But, Where’s the Stick Shift?
Toyota has phased out most of its stick-shift options, leaving drivers with automatic and CVTs that just don’t feel the same. Car lovers who enjoy real control miss that clutch-and-shift rhythm, and would prefer a bit more choice when it comes to transmission options.
Snooze-Worthy Style
Let’s be honest - most Toyotas look practical, but not exciting. They blend in with all the other cars in the grocery store parking lot but never make anyone stop and stare. The designs are a bit too safe and familiar, and there’s nothing that makes them stand out.
Fun? Not Quite
Driving a Toyota is calm and predictable. But being predictable isn’t always a good thing when you’re looking for a bit of excitement from a car. The handling is steady, the steering is light, and the ride is smooth, but you’ll be left wanting more.
Pay More, Get Less
Toyotas are reliable, sure, but that badge comes with a real price bump. Competitors offer more features for less money, so when you compare trims side-by-side, you’ll notice you’re paying more for the name than the extras. Your money goes further elsewhere.
Bare-Bones Beginnings
Base models in the Toyota lineup feel more like a throwback to simpler times than what you’re paying for. You’ll get the essentials, but nothing exciting. There are no heated seats or smart features unless you buy a higher trim.
Same Look, Different Year
Have you ever noticed how Toyotas seem to change very little from one generation to the next? Any updates are usually minor—like a new grille here or a taillight tweak there. Other brands push bold designs while Toyota sticks to what’s safe. Sadly, safe is sometimes boring.
Yawn-Worthy Interiors
The inside of way too many Toyotas feels like the waiting room at the dentist. There. We said it. It’s clean, sure, but it’s just not inspiring in any way. The design is functional and practical, and everything works fine, but it lacks that “wow” factor.
Sporty? Not So Much
Toyota has a few sporty models like the Supra or GR86, but most of its lineup is focused on comfort rather than performance. If you’re looking for a car that grips corners or makes your pulse quicken, Toyota might not be the brand for you.
Slow-Mo Infotainment
The infotainment system on a Toyota can be painfully slow. You tap the screen, and it takes its sweet time thinking about responding. The menus feel dated, and the interface isn’t very intuitive. You’ll wish you had brought a tablet instead.
Tech From Yesterday
Some Toyotas still roll out tech that looks like it belongs in 2015. We’re talking tiny screens, clunky graphics, and features that feel way behind the times. It’s sad to say that Toyota’s tech feels more like a “flip phone” than a “smartphone.”
No Smartphone Pairing
Older Toyotas don’t come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which means there’s no way to connect your music or apps. You’re stuck with the built-in system that feels ancient. If you’re used to seamless syncing, this will drive you crazy.
Touchscreen Tantrums
Not even Toyota's touchscreens are smooth sailing. The buttons are way too small, the layout is awkward, and it often lags. Instead of focusing on the road, you’re stuck jabbing the screen and hoping it finally does what you asked it to do.
Missing the EV Boat
Toyota was super early to Hybrids, but very late to the electric car party. Brands like Tesla, Hyundai, and Ford are speeding ahead with EVs while Toyota is still testing the waters. Needless to say, their electric lineup is limited, and choices are few.
Too Many Hybrids
Toyota loves its hybrids - maybe a little too much, in fact. Nearly every lineup has a hybrid option, but not everyone wants one. This means Toyota’s focus results in fewer options for people who don’t want to mix electricity with gasoline.
Sluggish CVTs
A CVT transmission should never be sluggish. Unfortunately, that’s what you get when you buy a Toyota with the CVT transmission. They don’t shift like normal gears, so the car feels like it’s whining rather than accelerating. It’s smooth, sure, but pretty dull.
No Turbo and No Thrill
Toyota is old-school when it comes to engines, so you won’t find any turbocharged engines that pack an extra punch. This means slower acceleration and less excitement when you hit the gas. The power is fine, but it could be better.
Tight Squeeze in the Back
Not all Toyotas are roomy. Some of their sedans and smaller SUVs feel cramped in the back, especially for taller passengers. Legroom disappears fast, and long trips turn into knee-bumping contests on those longer drives. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth knowing.
Cargo? Not Much
If you’re a packer or traveler, some Toyotas will leave you struggling to fit your stuff. The trunks on certain sedans and smaller crossovers aren’t great. Groceries, luggage, and even sports gear can feel like a puzzle to fit into your Toyota.
