Is the Tacoma enough truck?

[bkg]

Yep, 2/3 gens are bigger. Numbers certainly say it’s closer to full-size than compact. However!! How it drives is closer to a 1st gen than full-size.

It’s a 3/8th truck... barely smaller than a gen 1 Tundra... still smaller than a “real 1/2 ton.”

 

[DaveInDenver]

However, I have taken an F150 on factory 20s over 5 rated Stoney Pass with an All Terrain camper popup in the bed. So there's that.

Stony Pass outside of Silverton? The only reason you even need 4WD might be if it's raining and there's mud around Timber Hill.

 

[bkg]

Not me man! Thinking go full tilt and opt for the diesel. Yank that 70 horse Deere around like it is not even back there.

“Go full tilt”???? The heck? I don’t even know you anymore!!!!

 

[DaveInDenver]

Interior space...

Having owned both, the 2nd is slightly larger inside, but I challenge “significantly.” Rear leg room always felt more challenged on the second gen...

I've owned a 1991, 2001 (briefly) and now a 2008. The 2nd gen interior is for sure inefficient in front (a nice way to say friggin' cramped, too much plastic and crap) but the truck is definitely bigger. Harder to fit into garages and down alleys.

Rear legroom, you're surely talking about a Double Cab. In extended cabs there's zero question the Access Cab is bigger. The XtraCab is meant for 6 year olds at best but I could actually sit in the back of my 2008 if I was so inclined. That's primarily where the extra 5" of wheelbase went, along with a steeper sloped windshield.

 

[phsycle]

2nd/3rd gens feel closer to a half ton to me. The 3rd gen especially...the hood seems really bulbous with a long nose. Do really like the interior though. The 2nd gen's dash feels like it is made from recycled plastic soda bottles.

I went from a 1st gen to 3rd and never felt like the hood was much longer. Longer for sure, but just a smidge. I don’t even notice it parking and cramming into tight spots.

Now a full-size, that’s a whole different driving dynamic.

 

[Dalko43]

Have you driven over Black Bear? I know I wouldn't want to try to take a full size over it. There's a lot of places where even the 120 and 150 platform trucks don't have much elbow room, forget a 3/4 or 1 ton.

Like I say, can things be done? Sure, probably can cheat the odds for a while. You would probably want to have a truck you don't care much about, too, to let body work get damaged when there's no room left.

Like I said earlier, I haven't been out that way but it's been done before:

I certainly wouldn't take a long bed, mega-cab up there with stock tires. But with a good set of tires and the appropriate cab configuration, I don't think you're "cheating the odds" anymore than you are with a Jeep. Haven't there been Jeep wipeout's up on some of those passes?

Also how many trails are there like this one that will truly challenge a vehicle due to its size? I think difficulties of wheeling a fullsize are more prevalent in people's imaginations than they are in real life...again, not talking about the Rubicon or redneck mud fest type stuff, I'm talking about established and marked 4x4 roads.

 

[Clutch]

“Go full tilt”???? The heck? I don’t even know you anymore!!!!

Ha ha! The new diesels are a dream to drive...just don't want to pay for it.

The depth of the 2nd gen dash is excessive for sure. I think my truck drives like an older full size in some ways but still feels narrower than them. I have not extensively driven a current full size but riding in a Tundra or F150, there's no comparison. They seem ginormous to me after getting out of my truck. I gotta say I may just be getting used to it but my Tacoma doesn't seem as big as it first did.

Being in a couple dirt bike clubs while in AZ, just about everyone has a fullsize. I have ridden in or driven just about all of them car pooling...(or would it be truck pulling? ) They really don't feel all that big from the inside. Ride quite nice. Think the one guy's F250 CCSB rode better than my truck.

I went from a 1st gen to 3rd and never felt like the hood was much longer. Longer for sure, but just a smidge. I don’t even notice it parking and cramming into tight spots.

Now a full-size, that’s a whole different driving dynamic.

The last time I test drove a 3rd gen, just got done driving a Silverado...the Tacoma didn't feel all that much smaller to me, actually felt quite similar. They wanted less money for the SIlverado too...with a 5.3 V8. Granted the Silvy was a RCSB...was pretty spirited to drive. Tacoma feels a little dead on the bottom to me. And I drive like a half dead grandma...

 

[tacollie]

I know my taco isn't a lot smaller than a full size but it feels a lot smaller to me. We just spent 5 calling out of it and we were nowhere near being full it overweight even with 3 60lbs dogs and 2 mountain bikes. It's narrower and has a better turning radius. For me there is literally nothing to be gained by a full-size but it sounds like the op needs a 3/4 ton. Tacos just any good for pulling. We saw so many tacos pulling capers this weekend.

I'm probably the wrong guy to ask because while everyone is lusting over the hilux I'm secretly looking at hiaces.

 

[Clutch]

I'm secretly looking at hiaces.

Dude, just saw one here driving the opposite side of the interstate. I damn near wrecked checking it out.

First, I was like...oooh...HiAce

Second, what the hell is that doing here in Idaho!?

Third, trying to see the plates to tell where it is from....oh crap, sorry almost ran off the road...

