Very well could just be the honey moon phase as someone who is now on vehicle #19 but this is an example of how you take an already successful product and segment leader and improve on it in every way. Where to begin?
Pros:
* Vastly improved power. I tested both the base i-force and hyrbid max and while the hyrbid delivers more of that "fly by the seat of your pants" sensation when accelerating I opted for the base engine because it did not feel like a slouch by any means. In fact, I think this engine/transmission combo suits something like the Tacoma and 4Runner very well compared to the old V6 options with fewer gears. Additionally, my plan with this truck (which may change) is to leave it at a second home so dealing with a trickle charger and the hybrid battery was a big unknown. Base engine is straight forward, pop the hood, attach a tender to the 12 volt and call it good. Rear underseat storage is another big plus for the base engine.
* Driving dynamics. The throttle mapping, brake feel, steering input. All feel great, it's still a truck at the end of the day but it's the closest thing to a pick up driving like a car that I've experienced. Ride quality is good as well. Mine has the TRD 2.5" lift which is just a factory tuned set of Bilsteins and some billet UCA's but it looks the part and should be more than adequate for my use case.
*Good tech. Yes I'm actually thrilled to have carplay again, hi res cameras, and SOME of the "nannys' like the new adaptive cruise control are great for QOL. Also points for nice, tactile physical controls for climate and audio. Plenty of buttons on the steering wheel as well and adequate storage which is a bit of a sore spot on things like the 250/550.
*The bed. Coming from some time away in a pick up (4Runner and 200 Series) It's so nice to have a bed to deal with things like muddy hiking boots, bikes, snowboard gear, hauling trash, etc. Modern full size trucks are too damn big IMO and the new Taco has grown to the point it feels as big as some of my older pick ups from 15+ years ago. Thankfully it's still small enough to park in a garage and on city streets without being too much of a pain. (With the exception of the poor turning radius).
Cons:
*Bad tech: A couple of quiblles I have are the Toyota connected app is bit of a nusicance. Don't get me wrong, there are some useful features there but I don't think they are worth subscribing and paying $15 - $25 a month for. I got a one year free trial so I will play with it for free but do not plan to renew past the free trial period. The BIG annoyance for me has been the emergency braking when having a bike carrier attached. I finally figured out that you just have to go into settings and disable the PKSB setting. Long term I will probably get a tailgate pad and start hauling bikes in the bed.
*Build quality: The actualy build quality of the truck is FINE. Seriously for all the talk I have heard about Mexico built Toyota's compared to ones built in Japan I am not seeing any tangible differences here. This isn't really a con, but I admit I am having to adjust to something that feels like a tin can coming from a 200 Series lol.
Overall there is not really much if anything bad I can say about the truck. I have already broken it in on both a long road trip and some light trail duty in the mountains and it has performed flawlessly. The mod list will be short and sweet. Looking at things like Lasfit mats, a full set of skids, step sliders, wheels and tires, and would like to do some sort of re-locate on the tail pipe. Also planning to add the OEM air compressor into the bed. MAYBE a Smart Cap down the road?
Pros:
* Vastly improved power. I tested both the base i-force and hyrbid max and while the hyrbid delivers more of that "fly by the seat of your pants" sensation when accelerating I opted for the base engine because it did not feel like a slouch by any means. In fact, I think this engine/transmission combo suits something like the Tacoma and 4Runner very well compared to the old V6 options with fewer gears. Additionally, my plan with this truck (which may change) is to leave it at a second home so dealing with a trickle charger and the hybrid battery was a big unknown. Base engine is straight forward, pop the hood, attach a tender to the 12 volt and call it good. Rear underseat storage is another big plus for the base engine.
* Driving dynamics. The throttle mapping, brake feel, steering input. All feel great, it's still a truck at the end of the day but it's the closest thing to a pick up driving like a car that I've experienced. Ride quality is good as well. Mine has the TRD 2.5" lift which is just a factory tuned set of Bilsteins and some billet UCA's but it looks the part and should be more than adequate for my use case.
*Good tech. Yes I'm actually thrilled to have carplay again, hi res cameras, and SOME of the "nannys' like the new adaptive cruise control are great for QOL. Also points for nice, tactile physical controls for climate and audio. Plenty of buttons on the steering wheel as well and adequate storage which is a bit of a sore spot on things like the 250/550.
*The bed. Coming from some time away in a pick up (4Runner and 200 Series) It's so nice to have a bed to deal with things like muddy hiking boots, bikes, snowboard gear, hauling trash, etc. Modern full size trucks are too damn big IMO and the new Taco has grown to the point it feels as big as some of my older pick ups from 15+ years ago. Thankfully it's still small enough to park in a garage and on city streets without being too much of a pain. (With the exception of the poor turning radius).
Cons:
*Bad tech: A couple of quiblles I have are the Toyota connected app is bit of a nusicance. Don't get me wrong, there are some useful features there but I don't think they are worth subscribing and paying $15 - $25 a month for. I got a one year free trial so I will play with it for free but do not plan to renew past the free trial period. The BIG annoyance for me has been the emergency braking when having a bike carrier attached. I finally figured out that you just have to go into settings and disable the PKSB setting. Long term I will probably get a tailgate pad and start hauling bikes in the bed.
*Build quality: The actualy build quality of the truck is FINE. Seriously for all the talk I have heard about Mexico built Toyota's compared to ones built in Japan I am not seeing any tangible differences here. This isn't really a con, but I admit I am having to adjust to something that feels like a tin can coming from a 200 Series lol.
Overall there is not really much if anything bad I can say about the truck. I have already broken it in on both a long road trip and some light trail duty in the mountains and it has performed flawlessly. The mod list will be short and sweet. Looking at things like Lasfit mats, a full set of skids, step sliders, wheels and tires, and would like to do some sort of re-locate on the tail pipe. Also planning to add the OEM air compressor into the bed. MAYBE a Smart Cap down the road?
Last edited:
