Tacoma/Tundra; Trd Pro?

[calicamper]

The new rigs use some pretty advanced TC logic. Even rigs 5yrs old with TC tech are put to shame by todays TC capability. Though I agree lockers are pretty much the final answer. Funny enough Subaru is one of the leaders in TC capability. All their cars are even using TC logic to help rotate the car in turns when directional issues are identified by the system. Really amazing stuff.

 

[Trikebubble]

When I decided it was time to move up from extremely capable and built Xterra I went with the Tundra and haven't looked back. (Well, the only time I look back is to see if the travel trailer is still there because in all honesty the truck barely notices towing it).
Everything involves compromise and I was prepared to make that sacrifice in giving up a smaller sized rig (the Xterra) that would likely go some places where the Tundra won't (easily) for the added room, comfort, and that awe inspiring 5.7 litre powerplant. I don't think I could ever go back to a mid-size vehicle after spending some quality time with the Tundra.

I purchased the TRD OffRoad option, not the TRD Pro, as it was my plan to set it up suspension wise myself. I have (sitting in the basement ready to install in 2 weeks) ADS Racing remote res coilovers, piggyback triple bypass rear shocks, MCM Fab uca's, Dakar leaf packs, Firestone airbags, and a set of Method wheels with Nitto tires.

My Xterra had a 4.o v-6 that provided very respectable power, and this Tundra's motor is simply head and shoulders above that power wise. I am not one to hammer it down everywhere, so I find mileage works out better than with my old Xterra. I've off-roaded it totally stock and so far have been very impressed. I will be locking it at some point down the road. The mid-size platform served us well for years, but our idea of where we see ourselves adventuring, and how we get there has changed (hence the appointment with Four Wheel Campers on Saturday) so a full size reliable truck was something that I knew I was going to want. Everyone's wants, needs, and goals are a little different so I'm not sure if the full size rig is where you want to be, but for me it's been a great decision. Have i mentioned the power yet?

 

[Chris Sandstorm Fj]

Magnuson had a teaser promo photo of a third gen Tacoma with the insinuation that it was being used to develop a supercharger. If you're worried about power the Tundra is the safe bet. Skip the TRD Pro packages and go with the TRD Off-Road if you want the electronic locking rear differential. Use the money you save to buy some nice King suspension and have a better setup than the Pro for less.

Magnuson is beta testing a supercharger for the Taco. They are about to release one for the 2015 4runner, I can't remember off hand if the motor is the same as the 3rd gen Tacos.

My take on your hunt for a new truck..

If you are coming from a full size pick up, you might not like the Taco as much as the Tundra. Sounds like you have a little one, also. Way more back seat room in the Tundra.

Also depending on where you might off road might also dictate, the size of vehicle. I have a '16 Taco, for my area of off roading it is a great size. I was also enamored by the TRD PRO version but it seemed like it was going to be amost 10K more. The TRD Tacomas do come with a modest 1", front skid plate, no sunroof (TMK) and leather seats.. Which as you probably know, leather is great with kids.. seems to clean up better than cloth.

I am not sure what the Tundra has in the TRD Pro version.

For me, I went with TRD OFF Road. Sunroof, rear locker, upgraded stereo. I lifted it with ToyTec Boss 2.5s, RIC Sliders/skid plate and a Demello front Bumper, FJC TRD wheels and BFG TA KO2s.
I was able to do all that for the price difference of a TRD OFf Road VS. a TRD Pro. Also My Taco can pull our Coleman Santa Fe pop-up trailer just fine. You feel it back there but it pulls great.

My guess is with a Tundra pulling, you might have to remind yourself you have something back there.. We have a 100 series Land Cruiser also and it actually pulls the camper with ease.

