That's what the new generation wanted! Over complicated junk and EPA mandates to magically change a climate CYCLE that has been repeated before there was ever even internal combustion, LOL.
This is pretty much it. The government CAFE regulations have forced the automakers to put boosted 6 cylinder engines in large trucks and SUV to try and meet government regulations. Rather they really achieve better MPG's in the real world is irrelevant, as they fool engine dyno's and whatnot to make the EPA think they do, and allow for better MPG ratings. Dodge has gotten themselves is a pickle by not developing boosted I4's to replace their V6's, and boosted V6's to replace their V8's, and hybrids to get better MPG's to appease the EPA mandates. Basically on all the vehicles they sell they have to pay a tax or fee to the government as they didn't work to meet the fleet wide average MPG requirement. The older Tundra V8's wouldn't achieve MPG's and emissions that the EPA mandates without a lot of revisions that Tundra fans will not want. We're talking DI, high CR, cylinder deactivation, water thin oil for starters
Look, I hate it, and know it's BS. You guys know it's BS. The EPA wants to pretend to be Captain Planet, and act like they're saving the world, but we complain about it, yet we keep electing people who implement these BS policies to try and give the EPA something to do, to try and justify their existence, and our tax money going to them.
Personally in my American automakers vehicles (full-sized trucks and performance/large cars to be specific) I want a V8, but in my Japanese automaker vehicles I don't care. I don't look to Japanese OEM's to appeal to my American biases. That's like asking a tranny to be a woman for you. I'm fine with a TT V6 in a Tundra, as long as it's reliable. Really though, I don't buy anything not Ford or GM. My 03 Lightning and 18 F150 have V8's, but my wifes F150 (which I guess is mine too, and our primary family hauler) has a GEN2 3.5L EB and it's a fine little engine. It's strong, gets decent MPG's, tows well, is refined, and so far hasn't given me chit, but my vehicles rarely give my issues, as I keep up with basic maintenance, so I don't need to claim something's a POS because I neglect to service my trucks, and go on extended OCI's with them. If you know a certain engine has potential issues, combat those issues early (basically preventative maintenance) so they're less likely to arise. Changing your oil regularly with quality oil is a good start. I don't use synthetic to get extended OCI's, I use it because it's better oil that resists wear better than conventional, and I've been running full synthetic oil for well over 20 years now, and I try nit to do more than 4K OCI's.
I will say the the GEN3 Tundra with the IForce Max that I drove was very nice. With its rear suspension setup it drives like a 19+ Ram, and it's hybrid TT V6/10 speed setup was way more refined, and stronger than any 5.7L Tundra I've driven, and 5.7L Tundras aren't weak trucks. I was impressed with it, and it's the first Tundra I would consider owning. The rear transmission hump being the size of the ones found in a Foxbody, or Fbody is some strait up BS. We're a 2.5% the way through the new millennium, and flat floors in crewcab 1/2 tons should be mandatory. The Tundras transmission hump is ridiculous. I do like its composite bed though. Composite beds make sense IMHO.
