Which Generation Of Toyota Tacoma Is The Best One? 2nd Gen Vs. 3rd Gen

The Toyota Tacoma has been the best selling midsize pickup for a LONG time! But which generation is the best? Well that's what I hope to tackle in this video.
Additional Camerawork:
John Zangari
Link to his KZbin channel: / @roundcamerasquarephot...

[@thebigsexy1022]

6500lbs for the v6 4x4 according to the downloaded owners manual from toyota

[@AlphaShark]

That seems much more accurate! I wonder where the other websites I looked at got their info from!

[@Nick-mc2hy]

You can also check towing capacity on the driver's side door sticker.

[@jd1le]

@@AlphaShark inline 4 cylinder has the lower tow rating

[@philrab]

Towing capacity differs for the trucks without the factory tow package. With the tow package you’re good for 6500 lbs.

[@bladesinthewind]

Actually for the automatic it was 6400lbs and the manual transmission it was 6500lbs

[@melandcyn]

2nd gen all the way

[@johnossendorf9979]

I plan on driving my 2010 TRD Offroad 6 speed manual till the end of time.

[@dennybrege9479]

I feel the same about my 08 Ted sport access

[@MrClarkM]

100% , I bought a 2016 TRD when they first came out and after a year I sold it and bought another 2nd gen.

[@kalaikauai808]

80's ALL DAY!

[@kalaikauai808]

1987 Toyota Pickup 👌🏽

[@MrMad4mud]

Love my 2015. Had an ‘07 and a 2010 as well. Drove a 3rd Gen and thanked the good lord above I own the last year of the best generation Tacoma…2nd Gen all day long

[@tractordave9300]

Switch 800 I also a 2015 SR5 V6 double cab It’s a beast and beautiful on the interstate

[@acpadilla7146]

Can you inform us on why you prefer the 2nd gen Tacos?

[@tractordave9300]

I’ve had Toyota trucks since 1995, and this 2015 2 gen is the best so far. The engine and transmission are superior, extremely quite and when you accelerate it just goes, no lagging looking for gears. Plus I love the look with a 3” suspension lift. I have buddies with 3rd generations and I’ll just say, I’ll stick with mine, even if I were offered a new one. That says a lot!

[@cuzz2895]

@@tractordave9300 traded my 2012 in on my 2020. Loved that 2012. With that being said, my 2020 is a better truck. No transmission issues at all and plenty of power

[@tractordave9300]

Cuzz 28 Being fair, I did here the 2020-21s have fixed the issues and are great trucks.

[@johnrichards3666]

I've never seen an intergenerational comparison. I liked that a lot.

[@AlphaShark]

John Richards thank you, I really really had fun with this video because this is one of the trucks I’m most passionate about. I think Ram and GMC are my other favorite brands to do videos on.

[@THEB3AST3980]

Love my second gen 190k miles and still going strong

[@fuckyougoogle1394]

aim for a million miles + like the boys in africa do. Some crafty dudes, these toyotas will run forever.

[@kaovang7416]

Haha my 1st gen 300,000, and still going! We got the best trucks!

[@driftlessareadrone5337]

I have a 2005 Taco TRD 4- door that I bought new, 10 months ago I bought a 2019. I didn’t trade 2005, don’t care what they would have gave me it has cost me nothing but tires, battery, brakes, muffler and doesn’t burn a drop of oil. It will go to my son in 3 years when he starts driving. As long as they keep making Tacos that quality I will own one!

[@CaptainFALKEN]

Agree! I have a 2009 and it'd be perfectly fine if it was my only Tacoma ever

[@coltluger2079]

Did you end up giving the truck to your son? I have an 03 4runner with the 4.7 and I plan to gift it to my daughter when she's old enough

[@driftlessareadrone5337]

@@coltluger2079 He will have his license by mid-July, then the truck is his. 👍

[@joemack6489]

One feature that was overlooked: the cup holders on the 2nd are larger.

[@chrisclifford4109]

This. The 2nd gen cup holders can fit a Nalgene or large tumbler. That’s huge

[@mburgess2829]

Great comparison. I thought about a new Tacoma but found a clean low mileage 2012 which suits my needs. Tech is great but nothing that your smart phone can’t provide.

