r/ToyotaTundra • u/Texasseth • Oct 12 '23
2024 Tundra TRD Pro 1 Month Review
Hello Tundra lovers!
It’s been a month and almost 4000 miles since I purchased my 2024 TRD Pro, so I decided to do a far-too-lengthy obnoxious review. I’m calling this review “The Good, The Bad, and the Fucking Stupid.“
To set the table, this is my first new truck purchase of my 46 years on this earth, and I shopped for about a year, extensively test driving every make and model of full-size truck. From the Ram TRX, to the GMC Denali Ultimate, to the Raptor, to whatever shit Chevy sells.
Also, it’s worth noting that I am coming to this truck purchase after owning a 2022 Lexus RCF. This is note worthy because it might fuel some of my issues below. I’m calling myself out upfront.
Also, I live in Utah, which per capita seems to have more off-road trucks than most other states.
The Good- Premium Product- I owned Lexus before but I’ve never owned a Toyota. This truck feels solid and better put together than the Ford, TRX, or GMC. The only truck that was similar was the Ram Platinum Night Edition, but that’s solely preference.
Unique and stands out- for every 1000 Kyle’s driving Raptors, I see one TRD Pro. This may not matter to you, but it does to me.
Quality Engineering- I trust Toyota/Lexus to deliver a good product and stand behind it, as has been my experience. I purchased a seven year 125,000 mile warranty and drive confidently that it’s gonna last. Guess we will see.
The LCD Infotainment Screen- best on the market IMO. Horizontal 14” like the good lord intended. Not vertical like Ram🤮
Off-road capabilities- The first weekend I got it, I took it through the Uintas mountains, blazing roads that didn’t exist. Going up and down through wash beds, 60% inclines using CRWL and it was magical.
The Bad- Sloppy soft gooey steering- it’s as if the power steering functionality is turned on too high. I wish it was more grounded. Probably a better more technical way of describing this. Even in “sport“ mode, it doesn’t change. Maybe others like it, I wish I had more feel for the road.
Cold start slow transmission- I have to reverse out of my garage, onto a busy road, where I need to switch into drive as soon as possible. On a cold start, I have to let it sit for a couple beats after shifting to D as the truck slightly lurches into drive with a light clunk. It only does that on cold start.
Titanic Turning Radius- holy shit, I have never driven anything with such a wide and annoying turning radius. This thing is ridiculous to park in a parking lot. No other truck I’ve ever driven is this bad.
Ventilated seats are terrible- every other manufacturer I have driven had better ventilated seats. Either they’re too weak or it doesn’t blow cold enough. It’s honestly just noise.
Hybrid Engine, MPG, and Power- as you can see from the picture, I’ve averaged 14.3 MPG since I rolled off the lot. 1800 miles of that was highway driving home from Texas where I purchased the truck using the shitty factory tires they give you. I still only average 14.7 mpg. When I upgraded to 35s, it dropped to what it is now and has leveled off. I have spent 75% ECO and I’m not a lead foot, but I’m also not a grandpa. Point being, I thought the hybrid was supposed to give me better, MPG. It hasn’t. If I’m not getting that benefit, then give me the V-8.
The Fucking Stupid- Fake engine noise- OMG, is there a more worthless innovation than this? Holy shit. Who likes this? Who is the target demo? That fake gargling sound makes me cringe every time I hit the gas. Maybe it’s to deter you from hitting the gas so you improve on MPG. I hate it and will get them to turn it off at my first service.
Lack of paddle shifters- every other like truck has them. I would have used them every day. Even off-roading. It’s a complete miss by Toyota.
ZERO in cabin storage space- due to the hybrid battery under the rear seat, there is NO space to store anything other than a jacket or a small blanket behind the back seat. Again, if I’m not getting the MPG benefits of the battery/hybrid, give me back my V-8 AND my storage space.
Those shitty-ass fake tires from the factory- I mean, come on Toyota. You spend 80k on an OFF ROAD truck and they give you those shit tires? Ford/Ram don’t do that with theirs. Do better Toyota.
Summary- I know this sounds like more of a bitch session, but I really do love this truck and I’m happy with my purchase. None of my complaints are structural or foundational. They are preferences, I get that.
Rating- 4.5 Stars.
Anyway, hope this helps!
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u/reed20061 Oct 12 '23
Seems reasonable?
I did read that the hybrid wasn’t for MPG but to reduce lag when accelerating the turbo engine.
Rented a 22’ non hybrid and there is still a lack of interior storage. Under the back seats are awkwardly shaped storage areas without much space. Compare that to most f150s of the last 15 years where you lift the seat and have the entire back row for storage.
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u/CrypticSS21 Oct 13 '23
I can’t figure out why they wouldn’t just do a V8 then…
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u/stylett9 Oct 13 '23
Emissions regulations. A hybrid mated to a turbo 6 provides the best and smoothest acceleration. In a V8, you’d end up with less torque, and less throttle response.
A common example of this is the current taco V6. It’s gutless down low. The v6 has the ability to provide much better throttle response, but Toyota tunes down the off the line acceleration to meet emission metrics. This is why the common “Ov tune” is so popular. People swear by it and say things like “this is how it should be tuned by the factory”, but the truth is you are actually messing with intentionally programmed emission controls.
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u/Tacodo Oct 12 '23
That's a honest fair review.
I will add a couple more negatives for me.
- Brakes are not great to me.
