Anyone upgrade from a 3rd gen Tacoma ?

[raptormax]

Hello everyone.
I thought I purchased my forever truck in my 2022 TRD Pro manual Tacoma. However since then I ended up with a kid and a wife who decided not to drive stick. So I’m kind of stuck with a paperweight. (Put 600 miles on it in a year).

Has anyone here made the switch ? To me the ranger raptor is exactly where Toyota should have gone with the 4th gen. But instead they went to increase msrp to almost 70k and quality seems not up to par…. Completely removing itself from reality.

any input here would be great

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[Dingus83]

Also came from a 2022 Tacoma, albeit a TRD OR. Everything the Tacoma was terrible at the Raptor makes up for. Towing is a breeze, what Toyota was known for you can toss out the window with the 4th gen (alongside the price you mention).
For the price of a TRD Pro you can buy a RR, get the Procal tuner, and buy gas for 18 months and still be ahead.

 

[gForceDude]

Hello everyone.
I thought I purchased my forever truck in my 2022 TRD Pro manual Tacoma. However since then I ended up with a kid and a wife who decided not to drive stick. So I’m kind of stuck with a paperweight. (Put 600 miles on it in a year).

Has anyone here made the switch ? To me the ranger raptor is exactly where Toyota should have gone with the 4th gen. But instead they went to increase msrp to almost 70k and quality seems not up to par…. Completely removing itself from reality.

any input here would be great

At age 66 I purchased a new 2020 TRD Off Road (3.5L V6, Auto), thinking that it would be my last vehicle purchase and that I would drive it for the rest of my years.

I was so very wrong.
That POS turned out to be the worst vehicle that I have ever owned during my long lifetime - nothing but problems (leaked oil, leaked coolant, leaked power steering fluid, etc.), no power, horrible mileage, and funky shifting tranny.
After two years I just gave up on it and started looking at all of the other mid-sized trucks. By the time I decided to go with the Ranger it was then the 2023 Model Year. I was going to order a new 2023 when I heard about the new 2024, and so I decided that I could wait a bit longer and then ordered a new 2024 Ranger in May of 2023.

I wound up being stuck with that POS Toyota for 4 years by the time that my new Ranger Lariat FX4 was delivered in April of 2024; but I was then finally liberated from that dreadful POS!
There really is no comparison between these two trucks, they are at opposite ends of the quality/satisfaction spectrum. I've had a lot of new trucks in my long lifetime, and I can say with certainty that Toyota POS was absolutely the worst, in every way. And my new Ranger is (so far) the best, in every way.

By way of comparison, I will say:
The Ranger with the 2.3L runs circles around that Toyota - way more power!
The Ranger gets way better mileage - the best I ever got with the Toyota was 15mpg, and the best with my Ranger (so far) is 24mpg.
The Ranger 10spd Tranny shifts like a dream - the Toyota shifted like a nightmare!
My Ranger has had ZERO issues (so far) - the Toyota had multiple issues from day one (absolutely the poorest quality build that I have ever experienced!) !!
My Ranger is much nicer inside, vastly more comfortable, and rides/handles way better - the Toyota was incredibly uncomfortable to sit in for more than 20 minutes, and an all-around uncomfortable ride (rough & jerky).
I could go on, but that is enough.

I went from the very worst vehicle in my lifetime, to what is absolutely the BEST!
So to answer your question, yah, I made the switch, and I could not be happier.
You should go test drive a new Ranger, and experience one for yourself.
I predict that you will be very impressed.

 

[raptormax]

Also came from a 2022 Tacoma, albeit a TRD OR. Everything the Tacoma was terrible at the Raptor makes up for. Towing is a breeze, what Toyota was known for you can toss out the window with the 4th gen (alongside the price you mention).
For the price of a TRD Pro you can buy a RR, get the Procal tuner, and buy gas for 18 months and still be ahead.

How is the ride quality between the two? I find my Tacoma to be very very good with the Fox shocks (similar to those in the ranger im assuming).

Are there any known first model year issues in the Raptor ? I heard a lot of 2.7s got taken out by valve springs from 20-22 seems like the 3.0 is with the latest upgrades ?

 

[raptormax]

At age 66 I purchased a new 2020 TRD Off Road (3.5L V6, Auto), thinking that it would be my last vehicle purchase and that I would drive it for the rest of my years.

I was so very wrong.
That POS turned out to be the worst vehicle that I have ever owned during my long lifetime - nothing but problems (leaked oil, leaked coolant, leaked power steering fluid, etc.), no power, horrible mileage, and funky shifting tranny.
After two years I just gave up on it and started looking at all of the other mid-sized trucks. By the time I decided to go with the Ranger it was then the 2023 Model Year. I was going to order a new 2023 when I heard about the new 2024, and so I decided that I could wait a bit longer and then ordered a new 2024 Ranger in May of 2023.

