Tundra Vs. Tacoma

[JCMatthews]

This has probably been discussed before, however I am relatively new to Expo and am wondering. I currently drive a '97 Jeep Cherokee that you can see on the Jeep pics thread. It has about a 5" lift now that things have sagged. I run 33X10.5 BFG AT KO's with great success. I have done many things to it and it has served me well. I have driven it from Utah to Alaska and also Mexico. However, it is starting to show its age and unibody construction. It is also not great on the highway for too many hours or miles. I am a member of the RR4W and like to go to Moab once or twice a year being only a few hours away makes that easy. I have helped as a gunner for the last 6 years and I am not sure I want to give that up.
Here is my question. Should I purchase an '02-'04 double cab Tacoma TRD or the '02-'06 Double cab Tundra TRD? (I don't like either of the newer designs) What I would like to do is start doing more overland type trips with my family of five. We fit in the Cherokee alright, (kids are 8, 6,& 4) however a larger interior might be nicer. If I keep the Jeep for Moab purposes, a larger truck like the Tundra would be nice, but I am just not sure if I want a truck that big. (the Cherokee has been my DD since I bought it 6/98)
Maybe a V8 and 7ft. bed would be nice. What is the mpg difference between the Tundra V8 and V6? How much better is the mpg with the Taco? I would have to lift either truck mildly ( 2-3" OME lift) I have an m416 that I use when I go camping, so the smaller bed of the Taco would not be a problem. I like the idea of the smaller truck being able to go in tighter places. Please share your thoughts and any pics you have of Tundras that are set up for overlanding and where they can go. Thanks

 

[penangtoy]

As A tacoma owner I say Tacoma . Perhaps I can be bias but lets start with the size and width of the tundra. Also fuel comsumption gas is going to be easily $4 by end of this year. Just my opinion after all I am new to EXPO.

 

[jim65wagon]

....and as a Tundra owner I say, Tundra. Gas mileage isn't really going to be much different when you're loaded for a trip. The V8 has a lot of torque that the V6 Tacoma misses out on. As for the size, remember; the kids are small today...but they grow...and grow...and grow. My 14 year old wishes we had a DC Tundra, 'cause he's cramped in the back of the Access Cab. Plus the added bed width and length mean an easier time packing for a long trip, five people need a lot of kit to be comfortable on a week long camping trip....unless everyone in your party likes to rough it.

 

[EricBirk]

I have an 02 Taco and a friend of mine has an 04 Tundra both quad cabs, I think his is an 04 anyways.
I love my Taco as it is big enough for what I need, and small enough that I can squeeze it just about anywhere.
I love his Tundra because it has a bit more room, a power rear window (best thing ever!), and it is quite a bit smaller than the average half ton now. I think they are perfectly sized for someone who needs something just a bit bigger.

I honestly cannot think of any reason to get one over the other, other than the overall size. I dont think the mileage is that much different really, especially if you are towing. However, dont quote me on that as I am not too sure.

 

[JCMatthews]

What about...

What about after market support? I see on the ARB website that their bumper is not available for the Tundra DC it is only available for the AC. It can probably be modified to work. Are there better bumpers out there? I really like the ARB. I have test driven the Tundra and do really like it. I have not yet driven the Taco. I might be able to decide better if I were to drive one. We also own a 2001 Expedition. It has been a good family hauler and has a cool suspension option. It has self leveling air ride suspension that also gives it about a 2" lift when in 4 Lo. It however is big and heavy and not a great expo rig. Maybe that is what I base my worries on. If we were to buy the Tundra it would replace the Expedition. If we buy the Taco I am not sure it would be a good family hauler, and then we would have three 4x4's. Or I would have to convince the wife that the Taco would be fine for a few trips to Moab, which she is quite opposed to (taking a newer rig to Moab, she has seen the results).

 

[jim65wagon]

http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/1gen-tundra/188602-let-me-see-your-arb-bumper/

Don't know the details, but maybe if you contact Rambrush on TS he could fill you in; but it is an 06 DC with the Sahara Bar on it...

