Are you happy with your Gen 3 Tundra?

I test drove all the major 1/2 ton trucks before I purchased my 23 Tundra.

Silverado - V8 sounds amazing but unless you pony up for the 6.2 you are going to be lacking on power compared to the TT V6 trucks. Visibility was horrible over the hood, interior plastics creaked alot, and at the time many of them came with IOUs for things like heated seats (supply chain problems). Ride was probably the harshest out of the bunch.

Ram - again V8 sounds good, but lacking on power compared to TT V6s, ride was the best out of the bunch. Even though it has a massive screen for the ICE, I don't like mopar user interfaces. Inteiror fit and finish was pretty good.

F-150 - 3.5 TT V6 is super powerful, lacks V8 sound. Best dash out of the bunch, tons of useful info. Ride not as smooth as the coil sprung trucks, but better than the silverado. ICE is ok, if a little overly complex. interior fit and finish was really nice

Tundra - First off I love the muscular bad ass look, my favorite looking truck. Engine power is awesome, not quite as zippy as the ecoboost 3.5 but defiantly better then the 2.7, I didn't want a hybrid, so I didn't test drive any, but if I was looking for max power, it beats the 3.5 ecoboost. Seating position in the tundra is my favorite by far out of the bunch, I like to sit low but with as much visibility as possible, the tundra excels in this area. Interior fit and finish was second only to the ford, but the ram was close depending on trim. ICE interface was my favorite of the bunch, Ride quality was a very close second to the ram

Nissian - They are so far behind in the truck segment I didn't even care to test drive one.

Another thing is the Tundra was 5-10k cheaper than just about everything else on the market. Second place would have been a toss up between the 3.5 f-150 and the 6.2 silverado. I really liked driving the 6.2 around but everything else about the f-150 was better.

 

Great feedback, thanks.

 

I just completed the most comfortable and enjoyable 17 hour drive I’ve ever had in my 2023 1794 non-hybrid. It‘s by far the smoothest drivetrain of any truck I’ve driven. I averaged 19.1 mpg over 1100 miles with the wife, 2 large dogs, and a fully loaded bed. That’s almost 5 mpg better than my 2015 Tundra ever got.

I love the adaptive cruise control, auto wipers, CarPlay on a 14” screen, and vented seats. And the overall feel of the 1794 saddle brown interior is 2nd to none, IMO.

My only complaint is the truck didn’t come with navigation included. There are also a few glitches, like text messaging doesn’t automatically mute the music and lane tracing/centering is wonky. Pretty minor flaws in my book.

Overall, I’m digging my new truck. Hopefully that feeling lasts a long time.

Matt

 

For the most part, I really love the truck so far, however there are two immediate complaints.

The first one is the open part of the grille that allows leaves, pine needles, debris, etc into the grill. I don't even have 1,000 miles yet and there is already junk collecting on both sides (see photo of space I'm referring to).

The second one, and this is my own fault because I ordered the Predator Steps, is that they make getting out of the vehicle difficult. They are GREAT for getting in the truck, however they are very awkward to get out and if you want to "step over" them to reach the ground, you scrape the back of your calves. Anyone want to purchase my steps from me?

 

Swap to a platinum grill ?

way less open , random thought but what the heck

 

I'd say I'm 90% happy with mine. It looks great, it's super comfortable, I have power for days, it does well on the lease/range/forest service roads and handles like a dream.

The 10% of unhappiness is made up of roughly 5% first run, new model gremlins that Toyota either has or will address under warranty. The other 5% is modern truck stuff I don't care for and outright design choices that I feel Toyota and Mike Sweers effed up on but that I can live with yet annoy the enthusiast in me.

Had I been able to find a 2019 - 2021 with under 50,000kms for less than $45K when I was shopping, I wouldn't own my 3rd Gen. As it happened, when I was shopping it was about a $5K - $8K difference between a brand new truck and a 3 year old truck with 150,000kms+ on it.