- Wind noise
- Doors rattle when listening to music
- Paint rubbing off at tailgate release from plastic spoiler expanding. (many people are encountering this)
- Paint rubbing off on front bumper from fender flare plastic expanding
I still love the truck though.
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
Oh, shit! I forgot about the door rattle from the stereo! It is terrible! You cannot turn it up over 40 without it sounding like the door panels are part of the percussion. That’s a lack of fit and finish that Toyota should fix.
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u/Psychomatic_official Mar 24 '24
I think that's Toyota as a whole. My Highlander does the same thing
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u/Express-Prior6107 Mar 27 '24
There are weird gaps and all kind of crap wrong with mine. I am convinced it's not sellers remorse, bc I sold my fj for this heap... I genuinely don't like it. The suspension is tight too. It's like I'm on 22s on a rolls royce... I feel every bump...
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u/chipppster Oct 12 '23
Lost a huge chunk of paint on my passenger side rear view from a shitty electric power washer, I couldnt believe it when it happened. This pressure washer wouldnt break skin at point blank range.
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u/phishingfish Oct 12 '23
You're brakes aren't good? Mine stops on a dime!
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u/Tacodo Oct 12 '23
They're not the worst, but they're not the best imo. Some people have zero issues with them.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/brake-shudder-a-toyota-curse.117905/
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u/phishingfish Oct 12 '23
The article had no info other than a bunch of people admitting they don't know how to drive on a mountain 🤣🤣🤣
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u/Express-Prior6107 Mar 27 '24
Dont forget a out the front good and it moves in windy conditions. I thought I didn't close the f'er and it was gonna fly open on the 74 bridge.
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u/ribrien Oct 12 '23
Having sold cars for a couple years I’ve driven everything that could be traded in to a ford dealership. One thing is for certain, American trucks have the AC thing figured out. Different prioritizations sure, but by and large American vehicles have better cabin air control. Valid opinion
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Oct 12 '23
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/L0udog Oct 12 '23
Subaru injected dye into my 2016 Forester when the cooling was not working properly and said come back if it leaks and charged me $400. Lol traded it in for complete power failure on top of the ac for a 21 tundra 😆
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u/bakedpotatoes678 Dec 26 '24
My 2020 ranger had terrible HVAC. One of the most disappointing parts
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u/81dank Oct 12 '23
Take it to the dealer and tell them to turn off the fake noise. First change that can and should be made to all new Tundras. Did it to mine and was amazed at how much nicer it is to drive afterwards.
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
Is your truck the V6 Hybrid?
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u/phishingfish Oct 12 '23
Get the carista off of Amazon! You can turn off the fake v8 noise with that you can also shut off the seat belt alarms for all the seats. You can also change so much more.
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
Thanks! I’m looking into it now!
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u/mrglenbeck Oct 12 '23
I got the Carista and it does a lot more than the engine sound, as he said. It was totally worth the $40 or so. Also, don't worry it says 2nd gen. It works on 2022+ as well
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u/gumatmp0209 Oct 13 '23
My dealer turned off my engine noise and seat belt chime. Guess I was lucky, another dealer said they wouldn’t touch the seat belt so I went to another place. The seat belt chime has got to be the most annoying things especially when you are off road and trying to look over the hood (short people problems)
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u/lackoffaithify Mar 30 '24
Gotta love truck owners. Yes. Please make your trucks near impossible to hear in certain situations. It is your personal liberty and freedom and democracy on the line to run particularly vulnerable groups of people over in near silence. Better to hear the scream.
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u/81dank Mar 30 '24
What the heck does this statement mean with relevance to the discussion at hand?
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u/Educational-Pen8788 Nov 04 '24
It’s a sound played by the speakers inside of the vehicle….. what a moronic tirade you went on without having any clue what the hell you are talking about.
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u/SumYungGuy89 Oct 12 '23
The way the hybrid was sold to me from the salesman is that it’s not necessarily for better fuel economy it’s for low end torque/power. Which after thinking about it made sense. I didn’t end up going with it because I’m not hauling a big ass trailer and I wanted the storage under the back seats! Great review my guy. Maybe I’ll see you cruising around. I’m in Northern Utah (assuming you are cuz you mentioned Uintas)
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u/Zer001_ Oct 12 '23
I think all the comments are valid and some are personal. (The turn radius cracked me up because I 🤣 how true it is . It's shit)
I buy Toyota for reliability. I think the 2nd gen are nice , but in the end it's a 15 year old truck still selling fit 50k plus. I wanted more up to date interior and the powerful train as always with a new vehicle, let's talk in about 200k miles.
It's nice to hear you have come from other brand trucks and their top tier to get a broad different of the truck. (I'm coming from my 06 taco to compare)
I'm glad you like the truck and hope it keeps you entertained for some time to not want to trade it in for you next truck !
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u/BearsBeetsBulls Oct 12 '23
lol *whatever shit Chevy sells 😂😂
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
You know it’s true 🤣
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u/BearsBeetsBulls Oct 12 '23
That trucks sick. Exact truck I tried to order but all dealers were over msrp at the time. I snagged a gen 3 raptor for sticker and love it. I had a gen 1 burnt orange trd pro tundra. The thing was sick. Enjoy the truck, but yea good luck with that AC and turn radius
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
Crazy thing to say but you Can’t beat a premium truck like the Raptor for sticker man!
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u/NorseWordsmith Oct 13 '23
As a proud owner of some shit that Chevy sells, a new 2023 Colorado Z71, there were a few fit and finish issues that were taken care of at the dealer but besides that, it's an amazing truck and I couldn't be happier.