I wound up being stuck with that POS Toyota for 4 years by the time that my new Ranger Lariat FX4 was delivered in April of 2024; but I was then finally liberated from that dreadful POS!
There really is no comparison between these two trucks, they are at opposite ends of the quality/satisfaction spectrum. I've had a lot of new trucks in my long lifetime, and I can say with certainty that Toyota POS was absolutely the worst, in every way. And my new Ranger is (so far) the best, in every way.

By way of comparison, I will say:
The Ranger with the 2.3L runs circles around that Toyota - way more power!
The Ranger gets way better mileage - the best I ever got with the Toyota was 15mpg, and the best with my Ranger (so far) is 24mpg.
The Ranger 10spd Tranny shifts like a dream - the Toyota shifted like a nightmare!
My Ranger has had ZERO issues (so far) - the Toyota had multiple issues from day one (absolutely the poorest quality build that I have ever experienced!) !!
My Ranger is much nicer inside, vastly more comfortable, and rides/handles way better - the Toyota was incredibly uncomfortable to sit in for more than 20 minutes, and an all-around uncomfortable ride (rough & jerky).
I could go on, but that is enough.

I went from the very worst vehicle in my lifetime, to what is absolutely the BEST!
So to answer your question, yah, I made the switch, and I could not be happier.
You should go test drive a new Ranger, and experience one for yourself.
I predict that you will be very impressed.

Interesting im not that sour on my Tacoma. It can always be luck of the draw but my Texas built 2020 was flawless and my 2022 Mexican made Tacoma have both been without issue.
The local dealer was absolute shit… forgot to put my oil cap on … after an oil change.

the automatic is atrocious. thats why i sold my first. But the manual just doesn’t fit my lifestyle at the moment… and there is no power and horrendous mpg (16.5) for the low power that it has. I’m not expecting much better in the raptor but at least it will sound good and go fast.

also looking forward to the major tech upgrades as the camera and screens in the Tacoma are from 1985

 

[miniR]

I traded my 2006 TRD OR for a new 2022 TRD Pro. I never had any problems with the 06 in 16 years of ownership, normal maintenance was all that I did.
The 22 was upgraded only in suspension, it’s a nice setup. Other than that it was a disappointment, power was no better than the 06, the transmission is pathetic, seating position hadn’t changed, ridiculously outdated tech, road noise, poor fuel mileage….all for 51k and change.

Traded it for a new 22 F-150 Raptor that l traded for my 24 RR. I traded only because I’m a midsize truck guy, as much as I enjoyed the Raptor, I just couldn’t get used to the immenseness of it, other than that…great pickup.

I considered a 2024 TRD Pro, but that was short lived, large MSRP being the first deterrent among several…
My 24 RR is an excellent pickup, I won’t go into all the details that contribute to it’s greatness, those that have one already know, I’ll simply say that I made the right choice.

 

[Harlequin_Forest]

Came from a TRD Off-Road Manual as well. Zero regrets so far.

 

[Dingus83]

How is the ride quality between the two? I find my Tacoma to be very very good with the Fox shocks (similar to those in the ranger im assuming).

Are there any known first model year issues in the Raptor ? I heard a lot of 2.7s got taken out by valve springs from 20-22 seems like the 3.0 is with the latest upgrades ?

I feel ride quality is much improved in the Ranger. My dad has rode in both and always comments how much smoother and also quieter the RR is compared to Taco. I certainly hope it would be since the Tacoma was not updated much from G2 to G3 so it rides like an old truck (that can’t do truck things).
When I would complain about the powertrain on the Tacoma guys on TacomaWorld would say it’s a truck it’s not supposed to be quick or tow things. They clearly never owned an actual truck meant to do truck things. All they know is bolting on RTT and putting 33” and having 13 mpg from it.

 

[dmac72]

Checking in .

Came to the RR from a 2018 Tacoma TRD Off-Road. That Tacoma is one of the worst trucks I’ve ever owned. Mechanically it was reliable and fine, but that’s the minimum requirement for any vehicle. It was grossly unpowered, had a terrible transmission, terrible gearing and shift ratios, was a terribly stiff ride, suspension or steering always had some new mysterious “bonk” or rattle, seats were uncomfortable, I could go on.

I have a family member with a 2024 Tundra TRD Off-road and the RR is so vastly superior in every way that I can’t believe people would spend the equivalent (or more for the TRD Pro) on a Tacoma. You’re essentially giving up everything that is supposed to be great about a vehicle in exchange for a massive aftermarket accessory selection. Not worth it in my opinion.

The Ranger Raptor is a beast and I love it! It’s a truck that can handle immense off-road abuse from the factory, that’s as comfortable as a sedan, and drives like a sports car. What’s not to love?

 

[RaptorWaiting]

Here's a response I made from Nov that might help (TRD Pro to Raptor): https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/thre...or-would-love-some-feedback.13825/post-211301.

I am still a big Tacoma fan, I think they are a great truck and Toyota treated me great. I did look at the TrailHunter and the TRD PRO versions, but in the end the power is the single, biggest difference that would make me buy a RR over any Tacoma. (I am at 12K miles on the RR now.)