If I currently owned a mid to low mileage 2.5 gen would I sell it and buy a 3rd Gen? Absolutely not. If I was coming from a different brand, a 1st Gen Tundra or a miled out 2.5 gen, then I would certainly recommend a 3rd Gen if the pricing in your area is reasonable.

 

No this gen3 Toyota is the worst fit/finish Toyota I have ever owned.

I like the looks, the engine/tranny combo is great

EVERYTHING else is subpar vs competition, a Laramie ram is better equipped then a platinum tundra, it rides worst then my ecoD ram, gets worst mpg then epa, (all my other vehicles hit/exceed epa easily)

I am constantly trying to find a deal on a powerboost with black appearance package and I'll be leaving the tundra in dust.

A lot of fanbois in this forum that won't tell you their honest feelings, I've owned Toyotas since the 80s and was always a fan, this is first Toyota I owned where I feel it has plethora of quality issues that should be addressed instead of pushing them onto consumers.

The truck seems halfbaked a lot of things we're not thought out - for example like super minimal inside cabin lights and 0 outside lights at night.

 

Perhaps you would feel different with not a first year build?

there was a big difference in the 2022 I test drive and the recent 2023 build I ended up with , much much better build

anyways , just another random thought , I’m full of those tonight

 

Great thought, and I do like that look much mo betta than the chrome!!!

 

I'm pretty sure a 2023 would resolve a few of the growing pains I have. The biggest issues for me now are the clicking around the windshield in cooler temps and the weatherstripping on the passenger side of the windshield coming loose causing it to buzz at highway speeds.

I'm not about to take financial hit to trade into a '23 though, so I'll have Toyota address these issued under warranty

 

PS. As a follow up, I do have a 2023 1794 and the fit/finish is amazing. EXTREMELY quiet in the truck with no squeaks or other noises. I've had three Duramax trucks, all of which I liked, as well as others, but this is my favorite so far.

 

l have a 22 and love it. I had a 2018 before it and loved it also.
I just smile at some of the people complaining about some of the things they complain about. (i. e. careful use of the word "some" since some might be ligit, but some are just plainly complain to complain)
Overall it is a great truck. Overall built quality on some parts might not be the same as the 2018, missing the V8 sound, etc. but nothing serious to complain about.

 

Not sure how I feel about my 23’. You have to pull the switch for the back window down to raise it and push it up to lower it. I might just drive it to the scrap yard and buy a nice steak dinner. My 18’ had it the right way. Other than that it’s light years ahead of my last one.

 

I like mine, it was a little strange at first but now I really appreciate it.

Pros-

Looks- great, this is subjective, plenty of criticism online, however in real life most people think it quite handsome. I get stares all the time, maybe they hate it? IDK lol I don’t think so. It’s breathtaking style.

Power/Torque - plenty. I only have SR5, but it’s got more than enough.

Towing- It crushes

Engine/Transmission pairing - smooth, good engineering and build.

Passenger comfort/Ride - I think it’s great. CC has lots of room. Softex is a nice product.

Fuel economy - for what it offers, I think it’s decent. I average about 19-20. On the highway it really shines. I scratch my head at some of the other forum members not getting well over 20 on the highway. It’s not class leading or anything, but Toyota trucks are notoriously bad on fuel and this one is at least presentable.

Cons-

Seat cover plastic cracks. It happened to me twice now.

It should have come standard with a bed step.

There have been a few recalls and TSB’s. Personally this doesn’t bother me as much as some other folks. As long as they fix it I’m good. There isn’t a vehicle out there without a few.

Poor stock tires (I think this is all manufacturers)

WIND NOISE is evident in my truck. I am going to add some trims and gadgets when I get some time this fall to try and combat it. Not as loud as my dads 64 Ford growing up, I will tell you that!

No recovery hooks.

All the main truck stuff is solid except the recovery hooks.

