Things that should be standard no-brainer things Toyota didn't do for all Trim levels

[AndrewBe]

For me it’s the plastic steering wheel in my SR5 (Canadian). Feels so cheap. Understand it’s the base model but Toyota could have used a vinyl or artificial leather wrap rather than genuine leather to save on cost.

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[fightforfood247]

We all know about the difficulties in connecting to Android & CarPlay and things like that. But what are some omissions (at least in some trims) that Toyota could have done easily but chose not to? For me here are some things that are slightly annoying (on my SR5):

1) The passenger grab handle doesn’t go all the way through. Kind of defeats the purpose, at least for the vertically challenged to use to help get in.

2) No power outlet in the armrest compartment. I think some versions have this, but would it have killed them to add in a USB-C port or two in there?

3) Non-locking gas cap in some versions. This should be a no-brainer especially in 2024!

4) Rain sensing wipers. Not a hard add given all the other tech that’s right up against the windshield even in the lower trims.

5) No ability to use touch to lock & unlock the vehicle from the tailgate. I would use this on an almost daily basis.

6) Non-dual heating & cooling on some models. Why isn’t dual climate control not standard? Seems like an easy thing to do.

7) A larger fuel tank. Not a lot more, but could we at least put enough gas in there to comfortably go 300 miles on a tank?

8) LED front turn signal bulbs!

9) I wasn’t going to mention the infotainment system, but WHY can’t there be an option for adjusting the volume of the JBL center channel? It’s way too prominent and the only way to deal with it is to move the balance slightly rear and put the mid-range settings wayyyy down.

10) No turn signal indicator/lighting on both rearview mirrors. Even my 2013 Acura has this.

11) Finally, a bit controversial since some really like the idea of a bone-basic truck, but why not include power seats on the SR5? It can’t be that much more than the cost of having to run 2-3 different seat-types across all the versions? I get for some that it’s “just something else that could break” but the tech has been around for SO LONG that it’s pretty much bullet-proof by now.


OK – Rant over. Do you agree? Disagree? What did I miss???

4, 7, 8 would be much appreciated for the cost

 

[fightforfood247]

We all know about the difficulties in connecting to Android & CarPlay and things like that. But what are some omissions (at least in some trims) that Toyota could have done easily but chose not to? For me here are some things that are slightly annoying (on my SR5):

1) The passenger grab handle doesn’t go all the way through. Kind of defeats the purpose, at least for the vertically challenged to use to help get in.

2) No power outlet in the armrest compartment. I think some versions have this, but would it have killed them to add in a USB-C port or two in there?

3) Non-locking gas cap in some versions. This should be a no-brainer especially in 2024!

4) Rain sensing wipers. Not a hard add given all the other tech that’s right up against the windshield even in the lower trims.

5) No ability to use touch to lock & unlock the vehicle from the tailgate. I would use this on an almost daily basis.

6) Non-dual heating & cooling on some models. Why isn’t dual climate control not standard? Seems like an easy thing to do.

7) A larger fuel tank. Not a lot more, but could we at least put enough gas in there to comfortably go 300 miles on a tank?

8) LED front turn signal bulbs!

9) I wasn’t going to mention the infotainment system, but WHY can’t there be an option for adjusting the volume of the JBL center channel? It’s way too prominent and the only way to deal with it is to move the balance slightly rear and put the mid-range settings wayyyy down.

10) No turn signal indicator/lighting on both rearview mirrors. Even my 2013 Acura has this.

11) Finally, a bit controversial since some really like the idea of a bone-basic truck, but why not include power seats on the SR5? It can’t be that much more than the cost of having to run 2-3 different seat-types across all the versions? I get for some that it’s “just something else that could break” but the tech has been around for SO LONG that it’s pretty much bullet-proof by now.


OK – Rant over. Do you agree? Disagree? What did I miss???

You going to upset the fan boys. To them it’s perfect and has an explanation for everything

 

[fightforfood247]

I've heard a few complainers, but my iPhone 15 connects flawlessly and never drops. This tells me the problem that some are having is on the phone side, not the truck.

