2018 Revisions

Had a 4.0 Taco, no issues, just wanted something different. Ended up with a 3.5 Taco, hated it. Might be a bit different in Colorado where you're at 6000 feet all the time and sometimes cruising at 9000 feet and clearing 11,000 foot passes occasionally. I'd driven the 4.0 at 9000 feet, calm wind, flat ground with no issue. Cruised in 5th just fine. The 3.5, same road, similar conditions, sometimes it would run in 5th, a couple times it stayed in 4th cause it just didn't have the power. Without a tailwind it would never drive that road in 6th. In what way is driving in 4th for 30+ minutes okay when you're not fighting a headwind or towing anything? It's a lack of bottom end power. Now have a 4.0 4Runner, it drives that road just fine in 5th without issue.

Even with the TSB updates the 3.5 would piss me off every time I drove it. Lack of bottom end power, wants to be driven like a sports car and revved up, and then it can't decide what damn gear to be in and is constantly shifting. Then on the highway, not being able to cruise in 6th gear a lot of the time. The 3.5 and that new 6 speed is a joke when combined.

T4R has much more bottom end power. And as far as the 3.5 Ecoboost goes, damn I love that thing. Drove one and tons of bottom end power. If some of you are happy with your 3.5, good for you. I hated it, so got rid of it. Might perform much better down at sea level, but up here it was terrible.

Overall averaged 22mpg in the 3.5. Averaging 21 in the 4Runner.

 

Question for the brain trust - I was at my dealer yesterday (the day my new 4R is supposed to get to the Port of Portland) and he discovered that I cannot get mud-guards (Stock Mud Flaps) because I have ordered Predator Steps! Anyone know more about this? - Clay

 

I know my dad cant have front mud flaps with his limited because of the retractable steps that came on it, I wonder how far forward the predator steps you're getting go?

 

I did find a picture (on this Forum) of a 4R with Predator Steps and Mud Guards - Forwarded that to my dealer...It may be that he is getting bum info?

 

not sure, on the limited the issue was the running boards going almost to the edge of the fender and they could only tell him to check aftermarket. Every shop he's called around had the same story. it just seems like the predator or really any steps shouldn't preclude you from having mud flaps up front and its shitty if it's true. Maybe can you find out the length on them and compare to the the Nfab steps?

 

is this the pic you found? If it is I'm not seeing where the interference is between the steps and the mud flaps:

 

That pic is my truck. 2017 SR5 Premium. There is no problem running mud guards with the Predator steps. There is plenty of room there. I did have to remove the very small wind deflector at the back rocker panel right in front of the rear tires. It’s a tiny plastic piece that you hardly notice. No problem. I have seen several others at my local dealer with the Predator steps. All had mud guards.

 

Thanks to everyone - Now to do some -push back - at the local dealer - Clay

 

I have N-Fabs on my Taco - The Runner will be the Wifes - and she wants the Predators. - Clay

 

It still sucks down here at 910'. Or it did anyways.. i traded my 2016 taco trdor in for the exact reasons you did. And love my new 4R for the same reasons you do. Lol. Soooo happy when i know im not crazy and that 6spd auto tranny and 3.5ltr motor was flat awful.......

 

I don't get it - Why would you purchase a truck with an automatic when a manual is available. I've got 38,500 miles on my 2016 Taco and am very pleased. My 4R (which arrives this coming Monday) is to replace my Camry. It will be the first Automatic I've owned since 1963. Glad to hear the AT in this rig is good...My Wife (who will be the primary driver) is still PO'd that the 4R was not available with a stick.

 

Good for you. But after breaking my back, twice, i cant drive a stick anymore.

 

did the dealer ever get it figured out with the steps and front mud flaps for you?

 

Your wife won’t be disappointed in the 4runners auto. On lazy feeling days, it’s nice to not have to shift in traffic. For most days when you like to shift, just jump into the other vehicle that’s a stick (aka-swipe your truck, lol). We have manuals and an auto, so it’s nice to have the choice. Plus, the 4runner is still a 5 speed, so it won’t shift like crazy like the 6 speed tranny’s.