[@AlphaShark]

Very true! Thank you

[@airforce1lainez203]

I wonder how much you paid for it ! Best pickup truck I had a 2012 too

[@uno3863]

I too recently bought a one owner 2012 TRD sport low mileage in manual transmission and I absolutely love it, I think I'd rather have the simplicity of a 2012 than a technically filled 2019-2020, 👍

[@dietsch4633]

Yeah I don't need the technology and the 3rd gen just doesn't look as good as the second gen🔥

[@chucklingbtw2951]

Well said same here with the 2012

[@Moll1998]

Great video. I have a 2011 TRD sport and enjoyed your perspective.

[@Proxinova]

Thank you for the excellent information! I appreciate the prayer request line at the end as well. Nice to see the faith around here.

[@AlphaShark]

It is rare nowadays! Not just in the car community. I want to live my faith, I feel of the worst things I can do as a Christian is go my whole life and nobody knew I was a Christian.

[@mtdew1900]

Best part of the whole demonstration

[@barneygo2010]

Toyota truck fan boy here from my first Short Bed (undergrad studies )1980, and then my 1984 Long Bed (got married with that truck). Raised 2 kids and back with a 2007 Taco that has over 275K miles, and the original clutch was just replaced by my owner /son. I bought myself a 2010 SR5 and drove it for 3 years as a daily driver. Latest and 5th Taco is a 2017 TRD OffRoad....loving every one of them. Life is good. Once that 2017’s 4 year lease is up, I’m buying it up and ‘selling’ it to my Red Seal Mechanic son (who currently owns the 2007 Access Cab Taco). He gets the benefit of the buyout; well at least he gets first dibs on it. Life is good. Stay strong and stay safe, my Taco homies! Cheers

[@AlphaShark]

What a dad! God bless you! I'm sure he's gonna love that, I love to see so much positivity in the truck community.

[@toyotas4ever]

Great video! Thanks for making this kind of comparison. Definitely gonna buy a 2nd gen. I had a first gen and loved the simplicity. Have a 4th gen 4Runner and love the 4.0 v6! No it ain't fast, but the torque is more than adequate for the trails and traveling I do. My 4runner is the first year for the 4.0 and has 240,000 miles right now. They are tried and true as far as reliability goes. Love the look of the 3rd gen taco, but for low tech and proven power train, I'm going with the 2nd gen. Thanks again for the great video!

[@rile_up]

This is a cool video. I just got a 2012 and am really liking it so far.

[@AlphaShark]

Awesome! I will honestly pray it lasts you a long time trouble free Jason!

[@johnlopez4089]

i've been looking to buy a used Tacoma. your video has some great info. thanks..

[@toddsands6000]

I'm now very glad I purchased my 2018 Toyota Tacoma as compared to the 2019 Tacoma model while I was negotiating price at the time. The 2019 Toyota I was interested was cement gray (which I primarily wanted). But successfully negotiating the lower price, the salesman told me the 2018 model would be the one they were willing to give me with the lower price. Low and behold I have lower storage compartments on both sides. I'm now glad I own the 2018 Tacoma model. The 2019 model has integrated GPS which the 2018 model does not have. But I didn't care at all for that option. As for my 2018 model I drive, I can't complain at all. So far, it's been very good to me and for the first time, it's a vehicle I absolutely wanted. Prior vehicles I owned were more like vehicles I needed for transportation. I was content to have a vehicle in the past, but never absolutely happy to drive it.

[@jaw1180]

I wouldn't trade my 2015 for a 2024! 120,000 and it runs like the day I picked it up new. Still looks new, even 10 years later!

[@donb.502]

Excellent comparisons! Liked and subbed!

