Steering feels different than other trucks. Normal?

Hey Everybody,
I just picked up my first Tacoma! 2018 TRD Sport. My only question is the steering feel is completely different than any other truck I've driven. I didn't catch it on the test drive, but after 300 miles the steering is very stiff and return to center is weak. Maybe also a little bump steer? I guess the question is, How normal is this for a Tacoma? Is this just the characteristics of the truck and I'll get used to it? If this wasn't a new vehicle I would assume it just needs an alignment and maybe it does.

Just looking for some info!

 

I have a 16 OR and I think the steering is really too light for a truck and not a lot of feedback. But agree the return to center is weak. Haven't notice much bump steer.

 

The 3rd gens also have very soft steering rack bushings which makes it feel mushy compared to a 2nd gen

 

Stiff in general, or stiff during a turn?
Did it just stiffen up one day all of a sudden?

Tire pressure?

 

My buddy who owns a RAM absolutely loved the Steering in mine, as do I.

 

The steering in my truck does not really feel much different than my previous Tacoma's, no complaints.

 

Give it time.

 

I switch to 16inch rims with 30.5inch from 17inch and the same 30.5in tires and felt my steering got heavier.

 

I wouldn't say stiff in general. While driving it's not horrible, except the return to center is still slower than I'm used to (Except my old wranger, which was worse). It doesn't come back to center past two or 10 oclock basicly. You have to pull it back to center from there during a turn. That's the same whether you're coming out of a turn or just driving straight and pull it to two or ten. It doesn't return to center from that point.

This is my first tacoma (or toyota), so I had no idea if it was a tacoma thing or something was up. My colorado was much more like any other Chevy or Ford truck I have driven previously.

Thanks for all the replies so far! I drove a TJ for a long time with much worse steering and handling! If I can get used to that this will be a breeze.

 

The tacoma steering feel is very light and vague. You know you're turning there's just no feedback. I'm also used to a tighter steering feeling from my Jk. Yes the steering in my Jk was worlds better for feel, but was also over 2k.

 

Well...it wouldn't hurt to get your alignment checked.
More often than not, it's off from the factory.
Alignments and balance are covered for 1 year under warranty.

 

My truck tends to pull right. Its not just the crown of the road. In the left lane of a highway which should be slanted left, the truck goes straight. In the right lane, it pulls hard right. Wheel doesnt want to stay in center at any time.

Had an alignment done and the dealer said it checks out fine. Tires been rotated twice now with no appreciable difference. I just chalk it up to a quirk of the truck.

 

i thought the steering was a little light and too weak to re-center as well.

added UCA's for a higher caster alignment, put on about 5deg caster and all is great. best steering feel I've had on any of my vehicles, sports cars included.

 

I've always loved the feeling of how Tacomas steer. Yes, they are weak returning to center, but I honestly prefer that.

 

I feel like mine has more bump steer than I'd like, but otherwise no issues.

 

Having just traded my '16 GTI for the '18 Sport this really stood out, but expected going from a go-cart to a truck.

 

amazing you didn't catch on during the test, what did you do during the test drive go straight and make no turns?

 

I put more aggressive tires on to help with the steering feel. It’s better at speed, but do mostly city type driving. The steering in the taco is lighter than the new Camry, or corolla. Had them as rentals. I like the truck, I just tell people the steering has no soul and the brakes are from a mine cart when they ask about it.

 

If it were mine, I’d take it to a good independent alignment shop and have it checked just to be sure. I plan on doing that with mine when I order my winter tire setup.