As to most of the other things you have listed, what you are basically asking is, why doesn't Toyota just sell Tacomas with the Premium Package?

It's about money. Some folks don't want to spend $50-55,000.

Sage good to see you brotha. Hope you’re doing well.

 

[turbosix]

+11ty to memory seats because I'm also a foot taller than my wife. My 1992 LS400 had memory seat and steering wheel positions tied to the key and they would start moving when you unlocked it with the remote. Basically by the time you were ready to sit down they were adjusted.

Yes, mine has the TRD seats so I know the angle of the seat back wouldn't be power but I'm fine with that, I just need it to move down and back without me standing there for 30 seconds every time. If the 4runners are going to have this it seems like the functionality is at least there...

Wife would like a driver's side a pillar handle to grab onto to climb in instead of using the steering wheel.

A button or an option in the truck settings to turn off the useless wireless charger would be nice. I don't want to have to pull a fuse.

Maybe I'm dumb but while I like the gauges different ways for things to be laid out I don't like how I can't just have the trip meter in the center. I currently have it blank because I don't need to see "Adaptive Cruise" in size 96 font. I use trip b to calculate gas mileage but getting to it requires digging through the menus (I like the boost and electric assist gauges) and it's annoying.

 

[CanyonFisherSummitSeeker]

I really like my truck but it doesn’t mean I can’t see some areas where it should be better. Again my 25 year old Lexus sedan has perfectly functioning dual climate control. Yes it’s a Lexus. But it’s from the late 1990s!!! I run hot my wife cold. It really would be an easy thing to standardize with minimal cost increase.
if I didn’t have the heated seats for my wife I’d be losing 8 pounds a day in sweat with how high she wants the heater running haha

 

[saerandy]

@saerandy on #7, I easily get 300 miles (480 km) per tank on my TRD Off Road in city driving. I aim for 313 miles (500 km).
The tank after reading refuel has over 50km left in it. Mine has the 6’ box and is a base Off Road.

I’m only getting around 5.49km/l or15.5 to 16.5MPG in Eco, stock tires, and 2H albeit mostly all city. I don’t drive too aggressively on the gas. When I fill up my “miles to empty” has never been at or over 300mi. I think someone pointed this out, but for longer off Road trips this coming spring it would be nice to not have to carry extra gas cans.

 

[Lando]

I’m only getting around 5.49km/l or15.5 to 16.5MPG in Eco, stock tires, and 2H albeit mostly all city. I don’t drive too aggressively on the gas. When I fill up my “miles to empty” has never been at or over 300mi. I think someone pointed this out, but for longer off Road trips this coming spring it would be nice to not have to carry extra gas cans.

I find Normal mode gets better mileage in the city. The eco mode I was always revving higher for power.

 

[HoptownBob]

My guess is that the climate upgrades are being used to push people into higher priced trims, although none of them have any rear seat ventilation, let alone independant controls.

That center speaker is even worse IMO because it is part of an upgrade, which does not come with a simple control that would make a big difference in how well the sound system works.

Yes, that center speaker control should be a simple software update. Come on Toyota, can’t you help us out a little!

 

[saerandy]

I find Normal mode gets better mileage on the city. The eco mode I was always revving higher for power.

I’ll try that!

 

[TacoFreak]

My gas mileage went to new highs when I started driving only in Sport, by 3-5 mpg! Go figure.

 

[Nettle]

The thing I've noticed about my Tacoma is that it doesn't have features which 5 years ago other cars did. The most annoying thing for me is the fact that I can't use keyless entry to open the tailgate. My little old Honda lets me unlock the trunk just like the doors... keyless.

 

[Miqie]

My gas mileage went to new highs when I started driving only in Sport, by 3-5 mpg! Go figure.

I'd leave it in 'Sport' mode, but I don't like the way it stiffens the steering. Maybe I'm just sensitive regarding steering, but there's a noticeable steering difference between 'Normal' and 'Sport'.