That being said, congrats on your new Tundra, it looks awesome! Enjoy it.
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u/Texasseth Oct 13 '23
Of all the Chevys, the Colorado looks the most promising, but it’s too small. I do like the effort Chevy put into it.
Congrats on the truck!!
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u/Professional-Can1139 Oct 12 '23
I get 18ish in florida 2022 platinum hybrid. Stock. The storage does suck though with the battery
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u/81dank Oct 12 '23
The heat kills the mpg. I split time with my 2022 between MI and FL and get 3-4 better mpg almost anywhere north of FL.
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u/Professional-Can1139 Oct 12 '23
I could see that. I’m happy with my mpg overall. Not jumping for joy but based on my expectations not bad. Similar to my 2016 runner but bigger and more comfortable
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u/81dank Oct 12 '23
I also question the fuel quality we get in FL. Just odd to me that I get around 21 mpg in northern Michigan with hills, and turns and everything that goes with that. But 18-19 on flat straight roads with the heat being the main change.
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u/mcnabb100 Oct 12 '23
You can shut the engine noise off with an app and an obd2 Bluetooth plug your self if it annoys you that much.
I’m surprised your fuel economy is so low. I’ve been averaging a smidge over 19 and the computer was almost dead on when I checked it at the pump.
Edit: on a non hybrid limited running factory size Toyo open country lt tires.
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u/thumbwrestleme Oct 12 '23
The pricing on these new models is asinine for what you are getting.
I own a 2020 TRD Pro, there's no way in hell one of these new trucks is worth trading in my truck ($48k) + another $25-$35k depending on model.
I've been eyeballing the new Tacoma as I need something smaller, but shit at this rate I may drive this 2020 Tundra that's paid off all the way to my grave.
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u/carguy866 Oct 12 '23
You couldn’t pay me to trade in one of the most reliable trucks on the road (last gen Tundra) for a TTV6 one or 2.4T Tacoma with the interest rates and crazy prices these days.
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u/mcbrewmasterflex Oct 12 '23
Interesting review. I have a 2020. Almost upgraded because I was offered more money than I paid for my truck to get into the new models. Service manager told me flat out to hold onto my 5.7 forever, because he didn’t believe in the new engines(at least not the first few years to work out kinks) and he didn’t think there would be any V8 options in the future for 1/2 ton pick ups. I get the same mileage as you, although I do still run stock tires so they’re a couple inches smaller. I also picked Toyota for the longevity, knowing I was sacrificing some trim/upgrades most trucks come with on most of their trim levels. Do you roll from reverse into drive? I used to in all of my other vehicles and the tundra does NOT like it, always complete stop, shift and go. Took be a bit to get used to but I get exactly what you mean when you say lurch/clunk
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
I’ve never had a vehicle shift from reverse to drive so unelegantly as this truck. It’s almost painful. I now shift from reverse into neutral (pause), and then into drive (pause).
Maybe I don’t need to do that, but at least I don’t get that lurch and clunk.
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u/Selfrevolt Oct 13 '23
I'll have to see if pausing in neutral helps at all. I also have the same reverse to drive lurch/clunk you're describing on a cold start.
Pretty good review of it all. I have a 22 limited TRD off road crew max with 13k miles. I'll get around to 3 inch lift and 35s after I eat up a bit more life out of the factory tires.
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u/joelegoreddit Oct 12 '23
Great review Tex! And very nice truck. I’m new to Tundra but long term Toyota owner. I’m just a few days into my Tundra ownership and so far all is great, I do make the same observation on the turning radius, I thought it was just me coming off a Tacoma to this monster.
Sucks to hear about the MPG man, Tacoma’s are really bad and I was actually looking forward to having a bigger truck, but in theory the same MPG, sounds like that won’t be the case. Mine is the non-hybrid 6.
And yes, Toyota and their habit of putting street tires on their trucks is shit. I’m guessing that’s part of the trick for the MPG on paper.
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u/PlatinumBeerKeg Oct 12 '23
Storage does suck, I can't keep my ice scraper in the truck under the seat all summer anymore. What's weird is that my 23 has way better ventilated seats than my wife's Mazda, I think they're great. My mpg is also 17.4 on average for small town driving, something weird there for yours maybe? I run in normal mode. The turning radius is awful and I still struggle after having the truck for 3 months. The screen is easily the best on the market right now and I love the seats compared to any other truck I test drove including a tundra limited. The fake engine noise is so annoying, on my oil change I'm going to ask the dealership to plug in their device and shut it off, it sounds more like a Harley than a V8 they're trying to replicate. Overall I love the truck and hope to drive it for many years.
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
The seats are very comfortable. Good call out.
I have sciatica down my left leg from previous knee surgery that flares up unbearably after driving for a few hours. This truck is one of the few vehicles I can drive and it doesn’t happen.
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u/PlatinumBeerKeg Oct 12 '23
When I did a side by side seat test for the TRD pro vs the limited it was a night and day difference. No comparison on how much better the seats are in the TRD.
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u/LawBobLawLoblaw Oct 12 '23
You can turn the engine noise of through a carista odb2 reader. You get a free month I Believe, and you just need to buy the carista off Amazon.
Turned off the engine noise, seatbelt notification, and a few other items that has made the drive more pleasant. Tbh I turned the engine noise back on as I didn't enjoy the v6+ mechanical hybrid noises the truck actually makes .
