacoma TRD OR rides much smoother, feels much tighter, and does NOT lack for power (despite Tacoma World seeming to think the 3.5 may as well be a .9 liter fiat engine). It’s a great truck.

 

I am a rather ... stocky 5'10 and the seat fits like a glove. No, it's not like driving in a La-Z-Boy, but it's really supportive and just feels right to me. I was driving around in a Rogue and a nice Acura this past weekend and neither made me feel like I'm missing out on anything.

 

Nope. It looks like a Toyota, sounds like a Toyota and apparently drives like a Toyota. It even reads TOYOTA everywhere.

BTW - you are not the only one allowed to write an honest opinion.

 

Indeed. But I got the Tacoma only six weeks ago...and don't know what else to get. The truck drives fine around town; it will be confined to city duty until I figure out what to do.

And no, neither 4Runner nor Ridgeline are a consideration. I want to be able to look at it, and take it off-road.

This is my first Toyota; it is going to take a lot to get me to consider another one.

 

Luckily they hold their value better than literally anything else on the market, depending on what you traded in you might already have some equity built up.

 

Resurrecting this old thread as I’m now considering purchasing a 2019 TRD OR. Great write-up and appreciate all the additional comments (pros & cons).

BB

 

2022 TRD OR owner here.

Want to talk about Fords - I sold a Gen 2 Raptor for my Tacoma. Is it better, depends on ‘better in what way’?!

Honestly the Raptor was a great truck, won’t knock it. But I still decided to sell to buy a Tacoma (more for long term reliability while still being upgradable) won’t ever be faster, can be just as good off-road with the right parts.

Also an admitted Toyota fan.