I would buy it again

 

Coming off a 18 sierra Denali 6.2 and ‘20 f150 lariat 5.0, hands down I would take my 22 tundra platinum 6.5 which is my first Toyota ever. Yes some quirks and things I hate like no auto4wd, tow hooks and remote start sucks, absolutely terrible cabins lights, but this is the only truck I ever had that I take a look back at when walking away and smile. Other than my ‘70 c10 restomod! Power is great, towing is great, ergos are great, and driving it feels like a real truck not a car in trucks clothing which is what my last few domestics felt like. Only thing that would stop me from moving to a 2025 would be lifestyle / need for more tow and payload and I’d get into a 1ton diesel

 

I'm 1000 miles in on my SR5 SX and am 100% satisfied with my truck. I came from an FJ Cruiser so the size was the only thing I had to get used to. I really like the blacked out SX interior over the standard SR5. The power and torque are quite impressive for a TT V6. I'm hoping to get 3-400K out of this thing.

Brad

 

you have to be the only person I’ve ever seen say the new tundra drives liked a real truck and the recent domestics drive like car in truck clothing.

 

I'm not 100% as I use Android Auto, but if you use your iphone to do the music, it should mute the music during announcements/messaging. (at least that's how AA works).

 

I was going to try and sell mine to you so I could buy a Ram, Chevy, or Ford. I really want to get into something more reliable, you know?

I guess I’ll just see what trade-in value I can get at the Ram dealership.

 

In Ram 1500 defense, the cabin is quieter, no wind noise, turning radius is very tight, no throttle lag, no random random bearing failures, proven smooth ZF 8 speed transmission, they don't have random catastrophic failures that will leave you stranded 10 hours away from home with your kids when you're on a vacation trip.

But, Rams do have petty much guaranteed lifters failure at 120-150k miles, and exhaust bolts snapping every 50k miles.

However, at this point, it's a toss up for me between Ram and Tundra. I'd rather enjoy quiet ride for 100k miles and get a new ram truck than compromise with "supposedly reliable" Tundra, listen to wind noise, transmission clunk sounds and wonder if my Tundra will have a random engine bearing or transmission failure when I'm far away from home on vacation with family.

I'm Ex ram owner for 10 years before the new Tundra

 

I have driven Tundras for a while. 2008 DC 5.7 new, to 2012 5.7 DC, to 2015 5.7 Crew and then a 2021 TRD Pro I owned until my 2023 TRD Pro finally arrived. The 2023 is a better truck in nearly every measurable category that matters to me than the 2021. Better power, better ride, better fuel economy, smooth shifting transmission, diesel like low end torque, and its such a good vehicle for interstate travel my wife drives it 2x/wk now on her 140 mile commute.

I have had multiple (read >60) other vehicles, mostly sports cars and lots of Toyotas recently but also lots of variety in manufacturers. Everyone manufacturer makes good and bad cars, and sometimes vendor/supplier issues cause a black eye for an otherwise great vehicle until the bugs are worked out. I trust Toyota more than most to find the issues and correct them.

If reliability is your #1 priority Toyota isn't a bad place to start, but the gen 3 trucks are really still too new to judge long term reliability. The 2022 had more problems than a typical first year Toyota, but it seems most issues have been worked out. Remember the 2007 first year 5.7 also had a camshaft recall so even the mighty 5.7 had first year issues to work out.

 

Everyone has there opinion on things and the blabernet has been the way for many to have there input heard and you are right about the na sayers,they can catch a feild on fire and level it within seconds if there words are well written.
Me on the other hand I do not speak so eloquently and I'm pretty much direct & not to mention I can bearly put a few sentences together and couldn't sell an Eskimo a pair of gloves in the dead of winter.So I'll leave you with you this and take it for what it's worth.