 

[phsycle]

The last time I test drove a 3rd gen, just got done driving a Silverado...the Tacoma didn't feel all that much smaller to me, actually felt quite similar. They wanted less money for the SIlverado too...with a 5.3 V8. Granted the Silvy was a RCSB...was pretty spirited to drive. Tacoma feels a little dead on the bottom to me. And I drive like a half dead grandma...

What? How much 2-cycle fume have you been sniffing?? Taco drives like a full-size truck? And the Silverado was “spirited to drive????” Hmmmmmm. You’re losing lots of credibility here.

I give you the new 3.5 isn’t a torquey engine down low. Kind of combines the power of a V6 with hp/tq delivery of a 4-cyl. Which I’m fine with actually. I’ve always been used to high revving engines. The truck does what I need it to with plenty of power. It was pricey for what it was, though. But well, I guess that’s the price you pay for driving a Toyota.

 

[Clutch]

What? How much 2-cycle fume have you been sniffing?? Taco drives like a full-size truck? And the Silverado was “spirited to drive????” Hmmmmmm. You’re losing lots of credibility here.

A lot lately!

Yeah, I don't see much glaring difference size wise, and driving feel. The Silvy was pretty zippy, mashed on the pedal and the tires broke loose. Not so with the Tacoma.

Have been driving high revving engines for years. These last few years though...my style has changed. Like to lope along just above 2000 rpm. V8 or EcoBoost fits that better. Or dare I say...a diesel would probably be best for lugging down the road.

I give you the new 3.5 isn’t a torquey engine down low. Kind of combines the power of a V6 with hp/tq delivery of a 4-cyl. Which I’m fine with actually. I’ve always been used to high revving engines. The truck does what I need it to with plenty of power. It was pricey for what it was, though. But well, I guess that’s the price you pay for driving a Toyota.

Once you get it into it, it was pretty good...but wasn't overly impressed with it. Like I said...my driving style has changed as I have aged. Bummer diesels cost so fricken much, would suit my sit back, cruise and enjoy the view style of driving. Dude, I put a set of Cooper HTP's on the Taco today...a street oriented tire. Would of laughed at that years ago. So far I love them...hardly any sound out of them, unlike the AT's or MT's I normally to run...and smooth. Can't get over how smooth they roll...feels like a completely different truck.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Like I said earlier, I haven't been out that way but it's been done before

There's a local in Moab that drives his Crown Vic all over, including Lion's Back before it was closed. The Trail Teams got stock FJ Cruisers through the Rubicon. I drove my IFS mini truck on 33s through the Rubicon, I wouldn't take a brand new stock truck through it. Because it can be done shouldn't imply its the right tool. More power to the guy in your Black Bear video, he's got big brass ones for sure. I felt exposed in a mini truck and my Tacoma feels massive on it.

 

[Dalko43]

There's a local in Moab that drives his Crown Vic all over, including Lion's Back before it was closed. The Trail Teams got stock FJ Cruisers through the Rubicon. I drove my IFS mini truck on 33s through the Rubicon, I wouldn't take a brand new stock truck through it. Because it can be done shouldn't imply its the right tool. More power to the guy in your Black Bear video, he's got big brass ones for sure. I felt exposed in a mini truck and my Tacoma feels massive on it.

I guess that's the central issue which is up for debate. For someone who wants to carry/tow a lot of weight and still be able to explore 4x4 roads, a fullsize pickup may in fact be the right tool.

I agree that full size trucks will need more deliberate planning for getting through certain areas. But the video at least demonstrates that they can fit through some of these technical trails, contrary to some of the arguments being made here.

For my neck of the woods, the size and weight of a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton really isn't the limiting factor. Rather it's the owner's willingness to endure pin striping.

 

[phsycle]

A lot lately!

Yeah, I don't see much glaring difference size wise, and driving feel. The Silvy was pretty zippy, mashed on the pedal and the tires broke loose. Not so with the Tacoma.

Have been driving high revving engines for years. These last few years though...my style has changed. Like to lope along just above 2000 rpm. V8 or EcoBoost fits that better. Or dare I say...a diesel would probably be best for lugging down the road...

Yeah, I’ll echo what @bkg said. I don’t know you anymore.

 

[DaveInDenver]

I agree that full size trucks will need more deliberate planning for getting through certain areas. But the video at least demonstrates that they can fit through some of these technical trails, contrary to some of the arguments being made here.

Perhaps our viewpoints differ. I don't think it's appropriate to bash an oversized vehicle through places it has no business, widening trails and knocking down features and trees. Same issue I have with yahoos on quads and side-by-sides calling themselves "motorcycles" and ruining single track. There are ramifications to inexperienced or arrogant drivers doing it just to prove 'em wrong. When they screw up or cause damage our roads get closed.

again, not talking about the Rubicon or redneck mud fest type stuff, I'm talking about established and marked 4x4 roads.

Stuff like the Rubicon and Black Bear are established roads, sometimes these "trails" are dual listed as FS and county roads. We can only travel on routes listed in the MVUM not just follow any ol' jeep trail anymore. Even the difficult stuff is maintained for the most part to stabilize and prevent off road (meaning off the established route) travel.