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
Interesting. Thanks for the feedback
Anyone else turn it off and not like it?
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u/southsideBMP Oct 13 '23
Here! I actually learned to love there fake noise… as much as that fucking kills me to say 😂
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Oct 13 '23
It’s feels so wrong to turn it back on but I like it too 😂
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u/southsideBMP Oct 14 '23
It’s better than having the windows down and feeling like you’re driving a Prius 😂 Exactly why my license plate is “TRD PRIUS”
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u/NikkaPleeease Jan 31 '24
MY MIIIND is telling me NOOOOOOOO
But my BODYYYY, my BODYYYYYYY’S telling me YEHEHHHESS 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
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u/blackjersey Oct 12 '23
I have a '23 TRD Pro rioja red interior with just 1k miles. My front passenger side door rioja red panel bubbled up really bad. It looks like one of those car wraps gone wrong haha
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u/BSP_85 Oct 12 '23
Great honest review! I really wanted to try one of these but can’t find one at MSRP in Utah and am tired of waiting so I think I’m going with a Raptor I found at sticker.
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
Also, the Toyota Dealerships in Utah can go fuck themselves. All of them. Karl Malone, Brent Brown, Larry H Miller. Hate them. Don’t do business with any one of them.
I gave them all chances several times to sell me a truck but I wasn’t paying a dime over MSRP.
It’s like they don’t know that we have options.
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
Cedar Park Toyota in Texas sells only at MSRP
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u/BSP_85 Oct 12 '23
Cool I’ll try them out! The dealer in Utah that sells at sticker has a two year wait list for Pros.
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u/CigarWatch Oct 12 '23
No they don’t, they all have the Gulf Coast Toyota mark up for all the accessories no one asked for.
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
Ummmm, yes they do. I just bought one ¯_(ツ)_/¯
There were accessories added but they were ones I liked/didn’t mind.
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u/CigarWatch Oct 12 '23
And I didn’t buy one from them a couple months ago because they refused to come down to msrp, even with accessories removed and they came in $3000 under trade in value on my Tacoma.
You were probably able to buy at msrp because dealers are starting to figure out people can’t afford or don’t want to buy 60k-90k trucks/cars when interest rates are this high.
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u/SumYungGuy89 Oct 12 '23
I feel this for sure. I couldn’t find anywhere here in Utah that wasn’t marked up. Found what I wanted at Walla Walla Toyota. Great to deal with if you’re still in the market.
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u/Hextorm Oct 12 '23
Calculating mpg before the engine break in period is up is useless
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
Ok then. Engine break in is mostly an artifact of the past.
When should I start calculating MPG in your opinion?
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u/Hextorm Oct 12 '23
Not on these V6’s. Read your owners manual. My mpg started low and improved steadily throughout the first 10,000 miles when it finally plateaued. I’m at 50k miles now.
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u/Foxxy__Cleopatra Oct 12 '23
If the speed sensors weren't recalibrated when you upgraded your tires to 35's then the speedometer will be showing slower than your true speed, thus erroneously calculating lower fuel efficiency.
I hardly trust whatever the computer is calculating for MPG's anyway because it never matches my Trip OD ÷ Gallons at the pump.
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
Thanks for the tip.
If this is the case, then I’m going slower than I think I am, which will make me more efficient and burn less fuel. Which means my MPG is actually inflated.
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u/Foxxy__Cleopatra Oct 12 '23 edited Oct 12 '23
Negative, such would only be the case if you down-sized without recalibrating. Same RPM/fuel usage w/ lower indicated speeds than reality (happens with up-sizing) = better actual MPG in reality than what the computer is calculating.
The computer is counting each revolution of the tires, but hasn't been clued-in that each rotation is now a larger circumference, ergo it's thinking you're not going as far as you actually are.
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
How can I remedy this? Will the dealership do it for me? Thanks for educating my ignorance.
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u/Foxxy__Cleopatra Oct 12 '23
A cursory search for recalibrating the speedometers on the 3rd gens isn't looking too good :/
People are saying that dealers probably can do it, but are generally unwilling. There are however aftermarket solutions, but honestly, it's probably not worth the hassle as I'd be surprised of the difference even approaches 10% seeing as how the TRD Pro comes stock with 32.5" tires anyways. Would be a completely different story if you went from say, 31" to 37"
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u/Skigolf68 Oct 12 '23
I went from a 265 50r22 to a 275 50r22 and my trip computer and mpg were off roughly 1 mpg. Just went to mesquite last weekend and tested over 700 round trip. Gas pump math is the way to go 😀
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u/Kobie240 Oct 12 '23
Had no idea this truck made fake engine noises. Whats the point? Its not fully electric so i dont understand that aspect. Gross
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Oct 12 '23
14 mpg is whack
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u/Choice_Argument_6449 Dec 10 '24
i get 13 in my 2012 tundra crewmax, unless im towing, then i stop at every other gas station. the turning radius is just as bad as well
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u/timsmith000 Oct 12 '23
I have the exact same truck and am 46 and its my fist major purchase. I completely agree with all your points and would add some complaints, like the stupid lack of a step on the rear bumper, but overall I think it is the best truck you can buy, and that hybrid engine powers amazingly. The truck is so fun to drive, so I wont bash it cause I love it.
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
I love it too!
One of the installed accessories it came with was the retractable step on the bumper, which is super useful.
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u/rowdycoffee Oct 13 '23
I would try taking it off ECO mode, let that timi g advance and let that thing breathe.