This is my first Toyota eveah & going from a Silverado 1500 4X4 that I absolutely loved and completely took care of I maintenanced internally and exterior it's whole exsistiance "but" theres always a but and at 121K engine blew (common problem) I guess now a days MFG's can get away with this term and at 146K trany shit the bed and ect...
But when people love their vehicles so much we tend to look the other way but and had to cut my ties and suck up the losses,so I bought the Tundra.

I have just breached only 3K but this has been the best in actual comfort all around with the interior design in respect to convenience of accessibility of all of the controls and how much it actually offers for a truck.the ride is surprisingly smooth the re designed power train is stupid silly powerful @ 437hp & 583 of tourqe towing should be more than adequate for the average Joe the payload capability dosen't keep up with the big three makers but will exceed my needs.
The previous TRD surpercharged Tundra's had 505hp and 550 Tourqe but had to be special ordered as an add on. Any how I bought this truck with the hope that Toyota would/will continue with their traditional creed of a quality product and this newly re designed truck won't disappoint me you and everyone else who buys bought one it's a leap of faith on purchases now a days a true crap shoot,I dunno I'm hoping for the best.
So back on point yeah it's running great and is tight as a drum but it brand new and that's expected in a new vehicle.

I hope that my blabbering makes any sense to ya and helps good luck with your decision.

 

I was until I read this thread

Also learned a couple of days ago my truck could burst into flames so I got that going for me.

 

The Ram Laramie comparison is incorrect. I was cross shopping 2022 RL since I had a 2015 RL. The 2022 RL was equivalent inside to a 2015 Big Horn. Cheap plastics, removed features, leather seats made of 4 different material mostly non leather. My SR5 premium was better materials than the Ram Laramie by a wide margin

 

Personally I would wait until Toyota figures out why the engines are grenading from bearing failure. (which is what I am doing) At the moment, it seems they can't narrow it down to a vin range, or cause or year of production etc. IMO until they can narrow down the cause, every one they build has the potential for failure with no warning. The no warning is the big one for me. All the other quirks you will have to decide if they are acceptable, but they won't leave you stuck on a back country road out of cell range.

The longer it takes Toyota to narrow down the issue with the bearing failure, it begins to seem like there may be an inherent design flaw with the engine. One more reason to wait in my book.

If you don't need to buy a truck, there would be no harm in waiting to see how this shakes out. I am waiting myself, I have about a year before I will need to buy a truck with better towing and payload capacity. If they have not figured it out by then, I will probably buy a low mileage 21 or older for peace of mind and less aggravation.

 

Let's just agree that Toyota knows why these engine have bearing failures, they're the ones who made the engine.

They just don't want to replace everyone's engines as it'll be too expensive and many engines will not have this issue.

 

So your saying Toyota is now just like Ford and GM knowing there is a flaw in their engine but not fixing it and hoping their won't be widespread failures so they can save as much money as possible. Got it....seems like a big risk considering the failure is happening at all variations of mileage and use.


If that is the case, then there is really no reason to purchase a Toyota over a Ford/GM or Ram considering price, capability, comfort etc.

 

That’s not the way Toyota works , just because they haven’t got this all figured out already doesn’t mean they just pass the buck like the others tend to do.

They will figure it out and fix it just like the turbo deal, they figured it out and fixed it

 

Thats what I've been telling myself for the past 10 months of owning my new Tundra...

It's a Toyota..

They will definitely figure out those seals issue and wind houses

They fill future out that throttle lag issue and fix it within a few months, it's such an easy issue to fix for them, right?

They will figure out these engine bearing issues, it's just a bad batch and only a handful trucks were affected...

They got great warranty, even if something happens, they will definitely take care of you... Now to learn that people are getting only partial rebuilds of their failed engines with metal shavings all throughout it. And have to wait for parts 8+ weeks

As time goes by I'm starting to realize how much I'm sacrificing just to own a "reliable" Toyota truck

 

Just remember the grass isn’t always greener , that said , it sucks whenever your rig is messed up