[@gustavokennedy213]

I have a second GEN 2014 Tacoma access cab SR5 model. I absolutely love my taco I hope to keep it for the next 20 years. My first pick up ever

[@anthony7476]

I own a 2nd gen on purpose...I bought it new in 2015 and I could have had the new 3rd Gen 2016...but as soon as I found out it had a new "improved " 6 speed automatic transmission ... I said no thanks ... and I was right... lots of issues with it, even in 2020.... the second problem is the new Oil filter and element filter instead of the easy to change screw on canister oil filter of the 2nd gen and it is up high by the battery...so easy.. ... Toyota changed it to get more people into the dealerships for an oil change, I guess... shitty policy for the consumer.. the third problem is a shorter box length ...it is way too short compared to 2nd Gen box

[@willjennings983]

I’m pretty sure there remodeling the Tacoma for 2022 so good call I bought a 2014 last year

[@CaptainFALKEN]

@@willjennings983 no

[@thompsontime]

Great idea about the generational comparison, your correct that there isn’t a lot of them but this was a great one! Keep up the good work and love the videos.

[@AlphaShark]

Thank you!

[@robbsolid]

I've had one of each gen, I'm a 3rd generation fan but they all were amazing for their time.

[@mse2130]

It's a Toyota of course they're all amazing.

[@hashimdoe1832]

Loved your video

[@jacew.3232]

Thank goodness for this video. I just escaped an even villain’s layer but have to escape the volcano that’s about to erupt but these are the only two vehicles in his garage. I think I have enough time to watch this video so wish me luck guys.

[@77ford20]

I have a red 2015 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4WD with the towing package. Great truck so far, looks good everywhere it goes. I personally like the 2nd gen slightly more, nothing against the 3rd gens though. All generations are great. The 2nd generation Tacomas are a great middle-ground between the old-school classic trucks in the 90’s, as well as being modern enough to have some creature comforts like a backup camera, etc.

[@KodyS-hs3md]

i have an 05 with 300k. if i can find a 15 offroad with low miles i would buy that in a heart beat lol

[@raymondabella4684]

I was very fortunate that my friend was kind enough to sell me his 2006 TRD D cab with fairly low mileage for a song and a dance. I have nothing against the 3rd but being an old school guy I like how the 2nd gen feels like a truck with the basic features to make it luxuriously enough without going overboard for my taste. I like starting it with a physical key and that it doesn't shut off at a stop light. Since my friend is a tech guy, he did swapped out the old stereo system with a Sony with car play and a bigger screen. The Gen 3 and the new Gen 4 look like great trucks to own but I'm guessing that if you're an old school gen-xer like me, you'd be very happy with with the older generations. It feels great cruising it down the road playing my ancient L7, Nirvana, STP, Spudgarden and Pixie albums just as much as it must feel good for a millenial guy cruising his Imagine Dragon album in his gen 3 taco. But the best feature of my truck over buying a new one is that I got an awesome truck for a deal and it's paid in full leaving me extra dinero to buy cool things like extra lights and a bull bar. LOL! No matter what gen you get, you cant go wrong getting a Taco sny gen!!! 😃👍

[@zackg5046]

I’m a millennial driving a gen 3 Taco and all of the bands you listed are on my playlist 😂 and I think Imagine Dragons suck ass

[@raymondabella4684]

@@zackg5046 Then I must say that your parents are lucky to have you as a son! I wish you and your Taco great fortune and long life! 👍

[@princeeric3387]

That intro😂😂... Great rewiew Brother Isaac

[@danielgranadosproduction1250]

Generation Comparison is a good video idea💡

[@LivingInAnInverseReality]

3rd Gen owner here. I’ve a 2020 and it shifts fine. Waiting on the new fuel pump. Hope it last to 300k with no major issues !

[@johncruz7502]

They made some tweaks to the transmission for the 2020+ models, from what I've seen from 2020+ owners it seems to have addressed the issues succesfully.

[@pagodad2036]

Everyone says “they’ve made some adjustments to the transmission for 2020” and I’m sitting here thinking my 2020 shifts and hunts all over the place. If they “fixed” the 2020 I’d be curious to know how bad a 2016-2019 shifts. To me it’s not fixed.

[@JohnCena-le6lc]

I have a 2012 TRD Sport V6 4x4 Spruce Green with a gold pearlescent coat. Love it shes a beast on and off road. And she kicks ass in drag races. The payload is 6800 lbs for both 2nd and 3rd gen models equipped with the V6. A 4 banger is 3500 pounds. 2nd gen all the way baby

[@AlphaShark]

Wow, It's an honor Mr. Cena. Also glad to know John Cena is a Taco guy.

