Anyone upgrade from a 3rd gen Tacoma ?

[embedded rock]

Traded my '23 Tacoma TRD Off-Road with a manual transmission after eight months and about 12k miles. Just didn't get attached to the Tacoma. Not in a Ranger now, and need to get through my Wrangler phase first.

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[Fattirz in NC]

Interesting thread…. I’m on the fence between the Ranger and Tacoma right now. I’ve driven nothing but two Ford trucks over the last 31+ years. First a ‘94 Ranger XLT SuperCab and ‘02 F-150 Lariat SuperCrew, both purchased new. The ‘02 F-150 is still my daily driver with only 116K on the odometer.

Honestly, I think the Ranger is hands down a better truck when it comes to drivetrains, interior cab layout and rear legroom. But it’s hard to beat the Tacomas massive selection of trims, options, multiple cab/bed configurations and a hybrid.

I really want a SuperCrew with 6’ bed with some bonus off-road bits and since Ford only makes one config, with only a 5’ bed, it has considering a TRD Off-road Premium or a Trailhunter with 6’ beds. The downside of the Tacoma is the much higher price across most of their range, cheaper looking interior and materials, crappy rear legroom and tiny gas tank with a terrible range.

I might forego a 6’ bed for a better overall truck with a more reasonable price, but I was also hoping for more off-road chops than a FX-4 but not overkill with a thirsty RR. So wait another year and hope the Tremor comes back to the NA market and get it with the 2.7l? That would almost be my perfect truck for my needs (with the 6’ bed being my only compromise).

20 years without a vehicle payment has been nice and I’ve been banking a monthly “truck payment” to my savings for over 7 years. Add that fact to my 23 year old daily driver showing it’s age and I’m more than ready to be behind the wheel of something new. If I pull the trigger now, I’m looking at some big compromises no matter what I buy. I hang onto my vehicles for a long time, and the last thing I want is buyers remorse right out of the gate. What to do?!?!?

 

[Dingus83]

Interesting thread…. I’m on the fence between the Ranger and Tacoma right now. I’ve driven nothing but two Ford trucks over the last 31+ years. First a ‘94 Ranger XLT SuperCab and ‘02 F-150 Lariat SuperCrew, both purchased new. The ‘02 F-150 is still my daily driver with only 116K on the odometer.

Honestly, I think the Ranger is hands down a better truck when it comes to drivetrains, interior cab layout and rear legroom. But it’s hard to beat the Tacomas massive selection of trims, options, multiple cab/bed configurations and a hybrid.

I really want a SuperCrew with 6’ bed with some bonus off-road bits and since Ford only makes one config, with only a 5’ bed, it has considering a TRD Off-road Premium or a Trailhunter with 6’ beds. The downside of the Tacoma is the much higher price across most of their range, cheaper looking interior and materials, crappy rear legroom and tiny gas tank with a terrible range.

I might forego a 6’ bed for a better overall truck with a more reasonable price, but I was also hoping for more off-road chops than a FX-4 but not overkill with a thirsty RR. So wait another year and hope the Tremor comes back to the NA market and get it with the 2.7l? That would almost be my perfect truck for my needs (with the 6’ bed being my only compromise).

20 years without a vehicle payment has been nice and I’ve been banking a monthly “truck payment” to my savings for over 7 years. Add that fact to my 23 year old daily driver showing it’s age and I’m more than ready to be behind the wheel of something new. If I pull the trigger now, I’m looking at some big compromises no matter what I buy. I hang onto my vehicles for a long time, and the last thing I want is buyers remorse right out of the gate. What to do?!?!?

Buy the Raptor and never look back.

 

[Fattirz in NC]

Buy the Raptor and never look back.

Oh, I’ve been seriously considering it. My wife is soooo tired of hearing me talk about buying a new truck (3+ years now) and she has already blessed a Ranger Raptor purchase. My 17 year old son has been egging me on to pull the trigger on the RR too. ? Love the Shelter Green and really looking forward to seeing Marsh Gray in person too.

Getting ready to add a second teenage driver this year. And I’m sure the RR insurance is like adding a sports car to my fleet. Hoping to get a more fuel efficient vehicle too. My ‘02 F-150 has a 5.4l V8 and gets 13-16 MPG. The RR barely beats those numbers.

 

[Dingus83]

Oh, I’ve been seriously considering it. My wife is soooo tired of hearing me talk about buying a new truck (3+ years now) and she has already blessed a Ranger Raptor purchase. My 17 year old son has been egging me on to pull the trigger on the RR too. ? Love the Shelter Green and really looking forward to seeing Marsh Gray in person too.

Getting ready to add a second teenage driver this year. And I’m sure the RR insurance is like adding a sports car to my fleet. Hoping to get a more fuel efficient vehicle too. My ‘02 F-150 has a 5.4l V8 and gets 13-16 MPG. The RR barely beats those numbers.