No Plug-In Love
For a company that started the hybrid craze, it’s surprising how few plug-in hybrid options Toyota offers. Some of their best-selling models don’t have a plug-in version at all. If you’re hoping to charge up at home and skip the gas station, Toyota gives you limited choices.
Boring Trims
Toyota’s trims can be dull. Most models lack exciting versions with unique styling or tuned performance. Other brands make sport trims look and feel special — Toyota’s upgrades often just mean slightly nicer seats or different wheels. It’s a yawn at best.
Road Noise Central
You’d think Toyota would have mastered a quiet ride by now, but road and wind noise still sneak into the cabin on many of their models. On long highway drives, it can get tiring. It’s not terrible, but for the price, you expect a bit more serenity inside.
Hard Plastic Everywhere
Hard plastic rules the day inside many Toyotas. Dashboards and doors feel sturdy, sure, but they’re just not luxurious. Yes, it’s tough and easy to clean, but it’s not what you want when you’re paying big bucks for a Toyota.
Bored Exteriors
If you like bold, fun colors, a Toyota will disappoint you. Most options are available in plain white, silver, and gray. The few bright colors they do have are limited to certain trims. It’s as if Toyota thinks car paint should be muted and boring.
Pay to Feel Fancy
Want heated seats, a premium sound system, or advanced safety tech? Be ready to open your wallet and pay the big bucks. Toyota’s luxury features are locked behind higher trims. Plain, boring base models will have you feeling like you’re driving a rental.
No AWD For You
Some Toyota sedans and crossovers don’t offer all-wheel drive. If you live somewhere with heavy rain or snow, that’s a deal-breaker. Toyota still skips it on several popular models, while competitors include it as standard or optional. It’s a puzzling oversight, right?
No Diesel? No Thanks!
Diesel fans are out of luck. Toyota has abandoned diesel engines in most regions, leaving no torque-heavy options for towing or long hauls. Other brands cater to the niche, but Toyota has moved on and stuck with gas options.
Not the Resale King
Toyota’s known for strong resale, but it’s not unbeatable. Some Hondas, Subarus, and even Mazdas hold value just as well, sometimes better. So if you’re banking on a big payout when you sell, check the numbers -Toyota’s reputation might not guarantee the best return.
Dealership Drama
Buying a Toyota from a dealer can lead to sticker shock due to dealer markups. Models like the Tacoma, 4Runner, and GR86 often fetch inflated prices due to high demand. It's frustrating when you think you’re getting a fair deal, but you walk away paying thousands more than the MSRP.
Slow Tech Arrivals
Toyota has a habit of adding new features years after everyone else. While competitors test bold new tech, Toyota waits. It’s reliable, yes, but also slow to evolve. You might finally get a cool feature—just as another brand releases something even better.
Weak on the Tow
If you’re hoping to pull a trailer, a camper, or even a boat, some smaller Toyotas just can’t handle it. The towing capacity is underwhelming. You’ll need to jump up to bigger models like the Tundra, and that means spending a lot more money.
Power Shortage
Some Toyota models feel like they’re running on coffee instead of gasoline. They get around fine, but acceleration is slow and underwhelming. When you merge onto the highway, you’ll be pressing that pedal to the floor, wishing for a little more energy under the hood.
Sunroof Envy
Toyotas still skip panoramic sunroofs, even on higher trims. If you love that open-sky feel, it’s disappointing. Competitors make it standard or easily available, but Toyota’s hit-and-miss approach makes you wonder why such a simple luxury is still a rarity in some of their models.
Off-Road? Sure, If You Pay Extra
Outside of the TRD line, most Toyotas aren’t off-road ready. They look tough, but they definitely aren’t built for rough trails. You’ll need to spend more for special editions if you want to hit the dirt. With Toyota, your off-road dreams end at the pavement.
Trim Name Confusions
LE, SE, XLE, XSE. Toyota’s trim names sound more like a password generator than a lineup. It isn’t very clear figuring out which one has the features you want. You shouldn’t need a cheat sheet just to know which trim gets the good stuff.
Innovation? What’s That?
Brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Ford are pushing the limits with daring designs and new tech, while Toyota plays it safe. Their cars are reliable but rarely groundbreaking. You’ll get steady and sensible—not exciting or forward-thinking. It’s like buying yesterday’s future.
