One Year Review (Almost) - 2018 Tacoma TRD Off Road

[@nolanfrank582]

The honesty is much appreciated.

[@ethanstern1324]

Getting a 2020 TRD off road for my first car in the cement color. Can’t wait to get it and definitely put some little upgrades for higher torque numbers.

[@clos2120]

Ethan Stern that’s awesome!

[@DanielSanchez-bj8hf]

I have a 2018 off road cement color as well. Youll love it!!! Congratulations!!!

[@cheknecht3092]

Got my '18 TRD OR Longbed Cement 2 weeks ago. I love it.

[@matthew53690]

What kind of upgrades? I can't find squat

[@ethanstern1324]

@@matthew53690 I ended up getting rid of the Tacoma because it had positive equity, but a Cold Air intake and a light tune should get you past the 300 horsepower mark.

[@JohnSmith-zq6zy]

I just picked up a 2019 trd off road and yeah coming from a Challenger rt to the trd is a drastic change... Very slow but hey... Didn't buy a truck to go fast. Love that it can go anywhere pretty much

[@danieldallas0]

“Bulging and muscular, and I like it... a lot” 2:50

[@JoshHway]

I knew someone would comment on that...

[@curtmaas68]

LOL!!

[@mdeasy]

Ha beat me to it!!! LOL

[@anthonygiordano3991]

Because nothing says “manly vehicle” like a bulging front end. 😆

[@dannytester5686]

Josh Hway please be safe tomorrow night I’ll call

[@jskaggs8188]

The truck has all the necessary power if you use sport and ect modes in addition to just putting it in “D” depending on usage and conditions. I average 19-20 mph around town, 22-24 hi way. I’m delighted with my Tacoma.

[@3098jorge]

J Skaggs Same for me on my 2016 Off Road with 265/70r17 BFG KO2 C load rated tires.

[@skully720]

Do you have the manual version like him? The gears are astronomically long and make it feel sluggish.

[@harry39196]

I have an ‘18 Tacoma SR5 that I bought in June of ‘21. It’s got the V6 but it is not a 4X4, and I have the automatic. Personally, the engine isn’t the fastest around, but it’s got more power than I need. I’ve heard so many complaints about the transmission not being able to find it’s place on the open road, I haven’t had that issue. The noise under the right speaker, well mine seems to come and go. I hear it more in the cold than in the hot, I live in southern Louisiana, so that issue doesn’t effect us here since it’s usually always hot. Good video, just subscribed and liked!

[@RedWingsninetyone]

Keep in mind the gearing with the manual causes it to get worse MPG. The gearing is also what's responsible for much of the "weak engine" complaints you have. Particularly because this engine has MORE horsepower and torque than the previous engine.

[@johnvest466]

So about the knobs, eyes on at surprise thrills you. The other person isn’t so thrilled. Man up!

[@chrisvictor214]

I don’t know how I ended up here but I promise u that you changed my mind I have ram 1500 now I’m going have to look for 2019 or 2020 tacoma thanks for sharing these useful infos

[@twistedturtle6654]

So just a PSA for you. Halogen are more natural light. The yellowish tint travels better in bad weather conditions. It's also easier on your eyes. So you don't blind other drivers. It's actually a safety issue.

[@themid-atlantic5239]

The engine has enough power, but it is geared wrong. You need to check out Nitro gears, 4.88 ratio. Lots of KZbin videos on it.

[@spacebear49]

Definitely. Not the engine. It's the transmission.

[@chrisginoc]

KZbin the 2020 Tacoma reviews. The TRD engineer in charge of the 2020 says that they fixed the gearing ratios in the new model. Only a test drive will tell.

[@guardianuruguayoguardian1761]

Whats the difference? MPG?

[@effinhaole808]

I have a 3.0 150HP a 3.5 190HP (major power difference) but my 2019 has 278HP and it like a rocket not sure what you’re talking about there🤪

[@greatlikeelviseh6063]

Just picked my Tacoma up today. I will be delighted with 19mpg. Just came out of a 2014 Titan SL that gobbled about 12.5mpg all the time. And I am a light foot. That thing would literally reset the nav and show me where the next gas station was.

[@pulledofftheroad]

Sweet. Just bought a new to me 18 off road. I guess the previous owner switched the grille for me. I just figured it came with that grille

[@legion1630]

Josh I am torn between the 2010 4runner trail edition and the 2018 TRD Offroad..Your review was very helpful..any thoughts..am a homeowner like you but i want to get my kids into outdoor activities

[@wlebucheitaliane8262]

You made me buy this car...Thanks!