My insurance dropped $40 every 6 months from my Tacoma to my RR. Of course too many factors for us to all compare evenly but I was pleasantly surprised there

 

[dmac72]

Oh, I’ve been seriously considering it. My wife is soooo tired of hearing me talk about buying a new truck (3+ years now) and she has already blessed a Ranger Raptor purchase. My 17 year old son has been egging me on to pull the trigger on the RR too. ? Love the Shelter Green and really looking forward to seeing Marsh Gray in person too.

Getting ready to add a second teenage driver this year. And I’m sure the RR insurance is like adding a sports car to my fleet. Hoping to get a more fuel efficient vehicle too. My ‘02 F-150 has a 5.4l V8 and gets 13-16 MPG. The RR barely beats those numbers.

I agree with Dingus. For the money, all the Toyotas (which are great trucks, I’ll say, I’ve owned 3) feel cheap and plasticy. I’m sure I’ll own a handful of Toyotas again in my life, but I would never, ever, consider buying one new. To pay $50k+ for something that feels like a used vehicle straight off the lot is insane to me. They’re reliable and mechanically great, and have all the aftermarket products in the world available, and yada yada, but they feel cheap and drive like they’re cheap, so they should be cheaply priced (relatively speaking) in my opinion—and brand new they aren’t. A used Toyota is a great value. But off the lot, the Raptor alllllll day.

 

[Slyone]

Hello everyone.
I thought I purchased my forever truck in my 2022 TRD Pro manual Tacoma. However since then I ended up with a kid and a wife who decided not to drive stick. So I’m kind of stuck with a paperweight. (Put 600 miles on it in a year).

Has anyone here made the switch ? To me the ranger raptor is exactly where Toyota should have gone with the 4th gen. But instead they went to increase msrp to almost 70k and quality seems not up to par…. Completely removing itself from reality.

any input here would be great

I had a 2006 Tacoma that I loved. Then I had a 2014 4Runner that I really loved. Then Toyota went with small and in my opinion underpowered engines and definitely cheaper interior plastics. When I wanted a new vehicle I just couldn’t do high dollar Toyota anymore. So I found the Ranger Raptor and every time I drive it I am smiling. Is it better than an old Toyota I don’t know. Is it better than current Toyota definitely.

 

[Satex]

Hello everyone.
I thought I purchased my forever truck in my 2022 TRD Pro manual Tacoma. However since then I ended up with a kid and a wife who decided not to drive stick. So I’m kind of stuck with a paperweight. (Put 600 miles on it in a year).

Has anyone here made the switch ? To me the ranger raptor is exactly where Toyota should have gone with the 4th gen. But instead they went to increase msrp to almost 70k and quality seems not up to par…. Completely removing itself from reality.

any input here would be great

Not for a Raptor, but a Lariat FX4 with 2.7 ecoboost, and not from a TRD Pro, but a 2029 TRD Offroad.

I loved the Taco, and had it set up very well. It was trouble free.

BUT, it was marginal at best when towing our lightweight camper. That is something we're going to do more of, and it's weaknesses in power, gearing, and payload were no longer acceptable.

I gave up my six foot bed, known reliability, and some expensive accessories that won't transfer. Oh yeah, I gave up several thousand $$.

So far though, I'm glad I made the change.

 

[raptormax]

Not for a Raptor, but a Lariat FX4 with 2.7 ecoboost, and not from a TRD Pro, but a 2029 TRD Offroad.

I loved the Taco, and had it set up very well. It was trouble free.

BUT, it was marginal at best when towing our lightweight camper. That is something we're going to do more of, and it's weaknesses in power, gearing, and payload were no longer acceptable.

I gave up my six foot bed, known reliability, and some expensive accessories that won't transfer. Oh yeah, I gave up several thousand $$.

So far though, I'm glad I made the change.

You’re from the future man! Good to hear you’re liking the change so far.
Anything as far as driving dynamics and comfort that is standing out to you ? Any issues with your ranger ?

 

[josefmd]

I am in the same boat! I currently have a 2023 Tacoma TRD OR 6mt in Lunar Rock color, as well as a 2017 4R TRD Pro cement. I am Keeping the 4R though. Have owned a few Rangers over the yrs, but have been a Toyota man for a long time. There a few 2024 RR's near me, and have already reached out to put feelers out. If I can get a few thousand off and a descent trade for my Tacoma with 12k miles, I am seriously considering jumping ship.

 

[Kevindust]

This is a great thread, it will be interesting for me to follow along.

