I Dislike My 2023 Toyota Tacoma, It’s Underpowered, Uncomfortable, the Transmission is Awful, and the AC Isn’t Cold Above 80, I’m Buying A Tundra

"Should I get rid of my mint 2023 Toyota Tacoma and buy a 2025 Toyota Tundra? I'm worried about the Tundra's engine issues."

That's what Andre Kaufman says on the 2023-2025 Toyota Tundra Owner's Facebook page. He's asking Tundra owners if he should buy a new Tundra because he dislikes his Tacoma so much. 

What would you do in his situation?

Imagine the disappointment of trading in a 2010 Toyota Tacoma, one of the best vehicles you've ever owned. You were drawn to the look of the 3rd-gen models, so you eagerly purchased a 2023 Tacoma, expecting it to surpass your previous-gen Tacoma pickup. However, it fell far short of your expectations. 

Shortly after you purchased the new Tacoma, you discovered it has fatal flaws that you can't live with. Despite this, you've kept the Tacoma immaculate and performed all the regular maintenance; the truck looks fantastic. 

It has low mileage because you don't drive it much, as you don't like it. 

The only thing you do like about the 2023 Tacoma is its exterior design. Just about everything else about it, you abhor. You are ready to get rid of it and buy a Toyota Tundra truck. 

However, you've heard about the Tundra's engine failure problems. So, you join the Tundra owners page and ask what other Tundra owners think. Most of the Tundra owners still like their trucks, even those who have had to replace the engine. 

First, what does Andre dislike about his 3rd gen Toyota Tacoma?

He says, "I have two vehicles: my 2023 Tacoma and an older 2007 Camry. The Camry is for around town, and I no longer trust it enough for any road trips, but it's a really comfortable vehicle."

"The problem is I have a love-hate relationship with the Tacoma. I love the look and simplicity of the Tacoma, but it's a bit underpowered, and even worse than that, it's the most uncomfortable truck I've ever owned or have ever sat in." 

Andre's Tacoma Has Fatal Flaws

"The driver seat destroys my body after more than 15 or 20 minutes, especially my left hip; when I get out, it's totally locked up. My left knee rides on the left door and bounces off it as I go down the road. On top of that, the Tacoma is really cramped." 

"I had a 2010 Tacoma, and I loved it; it was way more comfortable than my 3rd generation."

"My Tacoma is very uncomfortable and underpowered, and the transmission is just plain awful." 

"It's only redeeming value is the way it looks and its reliability. Everything else flat-out sucks. I test-drove a 4th gen, and it's what I'd look at if I wanted a Tacoma; the powertrain is a lot better."

Wait, There's More He Doesn't Like About His Tacoma

"The AC in my Tacoma is barely adequate when temperatures get in the upper 80s, above that, and it really struggles. My Camry is like a meat locker when it's 100° out."

So, should Andre get rid of his Tacoma and buy a Tundra?

"I don't put a lot of miles on my vehicles each year, so I'm a bit worried that my warranty would expire on a new Tundra before the engine would ever let go, and I'm not sure if I want to keep trading the vehicle in every three or so years."

He Asks Tundra Owners

"So, convince me one way or the other if I should buy a Tundra or not. I test-drove a few of them, and they seemed quite nice and comfortable, with "God-like" power compared to what I'm used to in my Tacoma." 

"I got an offer for $41,500 on my absolutely mint Tacoma."

"I'm looking at a 2025 Tundra TRD Platinum or a 1794, and it has to be in Lunar Rock. I'm just a bit concerned with all the Tundra engines that seem to be going out around here."

Keli Tena's Lunar Rock Tundra 

What should he do?

Josh Chittaphong agrees with Andre that the Tacoma is not comfortable. 

He says, "I had a 2020 Tacoma TRD off-road that I had bought brand new 5 years ago. I loved it when my commute was only 10 minutes. However, when I moved back home (driving from California to Tennessee, and my commutes were significantly longer), I grew to dislike it and realized how small, cramped, and underpowered it was. Long story short, I now have a 2025 Limited Crewmax, and I'm in love."

Fred George - "Well, my opinion is to get the Tundra. I'm 70 years old and have had many trucks in my life, but this Limited has absolutely the best, smoothest, and quietest ride of any of them. I'm glad I didn't spend the extra on the Platinum and other high-priced models. In my opinion, this Limited is fantastic!"

Top contributor Stephen Mazzola says, "I loved my 2021 Tacoma. I had a boatload of money and time into it. It looked amazing, and I always got positive comments on it. It was as capable as you can make a mid-sized truck."

"It could not get out of its way with 33s on it. Even with the OTT tune, the tune is a waste of $500. It sucked on gas, probably around 12 mpg. However, keep in mind that I had a lot of extra weight on it."

"I miss it daily until I take my Tundra out. The power the truck has is amazing. All the tech is amazing. And it actually gets better mileage than my Tacoma did. I'm getting up to 14 mpg in Tundra with 3" lift and 35s."

"It's night and day as far as comfort. The Tundra definitely won't get in tight trails like a Tacoma, but I feel it outperforms in every other aspect. Good luck with your final choice. In a perfect world, I could have kept both."

Andre is almost convinced now to get out of his Tacoma and into a new Tundra.

Daniel Lay says, "I had a 2023 Tacoma and upgraded to a Tundra. My Tundra has 600 miles and has been in the shop more times than the Tacoma ever was after two years. That being said, I way prefer driving and riding in the Tundra. I also found the Tacoma to be extremely uncomfortable and way too small, as well as underpowered. I am short and fat, though."

After Emerson Rodriguez's words, Andrea is convinced.

Emerson says, "My brother has a Platinum Tundra, and it's a night and day difference with my Tacoma. The Tundra is way more comfortable and has more power, and that 10-speed transmission is something else. A Tundra will fit you better, but if you want comfort, it'll have to be Platinum or 1794 trim."

What is Andre's Decision?

Andre says, "Well. I've made my decision. I'm going to the Toyota dealer tomorrow, and I'm getting in a 2025 Tundra Platinum TRD Off Road in Lunar Rock."

In the End

First, it's a good idea to talk with other Tundra owners before you pull the trigger and trade a mint vehicle, like Andre's 2023 Tacoma, which is in excellent condition, for another vehicle you aren't sure about. Now, he can make an informed choice. 

However, has Toyota fixed the Tundra engine failure problems?

There are reports of 2025 Toyota Tundra engine failures that are explicitly related to main bearing issues and a ticking noise similar to that of the 2024 models. One 2025 Tundra reported a locked-up engine with only 1528 miles. Check out Kirk Cashen's unbelievable story here. 

What Would You Do?

Do you own a 3rd-generation Tacoma pickup? How do you like it for comfort? If you had a mint 2023 Toyota Tacoma pickup, would you trade it in for a 2025 Toyota Tundra Platinum TRD Off Road? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Andre Kaufman