I have a new 2022 Toyota Tacoma reserved on dealer's incoming allocation. I have been reading a few things here and there about the automatic transmission being quirky, horrible gas mileage, and being seriously under-powered. Plus I guess it's basically "old truck" technology.
I am now rethinking this pending purchase. At $43k OTD, I don't want to be disappointed in this truck. It's a 4WD SR with an off-road package (Truck Sport Series - TSS). Can anyone offer any insight on this truck? Thank you!
Why do you consider 19city/24highway mpg "horrible?" It's a truck, not a sports car. It has the aerodynamics of a brick.
automatic transmission being quirky
horrible gas mileage
This is a pick up truck with V6. You don't buy it to get good gas mileage.
being seriously under-powered
Compared to the V8 full size truck, yes. But it can do its own stuff. It is not a full-size truck.
it's basically "old truck" technology.
Yes, old tried and true technology that does not break down.
Let me add this one too:
The ride is rough and you hear so many noises, so if you look for a smooth quiet ride, perhaps it is not a good choice. There are zillions videos on YouTube you can watch and see people's opinion on those but these are the main things you need to consider.
I've never claimed the MPG is bad for a mid-sized truck. I'm just repeating what I've heard as in I'm wondering if real world mpg is significantly worse than the EPA rated mpg. Also, I've heard that the auto transmission can be rather quirky due to the powertain software.
As a side note on the mpg...the V6 is a 11.8:1 compression ratio yet 87 octane is recommended. I get it. Software controls the timing to compensate for the lower octane. I would have to believe that using 93 octane in this motor would yield additional HP and better mpg.
The real world mpg is always lower than what in on paper.
Using 93 octane is a waste of money on that car. You won't get better mpg or more power.
The transmission might seem quirky because Toyota decided to go the fuel economy route with the Tacoma several years back. So it always seems to be hunting for the optimal gear. Can be annoying sometimes. I got as advertised between 20 and 21 mpg, but you have to drive it economically, if you don't, you won't get good fuel economy, it's a pickup after all. If you don't intend to do any heavy towing the power is fine (ie, not towing a travel trailer). My biggest complaint was the lack of comfort for long trips (longer than 1.5hrs).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbCAEscrJ8E
Check out his other videos on the newer Tacomas for more insight.
I too am looking at a 2022 Tacoma but I want one with access cab, V6 and a 6 speed manual transmission, and 4 wheel drive. I wouldn't buy a vehicle with an automatic.