[@matthew53690]

1000000 percent. I felt something was wrong with mine that I just got, because the gas milage was so bad

[@jamesclark2761]

Love your tacoma! Are you gonna do any mods to it?

[@johncarewjr]

I had a 2016 Tacoma TSS Sport Series (2 WD) with the same rattle issue coming form the front speaker area. Toyota tried to solve it several times and it was driving their shop foreman crazy that he could not. They tore my dash apart multiple times and it always came back. I ended up trading it in for a 2018 TRD Off-Road. Agreed on the week motor! I have the automatic and the transmission sucks too! Toyota technicians just shrug and say "Meh, we know...it sucks".

[@tsizzle]

Have you compared this to the latest Ford Ranger? Interested in that comparison. Ranger has a 2.3L Turbo with a lot more torque and more spacious back seats.

[@tacocruiser4238]

The engine is fine. Its just the tall gearing that makes the truck slow. Put 4.88 or 5.29 gears on this bad boy and the engine will have PLENTY of power.

[@markykev]

I was in the market to buy a truck. in the end, between the taco and tacoma. went with the tundra. had a taco rental while my tundra was in the body shop after hitting a deer; so glad I got a V8. Did not like the taco engine and interior room.

[@zerokool-2058]

Is funny I’m in the same boat.. looking at tundra or Tacoma... tundra has bad mpg.. basically 13mpg, when other brands get 17mpg. I know don’t buy a truck for mpg.. but at least 17mpg would be great. How many mpg do you get?

[@vitocorleone3724]

It's "slow" because of the transmission gearing, and software. The redline is lower in the truck application than passenger vehicles for longevity's sake I would imagine. Mate the 2GR to the A750 from the second gen Tacoma, and it will be faster without a tune. I would dare to say that the manual is faster than the auto. Just remember people. It is a pickup truck. Trucks aren't designed to go fast.

[@Bobby8451]

That's what I read. The stupid software for better gas mileage and then the constant shifting. But, I'm used to it now and doesn't bother me near as bad gor when I first got it. I love it and I'm keeping it.

[@abdullahbueno7532]

Sounds like he wanted the TRD sport off-road pro that comes out in 2022. Nice review thou.

[@nopro5433]

Talked me out of this year Now what do you wish you got instead?

[@andrewpalmquist3145]

I have same rattle at bottom right of windshield. Were you able to get Toyota to fix this issue?

[@Bryan09876]

It sucks that they didn’t glue some of the parts properly. Was your Tacoma made in Mexico or San Antonio? If the Vin starts with a 3, it’s Mexico. 4 or 5 = USA.

[@stanworthington8767]

Bryan J 1,4, and 5 are USA, 2 is Canada, and 3 is Mexico

[@gsdlvr123]

Nice update Josh, you did a good job pointing out some some daily specifics. I have a 2019 DCSB TRD Off Road Tacoma - bought it new 3 months ago and have almost 11K miles! I use the 4WD a lot as we own a horse farm on a small river and I find it more than capable. My biggest concern is the interior lighting - I'm older and it is just too darn dark. I intend to replace the bulbs, but have not got around to it. I have not minded the power of the engine/ transmission - though my other daily driver is a full size Tahoe , we have several GMC full size vehicles too...they have more power, but the Tacoma is plenty for what I need from it. I'm getting 21-22 MPG on my daily avg, we live in a valley so I do a LOT of mountainous terrain. I am getting 24 plus on highway travels...but mine is an automatic (too many knee surgeries for a clutch anymore).

[@Jtwizzle]

How on earth do you put that many miles on it especially when its not even your only vehicle? It takes me over a year to put that many on. Just can not see how it is worth it to buy a brand new vehicle and in no time it is ragged out.

[@gsdlvr123]

joshua12345676 I do business all over the place- it’s the primary vehicle I drive (right now - just needing the bed a lot lately). I have a daughter in college about 150 miles away and I’ll drop by for lunch often. We own a horse farm and lots of travel involved- having fun. Additionally - I hate to fly, so I drive everywhere if possible. I generally buy vehicles 1-2 years old but sometimes it makes sense financially buying new/ this was one of those times. New vehicles are not a good move if you cannot pay cash - or if the money is not readily available/truly disposable. The worst mistakes I made (financially) younger was buying cars - should have started buying land earlier in life...now I can afford it and I enjoy them.

