This sub loves hybrids…

Long travel suspension is a huge deal. It is very expensive to do in the aftermarket (and you have to throw out a ton of parts you paid for from factory and your warranty to do it). And enhances every type of off-roading be it high speed or slow and technical. Toyota didn’t widen the axles or control arms on the new TRD Pro/TH. Whereas GM and Ford do widen the axles and control arms for the ZR2 and Raptor. And the Gladiator solid axles are still best for articulation at slow speeds.

The new Tacoma doesn’t have a front locker. The others do.

The Ranger Raptor is full-time 4WD. GM has an auto 4H. Jeep has the lowest range 4L by far. All unique features that Toyota lacks on the Pro and TH (they only offer auto 4H the Limited trim).

I also think the Trailhunter is a big missed opportunity to make a true from the factory overlander. Toyota puts the ARB shocks, which are good but again lack travel, and possibly different springs on it. And a rear steel bumper from ARB. But didn’t fully commit and offer a front winch capable steel bumper. Which GM does with the Bison and so does Jeep. Having these from the factory are far more important than a built in air compressor (neat but way cheaper and easier to do aftermarket, let alone the very real warranty and insurance implications when you do things like aftermarket steel bumpers).

I’ve seen nothing that suggests the Toyota’s with C channel frames have less rust issues than boxed frame competitors. And particularly the Tacoma 2nd and 3rd Gen have section where the front frame is riveted over the rear that is notorious for rust.

It reminds me in every way of the Tundra. Which is to say I do think it delivers for that bulk of the market between the SR5 to TRD Off-road trims very well. And if the hybrid lives up to the fuel economy that will be great.

But I personally am a person who cares about the top of the market off-road capability. And like the Tundra… the Tacoma seems to let me down.

Particularly the TRD Pro and Trailhunter don’t do it for me. When Ford, GM, and Jeep have all truly moved the mid-size truck off-road capability to very high levels with the ZR2, Raptor, and Rubicon models… Toyota didn’t move forward much at all. Those companies are putting long travel suspensions, both front and rear lockers, special transfer cases with either 4WD Auto or extra low gearing, tire sizes, and much more aggressive clearances.

So… solid truck. But once again Toyota doesn’t design for me though. And I guess… that’s ok.

Ironically his videos on YouTube are far better than anything he did on TG.

Strongly agree.

I know why Harris took the TG job and I can’t fault him one bit.

I also happen to think he was poorly suited for the job and is far better in the format he did on YT.

He also didn’t seem to have a single clue how to actually monetize YT. Honestly that entire era of YT from /Drive people is such a weird mix of excellent talent and content but seemingly no clue how to generate money from the platform to an almost comical degree.

I think there’s useful information to be gleaned from owner groups and forums. But I also think a person needs to be careful.

Ownership bias is very real. And I think you tend to actually get more of the extremes. i.e. people who are there to go on about how much they just love their vehicle. Or conversely just how much their experience was the worst ever.

Likewise… the vast majority of people don’t have any significant time with comparable models.