2nd Gen vs 3rd Gen Review 12 years vs 1 week thus far

This is a review/comparison of my thoughts/experiences in my 3rd gen compared to my old 2nd gen which was wrecked a month ago... I’m sure many of these topics have been discussed in other threads but here’s my take anyways:

cupholders
2nd gen winner (why on earth did toyota get rid of the flip cup holders on the back of the middle console?). Also, I believe they narrowed and/or moved the location of the in door cup holders to the left of your leg. In my 3rd gen they get directly in line with your leg limiting it’s functionality and size of cups.

overhead storage
2nd Gen Winner
As someone who needs glasses and has prescription sunglasses the newer model took the multiple compartments out and instead just have one flip down for glasses. Not a fan.

middle compartment
I liked the 2nd gen middle compartment better. Also 2nd gen middle compartment can slide forward above the change tray giving more elbow room features

Head unit/interface
Old truck has an aftermarket pioneer AVH 4200NEX which I really liked. Supports android auto and Apple car play. Bluetooth quality is better than stock 3rd gen Entune blue tooth phone box unit

toyota entune head unit in new 3rd gen 2018 truck
The more I get used to it the more impressed I am. At first I thought it was kind of shitty and dated looking. Especially with no car play or android auto. But I will say the functionality and use ability of Entune is better than either Apple car play or android auto. Apple car play will blurt out directions when on the phone. This makes for a disruption during a work conference call with multiple people. Also when on Apple car play, if you like to check your actual phone for alternate routes on Waze or google maps it doesn’t show the map view it gives a list view on the phone screen which is hard to read when driving. Entune has a good layout and when you pick up your phone to use it the screen and apps work as normal. Same thing with android auto, you’re limited to the apps and many times it’s just easier to glance at your phone rather than down at your head unit.

If anyone has some Entune tips feel free to post them as I’m still learning all the features. I am a fan of the software updates so the maps continue to stay current as well as the Entune app itself.

Room
The cabin of the newer tundras is slightly bigger. I would attribute this to the taller wider stance of the 3rd gen and them getting rid of some things making it more simple and saving space.

drive
Both are TRD off-road package and both have been modified with AT and MT larger tires. Drive ability and engine performance is basically identical. Although I probably need to look into a hyper tech speedo calibrator or a sensor recalibration. I reprogrammed my old truck for 35” tires and I felt this gave better throttle response/being in the correct gear. This new truck is leveled with 33’s but I feel like throttle response/gearing is slightly off with the larger than stock tires and no calibration. Has anyone experienced anything similar and if so what steps have you taken?

 

As to the drive, have you tried putting it in Tow/Haul Mode yet?

 

This! Tow/haul really wakes the truck up. Give it a try before you buy a pedal commander or sprint booster. It’s free.

 

Other than the fuel costs...

 

Thanks for the reply guys. I have utilized tow haul and definitely get more response, but it holds the gears longer generating higher RPM's and as CPL mentioned that will decrease mpg's. I may opt for the pedal commander, but am seriously thinking about just supercharging this bad boy.

 

I vote supercharge.....I’m planning....saving....there was an eBay Trd supercharger for about 3k....

 

I don't think tow/haul automatically equals worse gas mileage. I did a test, three tanks without it and three tanks with it on essentially 100% of the time (except like moving it in/out of the driveway and that type of stuff). All three tanks were the same basic driving patterns, to/from work, around town errands, and I got exactly the same mileage on each and every tank. Small sample size, but I think over time the tow/haul mode doesn't get noticeably worse mileage, if you can keep your foot out of it (and that's the real problem).

As far as holding gears longer, sometimes that can actually help with MPGs, especially if you live in a hilly area. Compare it to driving a standard, taking off from a light going up an inclined road... you wouldn't shift to third or fourth before the top, the engine would start lugging and you'd lose the mechanical/gearing advantage and make the engine work harder in a less efficient gear. RPMs are not the only factor in MPGs. Engine load, gear selection and momentum play just as big a role. My only gripe with tow/haul is the gas pedal is pretty touchy, which can be annoying sometimes.

 

When did u see this? All I saw was the main body assembly only for 3k..but complete kit for 3k..wow!

 

Yes just the main body of the trd supercharger.....no kit or accessories...but considering what the Toyota company charges...like 9 thousand dollars....for the kit and install...I don’t know ...if it’s a good buy or not...used eBay or go new....

 

Me personally, I would not buy a used one unless I knew where it came from and what it has been through.

 

I also had a 2nd gen, agree with your findings OP.

I'll add:
- My 2008 SR used to have two climate control zones, 2021 SR5 has one (I'm aware I could have stepped up trim level to get it back)
- There used to be little folding pockets in the doors, those have been deleted
- No factory transmission cooler in newer trucks - boo
- Don't like the OEM head unit and can't even register for Entune let alone run the app. Worthless to me.
- 3rd gen deleted the big pocket in the back of the driver's seat

So what's "better" about the newer vehicles?
- Auto headlights, auto high beam
- Adaptive cruise control
- Air vents in the back
- Looks a little more modern

Yes Toyota has added some small features to the truck but they've obviously been busy cost-cutting as well. I found the shift pattern of the 2nd gen to be much better although that shift point optimization was used as the excuse to remove the transmission cooler (total BS.) I now run a pedal commander 24/7 (Sport -2 setting) and the truck is acceptable.

 

Definitely miss the folding pockets. Also, didn't realize the drivers side top handle is missing. The pocket behind the drivers seat missing is just dumb. I always keep a hydraulic jack with me and like to put each jack handle (2 pieces) in each pocket to prevent the annoying clanging sound when driving. No under seat storage in my CM, but I understand that is due to the 36 gallon tank which I'd rather have than under seat storage.

I did not realize there is no transmission cooler. What's the reason for this? Any concern with not having it? Also, this truck is a 2018, but regardless engine/powertrain is 5 years/60k miles correct?

I just changed the transmission fluid on my 2008 at 196k miles for the 2nd time (100k intervals is what I did on the first truck) and it shifted smoother than this 2018 with 45k miles. Debating on flushing transmission now.

 

Your 2018 has a transmission cooler. It was removed for 2019.

That's the first I've heard of the 38 gallon tank affecting underseat storage. Doesn't make sense to me as you can get the storage (along with a 38 gallon tank) in a DC and you can't get a CM with the storage even with the 26 gallon tank.

 

well technically you are still driving a 2nd gen.