[@gsdlvr123]

Donnie Pope thanks- I’ll look into it!!

[@shinhochulp]

gsdlvr123 - A friend of mine put LED interior lights in from headlightrevolution.com and likes it. Price is kind of steep at $86, but hopefully will make the lighting much brighter. I will be ordering some for my 18 Tacoma.

[@gsdlvr123]

Paul Shin thanks - have not seen these. If you get them I’d be interested in your evaluation. Thanks

[@borgman79]

It is a better truck all around. I own a Tacoma also, and have owned a 04 base model as well as a Prerunner V6 both we’re one of the best vehicles I’ve owned. I even had a Tundra which was nice but it had it’s issues that I didn’t like. Maybe it was because someone who owned it before did modifications that made it worse for different parts or it wasn’t done right but it had trouble making tight turns and felt too plastic like. Tacoma is the best truck I’ve ever driven and owned by far.

[@MrJAV1987]

Any issues with the paint job. Heard it does not have clear coat.

[@JoshHway]

It only looks bad on the front bumper plastic.

[@christ2054]

I get about 10 mpgs on my supercharged 2004 prerunner because of how I drive lol

[@gooseb77]

Very informative! Going to get mine tomorrow ahahaha

[@philipthao8527]

the whole time i was wondering if i seen that house before then he mention he is from minneapolis. nice.

[@duvalpenny100]

I'm looking to either the gladiator or the Tacoma. The knob to change from 2WD to 4WD is a huge turn off. When I test drove one, me and the salesman couldn't figure out how to get the truck back into 2WD. It didn't want to change back.

[@rexfloyd2109]

The 2wd- 4hi/lo switch might have something wrong with it. Our tundra has the same dial and it feels like the rest of the knobs

[@nonradar]

Hi, great review! I was wondering since you have the manual transmission, are you getting “rattles” from underneath when coasting with the clutch depressed? It seems to be a problem, however, some folks seem to think it’s normal. Thanks.

[@matthew53690]

That sounds like a bad throw out bearing

[@nonradar]

@@matthew53690 Hi, at the time I wrote that, the truck had 3000 miles on it. Come to find out, it’s a common issue, the truck has 11,000 miles on it now, part of it’s charm, lol!

[@matthew53690]

@@nonradar hey glad you figured it out!!

[@PreppingWithSarge]

They are STILL using halogens??? What year is this??

[@borgman79]

Sarge PalmettoVIP no their not. They stopped in 2015 or 16 . But yea why would they still use old ass technology on newer vehicles . And I’ve seen a lot of the housings fall apart because of the heat issues that make the plastic brittle.

[@smallgreentreefrog]

What did you use that fits so perfectly to preserve the backseat area?

[@chillydogssleddogtrips4627]

Nice review!!!

[@TheBarahona1]

I love my, and I’ll keep it

[@mb7871]

I have a 2017 tacoma, I also had the dash noise in the same spot you do. Took it into Toyota they basically tore out the entire dash and said they fixed it...it still rattles to this day. Also had the same exact issue in my 2010 tacoma...

[@TheJayGeeDubya]

Have a 2016. Found the issue to be the little black domed plastic piece that is supposed to house a sensor for some packages that was rattling. Found the issue when replacing tweeters. I just put some electrical tape under it while I was in there. It’s an easy fix. Do the Subaru kicker tweeters while you are in there cheap and easy mod and rattle fix. ✌️

[@apollo_45s21]

Locking rear differential that's the biggest off road difference. You missed it

[@zerokool-2058]

I’ve been looking at the tundra and Tacoma. But mpg on tundra is horrible. But a true V8 is nice. Yeah I know don’t buy a truck for mpg. Just nice to have around 17mpg

[@etran2719]

How difficult was it to change out the trd pro grill, what about the sensors?

[@JoshHway]

Easy swap. Just got the new sensor from Toyota.

[@kenw8783]

Tacoma still has Drum brakes on the back axle??The only truck that has this , All others have Disc all around ?? Behind the times Toyota , i had a 2015 tacoma with the 4.0 V-6 motor terrible on gas !! Never got over 15.7 mpg !!! This truck needs these up dates !!!

[@MARKLINMAN1]

Kenn Witt agreed, that is the one thing turning me off, I mean drum breaks are sooooo 80’s! I may have to get a Nissan Frontier instead.