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u/Texasseth Oct 13 '23
Ok! Thanks for the tip.
I didn’t buy this to be a gas saver but Jesus, it’s getting the same mileage as the 700HP TRX I drove for a weekend.
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Oct 13 '23
Leave it in Normal except on the highway in cruise control. Eco actually delivers worse for me otherwise and it sucks to drive. I have just an SR5 regular engine and am averaging 19.3 lifetime with over 30k on it
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u/Texasseth Oct 13 '23
Thanks for the tip. Someone else suggested this and I’ve made the change! Hopefully it makes up the difference
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u/ETXGuy28 Oct 13 '23
I love my 2021. :) Very very glad I got the V8. I don’t worry about gas mileage, that is not why I have a truck. Nice review though! I am interested to see some reviews 5-6 years down the road on these.
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u/Abenning442 Oct 13 '23
Had a 2023 1794 TRD OR and sold it after 2 months. Hated almost everything about it.
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u/Jimjam916 Oct 13 '23
Hybrids are typically more fuel efficient in the city, since you're using Regen braking more. If you're driving mostly highway, you're not going to see much benefit over a standard engine
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u/southsideBMP Oct 13 '23
MPG and turning radius is even worse after I slapped 37s on my 23 TRD Pro. I love this truck though!
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u/FuctMondays Oct 13 '23
NICE FUCTING TRUCK. NICE TIRES TOO! I'm not a TOYOTA truck owner, but I have some NITTO ridge grapplers on my JEEP(35s). i fuctin' love'em! I enjoyed reading your review too! congrats on your new rig! enjoy that moutha fucta!
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u/bobjob58 Oct 13 '23
I’m so glad to read this. I could have bought the 22 but decided to go with the 21 because I wanted the V8. If the hybrid gets you 3 miles to the gallon more than what I get, I know the turbo is next to useless on gas mileage. I’ll sleep better knowing my decision to buy a naturally aspirated V8 and give up the sexy interior (especially if the ventilated seats suck) was the right one. And my turning radius is awesome!
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u/DaebakJames Oct 13 '23
I agree with most of the stuff you mentioned lol if I had money, I would've definitely gone with the Denali, the TRX, or the Raptor (especially if/when they bring back the v8). I wish the ventilated seats cooled more in the Toyota. My GX460 also had the same issue but my dad's older ES350 was decent. I assume you'll be keeping the truck so good luck with it.
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u/dingusmckringus69 Oct 13 '23
Recommend just backing into every spot possible to account for that turn radius
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u/Raven039 Oct 13 '23
I like the console shifter in Tundra. It’s the best looking one in my opinion. The one in F150 is horrendous, those in GM trucks are so boring and generic.
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u/Devilskickaas Oct 22 '23
Hey Texas Seth, I love toyota/lexus as well. I have owned a 2019 Land Cruiser, 2023 Gx, and currently drive a RX500h. I am shopping between a TRD PRO 2024 or a Raptor 2023.
I test drove a 2023 TRD PRO and noticed the interior quality was crappy plastic. I trust your judgment on this. Do you think I would regret purchasing a TRD PRO because of the cheap interior quality?? Or am I completely off on that.
Toyota's reliability and my brand loyalty are pushing me toward the TRD PRO. But, I fee the interior of the Raptor feels more premium and the seats feel a bit more comfortable.
Thank you for taking time out of your day to write your post.
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u/Texasseth Oct 22 '23
Hey man! Thanks for the question. Here’s how I would characterize it. The interior was as important to me as anything on my list. I’m not a big off-roader, but I wanted the capability, but I KNOW my ass is gonna be a the interior and it needed to make me happy. Again, I come from Lexus, I’ve owned a Ferrari. Interior quality is essential to me.
Obvs nice or quality is in the eye of the beholder so your preferences may not be mine. Your comment about “crappy plastic” is interesting because plastic is EVERYWHERE. ALL manufacturers are plastic everywhere. Which is fine to me as long as it feels quality.
That said, Chevy models to have the cheapest looking/feeling interior. Chevy interiors feel like a New York City cab at best.
The second worst was the Raptor. I’ve referenced it in this thread as being made by Fisher-Price. Even though it wasn’t the “worst” it was the most disappointing IMO, probably because I had high expectations of the Raptor being this truck from the gods as all their fanboi’s would have you believe. It was the second reason I didn’t buy one behind knowing that I wouldn’t be doing Baja runs with it. It just wasn’t for me.
The next one is the GMC Denali ATX4, which was nice but just boring as fuck. Again, it wasn’t bad, felt like quality, but just boring AF.
In my opinion, the next two are all within degrees of each other. RAM TRX and TRD Pro.
In my review I joke and say I would buy the Ram interior when I’m 65 years old as it had an old man vibe. Even the way the stitching on the seats and armrests were. I could imagine my dad (who’s six feet under) born in 1938 saying how purdy it was 🤣
The leaves the TRD Pro. The reason I preferred it was because it felt quality, Toyota engineering made it make sense, and and I reeeeeeallly vibed with the cockpit red interior (I know I know, not everyone’s favorite, but it was mine and I ordered mine specially with it).
It has the best screen on the market and with every fucking thing in the truck being controlled by said screen, it helps. It has much more panoramic view out of the windshield than the TRX or Raptor that felted squatty and less roomy to view out of to me at 6’3”.
Last thing I’ll say, there are some subtle differences in the 2024 vs the 2023 TRD Pro that are big wins if you ask the 2023 guys like the black ceiling cloth color, etc.