 

[KAC4RPRO]

I have owned 5 Tundra's including 1 PRO. Loved them all, the Taco will disappoint-supercharged or not, IMO. Now if you put the Magnuson on the 5.7 you will have one hell of a ride. If you like to build your truck up, get an SR5 and add everything you want. I am currently renting a Taco as my ride is in for service and I must say I am so under whelmed by it. Nice features and all but anemic. I am not the biggest guy out there but I really don't fit into this thing with any comfort, especially with a sunroof. Being spoiled by a Tundra Crewmax the leg room in front or back isn't even close in the Taco. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Adventurous]

Knowing what I know now (own a built 4.0L DCLB Taco), I think I'd spring for the following:
Tundra (non-TRD Pro) + tire of choice + OEM length King shocks

Throw your lockers in there and go. Supercharger would be a nice addition, but probably not a need.

 

[Dalko43]

Traction control is great, when it works. But it's not a true substitute for mechanical lockers. I ended getting a Trail edition 4runner (with locking rear diff) almost by chance...I didn't go out of my way to get one. That locker has gotten me out of some tough (and remote) spots on more than one occasion, and I'm not necessarily searching out the most hardcore jeep trails. You get high-centered in deep snow, slide off a muddy foresty road, get stuck going up a rutted up backroad....the locker comes in handy more than you would anticipate while exploring the backcountry, and it's a good insurance policy if you plan on doing any solo travel.

Which ever platform you get (Tundra or Tacoma) I'd make sure you get either an OEM or aftermarket locker.

 

[rruff]

What we want is good travel for fast dirt roads, not really too much crawling. Lockers a must, something that can have good reliable power.

(I was going to get a raptor but refuse to pay $10k dealer mark up)

Have you bought your Tundra yet?

I'll second what others have said, and skip the Pro. Get an SR even, you can upgrade everything just how you want. Might look at what 2017s are left. I bought my 2016 about a year ago for $31k, with the 5.7l. Lots of upgrading possible between that and the cost of a Raptor!

 

[fifty]

The more I’m learning the more I want a 2014 with a supercharger and some suspension work....

Wife wants to look at the zr2 but I think we are not going to get much more in creature comforts buying a new truck...

Although everytime I see a nice tundra it throws that idea out the window. A bigger truck...

But I’m about to rebuild a trailer for stuff if needed..

 

[rruff]

FYI you can get a Tundra with the Double Cab and 8' bed, if you want more room. It's what I have.

IMO the supercharger is overkill. The 5.7 has loads of power. You can get lockers and 4.88 gears aftermarket if you'd like more low speed grunt, but I just put 35x13 tires on and I'm not feeling any deficiency. I'm coming from a '86 Toyota with a 2.4l though!

 

[fifty]

FYI you can get a Tundra with the Double Cab and 8' bed, if you want more room. It's what I have.

IMO the supercharger is overkill. The 5.7 has loads of power. You can get lockers and 4.88 gears aftermarket if you'd like more low speed grunt, but I just put 35x13 tires on and I'm not feeling any deficiency. I'm coming from a '86 Toyota with a 2.4l though!

Lol, I meant with the tacoma......actually, id supercharge both ot be honest. I get bored real easy with power. My yukon with the 6.2 is begging for a supercharger. The tacoma would get one definitly and thats why I am looking at the older ones now, as there are smog legal kits out there. I test drove a trd tacoma and it was too lethargic for my taste, and would be worse with a heavier tire and a load between truck and trailer.

The 4dr lb on the tundra would be out. I would use the trailer if I needed the extra storage. I like the smaller wheel base just for cruising around. Its amazing what a foot or two in wb does. But thats just me. My last two trucks were a f350 4dr lb and an my yukon xl...so both long. Their shorter brethren are much easier to maneuver at the loss of a little bed space.

 

[rruff]

Their shorter brethren are much easier to maneuver at the loss of a little bed space.

I know what you mean! If I wasn't building a rig for two people to live in, I'd want a shorter wheelbase as well.

My nephew has the previous gen Tacoma with the 4.0l, crew cab, and long (6.5'?) bed. It's a good compromise for space and maneuverability.