 

[bking]

We all know about the difficulties in connecting to Android & CarPlay and things like that. But what are some omissions (at least in some trims) that Toyota could have done easily but chose not to? For me here are some things that are slightly annoying (on my SR5):

1) The passenger grab handle doesn’t go all the way through. Kind of defeats the purpose, at least for the vertically challenged to use to help get in.

Agree on this one. Should be one on the driver side as well. Always end up grabbing the Steering wheel and not sure that is good long term.

2) No power outlet in the armrest compartment. I think some versions have this, but would it have killed them to add in a USB-C port or two in there?

Not sure i I have this or not, I'll have to check, but I don't think so. I've had them in the past few Fords and never used them, so not a big deal to me. I have a wireless charger in my premium but I can't imagine why you'd need more than 2 usb-c in the front.

3) Non-locking gas cap in some versions. This should be a no-brainer especially in 2024!

The last car I had with a locking cap was my 84 Supra. Never had gas stolen. Since most vehicles don't have a key, that would be costly or a pain to pull it out of your fob. A release on the door could happen, but they would probably have to put a key hole on it as well in case it breaks and I'd rather not have that.

4) Rain sensing wipers. Not a hard add given all the other tech that’s right up against the windshield even in the lower trims.

I had this in my past 3 vehicles, and my wife has it in the Subaru. I don't really miss it. The damn things never worked half the time. Could also be a pain offroad and smear your windshield when you're in a bad spot.

5) No ability to use touch to lock & unlock the vehicle from the tailgate. I would use this on an almost daily basis.

Mine opens fine when I push the button with the key in my pocket... maybe that's a premium feature.

6) Non-dual heating & cooling on some models. Why isn’t dual climate control not standard? Seems like an easy thing to do.

Most lower trims from manufacturers do not have cooled seats. Not a major deal with cloth anyway. This one I would have to say if you want it, buy it.

7) A larger fuel tank. Not a lot more, but could we at least put enough gas in there to comfortably go 300 miles on a tank?

You can easily get 300 miles a tank. Don't pay attention to the 'miles to empty', watch the guage instead. Even running to 0 miles (which is unnerving) I still only put in 14 gallons, leaving 4. I agree that the tank is too small and my biggest and only major gripe about this truck. I'll be changing it for a larger aftermarket tank as soon as they are available. They did this for weight and cargo capacity. Hybrid batteries are heavy. I don't have a hybrid so I think I can handle some more gas.

8) LED front turn signal bulbs!

Yeah, even on a premium you don't get these. I think just limited and above. Stupid, but easily remedied the first time they burn out.

9) I wasn’t going to mention the infotainment system, but WHY can’t there be an option for adjusting the volume of the JBL center channel? It’s way too prominent and the only way to deal with it is to move the balance slightly rear and put the mid-range settings wayyyy down.

Never noticed.

10) No turn signal indicator/lighting on both rearview mirrors. Even my 2013 Acura has this.

I have this.

11) Finally, a bit controversial since some really like the idea of a bone-basic truck, but why not include power seats on the SR5? It can’t be that much more than the cost of having to run 2-3 different seat-types across all the versions? I get for some that it’s “just something else that could break” but the tech has been around for SO LONG that it’s pretty much bullet-proof by now.

Some things have to be different on lower models... power seats aren't a huge deal to me since I rarely move my seat after it's set.


OK – Rant over. Do you agree? Disagree? What did I miss???

 

[Dansflhti]

For me it’s the plastic steering wheel in my SR5 (Canadian). Feels so cheap. Understand it’s the base model but Toyota could have used a vinyl or artificial leather wrap rather than genuine leather to save on cost.

Since day one I've thought that the steering wheel in my Canadian Sport + is the nicest wheel of any vehicle I've driven. It does have a wrap on it, don't know if its real or faux leather. They wheel has a nice grip and diameter to it, and button placement is excellent and I think it looks good.

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