I have a 2016 Tacoma TRD Sport (4x4, V6, manual, upgrade pkg) that has been great. Since it is a manual, I have none of the transmission programming issues that plague the 3rd gen automatic Tacoma's. The manual also comes with a shorter rear gear and I have found that it tows my trailers (a 5000 lbs travel trailer and an enclosed snowmobile/ATV trailer) quite well. I added the OTT tune a few years ago and that really improved mid range torque and the overall driving experience. The Tacoma has a lot of subtle features that make it very useful, my biggest gripes are the lack of power compared to modern trucks and the seats aren't very supportive so I get sore after about 3 hours of driving.

I am a hardcore manual transmission fan. Now that I am approaching the time to replace my '16 Tacoma, the 4th gen Tacoma started at the top of my list because it is the only midsize truck that is available with three pedals. Unfortunately, the manual is only available in certain trims and Toyota Canada has cut content from the new Tacoma comparable to my 2016. I can still get my preferred configuration of a TRD Sport double cab short box with a manual but I cannot get one with dual climate control or power in the bed in Canada. These may be small details but it really sucks to buy a 2025 Tacoma and lose features that I use regularly on my 2016 Tacoma. It also sucks that the manual is only available with a de-tuned mid-tier engine (270 hp/310 torque) and not the higher output option (326/465). The 4th gen Tacoma manual isn't any quicker than the 3rd gen Tacoma manual, which is kind of pathetic.

This forces me to ask myself, am I willing to settle for an automatic transmission?

If yes, it opens up a whole new selection. I have test driven a 2.7 XLT and a couple of Ranger Raptors and in most ways, they are leagues ahead of my Tacoma. The power and torque are a revelation. The suspension and seats in the Raptor are outstanding. The rear legroom is noticeably better.

Yet, similar to Toyota and the GM twins, there are some baffling cost cutting choices. How is it that the 6th gen Ranger still doesn't have a 60/40 split rear seat? How about an option for a sunroof? How is it that the GM twins have a manual sliding rear window on every trim level?

Ultimately, I am going to wait another 8-12 months and see how the reliability and resale of the current generation mid-size trucks play out and hope that some desirable options are implemented along the way (such as the Black Appearance Package for 2025 that fixes the Ranger issue with the ugly grey fascia and wheel lip molding). There is also the price to consider, I will also watch out for factory incentives and lower financing rates. While the new Tacoma is underpowered and is missing a few features that I would miss, if we just look at MSRP for my preferred configuration, it also costs far less here in Canada:

2024 Tacoma TRD Sport Plus manual $54,406
2024 Ranger Lariat 2.7 $61,475 (locking diff, advanced towing, bedliner, side steps)
2024 Ranger Raptor $80,840 (bedliner)

 

[raptormax]

I am in the same boat! I currently have a 2023 Tacoma TRD OR 6mt in Lunar Rock color, as well as a 2017 4R TRD Pro cement. I am Keeping the 4R though. Have owned a few Rangers over the yrs, but have been a Toyota man for a long time. There a few 2024 RR's near me, and have already reached out to put feelers out. If I can get a few thousand off and a descent trade for my Tacoma with 12k miles, I am seriously considering jumping ship.

Let me know what they say… they are technically a year old now

 

[raptormax]

This is a great thread, it will be interesting for me to follow along.

I have a 2016 Tacoma TRD Sport (4x4, V6, manual, upgrade pkg) that has been great. Since it is a manual, I have none of the transmission programming issues that plague the 3rd gen automatic Tacoma's. The manual also comes with a shorter rear gear and I have found that it tows my trailers (a 5000 lbs travel trailer and an enclosed snowmobile/ATV trailer) quite well. I added the OTT tune a few years ago and that really improved mid range torque and the overall driving experience. The Tacoma has a lot of subtle features that make it very useful, my biggest gripes are the lack of power compared to modern trucks and the seats aren't very supportive so I get sore after about 3 hours of driving.

I am a hardcore manual transmission fan. Now that I am approaching the time to replace my '16 Tacoma, the 4th gen Tacoma started at the top of my list because it is the only midsize truck that is available with three pedals. Unfortunately, the manual is only available in certain trims and Toyota Canada has cut content from the new Tacoma comparable to my 2016. I can still get my preferred configuration of a TRD Sport double cab short box with a manual but I cannot get one with dual climate control or power in the bed in Canada. These may be small details but it really sucks to buy a 2025 Tacoma and lose features that I use regularly on my 2016 Tacoma. It also sucks that the manual is only available with a de-tuned mid-tier engine (270 hp/310 torque) and not the higher output option (326/465). The 4th gen Tacoma manual isn't any quicker than the 3rd gen Tacoma manual, which is kind of pathetic.

This forces me to ask myself, am I willing to settle for an automatic transmission?

If yes, it opens up a whole new selection. I have test driven a 2.7 XLT and a couple of Ranger Raptors and in most ways, they are leagues ahead of my Tacoma. The power and torque are a revelation. The suspension and seats in the Raptor are outstanding. The rear legroom is noticeably better.

