Moderate (?) acceleration from a stop

I recently took a long test drive in a 2018 Tacoma Off Road with an automatic transmission. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2018-test-drive.539827/ In general I was pretty much OK with its performance. However there is still one thing that sticks in my memory. As I left my dealer's lot, I had to turn left into oncoming traffic (not at all close). For a second or two I thought that I was going to get "t-boned". The Tacoma seemed not to move until I got on the accelerator pretty hard. I found the same thing as I accelerated from a stop light. It appears that this transmission/engine characteristic is an issue that has not been resolved...acceleration is either "all or not very much". Is this something that a person simply needs to get used to and plan for accordingly?

I think that I need to take another short in-town test drive before I make a final decision. Thing is...I really want a mid-sized truck and IMO there is nothing that is really better. Like I said earlier, I am pretty much OK with the 2018 Tacoma but it sure is different than my wife's past Tacoma's and my Ram Hemi's. And yes....I am probably overthinking this whole purchase.

 

It is different, and you do need to put the pedal down. I ALWAYS use ECT in traffic or anytime I'll not be going over 60. Much better response. Just the way they are designed.

Some guys really hate it. I'm fine with it. There is a learning curve to driving this thing and being happy with it.

G.

 

It will stutter and delay when you want to pull out into traffic and scare the shit out of you. Same problem on all 3rd gen model years

 

Definitely go back and test drive again, make sure you like it before dropping cash.

 

if you want something with some go, maybe dont buy a truck with a v6

 

Yes. Please be sure.


That being said, the drive by wire is programed differently than just linear input (gas pedal) = linear output (throttle plate) and you have to push the pedal more that I was used too.

 

You have to understand, this truck is trying to be in the shortest (highest) gear it can at all times. If it can have you pull out without downshifting to a lower gear the computer is happy cus its saving you mileage.

Turn that ECT button on and drive it like you stole it. The truck has plenty of power, it just hides it.

 

**knock on wood** My 2018 SR5 has not done this. From a complete stop I have not had any hesitation to go. This includes gunning it from a complete stop while wheels are almost at full lock to turn into my apartment complex (traffic can suck).

Now, I do have a delay/hesitation from a roll. I get this when coasting over a speed bump and getting back on the throttle. Takes a second after hitting the gas before I start to accelerate again. I think that has something to do with it trying to figure out what gear to be in.

 

OK...for sure I'll do another test drive. A couple of more questions. If the ECT is on, will the transmission start in first gear from a complete stop? How about from "rolling" stop? When driving in traffic, is it a good idea to simply leave the ECT on and have the transmission in the "S" setting? I'm sure that I could adapt to the idiosyncrasies of this engine/transmission. I'll have to if I want to buy a modern mid-sized truck. I do like the high end performance a LOT. Sure beats the heck out of the two Gen 2 V-6 automatics that my wife had. They both died at the top end. I wonder if the Lexus with the comparable engine has the same characteristics.

 

Short answer: Nope. You'll have to manually downshift to first every time. I've noticed that my truck typically sits in 3rd or 4th at a stop. When I need power quickly I manually downshift in S mode for traffic. After I've caught back up with traffic I'm usually back in D. I can pretty much do whatever I want with enough throttle from then on out.

Edit: I should add, although this behavior is annoying from a dead stop, its incredibly efficient for driving in stop and go traffic. I love how my truck can crawl along at 1-2 mph while other people are forced to use their brakes. I'll get home after crappy traffic expecting some really bad MPGs and be pleasantly surprised.

 

You'll get used to it. Sometimes I find myself in an awkward stage where I've already begun switching lanes in front of someone and try to speed up and it lags. But you just will eventually subconsciously plan for the delay.

 

You know what, I felt like my V6 had no power at all at first...at 1k miles I noticed it opened up much more, now at 2k miles, its becoming MUCH more responsive after the pedal passes a certain threshold of being pushed down...there are also performance tunes that can be done to increase responsiveness. Research that, as that could be the supplement you're looking for if you really like everything else about the truck. Just note that most dealership testers haven't been broken in yet (very low miles), so I would honestly test drive a pre-certified used 2017, same model/trim just for the sake of "testing" the umpfh you're looking to get out of a 2018.

 

Welcome to the 3rd gen Tacoma. Pedal has terrible response. Truck hasn’t much power under 3,500-4,000 rpm than it gets up and moves

 

Unless you're tuned

 

My truck has 17k, doesn’t feel much different from the day I bought it. Only difference was when I had the ECU reflashed because of the cruise. Throttle response still sucks. These guys are just getting used to it that’s all. If you didn’t like it during the test drive you won’t like it 8 months from now

 

Yea, still debating if it’s worth dropping $800 on the OV tune. Reviews seem impressive. Just have an issue spending $800 on something that I shouldn’t have to. It’s not like it’s a turbo motor and I’m trying to increase the boost to get 100 more HP and torque

 

Maybe look at a nice 2nd gen with low miles. Then you can always throw a supercharger on it if you want also.

 

Or you have a 4-banger.

 

I understand your reluctance to drop an additional ~800 bucks, and yep Toyota screwed the pooch with the OEM calibration IMHO.
This comes from a manual trans perspective, where a slug like throttle just ruins your day. TBH, when I purchased the tune I was just looking for a better driving experience and didn't expect much from a power increase perspective. Well I was pleasantly surprised by both results, and although it's still a work in progress, Mat has almost got this thing sorted.

 

I agree with most of the above. You do learn to compensate for it. But shift response also improves a bit after 10K. I was a hater at first.

In traffic 40-45 MPH and in areas with rolling hills , I use 4S. If there are stretches of the road without signals where you can cruise with traffic, I'll push up to 5S. In heavy highway traffic where you need to jump lanes and pass, definitely use ECT. D is only used on the open highway with cruise control.

Basically, You have to help it out some if you like the mileage. I get 19MPG in traffic 24 highway.