[@chloesamclutch]

The 2nd gen is actually the faster of the two with the v6, not that its neck snapping performance. My 2007 base access cab 4x4 also has the 6 speed manual.

[@patrickyoung2151]

did you add any kind of lift or leveling kit to it? looking into getting a 2 inch spacer kit for my front suspension to give it a better AoA

[@sholland42]

Yep, my 2014 V6 4x4 will get up and go.

[@clos2120]

Awesome man I have a 3rd gen !

[@keanu3260]

Thank you, I can finally go to sleep at night.

[@johndreiling]

This video was incredible

[@AlphaShark]

Lol, I try

[@jax1079]

Funny thing... That happened to me recently, and I was really unsure of what to do. Also, volcano lairs are structurally unstable and really poor choices for evildoing... Anyway, great review! I like your style!

[@AlphaShark]

Thank you! And I know, why would bad guys keep making volcano lairs? Maybe they just saw James Bond movies and they all wanted Volcano lairs because they do look totally rad. I can only imagine the nightmare the building code guy must have to go through to make sure the volcano is up to code.

[@philgriswold2133]

I didn't read every comment, so maybe someone already mentioned this. You should never use cruise control while towing unless you have a full-size tow vehicle with plenty of power. Modern vehicle control systems tie engine, transmission and cruise control together along with all of the technology made to create fuel efficiency. Forcing the vehicle to operate outside of its parameters is a great way to break something. Keep doing that and you are looking at a $5000 transmission replacement bill. Also, when you try to go 65mph, you are pushing that little engine. Turn off the cruise and slow down a little. The truck will appreciate it.

[@jakejake7162]

I had both and 2nd gen felt like it was faster/had more usable power. Sure the newer one has a nicer interior but I’d rather mod out a 2nd gen

[@rcafmaintainer3723]

Nice video. Both nice looking trucks. I just joined the Toyota family with a 2022 TRD Sport with the 6 ft bed. I down sized from a 2012 RAM 1500, which handles very well; probably the best handling of the trucks. I’m a bit disappointed for how much I’m paying for the Tacoma and not getting a good sound system, cheap scratch plastics, no back up sensors (and I got the premium). I must say also, I’m Canada, I couldn’t get the LED light option, I tried but the dealer wouldn’t put them in. So, I’m questioning if I made the choice or should I have gone Nissan Frontier?

[@Shromp-sh7lh]

This video solidified my decision to go with a 2nd Gen. Thanks so much!

[@AlphaShark]

Glad I could help!

[@badhombre8383]

2nd gen all day love the tail lights engine transmission size definitely like the interior just based off how it’s so easy to clean vs cloth etc.

[@danielgranadosproduction1250]

Keep up the good work 👍 keep on improving 👌👌

[@AlphaShark]

Thanks!

[@dave3682]

Hey! Nice to see you got the bug deflector, brother! Hope it does you good! Just got one on my Titan single cab, went with the AVS Aeroskin II this time and had it color matched to the hood at the shop. Real mean looking!

[@AlphaShark]

Dave that’s sounds awesome!

[@707king]

This was a good comparison. I’d say the suspension difference you feel is likely due to age, and due to the Bilstein shocks on the 2nd gen TRD trim vs your SR5 trim that has a standard suspension. I’m also surprised you didn’t mention a better throttle response or low end torque in the 2nd gen vs yours.. it’s something I noticed within 2 minutes of driving my buddies third gen and comparing to mine.

[@ericjackson3049]

Same for me, my 2011 Gen 2 has better throttle and torque than my friend's 2020 TRD Pro.

[@_QRS_]

I agree, my 2007 had the full frame and control arm/leaf spring replacement this last fall and it feels like a brand new truck again.

[@cricket700612]

By one minute and 9 seconds in I found your delivery freshly humorous! LOL😀

[@cricket700612]

I got an Access Cab 2012 4x4 two years ago with 199K+ miles on it. At 205K I got a power steering fluid leak. The cross-transfer steel return line corroded in one corner. I replaced the entire run with rated-PS hose, one brass hose barb, and two SS hose clamps for

[@r2hPreDatoR]

Just purchased a 2015 4x4 tacoma and love it

[@AntonioSilva-bt1kn]

I have a 2014 4.0 v6 89.000 miles on it no problems at all no need for a new gen..