Yet, similar to Toyota and the GM twins, there are some baffling cost cutting choices. How is it that the 6th gen Ranger still doesn't have a 60/40 split rear seat? How about an option for a sunroof? How is it that the GM twins have a manual sliding rear window on every trim level?

Ultimately, I am going to wait another 8-12 months and see how the reliability and resale of the current generation mid-size trucks play out and hope that some desirable options are implemented along the way (such as the Black Appearance Package for 2025 that fixes the Ranger issue with the ugly grey fascia and wheel lip molding). There is also the price to consider, I will also watch out for factory incentives and lower financing rates. While the new Tacoma is underpowered and is missing a few features that I would miss, if we just look at MSRP for my preferred configuration, it also costs far less here in Canada:

2024 Tacoma TRD Sport Plus manual $54,406
2024 Ranger Lariat 2.7 $61,475 (locking diff, advanced towing, bedliner, side steps)
2024 Ranger Raptor $80,840 (bedliner)

Wow Canadian prices are way more affordable for the Tacomas vs here

 

[josefmd]

This is a great thread, it will be interesting for me to follow along.

I have a 2016 Tacoma TRD Sport (4x4, V6, manual, upgrade pkg) that has been great. Since it is a manual, I have none of the transmission programming issues that plague the 3rd gen automatic Tacoma's. The manual also comes with a shorter rear gear and I have found that it tows my trailers (a 5000 lbs travel trailer and an enclosed snowmobile/ATV trailer) quite well. I added the OTT tune a few years ago and that really improved mid range torque and the overall driving experience. The Tacoma has a lot of subtle features that make it very useful, my biggest gripes are the lack of power compared to modern trucks and the seats aren't very supportive so I get sore after about 3 hours of driving.

I am a hardcore manual transmission fan. Now that I am approaching the time to replace my '16 Tacoma, the 4th gen Tacoma started at the top of my list because it is the only midsize truck that is available with three pedals. Unfortunately, the manual is only available in certain trims and Toyota Canada has cut content from the new Tacoma comparable to my 2016. I can still get my preferred configuration of a TRD Sport double cab short box with a manual but I cannot get one with dual climate control or power in the bed in Canada. These may be small details but it really sucks to buy a 2025 Tacoma and lose features that I use regularly on my 2016 Tacoma. It also sucks that the manual is only available with a de-tuned mid-tier engine (270 hp/310 torque) and not the higher output option (326/465). The 4th gen Tacoma manual isn't any quicker than the 3rd gen Tacoma manual, which is kind of pathetic.

This forces me to ask myself, am I willing to settle for an automatic transmission?

If yes, it opens up a whole new selection. I have test driven a 2.7 XLT and a couple of Ranger Raptors and in most ways, they are leagues ahead of my Tacoma. The power and torque are a revelation. The suspension and seats in the Raptor are outstanding. The rear legroom is noticeably better.

Yet, similar to Toyota and the GM twins, there are some baffling cost cutting choices. How is it that the 6th gen Ranger still doesn't have a 60/40 split rear seat? How about an option for a sunroof? How is it that the GM twins have a manual sliding rear window on every trim level?

Ultimately, I am going to wait another 8-12 months and see how the reliability and resale of the current generation mid-size trucks play out and hope that some desirable options are implemented along the way (such as the Black Appearance Package for 2025 that fixes the Ranger issue with the ugly grey fascia and wheel lip molding). There is also the price to consider, I will also watch out for factory incentives and lower financing rates. While the new Tacoma is underpowered and is missing a few features that I would miss, if we just look at MSRP for my preferred configuration, it also costs far less here in Canada:

2024 Tacoma TRD Sport Plus manual $54,406
2024 Ranger Lariat 2.7 $61,475 (locking diff, advanced towing, bedliner, side steps)
2024 Ranger Raptor $80,840 (bedliner)

Great post! You nailed it on the head! I had a 17 Taco TRD pro that I traded for the 4R. Just hated the auto tranny on it. My 2023 with the 6 mt is a night and day difference in driving experience even though it's still a dog torque wise. I just received an offer for a 2024 RR with the bead locks, as well as spray in liner for $2555 off MSRP. $57,800 + TTL. Seems like a pretty good deal even though it's a 2024.

 

[Kevindust]

Wow Canadian prices are way more affordable for the Tacomas vs here

Not really, a similar spec'd Tacoma is $48,970 in the US.

In Canada, the TRD Pro is $80k and the Trailhunter is $86K.

The worst part is that Canadians are getting destroyed when it comes to Ranger Raptor pricing. In the US, a Raptor is what, about $3-4K more than a loaded Lariat 2.7? Here in Canada, a Raptor is $18-20K more than a loaded Lariat.

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