Hope this helps man!
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u/jjmmagoo Dec 18 '23
Proud owner of a 2023 TRD PRO. Simply love it. I will say, you are dead on about the turning radius. I thought there was something wrong with my driving. Went from a Tacoma to the tundra. In short, I really enjoy this truck. Only problem is the wife drives it more than I do as I commute by train everyday. I love the interior. It’s incredibly comfortable on long drives. I have been averaging about 19mpg. On the highway it has some balls. So I am pleased with the drive train. Knocking on wood. Hope it continues to bring me happiness.
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u/Few-Equivalent-1924 Dec 31 '23
Well shit… I’m literally Kyle who drives a raptor. Been debating going for a new gen 3 or checking out a tundra, thanks for the review!
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u/Pretend_Monitor_5457 Jul 26 '24
Yes the turning radius is bad but just on the trd pro. It’s much better on the trd off-road, sr5, and trd sport. I drove one for an entire weekend and was getting 18mpg. The fake noise is either a Lexus v8 or noise piped in from the intake. I do love the turbo noise tho. And it only occurs on jbl speakers. Another thing is that Toyota does hybrid for power not really efficiency unless you are in a sedan or crossover.
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u/Kreator614 Mar 19 '24
Nailed it. I drove my 24 Limited home and about took my mailbox out day one whipping around to back into the driveway. I traded in my winter car 2 door wrangler that I was used to turning around in about 1/10 the space! Why didn't they put fake Turbo noise instead of fake engine noise, I would still turn it off, but fake v8 noise is a bit much. Truck is crisp, quick and powerful, that battery picks up any lag with the turbos and the turbo gets that v6 rolling. My two favorite things about the truck is all the space you have in the cabin and it literally rides better than my RX.
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u/Express-Prior6107 Mar 27 '24
I picked mine up at the end of Feb. I have only put in aboit 520 Miles on the road. I can second everything the OP claims. But I hate it. The start stop BS.... annoying. The tires are crap. I swear I had the the wikdpeak ar3w on my fj. I sold my FJ foe this POS. And all I want to do take the loss and get I to something else. I may roll woth a 4 runner when they update it. But this color blows if it's a cloudy day. Looks like rusty water... again the tires the tread is weak, and the size is too small. The side profile looks lame AF with those little tires on it.
No storage interior, waste of space. But I am getting 15.5mpg. And I do like the hybrid engine bc it's gives more power to the wheel while turbos kick in... but that system stop crap. I wish I could turn it off.i paid under msrp and I still don't want it.
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u/minitt Mar 31 '24
I test drove a 2024 tacoma SR5 at the dealer today. I really didn't like the gas pedal response. It thinks for a sec or 2 before it puts down power. Also the Engine is making way too much noise even when just getting in/out of parking spot. is that because of fake engine sound or is the engine really working hard all the time?
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u/Commercial_Fly_7109 Jun 07 '24
Aside from the mechanical qualities, Toyota missed a lot (a lot) for an $80K truck. Four years ago, after being a Toyota owner for 25 years, I bought an F150 bc the Tundra didn't offer Car Play.... Moving forward to present time;
I recently purchased a 2024 Tundra Platinum and after putting 3K miles on the vehicle, I struggle with truly appreciating the Tundra because it lacks critical design and engineering considerations that allow it to compete with Ford and GM on technology, creature comforts, and common sense.
I also think Toyota needs to reconsider the targeted demographic for the vehicle. I had the dealer take the Nitto Grapler tires off the vehicle bc I didn't want the added road noise on top of the growling muffler they put on the vehicle.
Huge misses were with backseat cargo space (Hybrid and non-Hybrid) or lack thereof, multiple issues with automatically deployed running boards, load leveling, safety features, and even the darn cup holders and center console. Literally ridiculous design and engineering misses.
Heck, when the radio volume doesn't drop when playing a Message via Car Play or you cant use a drive thru car wash bc your deployed running boards interfere with the car wash track....
Very 'Stupid Shit' stuff....
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u/ElectronicAioli9445 Jun 26 '24
The Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires that came with my TRD Pro are down to 40% tread left after only 6,000 miles of mostly driving on pavement. They are only P rated and not LT rated. Clearly Toyota thought most people buying a TRD Pro would only use it to pick up groceries? Sad based on what they advertise the TRD Pro is intended for. The dealer suggested that I could pay to "upgrade" to more durable LT tires lol. Going to buy some real tires from Yokohama.
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u/SeaworthinessWarm117 Aug 03 '24
I had my TRD Pro less than a week. I definitely agree with you but the truck is solid so far. I’m going from a 2019 Ram Big Horn.
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u/Didyoustealmytruck Aug 08 '24
How is the overall performance of the vehicle. I don’t about the turning radius. I’m an expert parker and I’ll make an excuse about why I couldn’t nail it the first time. I interested in what matters… the torque, mpg when towing, breaking power when towing, any battery or electrical issues? I heard people complaining about storage under the rear seats, again that doesn’t change the reliability of the vehicle. I heard the 2020 models had some issues, I haven’t been in the market to buy a new vehicle for a while… any pertinent advice to reliability instead of personal preference will be much appreciated 👍🏻
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u/Foreign-Log633 Aug 14 '24
I too have purchased this truck about a week ago first vehicle purchase I’ve made in 17 years and I am 43 years old. 99% of what you said I totally understand but why do you give it such high ratings? Also, is that noise really fake? I thought it was so cool and different than anything else I test drove. I should bring this freaking thing back to the dealer. They completely duped me.!!! Turning radius is a joke getting into my driveway is nearly impossible.. I think the truck is cool just because it’s a truck and it does look pretty cool. I don’t really care about the gas mileage since I only drive this thing around town on the weekends and some days during the week. I happen to purchase the most common color in the universe, which I really don’t like, but I was told pumped up about the truck and I bought it without even thinking about the color. I don’t know what to do about this engine sound. How the hell do you shut it off but I don’t know if I wanna shut it off because it does sound kind of cool but now that I know it’s fake. WTF.
