Gen 3 vs Gen 2.5....disappointed

I was curious how the new Tundras compare to the last generation (and have been thinking of going to a Crew Max) so I took a test drive. First, I am not a big fan of the new look compared to the gen 2.5. It isn't terrible, but just really like the 2.5 look and stance. My biggest disappointment was the fact that all models and all packages now have a full center console, and it is not a small console - it is huge! This basically means that I will not be getting a Tundra unless they change this. As a bigger guy, I want more room, not less. If I wanted the feel of a compact car, I would buy one. It is physically uncomfortable for me to drive the new tundra. As far as other things I noticed: Feel behind the wheel is much different - steering wheel sits low and doesn't go any higher. Hood looks/"feels" much longer than previous generation. It road and drove fine. Still little leery of the V6 but wasn't able to put the hammer down to see how it gets up and goes (been reassured that isn't an issue with the turbo). Interior is nice overall.

Love my 2017, guess if I am gonna get a crew max, it will have to be a used 2021 (or another make - yuck). I hate it when a company has a good thing (whether vehicle, boots, bow, golf clubs, etc.) they always have to mess with it to make it "better". Progress and change aren't always the best.

 

New Tundra is the Tacoma+

Toyota will never outsell the big three in 1/2 tons (not to mention no 3/4 and 1 ton option), so they took where they dominate (midsize Tacoma) and gave their biggest truck buying group (Tacoma owners) something to upgrade to (a bigger Tacoma+).

Unfortunately for those of us who love a simple work truck the used Tundra is going to be gone eventually, although no time soon.

I have a bench seat in my 2016. If I find a LB 2016-2017 with another I’ll likely buy it just because.

 

How about going to a Ram, Chevy, or Ford for the crew max?

 

Not driven new ones yet when I see one driving down the road surrounded by fords, chevys and rams, it is very surprising to me how Low and Small they look by comparison from those angles, I'm sure its plenty big in person but doesn't look brawny or big outside, almost 'big mid-size'...

 

I agree and will drive my '16 Tundra as long as I possibly can. I'm not a fan of the new Tundra design...

 

I bought my 2006 (Gen I) in August of that year. The Gen II's were going to be released in the fall but I wanted the '06 (last year of the Gen I and fully refined). When I saw the new Gen II it did nothing for me, not impressed. But these things can grow on you (it finally did on me but I waited until Gen II.5 to make the leap).

Glad I did.

Dan

 

I waited forever for the 3rd gen to come out before moving to a Tundra from my 4Runner. Was sorely disappointed in the 3rd gen when I got to see them in person. Didn't even have to drive it, I hated just looking at it and sitting in it at the auto show. Picked up a used 2019 instead and it's a great truck, plan to keep it as long as I can.

 

thought the same thing looking at it up close. Stance is definitely smaller than previous.

 

maybe, but not really a fan of them either. really like to previous gen of Tundras. seems like all trucks (we have all brands at work) "need" to make the interior as cramped as possible - doors are thicker (more trim inside than needed), etc. Again, I am a big guy so I notice it more. really contemplating going with a 2020 or'21 for an upgrade. don't really need one, but now would be the time.

 

Alot has been done for better mpg including making Cab smaller streamlined, lowered with the front air dam.
The funny thing I thought is that the dealer I was at for service on my '18 Tundra last week told me a higher percentage of 3rd Gen owners are replacing tires and lifting it now. When I was considering one (early 2022) I factored in another $3000 to do this too.
It does look alot better with bigger tires and lifted. imo
But then you also toss the 2-3 mpg advantage it brings out the window too by doing the lift and tires. Pic of two stock Tundras 19 and 22.

 

The new Tundra is just butt-ugly. Lifting one way-up on large wheels and tires is the only chance at making the truck bearable, looks-wise.

The new Tacoma will have similar chiseled lines,

....but that type of look and stance works on a mid-sized truck. But not on a full size without a lot of help...

 

The other thing is this.
The 2.5 Gen had a class leading Cab - size wise. But the huge 2.5 Crew Cab especially when you add in a moonroof, which they all seem to come with, really lowers the payload rating. By reducing the Cab to about the same as the big three and the Bed size and material (plastic rather than steel) this helped in contributing to a bump in payload ratings by couple hundred lbs. In the end numbers are what the manufacturers are after. Whether MPG, Safety, Payload

 

2nd gen also had class leading turn radius (and general ground clearance, Raptor etc notwithstanding), a short sloping hood, and not nearly as much truck in front of the front wheel. As someone hopeful of the 3rd gen before its release, these are important factors when venturing off pavement, and it is frustrating that Toyota went backward.

Bottom line for me: If people want a simple, dependable truck, and don’t mind the fuel bill, the 2nd gen is for you. If you like tech, want a few more mpg, and are impressed by the low end torque numbers, the 3rd gen is going to be more your thing. They’re built by the same company, who—despite the clucking of a small but noisy band of Chicken Littles—has not thrown their entire ethos out the window with the 3rd gen.

