New Tacoma Review from Average Guy Perspective

Thought I would pound out a quick review of my 2020 TRD Off Road Double Cab Long Bed for those thinking about getting one of these. Background: had a '14 RAM 1500 with the EcoDiesel engine, so coming from a full size. The EcoDiesel was a great idea, too bad it was completely botched in execution with the EGR problems.

At any rate, I love the smaller size of the Tacoma for running around town, parking... I sacrificed quite a bit of towing capacity, but I have an old Chevy 2500 HD that serves that purpose well. The Tacoma will be used as a daily driver, for intermittent trips to woods with a dirt bike in the bed, hauling smaller things home for various projects, and fitting in my garage nicely. I had to take extra time and care when parking the RAM in the garage due to the tight clearances.

I had driven a '16 manual trans, access cab, TRD Off Road and really liked it, except it was very noisy. It was an import from Canada and I hadn't seen any so wanted to drive it. The 2020 double cab is far quieter. Not as quiet as the RAM, but still pretty quiet.

I was a little concerned about the auto trans complaints, but haven't been put off by the transmission shifting. Still need to hit the magic self-learning mile marker, but I think I'll be happy with the way it shifts.

I like the easier access to the bed. The ram was much higher and hard to get to things when at the front of the bed. I also like the easy-down tailgate. My RAM tailgate was heavy and I'm not getting younger. I also like the plastic/fiberglas bed. With a bed mat to keep things from slipping, I'm going to like not being able bang up the bed and having to touch up to prevent rust. I'm also impressed with how flexible the 6ft bed (or even the 5ft bed) can be with cross pieces, extensions...

There are 2 things about the Tacoma that I don't like, well one thing I don't prefer and 1 thing I don't like and will try to change. I don't prefer the lower seating position of the Tacoma. Way more car like and lower than I would prefer. Not a deal breaker, but it will definitely be less comfortable on long trips because of it.

The thing that really bothers me is how busy the Tacoma is to keep going in a straight line on the highway. The RAM was like a land yacht in that regard. It tracked very well, especially given the ruts our highways seem to get due to heavy trucks and studded snow tires. The Tacoma pulls every which way when going into and out of the ruts, making constant corrections necessary. I'm not sure if that can be mitigated, but I'll definitely be looking into steering dampers, geometry changes... to make it better.

 

Great review, thanks.

 

I also had a 2014 Ecodiesel. By far the smoothed riding vehicle I’ve ever been in. I think part of the reason it tracked so well was due the the Electronic Power Steering. I think the Tacoma is due for a change to EPS as well as an electronicly driven water pump. Would certainly squeeze out a couple MPG’s.

 

Welcome to the forum. Pictures or it never happened

 

Welcome to the best DCLB!
For seating that's too low, there are a few different new seat jacker raiser kits in the classifieds.

 

Although I disagree with some of the things stated (as opinions and experiences do differ), good review and welcome!

 

Coming from a Wrangler, for me the Tacoma feels like a land yacht on the freeway. I hear you though, there is always somebody who does certain things better... nobody does everything great. Not even the Tacoma (although you'll encounter some here who will argue otherwise).

 

I though I was the only one that had a taco that wanders. It seems at highway speeds I gotta be steering it all the time. My previous truck was a 2016 f150 which tracked straight and true.

 

First off welcome

Second. It is possible that the Tacoma's size is creating this issue. I can't say I have experienced it with my Tacoma but have with a Samurai. I found the issue to be that the narrow track width put the inside edge of the tires on the outer edge of the road hump. This made the truck dart around like riding a bike along the top of a speed bump. I found shifting in the lane to one side or the other would ease this issue. Now I don't know if this is your issue but if it helps then

Thanks for your review

 

Y

You have a 2020. It has a power drivers seat with a height adjustment.