[@bounce12]

Just picked up my first taco 2008 trd sport with 200,000kms and I absolutely love it. Best 4K ive ever spent!!!

[@misterpimlott6330]

I love the look of the 2012, it has the same rims as my moms 07 4runner and I miss her 4runner

[@detritus8076]

Youre my new favorite KZbinr!

[@AlphaShark]

Thank you!

[@andrewdinsmore5067]

Just got a second gen TRD Offroad and love it. Though I drove a 2002 Tacoma, 4 cylinder, extremely base model 5-Speed before that. I love these trucks all around. Hard to make a bad decision either way.

[@johnreysheila9803]

I love my 4.0 2nd gen. Feels more powerful to drive. 234000 miles and she runs like a champ. My friends has the 3rd driving it feels sluggish. Not hating I love my tacoma just from mine and his experience.

[@MrMartin10884]

Yes sir I agree. I have raced 3 different 3rd gens with my 07 prerunner with 190k miles and it out launched each one by 3 to 4 cars. I have a ebay intake and borla cat back installed. Everything else is stock.

[@CaptainFALKEN]

I scooted passed a 3rd gen with my 09 trd sport. Maybe in new trucks, the pedal is restricted 😅. 3rd gen owners don't usually like scratches anyway. All I hear is the transmission sucks and they stop starting around 40k miles due to battery problems. I have a DCLB. Dude has a DCSB 3rd gen. 2nd gen is more of a hotrod. 3rd gen is a gas saver. 2nd gen factors in a good aerodynamic effect also. And less weight in interior buLL $#!7

[@MrMartin10884]

@@CaptainFALKEN lol. Yep that sounds about right.

[@honda116969]

Both badass! I got my third gen manual transmission TRD off-road OTT tuned it runs so much better throttle response is crisp & feels like a different truck! I don't think u can go wrong either way!

[@dougdekuiper3194]

My 2018 does have some shifting issues. Both look great.

[@NESADDICT]

I have a 2013 TRD Off Road! Love it!

[@liamnissanS2K]

Congrats you probably have the best Tacoma ever made.

[@NESADDICT]

@@liamnissanS2K seriously? Awesome!

[@stevenpeterson7234]

Awesome video bro!!! Nice comparison. Taco for life. I have a 2010 Tacoma TRD off-road D-4D 4 cylinder turbo diesel, my towing capability is 8,000 pounds and payload is 1,700 pounds. 26-28 city/32-36 hwy MPG!!

[@xon2013]

Where do you live that the Taco comes with a diesel. Us Americans don't get Toyota's with diesels unfortunately 😭

[@chloesamclutch]

There's a company that will perform the swap, everything works as factory intended but it's super expensive!

[@jiroh8123]

Pics or it didnt happen

[@420ghoul]

Just bought an 07 with 82k on the dash, here to learn a little more. Im a big toyota fan, my dad has a 20 TRDpro Tundra fully built and im excited to start my journey

[@MrWzeljunior]

Outstanding purchase! How much did you pay? Im in the market also...

[@megadthes8427]

I own 2019 TRD sport with manual and my buddy has the 2013 TRD sport in Automatic they are both awesome trucks. His has half a liter bigger displacement but I can’t tell much difference due to the transmissions. The only fault in the automatic is it has a hard time holding gears on the highway or with a load. Toyota should look into fixing that! Tacos for life!

[@glennstrudwick5563]

I have had both a 2012 and now own a 2019 as well...When you talked about the rear seating area... the 2012 has fold away head rests, while my 2019 rear seat backs, the head rests need to be removed to fold the seats down....

