My Opinion & Thoughts: 6AT vs 6MT

I bought a 22 SR5 V6 AT. I just turned 10000 miles and have no shifting issues. It truly is as smooth as glass. I run 89 octane and drive it as I would any other vehicle and I don't have any down shift problems. I just got back from Tampa with the cruise on 80 both ways. But 75 has no hills so I don't know if that is a good compatison as to what others have to deal with. My truck is stock.

 

You recommend the 89 octane?

And anyone know where to find a TRD OR MT in the mountain west (Denver to Bend)?

 

Looks like you've been a member for a minute... or a handful of years... I'm surprised you never ran across a post where someone complained about the same damn issue, and someone else said to TUNE yer goddamn truck! There's a few to choose from if you take a look around. I'm sure whatever you choose, the tune will help a ton.

 

They blow up all the time so you would get to walk a lot too.



.

 

Depends. Toyota eCVTs use planetary gears instead of rubberbands, and are pretty darned reliable.

Here’s a video on the Rav4 hybrid system:
https://youtu.be/X_CxHjK1Cn4?t=5m20s

Pretty crazy stuff.

 

Speaking of Tunes. I read about the orange virus tune. It sounds like lots of people have found that helps a lot.

 

A manual would just get in the way of my phone addiction.
Just kidding! Never text and drive!

 

How do you know?

 

OP, Couldn't agree more. The auto was more than frustrating for me and now having a 6sp mt I'm in 7th heaven.

 

I'm in a different situation, I have both gen 2 and gen 3 at the same time, both manual 4WD. I daily drive the beater single cab 4cyl gen2 with 5MT, which I much prefer over the 2019 TRDOR Premium trim 6MT.

The 5th gear in the 6MT is just useless, the VW style reverse gear is weird for me. I'm used to pull the shifter back for reverse, not push forward for reverse.

I've owned many Toyota vehicles with manual trans, the 5 speed pattern just makes more sense.

 

my TRD OR 6MT is a couple of months old now. the main reason for buying this truck is I wanted something new with a third pedal and a moonroof. I'm very satisfied with the gearbox. no, it's not a Tremec and it's not Hyundai 6MT quiet when shifting but it's what I expected in a truck.

one thing that is different about this MT is this clutch start/cancel button. I watched a video about what this feature is supposed to be used for but i'm not sure i'll ever really need this. nice to have I guess.

 

+1

I never use 5th unless I'm intentionally burning fuel by taking second gear up to 4500 RPM and hitting gears while the truck roars.
But yeah, just casually driving I never use 5th.

 

5th is perfect for 45-60mph roads. No idea what you guys are talking about

 

For my use, I’d prefer the AT final drive ratio. Not a fan of 2700 rpm @ 80 MPH in top gear.

 

Funny, I rarely use 6th. I cruise the highway in 5th most of the time. My regear in February will put 6th about where the stock 5th is.

If in 6th and needing to downshift for power, yes 5th is not a good choice because it’s not enough of a power improvement. Even 4th doesn’t have much passing power, if I need to pass quickly I’m definitely choosing 3rd.

If I’m cruising 45-50 mph I’m in 3rd usually, and 50-65 I’m in 4th.

 

I'm surprised at the number of folks who don't use 5th, at least in my neck of the woods, there are plenty of hilly roads where 4th is too short and 6th is too tall; 5th is just right.

 

I use the shit out the 5th gear. It is just right, for combating 45 mph winds on the highway and interstate. So l have had a Tacoma in a 6MT with a TRD package since I could drive. I started with a 2002, then a 2006 and now I am waiting for a 2023. How does the 3rd gen 6 MT compare to the other two?

 

In my mind the Tacoma is a marvel in terms of engineering considering all factors being considered. The 3.5 & AT6 combo was designed and programmed to meet stricter CAFE rules first and foremost with a further consideration of MPG's. I was perplexed by the performance at first. I now understand what they were trying to do. I'm used to it now. It's also gotten better over time with learned AI. I make use of "S-Mode" in my daily city commute. Highway Mountain driving it's "S-mode" & ECT. Anecdotally, I think the lag/hesitation in certain situations is an underlying annoying safety feature so there is always limited wheel spin. However I have no proof to back that up.

At the end of the day I love this truck and still do after 2 years of ownership I can't wait to drive it all the time. Also, the engine and transmission is bullet proof despite the awkward ECU emissions programming. After 14 years with my brand new 1992 V6 MT5 then 14 years with a Pathfinder V6 AT4 I really considered a MT6 again. However, for me, age and 6' box was a number one consideration. Need the 6' box with a family of 4. No 6' box with the MT6.

 

Just one data point: my son, who just sold his 2009 Tacoma Access Cab with the 4.0 liter engine and the 6MT says my 2022 TRD Sport DCSB 6MT is much easier and more enjoyable to drive.

 

6th heaven*