[@jayfleegle9455]

Nice truck, I’ve got a 19 cement, leather. Did the grill too. I took the Crome badging off and put the matte black. Try it👍

[@erikzamudio4193]

Nice truck, l've got a 19 cement,

[@BrokenSword17]

Jay Fleegle I’ve got an 18 cement... How do you change the grill? Do you go with the OEM? Or do you have a specific manufacturer that you prefer?

[@bryansteele832]

Thinking about getting a tacoma. Just wondering, how tall are you and how well did you fit inside? I'm 6 foot 1

[@frankponeil]

Im a little over 6'2" and just drove a few 2019's. With the moonroof i was almost scraping my head to the ceiling. Without the moonroof I felt a lot better. Ya gotta sit in one to know what you'd be comfortable with. What's compromised in headroom is made up in clearance below they say.

[@rosas767]

I'm 6'4" & I fit just fine. 2019 TRD sport does not have a moonroof.

[@greatlikeelviseh6063]

I just picked up a 2019 double cab sport. I'm 6', long torso. I have the moon roof. I adjusted seat a little, and bam. It fits like a glove. I think it's all about body type. If your tall, long legs, might not work. No sunroof would add at least an inch of headroom as well.

[@timroberts1907]

I'm 6'1 with Moonroof and have no issues at all, great truck, so far 5500 miles with the 6 speed tran, no complaints

[@compamigue4822]

I thought I was the only complaining about the gas mileage per gallon 🤣 I'm getting pretty much the same mpg on my 2019 manual transmission 😒

[@thaddeuspearson8952]

Very interesting review. I actually own the EXACT same truck, only difference is mine came with predator steps from factory. I have had the same issues you had. The rattling on that right dash area ended up being the little plastics around that camera sensor piece. I bit$$ed to my toyota dealer and they fixed it. My main critique is the front seat head rests. I think they are very uncomfortable for my neck. Same exact feeling on the engine, I feel like it is gutless and makes me sad because other than these few minor things I LOVE this truck. It would be my forever dream truck of that engine had more torque and hp.

[@J.Young808]

Have you looked into re-gearing even with stock tires

[@Lexusgx550]

Justin Young what does re gearing do ? I have Tacoma 19 or

[@RedWingsninetyone]

@@Lexusgx550 depends what you want to do. Most of the "underpowered" complaints come from the fact that it has rear gears with MPG in mind. That also means that it feels powerless off road and is also why the Tacoma is "slow" off the line.

[@WiseSilverWolf]

How come you just didnt get a Tundra instead?

[@Knight192]

tundra smundra

[@Offshore1977]

I started using the non ethanol fuel in mine and I’ve averaging 3mpg better than with 10% ethanol

[@JoshHway]

Always a good tip, but does the increase in MPG justify the increase in price per gallon? Its gotta be close.

[@timroberts1907]

@@JoshHway yeah but the non ethanol fuel cost difference "about .40 to .60c a gallon" is not worth the minimal gain IMO, I get 20.2mpg mixed driving with my M-6

[@chrisginoc]

@@JoshHway In reference to your bigger motor comment: It's the gearing that is an issue, not the motor being small. The 1st gen Tacomas had a 3.7 liter motor and they did just fine. The gearing and how its set up needs some love. Either by re-gearing or an update to the computer.

[@almostsk8terjamie]

re-gear to 4.88 or 5.29 and the power problem is fixed

[@robpat3435]

Can you tell me what that rattling sound from the front right speak was? I’m having the same issue Intermittently. Thanks

[@nicktoole7470]

Cruise control sucks, it'll brake check the car behind you if someone changes lanes in front of you.

[@pagodad2036]

Nick Toole that’s what they call adaptive cruise control. The vehicle uses radar to measure the distance between you and the d bag who cut in front of you. It’ll go as little as 1 car length or as high as 3 on our rav4 I’m assuming it’s the same system on the taco. So whenever an idiot cuts in front of you your Toyota corrects the distance needed to stay that far apart of the d bag in front of you who’s probably also texting and driving.

[@tagithere]

No prob with my 2018 it’s fast

[@AM-pp2bh]

Good job 👍

[@Bryan09876]

Was your Tacoma made in Mexico or San Antonio?

[@pilyomotoride7781]

I think the trd is made in Mexico and pro is made here in San Antonio

[@fouhammer6874]

Nice review. The manual trans is hurting your mpgs but man does it look good. I have the 2019 with the 6ft bed and automatic. Other than that our trucks are the same. If I'm going back and forth to work mine is getting 24 mpg average. If I got to the city around here it gets about 18 to 20. Hope ya do another update on how it holds up in a future review

[@DEADxCoOL]

I wouldnt want Toyota to charge their customers between $500 to $1000 for upgraded bulbs where u can get them all day long, online, for under $100

[@Lexusgx550]

Have you undercoat it ?