[@zMoogii]

@alphashark I’ve been searching for that answer to this question for months … “What year did the TSS start?” Trying to find Tacoma that doesn’t have that garbage. Thanks bud ; great into, subscribed for sure for my Tacoma needs

[@ericjackson3049]

For excellent customizing platform: these two trucks, offer different advantages IMO. Aesthetically gen 3 has more options and can look amazing! However, the engine and transmission goes to the Gen 2. Example: for my Gen 2 4.0 Auto, I've added a Magnuson Super Charger with 6" BDS Fox suspension, and 35s, the truck did not require re-gear to hold overdrive on the highway, (almost no hunting at all) due to 5 speed auto trans, before SCharger was added.. and after the SC was added holds 5th even on hills or wind. The Gen 3 auto transmission does not like oversized tires!! May not even shift into 5th or 6th on the highway with revs above 3500!! Will almost require a re-gear with 33s or 35s. Also, if stepping up to SCharger, a NEW Magnuson SC for Gen 3 gives more HP than same set up with Gen 2, but Gen 2 with SC gives MUCH more torque ...and torque is everything IMO. Also, Gen 3, uses direct fuel injection vs traditional port injection Gen 2. This could potentially be a problem for longevity for Gen 3 as DFI engines in other brands have been wearing prematurely. Hopefully not with Toyota.

[@ryanfay1]

It has both it’s an Atkinson motor

[@FishermanATX]

Great video man! But my 2015 TRD Sport 4wd has a tailgate lock that works with the remote and it's centralized with the rest of the doors. Maybe it was an extra upgrade from dealer 🤔

[@chloesamclutch]

My 2007 base has a manual key lock. Means nothing because it could have been added by a previous owner and its rusted stuck since I bought it. Would be simple to replace but I may pursue aftermarket options. No cover or topper so I have no need to lock it currently.

[@willjennings983]

Keep that truck it will go down as a classic reliable truck. 2014-2015 are the best of the 2nd gen. Decade in the making for those to trucks

[@jaymoar3561]

This was a very good review, good job other than getting the towing weight wrong on the 2nd gen. 😉

[@AlphaShark]

Yes, I have been told many many times that I got that wrong, that was the towing for the 4 Cyl. option. Haha thanks otherwise.

[@aaroncrosby4448]

I have a 05 TRD off road and will never get rid of it! Most reliable vehicle i ever owned. Also just bought a new 4 runner and I'll see how long it'll last❤

[@Rj-bc8sn]

the 2nd gen is an overall much better truck and I have a 19 trd off-road

[@robmcwho]

2015! Last year of the 2nd gen. They really got everything right with it. Except the scratchy cloth seats. Oh and the windshield wiper speeds...its all or nothing for speeds

[@jackk8422]

Had the same issue with my 13 base model. New multi speed wiper switch from a sr5 fit perfectly.

[@robmcwho]

@@jackk8422 Thanks! Ill have to check that out.

[@chloesamclutch]

I've been researching this. Foglights, cruise control and intermittent wipers are all pre wired. Plug and play. Manual transmission requires a clutch switch.

[@patrickscheetz855]

I have a 2nd gen 2013 trd sport with a lift and aftermarket wheels on it and I love it

[@mickalgabler6198]

you missed out on the towing capacity of 2nd gen. with the towing package it is 6500#. I absolutely love my composite bed in my truck.

[@SimplyMenacing19]

Which bug deflector is that on your truck? Sorry if you've addressed your build before I couldn't find it:(

[@jasontf2947]

With the 1GR-FE engine in the 2nd gen, the torque comes in at lower RPM making it more suitable for towing or rock crawling for examples. There is a reason why the current 4Runners still use the 4.0L displacement motor although they’ve updated it with dual VVT-i.

[@matthewclawges644]

I own a 2012 and a 2019 ... I like them both. Haven’t had the 2019 long enough but the 2012 shifts nicer for sure

[@AlphaShark]

Bro I wish I had the cash for 2 Tacomas Haha!

[@the_evergrey_toa1392]

Hey man! I love your videos! When you were looking for your 2019 Tacoma, why did you go with the SR5? Were you ever looking at, or considering a TRD Sport or other trim level? Hope you're doing well!