 

[RaptorWaiting]

Here's a response I made from Nov that might help (TRD Pro to Raptor): https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/thre...or-would-love-some-feedback.13825/post-211301.

I am still a big Tacoma fan, I think they are a great truck and Toyota treated me great. I did look at the TrailHunter and the TRD PRO versions, but in the end the power is the single, biggest difference that would make me buy a RR over any Tacoma. (I am at 12K miles on the RR now.)

Forgot to mention - my TRD Pro was a 2020.

 

[raptormax]

Here's a response I made from Nov that might help (TRD Pro to Raptor): https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/thre...or-would-love-some-feedback.13825/post-211301.

I am still a big Tacoma fan, I think they are a great truck and Toyota treated me great. I did look at the TrailHunter and the TRD PRO versions, but in the end the power is the single, biggest difference that would make me buy a RR over any Tacoma. (I am at 12K miles on the RR now.)

Good tid bits in there thank you

 

[jeffers]

's

Hello everyone.
I thought I purchased my forever truck in my 2022 TRD Pro manual Tacoma. However since then I ended up with a kid and a wife who decided not to drive stick. So I’m kind of stuck with a paperweight. (Put 600 miles on it in a year).

Has anyone here made the switch ? To me the ranger raptor is exactly where Toyota should have gone with the 4th gen. But instead they went to increase msrp to almost 70k and quality seems not up to par…. Completely removing itself from reality.

any input here would be great

I had a 2005 Tacoma PreRunner if that counts, I also had a 90's Hilux.

 

[jeffers]

Checking in .

Came to the RR from a 2018 Tacoma TRD Off-Road. That Tacoma is one of the worst trucks I’ve ever owned. Mechanically it was reliable and fine, but that’s the minimum requirement for any vehicle. It was grossly unpowered, had a terrible transmission, terrible gearing and shift ratios, was a terribly stiff ride, suspension or steering always had some new mysterious “bonk” or rattle, seats were uncomfortable, I could go on.

I have a family member with a 2024 Tundra TRD Off-road and the RR is so vastly superior in every way that I can’t believe people would spend the equivalent (or more for the TRD Pro) on a Tacoma. You’re essentially giving up everything that is supposed to be great about a vehicle in exchange for a massive aftermarket accessory selection. Not worth it in my opinion.

The Ranger Raptor is a beast and I love it! It’s a truck that can handle immense off-road abuse from the factory, that’s as comfortable as a sedan, and drives like a sports car. What’s not to love?

The old 5spd shifted pretty well everyone complains about the 6spds shift point mapping, I suspect Toyota did it to try to improve mpg's. Take the 3.5L and match it to the old 5spd and you would have had a great setup, or maybe a transmission tune/flash.

 

[jeffers]

At age 66 I purchased a new 2020 TRD Off Road (3.5L V6, Auto), thinking that it would be my last vehicle purchase and that I would drive it for the rest of my years.

I was so very wrong.
That POS turned out to be the worst vehicle that I have ever owned during my long lifetime - nothing but problems (leaked oil, leaked coolant, leaked power steering fluid, etc.), no power, horrible mileage, and funky shifting tranny.
After two years I just gave up on it and started looking at all of the other mid-sized trucks. By the time I decided to go with the Ranger it was then the 2023 Model Year. I was going to order a new 2023 when I heard about the new 2024, and so I decided that I could wait a bit longer and then ordered a new 2024 Ranger in May of 2023.

I wound up being stuck with that POS Toyota for 4 years by the time that my new Ranger Lariat FX4 was delivered in April of 2024; but I was then finally liberated from that dreadful POS!
There really is no comparison between these two trucks, they are at opposite ends of the quality/satisfaction spectrum. I've had a lot of new trucks in my long lifetime, and I can say with certainty that Toyota POS was absolutely the worst, in every way. And my new Ranger is (so far) the best, in every way.

By way of comparison, I will say:
The Ranger with the 2.3L runs circles around that Toyota - way more power!
The Ranger gets way better mileage - the best I ever got with the Toyota was 15mpg, and the best with my Ranger (so far) is 24mpg.
The Ranger 10spd Tranny shifts like a dream - the Toyota shifted like a nightmare!
My Ranger has had ZERO issues (so far) - the Toyota had multiple issues from day one (absolutely the poorest quality build that I have ever experienced!) !!
My Ranger is much nicer inside, vastly more comfortable, and rides/handles way better - the Toyota was incredibly uncomfortable to sit in for more than 20 minutes, and an all-around uncomfortable ride (rough & jerky).
I could go on, but that is enough.

I went from the very worst vehicle in my lifetime, to what is absolutely the BEST!
So to answer your question, yah, I made the switch, and I could not be happier.
You should go test drive a new Ranger, and experience one for yourself.
I predict that you will be very impressed.

Huh, I liked my 2005 Tacoma 4.0L 5spd. I drove it for ten years.

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