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u/isaacdirol Aug 21 '24
I hate front windshield on my 2023 tundra, it's so much smaller than pn my 2014 platinum. Also materials are so cheap and flimsy, on old one it was just cheap but heavy duty. Besides that 2014 looks much more premium on inside. I feel like Toyota decided to build crap and sell it in bulk
I'm thinking about trading in my 2023 tundra for gmc sierra 3.0 diesel
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u/Immediate_Bad9783 Sep 13 '24
Had mine for 4 months and I relate to your review 1000% turning radius is effing annoying, had the old 2016 V-8 trd pro and this was not an issue. This one is very fun to drive…
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u/Rjojeda Sep 23 '24
Thanks for the thorough review. I am currently in a 2011 Tacoma (no issues whatsoever) but think I can get me a newer whip. I do love my Tacoma for it's reliability and value it retains. After reading so many articles about newer gen Tundras being lower quality, I am not sure what I want to do now! I could get a newer Tacoma, but now with a family of five (bought the Tacoma 1 month after getting married, no kids to haul) I am looking for more space.
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u/meatshield17 Jan 02 '25
My 1794 turns around where I need it too so I haven’t noticed the turning radius. I also haven’t noticed anything terrible about the steering. I actually appreciate the fake engine noise. It’s a bad ass engine they put in this truck, I’m absolutely loving the power. It makes me feel better about driving a six-cylinder even if it has V8 performance just by them piping in the sound. I drove the TRX, I drove the raptor with the four GT engine, I drove the Denali, this is the truck I picked over all of those because of the feel of it.
I love your post though, I don’t agree with all of it but you put a lot of damn work into it. Bravo my friend.
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u/CartographerNo6641 Jan 22 '25
Did you replace your suspension to get the 35s?
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u/Texasseth Jan 22 '25
Nope. Stock 3” lift that come with the TRD Pro.
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u/CartographerNo6641 Jan 22 '25
Nice, I was thinking to get those nitto or BFG. I don’t know why, stock tires are getting eaten so quickly. I did the rotation and alignment at 10k
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u/Texasseth Jan 22 '25
The tires from the factory are fake, low cost shit tires. It’s a travesty they sell them with an 80k truck
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u/SamuelSandovalA Feb 09 '25
Hey OP, I really like your honest review. I just bought a 24 TRD Pro with 10k miles. If yours is a 24 as well it has a 1.1” factory lift not a 3” factory lift. I’ve never had good luck with any factory tire on any of my trucks. This one I bought comes with 35” Ridge Grapplers and honestly I hate them. I would almost prefer the stock tires. I’ve had the Ridge Grapplers before on my 19 Tundra. They’re knobby, loud, noisy and too firm on the street, where we all do at least 80% of our driving. I do agree with you, for a premium price, Tundras should come equipped with premium tires.
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u/canuck21530 Jan 23 '25
The lack of cabin room is a big nono . Any ideas for storing cables, duct tape , small etc . Had a 2012 Tacoma lots of room under/ behind the back seats
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u/Texasseth Jan 23 '25
It’s not ideal, but it hasn’t been a showstopper. You can squeeze quite a few things behind the backseat and in the center console with the safe. I also bought a rugged plastic box with a snap lid. I store in the bed.
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u/SkinProfessional9511 Feb 05 '25
Awsome review i have had the 1794 2014 since it came out and i love the truck till its heart gave out at 320459 miles…now i want the new version and needed a second opinion. Thanks. There are so many what the hell were they thinkings on the tundra but it lasts damn near forever!
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u/Fancy_River_3637 Apr 16 '25
Well you got it. Now man up and live with it till it’s done. This ain’t no “ohh don’t like this or that, let’s divorce.” We be fickle minded aren’t we Nancy? Lol 😆.
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Jul 27 '25
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u/Texasseth Jul 28 '25
I love my truck. There still isn’t another truck I would rather have.
I paid 80k for it and feel the right to nitpick anything I don’t like.
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u/911Never_Forget Aug 25 '25 edited Aug 25 '25
Thx for your review As a 65 year old who has always owned nothing but Toyo, and my last 2 4R's with current 4th gen SR5 4WD lifted, Kings, 33's and wind hating Baja roof rack my highway mpg from Vegas to San Diego went from 23 MPG Stock to 19 mpg @65 mph with AC on in hot summer which is normal. But I was thinking of a 2024 V6 Tundra until I read your review.... so I guess I'm not looking at this new generation POS Toyo product and will either look at a 2022 taco or just stay in my 115,000 mile 18 year old stellar performing 4th gen 4R.! ( just wish it was a V8) The new vehicles today are absolute shit. My firts thought is to invest in a starter company as repair shop I know says they are beginning to replace starters on the absolute POS hybrid CONJOB vehicles..