I do notice that the major complaints of the 2nd gen remain with the 3rd. 3rd gen owners expected better mpg, still suffer from bed bounce and/or a stiff ride, and still have among the lowest payload numbers in the segment.

Mod your Tundra to carry more weight, and focus on the axle ratings, not the door jamb payload number. My truck can carry 950 lb over GVWR (8150 vs 7200 lb) without overloading either axle if perfectly distributed. I’m very rarely over GVWR, but when I am, I always make sure I’m under the axle ratings.

 

2.5gen: 2in lifted on 35x12.5 r17
3rd gen: 2.5in lifted on 34s

 

I understand, but I think Andy's perspective makes much more sense. I’m not using my truck like an HD truck. I’m a few hundred lbs over GVWR sometimes. Not a big deal IMO.

 

I agree that being a few hundred pounds over GVWR doesn’t pose a problem. That’s also what Andy is saying. So we both agree with Andy. Sometimes, common sense just makes sense despite one’s lack of engineering credentials. The numbers on this chart are for a half ton truck with LT tires pulling a travel trailer. From the same article:

Over payload by 640 lb, yet within axle ratings for front and rear. If you’re able to stay within axle ratings, maybe a half ton that is easier to maneuver with a lower CoG and independent front suspension makes more sense? It’s nothing scandalous. Just common sense. If you’re towing a 5’er, Andy of course says HD truck all the way.

 

Can you provide facts on "overbuilt" and are you referring to the 2.5 gen or the 3.0 Gen also.

Emphirical Observation.
In the first picture is the Tundra and 4Runner that were in the showroom when I had my Tundra serviced last week.
Looking underneath quickly their rear axles looked similar.

The second picture is from a few weeks ago.
1200 lbs of crush in the bed plus three guys in the cab - call it another 750 lbs.
The only thing I noticed was the exhaust was a little louder and the truck became level.
The rake disappeared.

 

To each their own.
I saw a 3rd gen on the road the other day, and I have to agree, it's rather ugly.
I love my '15.

 

The reduction in interior space is not that dramatic . And the drivers space actually has more head room. I’m 6’3 and it didn’t feel like a compact car. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of room for your purse

 

great comparison. really shows the difference.

 

hmmm, so having a 18" console in the middle of the front seat doesn't reduce the room dramatically?? not sure what your definition of "dramatic" is. I would say that not being able to use a 1/4-2/3 of the front seat or being able to pass thru or being able to set something there or have someone sit there is a bit dramatic.

 

3rd gen forum was insane for a while. A lot of us 2.5 guys wanted a new 3rd gen and took it badly when the 3rd gen was actually released. The mods were always cleaning up our rants about how much of a dumpster fire we all thought the truck is/was.

I'd go Ram 2500 if I had to buy new. But my hope is my 2019 lasts me 40 years and I never have to think about it.

 

just rode in a newer Ford....might have to switch back. They have the console, but it is much roomier. The Ford is "beefier" and didn't get downsized buy their engineers. and their V6 turbos are well tested over 10 years or so.

 

Unless there is a specific need, why waste money on a new inflated price of a F-150 and the inflated interest rate to go along with it?

 

true. but there are also inflated trade in values as well. I really don't NEED a newer truck, but also don't want to lose on trade in values and never know when stuff starts going sideways with my 6 year old truck with nearly 100K.

 

I say keep it for a couple more years. Things are upside down and backwards. Your truck will do just fine.

 

IMHO, the 3rd Gen is what many complained about NOT having in the 2.5 Gen. This statement isn’t geared to anyone in particular but many people have always compared the delightful archaic nature of the Tundra to the shiny buttons of the domestic 1/2 tons. Yes domestics typically as a whole have slightly better gas mileage and slightly better ride quality when new. But the 2.5 was kinda in a league of its own, hence why I purchased mine. It’s a different truck and simply put the 3rd Gen Tundra is a crystal clear example of being careful what you ask for…it’s the closest Toyota (technology conservative mantra…) has ever come to competing with the big boys. And respectfully I DO understand it lacks many features the domestics do BUT again coming from the source (Toyota) they answered to the market in Toyota fashion. Reality, like NO one should tow 12k on a F150, is of no importance to many 1/2 ton owners (I did not say all). Perception is the name of the game these days…

 

You might want to do some research on their 10 speed transmission. A class action lawsuit was just filed against Ford because of it.

 

This is an excellent post. Believe me (or not, I don't care LOL) when I say that sure, I'd like more features, creature comforts, etc. and yes, the interior could be cushier for sure.

With that said, everyone I know who has a truck from about 2018 on - and I mean EVERYONE - has had issues. Some small, some not so small. I'll take reliability over features any day.

 

Toyota’s new Sienna is very compact inside as well. We were deciding between an Odyssey and Sienna and sitting in a Sienna made us choose Odyssey. The Sienna is so cramped inside compared to the openness of the Odyssey. I like it in my 23 Tundra, but that Sienna felt so cramped. I know that’s not much help, but maybe its what Toyota is doing for new models?