[@AlphaShark]

The_Evergrey_Toa great question! At the time an SR5 was right about my price range, I wanted to stay at a truck that was no more than $35k so I could negotiate the a little then trade my car in that was valued close to $10k and then get the truck for around $21-23k. So SR5 fit that bill, I looked at TRD Sports and personally I believe that’s the best looking Tacoma exterior you can get, I just love the wheels on those. But in my area they were going for about $3k more than an SR5 and the only upgrades were: Navigation w/slightly bigger screen, Turn signals on the mirrors, fake hood-scoop, different wheels and a wireless charger. And personally I didn’t feel the need to pay $3k more for those features, if it also had heated seats and a sunroof I would’ve bought it in a heartbeat because I use those a lot!! Then when I saw my Tacoma in the cement color with the Caramel interior I fell in love! I knew it was the truck. God really steered me towards it, and you can’t get that color combo on any trim but SR5

[@the_evergrey_toa1392]

@@AlphaShark I hear ya man. I think I'm going to end up getting a 2020 sport because it's the first level with the push-button start and I can't say no to the hood scoop. Your channel has given me a lot of insight during my Tacoma research though and I thank you, sir! Subscribed!

[@the_evergrey_toa1392]

@@AlphaShark Update: I got my 2020 TRD Sport in Voodoo Blue! Again, big thanks to your channel for going so in depth on the SR5 to help me narrow down what trim level was right for me. One of my big things in a vehicle is push to start (which my parents' vehicles both have) and that narrowed my search down to the Taco and the Ridgeline, but the Ridgeline just doesn't have that sporty interior that the Taco does. I saw you're going off to college! Good luck man! I know you'll be great as a youth pastor!

[@jamesdaniel3955]

2019 with an ov tune and an updated shift points drives so niiiccee

[@jomeraquino]

Nice video

[@tahoetony8751]

Some 2nd gens do have locking tailgates as well, I have one on my 2012 TRD Sport with factory added bakflip tonneau cover.

[@rclayton80]

Is it the same as your ignition key? I know there are aftermarket tailgate locks available.

[@chrisburke2085]

Love my 2005 Ted sport. New rims big tires lots of aftermarket . Looks and drives amazing I. Love my truck bought her brand new in Syracuse Burick. Only 135000. Miles. Upstate NY.

[@musicaccount8349]

As an owner of a 2015 and 2017 SR5 Tacomas I can honestly say the 2017 is leaps better in seat comfort, interestingly enough there’s enough space that I can even fit in the back rows with less issues compared to the 2015, and overall is just more visually pleasing and truckier than the ‘15. Reliability is a no factor since both trucks are as bulletproof as they come with regular maintenance.

[@billp5424]

I have a ‘10 OR/4.0/6Man. It’s been trouble free. My neighbor has an ‘06 with an automatic. He has a bad habit of shifting from reverse to drive while it’s still rolling but the trans still lives and shifts fine.

[@skippysvr4586]

2nd gen. Hood scoop ftw.

[@OldskoolHiFi]

Towing capacity is based on whether or not the vehicle has the optional towing package. With that package it is indeed 6500lbs.

[@justinstephenson3794]

My 2014 TRD Sport 6 speed manual has a tow package which increases the towing up to 6400lbs

[@ianthorne4383]

My 2011 tacoma trd sport locks from the key fob you can here it engage but sometimes doesnt work but there is no manuel lock

[@oldmillrd1506]

I have a 2003 V6 sr5 4x4 and the towing capacity is 5000. Hard to believe the 2012 would be less. My 03 I bought new has 93000 miles on it and other than normal maintenance nothing has ever gone wrong. One comment all gauges should be black numbers on white background. Look the best any easiest to read. Also I like that feel of driving a truck not an SUV (car). Thanks for the review but will keep my 03.

[@jodiwright4920]

As an 03’ owner I couldn’t agree more.

[@darthvader1482]

I think the 2019 Tacoma has proven itself against Robotnik in Sonic.

[@enriquemartinez7990]

Great video thank you very much buddy I’m thinking to buy a Tacoma between 09 and 2015 I don’t have a Lotta money what do you recommend to buy thank you very much??

[@AlphaShark]

I recommend any Taco you can find in your price range!

[@caleb6806]

I could have used this 2 weeks ago when I was about to buy! I nearly bought a 2012 tacoma base double cab long bed. But I found a great deal on a 2017 limited! Few things I noticed, my 2017 has both cubbies. But it doesn’t have the ones above the wheel wells. Not sure how practical those are but I don’t get to know! Also, that 2012 had a locking tailgate. So I’m assuming that specific model doesn’t have a lock. Love your channel! Keep it up!

