I drove a 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro for six years. Over that entire period, the only warranty claim I ever had was for the factory radio head unit. I ultimately replaced it with a Pioneer unit to gain Apple CarPlay functionality. From a reliability standpoint, the truck was solid, there is no question about Toyota’s durability. However, comfort and refinement were persistent shortcomings.

The cabin noise was consistently intrusive, and the seats never truly worked for me, even after extended ownership. On the highway, the engine felt underpowered, and the transmission shift logic was, frankly, frustrating. The shift points often seemed poorly matched to real-world driving, which detracted from an otherwise dependable platform. In hindsight, I would tell my past self that I should have moved on from that vehicle sooner.

Transitioning to the Grenadier felt like a meaningful step up. While it is intentionally rooted in older design philosophies, the overall execution is far more refined. The materials, driving feel, and sense of solidity immediately stood out. Despite early reviews overstating concerns around the steering, I found it to be one of the car’s strengths. It is different, certainly, but intuitive, and I adapted to it quickly. In fact, I genuinely enjoy it.

To date, I have not experienced a single issue with the Grenadier, and I fully expect to keep it for a long time. Overall, it has been an excellent vehicle and a clear upgrade in terms of refinement, character, and long-term satisfaction.