[@christopherobrien4493]

Doesnt the trd pro have a rear locker?

[@chrisk6414]

Tacoma’s have plenty of power, Toyota put the wrong gears in it. Try re-gearing it and it’ll be a totally different truck.

[@Outdoors-ty8hp]

If you really can’t stand the performance on that V6 you’d hate my 19 2.7L

[@marksoraiz5012]

Humble review

[@masonw6205]

From Nd lived in Minneapolis for a little bit, cool city

[@drumtwo4seven]

Stone age??? THATS THE DRUM BRAKES!!!

[@twowheelsclubseals]

Better and more reliable offroad, 70% of braking power comes from front anyway

[@drumtwo4seven]

@@twowheelsclubseals Drum brakes trap water reducing stopping power Disc brakes dissipate water, heat thus work better Drum brake technology is antiquated. Disc brakes by comparison are superior.

[@rigo3923]

I get 22-23 mpg combined

[@ericvandenberg4682]

278 HP is not under powered. Not sure what you’re wanting. Buy a different vehicle

[@stevenstacy9116]

Nice intro music- who is it?

[@LondonHasFallin]

Not a bigger motor....A turbo V6 👍

[@MrUberMetal]

Thickness of your phone case will affect charging

[@joshwiggins2167]

It's still the same amount of charge. Case or no case

[@RedWingsninetyone]

@@joshwiggins2167 a thicker case will cause the charge to be less efficient since wireless charging still needs to be relatively close to work at all, let alone properly.

[@stacksmasher]

For peat's sake don't let Ford owners see you complaining but the dash knobs when their timing chains are going out at 40K miles LOL!

[@Danny-kp7ht]

Do the sport models have a locking diff?

[@Jtwizzle]

No.

[@julestrdprodjimavicpro2869]

Toyota Tacoma is the Best Mid Size Truck in the World! voodoobluetacolife19

[@Jhollis67]

It's not a weak motor, it just has AWFUL gearing. It desperately needs to be regeared to take advantage of the v6.

[@jpatrr]

Where did you get your trd pro grille from?

[@JoshHway]

Got mine from a friend who sold his to me.

[@nicktoole7470]

He didn't customize the truck at all. He's missing the whole point of the truck.

[@timroberts1907]

you guys whining about the power, stick it in 4 wheel low, it will jerk a knot in your ass, it's a truck not a Corvette btw mines a 6 speed, an auto has no business in a 4wd truck

[@timroberts1907]

@Chris L you're nonsense, yes 98% are auto because 98% of new buyers are old bastards like me. BTW I'm 60 not a macho 20 yr old. Not trying to impress anyone dipshit.

[@The08450]

Oh yah..... Tacoma trd with a 4.7 out of the first gen tundra!

[@bradywhit4153]

Very manly & muscular 👍😂

[@ClAsSyKiLLcAmS1]

Maybe you just can’t drive a manual. Every automatic I’ve seen gets around 21 mpg

[@reeleliteangler6567]

I hate people who give such negative reviews of there vehicles. If u don’t like ur car/truck get rid of it. Focus more on the positive aspects.

[@drumtwo4seven]

5:40 "Stone age" first and foremost are the rear drum brakes... SERIOUSLY?! WTF! DRUM BRAKES on a 21st century $40k truck Um... Yea 🚽

[@Dgc-vz2bv]

I’m averaging 23 on the highway in the same model you have.

[@Ed-lz4jv]

AT WHAT SPEED

[@Dgc-vz2bv]

Ed I’ll do roughly 65 to 68 MPH. I don’t trust the MPG read out so i do the math after a trip. The best I have gotten was 25.2 mpg but at that time I had a slight tail wind.

[@michaelduenas1364]

That’s slow as shit dude I got places to be I gotta do at least 75

[@couchpoet1]

Michael Duenas Hahahahaha👍🏼

[@danielcarr05dc]

U said it right.. A Car!!!...2nd generation was the last truck!!!

[@ericlopez9107]

Your a cutie

[@rivrat59]

you need 4.88 gears. your welcome

[@paulditto5029]

Long story short.... don't be a p**** buy a full size truck. Because the tacoma is a pos !