[@AlphaShark]

Ahhh dang a little late! But that 2017 sounds like a better deal! And that’s interesting because after googling it I found a lot of forums saying the factor Tacoma’s didn’t have a lock. Perhaps the one you looked at had the after market option!

[@phillipr7556]

They have aftermarket locking tailgate handles for $90

[@patrickyoung2151]

can confirm: the wheel well cubbies are absolutely wonderful

[@bladesinthewind]

2nd gen towing capacity was 6400lbs for the automatic and 6500lbs for the manual transmission

[@johncruz7502]

Weird about the left side cubby thing. I have a 2018 TRD Sport and I have the big cubby on the left side, and the power outlet and small cubby on the right side.

[@rclayton80]

I'm so glad I went with a lightly used 2nd gen instead of a 3rd gen. It's biggest shortcoming is it's payload, towing is 6500lbs but the rear leaf springs are a joke. I replaced my Leaf pack and plan on getting a set of airbag springs to help when the rear is under load.

[@ryanpatton5937]

Give me the 2nd gen all day . With that said I test drove a 2020 Tacoma limited edition I really liked it

[@thatgoatguy6081]

This video helped me decided my volcano lair escape vehicle. Godspeed brother.

[@AlphaShark]

Thank goodness, I knew it would help someone!

[@erics6177]

Just so you know the cruise control stalk as well as the window up and down switches or a carryover from at least as far back as 1998. It's kind of funny when I bought my 2014 how many parts were the same as on my mom's 1998 4Runner

[@CoastalKite]

Do you have plans to get All Terrains once you wear out those Toyo Open Country’s? Ooo, tire comparison video soon?

[@AlphaShark]

Perhaps! Not a 100% sure on the tires yet, I’m planning on crossing that bridge when I come to it. Good idea for a video though!

[@AbortedEvolution]

Well Ryan, if I was escaping a volcano i'd be all about ground clearance and tires. Thanks for the vid.

[@patrickyoung2151]

i drive a 2012 sr5 model and i can confirm that "a box with a steering wheel" is pretty accurate haha

[@williamcreech1505]

Do you have anything for changing oil and fluids brakes I have a 2012 TRD sport just bought 110,000 miles access cab

[@crusherman96]

I'm a little late to the party, but I wanna point out that although everyone says that the bed is not a longer and is actually the bed, that is only somewhat true. If you look underneath the truck under the bed, you will see a very thin layer of metal. The plastic is sitting on top of that. It's kind of a mix between a drop in and an actual bed.

[@GMauriceGuinouard]

Sport Trucks (both generations) have stiffer shocks and thicker anti sway bars. Both of which would explain the ride differences. Also, depending on the milage on the 2012 the shocks might have needed replacing. Most shock mfgs recommend the shocks changed after 60 to 80 thousand miles. Sr5s have standard suspension (softer ride).

[@CaptainFALKEN]

My 2009 has 124k miles and the shocks have never been changed. They desperately need changed. They ride like $#!7 and are rusty as hell

[@Wolfsden_Gaming]

@@CaptainFALKEN 2012 trd sport here. 148K miles and never replaced the shocks. Everytime I take it in for service they say the shocks are still good.

[@markgriffin4900]

3rd generation had the cubby on the left side for the first few years. My 2017 has it. So I'm not sure why they took it out, maybe to save money.

[@BlastedBilly]

Sold my 2006 tacoma 4x4 trd and bought a 2017 4x4 trd. I miss my 2006 and wish I still had it, but I like the 2017 as well. I'm so conflicted lol.

[@AlphaShark]

I know how you feel, they're both great trucks!

[@drumtum81]

Hood scoop with an open position with the control of a button . that'd be cool

[@edjones8281]

I have that exact truck but a 2013 and I definitely prefer it over the newer version. The longer 6' bed gives it a much better/longer, and to me, a better looking stance. And for me, the one thing you missed is maintenance. Changing the oil on the 4.0 liter engine is much easier and less messy than on the new version. The oil filter is on top of the engine making filter changes ultra convenient. Where as on the new engine, you do not have a spin on filter, you have a messy cartridge instead, and it's location could be better.

[@badhombre8383]

The towing capacity is more then 3,500 check the owners manual. That’s for the 4 banger which is actually impressive for a 4cyl.