 

Well it's done! Now there are two Barcelona Red machines in my driveway. Took delivery today of our 2018 SR5 Premium - Predator Steps- Sunroof and a number of other options. This is replacing our beloved 2010 Camry LE (with a Manual Transmission) and it my wifes primary ride - She is elated.

It came with Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires - Anyone have any experience with these? As expected, they are P-Rated. IMHO any 4x4 should come with LT's

 

Disagree,
Sold my 16' Taco well after the trans update and 15k milew and did not prove to be what my earlier 2000 Pre Runner was, nor my new 17' 4Runner. 19 mpg at best around town on the Taco, 22 on a trip. Engine/Trans on the 4Runner is far superior IMO.

 

Love bridgestones generally. Been running them for 25 years. The HTs on the 4Runners are good for most purposes. But, stay off paved roads that have rain grooves, and stay on milder surfaces, generally. I am surprised that is what toyota spec’d for the Offroad. Changing tires soon (My new ride is a Barcelona red Offroad Premier)

 

mine came with the Duelers also, so far no real complaints but the P rated sidewalls have me a bit on edge off road. Im gonna run them for a bit and wear them down while I decide what to go with next.

 

I found the Duelers to be absolute garbage. I took possession of my vehicle in November (snowy conditions) and thought I was going to crash on my drive home. I ended up driving about 30k miles before replacing with BFGoodrich KO2's - I find these far superior to the stock Duelers but they do still slide on ice and in slushy conditions. In deeper snow the KO2's dig in. In mud they're pretty good, but a couple weeks ago I was doing a bit of sidetracking on a muddy trail that was off camber. I might try Wranglers or those Terra Graplers next time.

 

Finally got around to posting a picture of the new Runner and the 2016 Taco

Some initial comparisons between the Taco and the 4R
The 4Runner is –

Ø Smoother riding – It’s almost car-like

Ø Quieter – Today driving to and from our local favorite restaurant – All I could hear was the water under the tires.

Ø Higher Seating – You would have to jack up your pickup to achieve the feeling you get from behind the wheel –

Ø Greater visibility – Windows are larger – Side windows especially.

Ø A very roomy back seat, that folds down so you can easily sleep there.

Ø Actually shorter than the pickup

Ø Sunroof is going to be nice (had one in my Corolla (prior to 2000)


Thing I don’t like-

Ø Stomp on parking brake

 

Good concise comparison, I agree except on the moonroof for me, lol.
BTW, the runner is 22inches shorter than the dcsb or access cab taco.

 

OK now I own (outright) a 2018 SR5 Premium 4R. The question is - How would anyone know that it's not a 2017? Are there any differences that I could point to, other than the info in the door jamb, that would tell a person they are looking at an '18?

 

none that I know of, I mean is that a big deal?

 

I had the manual in the Tacoma (17 trd off road dcsb) and could not stand the way it drove. Very unpredictable power delivery. My feeling was that it was a fuel delivery/mapping issue. I really disliked the way it drove. On top of that I don't think they have the traction control with the manual quite figured out. I live at 8200 feet, up steep road with no gaurdrails, so that is pretty important to me. Traded it in for an 18 4Runner, and so far it seems like a great vehicle, except for the garbage tires, which others have mentioned.

 

From what I was told the only changes made were some small labels and/or fonts on some of the controls. That was fine by me, I was happy to purchase something that has proven its reliabilty.

 

Awesome Rig. Mod the hell out of this color and you will be the "talk of the town". Gobi roof rack with rear ladder, light bar across the front of the rack, lift about 3", sliders, rear swing tire on the back and you've got the coolest 4 runner on the planet. Love this color.

 

Whereas I was the one that started this thread...Thought it would a good idea to change the title to 2019 Revisions.
Am hearing (from someone who should know) that 2019 will be the year for the next generation 4R...For Toyota this will be a difficult act to follow. I am sure that they have learned some powerful lessons with the Gen-3 Tacomas.

 

We can only hope.

 

A powerful lesson..... hahaha

Even with subpar engine/trans combo on the 2016+ Tacoma, you can still be #1 in the mid size truck market.

 

I just found out that Ford hasn't offered the ranger since 2011?? Wonder what another competitor in the field would do to The Taco market slice?