I have not driven an SR, but the torque on these trucks is much higher at lower RPM than the 3rd gen trucks because of the turbo.
It doesn't sound like you need a pickup, anywho.
When I told my dealer what I was looking for, I told him what I wanted and didn't want added. And that's what's coming. They add stuff to run the cost up.
Look, you won't change my opinion, and I won't change yours. We both have our theories. I went through these same first-year growing pains with my 2016 Tacoma.
It happens every time a new model is released by any manufacturer. It's been my experience that Toyota stands behind their products...