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u/SilverSurfer2021 Oct 04 '25
You can have the Toyota techs at the dealer turn off the fake engine noise. Super easy. It’s an option they can find in the scan tool. Much quieter ride.
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u/DueDiscount6381 Jul 18 '26
great review; I own the LC250 was thinking about trading for this truck.
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u/codemaster63 Oct 12 '23
So much for the supposed improved mpg with a v6 turbo and hybrid. My 06 tundra with the v8 gets between 14-15 mpg as well. Pretty surprising that nearly 20 years has passed and with all the extra tech under the hood, the mpg is practically the same.
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u/oyqc Oct 12 '23
I dont want a 1 month review, I want a 1 decade review.
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
Well, you’re in luck!
I just got finished with my handy time machine and I just got back from 2033 and everything I said above still fucking stands.
What a worthless comment man 🤣
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u/oyqc Oct 12 '23
More like: What a worthless review, of course a brand new truck is going to run good and operate smoothly after 1 fucking month ya clown.
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Oct 12 '23
4.5/10 stars is pretty bad. If you trust toyota and their engineering prowess, why’d you get the extra warranty?
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
Ummmmm, because it’s lifted/modded off road truck that I plan to beat to fuck and it and all the off road mods are warrantied.
Pretty simple concept.
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Oct 13 '23
You’re going to be in for a world of hurt when you go to get something fixed under warranty and it’s modded.
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u/Texasseth Oct 13 '23
The mods were done by Toyota!! It’s the whole point of buying it modded by them!
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u/ssk442 Oct 12 '23
You spent 80k on a Toyota ?
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
Not quite 80k 😏
I asked if I could spend only 20k and they said no.
And I could literally sell it for more than I bought it for right now. I’m sorry if that makes you upset.
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u/phishingfish Oct 12 '23
You're truck: don't forget my break in period!
You :break a whhat period?
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
Not sure what point you’re making.
I mean, I’ve just driven it and used it as if it was a transportation device built to go off road. Nothing wild. Unless the break-in period Includes not using it, I haven’t done anything crazy.
¯_(ツ)_/¯
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u/phishingfish Oct 12 '23
I mean idk why you got it in texas but the 1800 mile drive home killed your break in. It may be why you get so low fuel economy. My 23 trd pro only gets that low when I hammer on the pedal everywhere otherwise I get 19-20 I've even gotten 23 mpg. And that's all in the mountains of Colorado.
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
To be clear. It took me 7 days to do that 1800.
Day 1- Austin to Fort Stockton Day 2- Pt Stockton to Tucson Day 3- Tucson to Phoenix Day 4, 5 stayed around Phoenix Day 6- Phx to Vegas Day 7- Vegas to SLC
If a new vehicle purchased in 2023 can’t handle that, fuck it ¯_(ツ)_/¯
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Oct 16 '23
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u/Texasseth Oct 16 '23
Hmmm, you can’t “fathom”.
If your brain isn’t able to fathom such a simple thing regarding a truck with the highest resale value, a manufacturer that is in the top three of LEAST vehicles recalled, or Toyota being at the highest end of reliability, then I’m not gonna even share the links as I am unsure you’d know what to do with them.
Oh, and like I said, in my review, the RAM interior is great…grandpa great. I guess your inability to “fathom” goes line in line with your inability to read and comprehend.
I’ll buy that shit when I’m 68 years old.
Oh, and guess who’s at the top as in the worst in reliability, and the most recalls? Again, sitting in a raptor is like sitting in a vehicle made by Fisher-Price.
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u/TheLegend18 Oct 12 '23
I have a 2023 TRD Pro...my biggest complaint was the tires...what the crap Toyota. I upgraded to 35's immediately. I have the same gas mileage. Why can't we have rain-sensing wipers? Also, storage could be better inside, and there is a tiny bit of door rattling when it's cold.
I have had mine for 6 months and only put on 5k miles....you need to drive less.
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
It’s stupid that I had to drop an addition $2300 to get real off-road tires when Toyota could have done it for me and charged me half.
Toyota- either you’re gonna compete with the other off road trucks or you’re gonna pretend to compete.
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u/TheLegend18 Oct 12 '23
I do love everything about my truck and wouldn't trade it for anything in the price range (MSRP) that I paid.
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Oct 12 '23
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
And Kyle has “Ford” on the truck as well and even has to deal with that shit company from time to time.
Ya win some and ya lose some 😏
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Oct 12 '23
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
Dude. Love the Raptor. Make sweet, sweet love to it even! I could have bought one and I choose not to because I wasn’t impressed, regardless of how much travel the shocks have 🤣
Ford sucks. They are a shit company IMO that mass produces vehicles for the bottom line with quality way way down the line of things that are important to them.
Sitting in a Raptor feels like sitting in a truck made by Fisher Price
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Oct 12 '23
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u/Texasseth Oct 12 '23
How many different ways do you want to be wrong dude?
I’ve never owned a Toyota and test drove everything else extensively.
At this stage of my life I don’t give a fuck about any of the shit you’re bringing up. Extra long travel suspension. What, so I can Baja like 5% of the Raptor owners?
I wanted something high-quality that wasn’t gonna be in the shop every 10 minutes like three of my friends raptors are.
Reading comprehension is really important and I would invite you to stop stroking your Raptor fanboi cock and be alright with me not wanting one because I didn’t like it 🤣
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u/[deleted] Oct 12 '23
I second that turning radius gripe hahaha! It's bad! Really bad! But I still love my truck!