Toyota-Engineer Apologists, I Used This Oil Instead of The "Recommended" and My Tacoma Now Feels Like a Solid Drive With Less Slipping Off The Line

This evening, I was scrolling through the "2016 Thru 2023 Toyota Tacoma Owners" group on Facebook and came across a post by Matt Homol that sparked an intense debate. Matt decided to switch his Tacoma’s oil from the recommended Mobil 1 0W-20 to Royal Purple 5W-30, and his experience was nothing short of game-changing. According to Matt, "After switching to Royal Purple 5W-30, the difference is night and day. My truck feels more solid, with less slipping off the line, less gear hunting, and an overall quieter tick. Despite what Toyota and the EPA recommend, I think 5W-30 is the way to go for better performance."

The Great Oil Debate: Is Toyota’s Recommendation the Best Choice?

Toyota specifies 0W-20 for modern Tacomas primarily because it optimizes fuel efficiency, minimizes internal friction, and ensures proper oil flow during cold starts. This aligns with North American emissions and efficiency regulations. However, Matt’s experience raises an important question, does the manufacturer’s recommendation always equate to the best real-world performance?

Royal Purple is known for its high-quality synthetic oil formulations, boasting superior protection and better engine performance. Many Tacoma owners, like Matt, have experimented with different viscosities and reported improvements in drivability. The key argument against Toyota’s 0W-20 recommendation is that while it enhances efficiency, it may not provide the best performance under all driving conditions.

What Tacoma Owners Have to Say

This debate didn't go unnoticed in the Facebook group, and several Tacoma owners chimed in with their thoughts.

Hunter weighed in with a different perspective, stating, "Mobil 1 is better than Royal Purple, haha. I run Mobil 1 5W-30, and it’s guaranteed for 20,000 miles. While I still change it every 5,000 miles, I wouldn’t call it trash. I just swapped from their 0W-30, and even after going about 7,000 miles, it was still clear on the dipstick."

On the other hand, Danaan took a more skeptical stance, saying, "We may disagree on where the buttons should be for the volume on the steering wheel or whether or not you let the gas cap dangle when you fill the tank, but at least we all agree that this is nonsense. It’s a regular hallmark moment. Honestly, I’m glad this post exists. With all the varying points of view here, we can all come together over the fact that this post is simply confidently written misinformation."

Then Matt himself provided a more nuanced take, explaining, "Toyota specifies 0W-20 for its modern engines because it optimizes fuel efficiency, reduces internal friction, and ensures proper oil flow during cold starts, particularly in compliance with North American emissions and efficiency standards. While switching to 5W-30 can provide a thicker oil film at operating temperatures, reducing valvetrain noise and potentially offering slight improvements in wear resistance under heavy loads, it also increases oil pressure and slightly reduces efficiency. The perceived 'solid drive' and reduced gear hunting are likely due to minor changes in VVT-i and timing chain lubrication rather than actual performance gains. Although 5W-30 is used in some global markets, deviating from the manufacturer’s recommended viscosity can impact long-term engine wear, oil pump strain, and warranty coverage, making it a trade-off rather than a clear upgrade."

Why Some Tacoma Owners Are Making the Switch

Many Tacoma owners who push their trucks beyond standard city commuting, whether towing, off-roading, or hauling heavy loads, have found that a slightly thicker oil like 5W-30 provides additional protection and stability. The argument is that while 0W-20 is designed for optimal efficiency, it might not be the best choice for owners who demand more from their trucks.

Interestingly, in certain markets outside North America, Toyota does indeed recommend 5W-30 for the same engines. This raises an important question: Is Toyota’s North American oil recommendation purely based on regulatory compliance rather than performance?

What’s the Risk of Deviating from 0W-20?

Before you rush to swap your oil to a thicker viscosity, it’s important to consider the potential risks.

• Warranty Concerns: Using an oil viscosity not specified by Toyota could potentially void your powertrain warranty.
• Fuel Economy: Thicker oil can create more resistance in the engine, leading to a slight decrease in fuel efficiency.
• Cold-Weather Performance: In colder climates, 0W-20 flows better during start-up, reducing engine wear.
• Oil Pump Strain: Higher viscosity oil requires more force to circulate, which can put additional strain on the oil pump over time.

More Real-World Tacoma Experiences

Some Tacoma owners are so committed to their trucks that they can’t imagine driving anything else. One owner even stated, "I am on my second 2024 Toyota Tacoma this year, and I will always own a Tacoma for the rest of my life." This level of loyalty speaks volumes about the Tacoma’s reliability and performance.

For others, choosing the right Tacoma model isn’t so simple. Some have found that the 2023 Tacoma TRD Off-Road left them reconsidering an older model. If newer models don’t deliver the same driving feel as past generations, what does that say about Toyota’s evolving design choices?

Another common debate is whether to stick with an automatic transmission or go for the classic manual. Many Tacoma enthusiasts find themselves torn between these two options. With the manual offering a more engaging drive and the automatic providing convenience, it’s no surprise this discussion continues.

For first-time truck owners, the excitement of purchasing a Tacoma can sometimes turn into uncertainty. One owner shared their experience of ordering a 2024 Tacoma and feeling nervous about their decision. These real-world insights help prospective buyers make informed choices.

My Take on the Oil Debate

After hearing all these perspectives, I can’t help but see both sides of the argument. On one hand, Toyota engineers spend years developing these engines and choosing the best oil for efficiency and longevity. On the other, real-world experiences from Tacoma owners suggest that using a slightly thicker oil can yield tangible improvements in how the truck drives. Personally, if I owned a Tacoma and used it for towing or off-roading, I’d be tempted to try 5W-30 to see if it made a difference. However, I’d also keep in mind the risks of straying from manufacturer guidelines. In the end, it all boils down to your driving habits and how much risk you’re willing to take for performance.

Your Turn: What’s Your Take?

Now, it’s time for you to weigh in. Have you experimented with different oil viscosities in your Tacoma? Did you notice a difference in performance, efficiency, or overall feel? Share your experience in the comments below!

Additionally, do you believe automakers prioritize regulatory standards over real-world performance, or do you think Toyota's recommendations are truly optimal for all drivers? Let’s get the conversation going.

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.