Early downshift when braking?

Brand new 2021 SR5 V6 4x4. 350 miles on it.

I have noticed since day one that when I brake it seems to downshift a bit earlier than it should. Somewhere around 20ish mph. I don’t jolt forward but it is noticeable, meaning I can’t smoothly brake to a stop without a little hesitation. Not too concerned about it, just curious.

I searched here and found a few threads but they were a few years old. Is this normal on the new 2021s?


I’m not sure if it’s actually downshifting, that’s just the best way I can describe the feeling.

 

My 2020 does this around 20/25mph when braking. The transmission downshifts and the engine revs up which makes a small vibration felt through the truck. Seems normal for some, I've seen others complain about it as well.

 

The transmission learns over about the first 1500 miles. Things are a bit clunky for the first 100-200 miles but it will smooth out. Runs couple of tanks through it and let us know. Low transmission fluid level from the factory was not uncommon in recent years but I don’t think they have the auxiliary tranny cooler since 2019.

 

It’s called engine braking. Normal. You’ll learn to appreciate it.

 

“than it should!” What degrees do you hold?

 

thanks man. I had a typo there. I actually have 350 miles on it. But will see if it smooths out.

 

I’ve driven enough vehicles to know that I shouldn’t feel a stutter like a downshift as I’m slowing coming to a stop. Why you gotta harsh the mellow my man?

 

Tundras have had this feature since '07. It saves on brakes. You will soon not notice it unless you are consciously expecting it.

 

You're one of the people that made them add "shift points" to CVTs aren't you

 

I think it is engine holdback as you slow down and then around 20 mph it disengages. I recall this being noticeable when the truck was new, but it's completely gone now. I think part of it is also the brakes seating in. They definitely didn't feel great new. Much better with a few miles on them.

 

They all do it, more noticeable on 2nd gens actually. It's beneficial for performance as it keeps the revs up if you need to get on the gas again.

 

ECT uses less engine braking, give that a shot and see if your concern goes away.

 

If i'm doing 50 mph or so going down a steep hill with my 2020 and tap the brakes the truck will automatically downshift.
The ECT mode seems to be a bit of a mystery. It locks out 6th gear when in that mode and in drive. If i disable ect...the trans will go into 6th as normal.

 

@danoo

At what point would you expect the "downshift"?

Why would you expect the "downshift" at your particular point?

 

I dunno either
I'll never understand why someone buys a vehicle with an automatic transmission and then spends their days questioning why a group of engineers programmed it that way. You can buy a manual and shift how you want, or reprogram if you know more about it than them.
Not trying to be rude, but come on, you accepted someone else's work when you bought an auto. I don't think my auto is absolutely perfect, but I like the way it drives overall, and accepted that way when I bought it.

 

Thanks for those who had a constructive answer.

For everyone else, I just asked a simple question how it seems like there’s more engine braking/a downshift feeling than I expected.

I don’t have a degree in engineering. I don’t question why the engineers did what they did. Im simply asking if what I’m perceiving is normal. But I guess I’ll go f myself.

 

Imo, there's very little felt downshifting, and engine braking effect with the 3.5 compared to my 01 4.7 tundra.

 

My apologies, I wasn't directing that at you. You're right, the simple answer is; yes it's normal.

There's a new thread nearly daily about people complaining about the shift patterns, and have all kinds of fantastic ideas of how better them, and how they're gonna push the truck off a cliff, or make Toyota but it back.

 

Dude. Public forum, public will comment.
The Tacoma is designed to provide engine braking to assist regular brakes. You will feel a downshift when braking and in a few weeks will come to appreciate it, especially when you won't need brake pads for 70K or more. It's normal.

 

Interesting response. I just asked a couple of questions about your expectations...........

Hope you come to enjoy your truck.