As for the rest of the aftermarket, there adjustable coilovers (IVD, King, Bilstein etc) Rear Springs (Deaver, Alcan) Skid Row skidplates, rocksliders etc....just about anything you think an expedition vehicle might need. Granted there are way fewer suppliers for Tundra parts over Tacoma parts, but they are there.

I'd replace the Expedition with the big T, haul your family in comfort and style, and still go to Moab....just be a little cautious on your trail choices...

 

[The Adam Blaster]

How tall are you and how tall are your kids?
How tall do you think your kids will be in 3-4 years.
You seem to hang onto vehicles for a long time, make sure to plan ahead for your family's needs. If the Taco and Tundra are your only 2 choices, I say go with the bigger one.

 

[gmcpimpin]

I like the idea of the smaller truck being able to go in tighter places. Please share your thoughts and any pics you have of Tundras that are set up for overlanding and where they can go. Thanks

Keep in mind that the Tacoma is nearly as big as a last (GMT400) generation Chevy Silverado. First time I saw a Tacoma I thought it was a full size truck imo. Very big and roomy.

 

[J-man]

Ive had both - 03 dub cab tacoma, and a 06 dub cab tundra. tacomas are great for 1 or 2 people, and arent that comfortable on long trips. The tundra has plenty space, nice roomy seats, plenty of power on tap, and plenty of aftermarket support.
I'd take another tundra any day of the week.
The v8 is solid and bulletproof. Mileage will be that of a v8 - 13-17 depending on driving style, even with 285's and a mild lift. Once you start to build the tacoma, mileage goes to crap, power is lost, etc...
If your pulling a trailer, and have 3 kids inside + camping.....The tundra is a no brainer. Do it - you wont regret it.

 

[Streakerfreak]

Keep in mind that the Tacoma is nearly as big as a last (GMT400) generation Chevy Silverado. First time I saw a Tacoma I thought it was a full size truck imo. Very big and roomy.

I think you are thinking of the 05+ Tacoma's. The first gens, which is what he is looking at, are roughly the size of a first gen Frontier, S10, and Ranger.

 

[rambrush]

I am here as well.
Yes mine is a 06 dc with arb it is tight but took a little work as the bolt kit was not correct for the 06.
Here are the pictures.
http://www.tundrasolutions.com/gallery/browseimages.php?c=1957&userid=
ARB claims Tundras are slightly different between the 05 & 06 on the front end but I have looked at both and they appear to use the same components.
Mine has been places that are amazing. It is a tad wide and long but hauling the wife and two dogs it is what we need.But its been pretty bullet proof. Gets about 14 mpg 9 if hauling a trailer.

http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/1gen-tundra/188602-let-me-see-your-arb-bumper/

Don't know the details, but maybe if you contact Rambrush on TS he could fill you in; but it is an 06 DC with the Sahara Bar on it...

As for the rest of the aftermarket, there adjustable coilovers (IVD, King, Bilstein etc) Rear Springs (Deaver, Alcan) Skid Row skidplates, rocksliders etc....just about anything you think an expedition vehicle might need. Granted there are way fewer suppliers for Tundra parts over Tacoma parts, but they are there.

I'd replace the Expedition with the big T, haul your family in comfort and style, and still go to Moab....just be a little cautious on your trail choices...

 

[squatch]

i own a 2nd gen taco and my 2 cents get the tundie way more room.very nice rigs.

 

[RU55ELL]

Between the two you listed, Tundra. The first gen DC Tacomas are too small, IMO. I have a second gen DC Tacoma and love it. I'm 6'4" and have a wife and two kids and we travel comfortably. No way on earth I would buy a new Tundra for the trails. Yeah it has a ton of power, but that thing is a boat.

 

[EricBirk]

Between the two you listed, Tundra. The first gen DC Tacomas are too small, IMO. I have a second gen DC Tacoma and love it. I'm 6'4" and have a wife and two kids and we travel comfortably. No way on earth I would buy a new Tundra for the trails. Yeah it has a ton of power, but that thing is a boat.

See I think it just depends on what you want. I specifically avoided the new Taco's because I didnt like how large they had become. I absolutely love how Toyota managed to squeeze as much room as the 1st gen Taco's have in such a small space. From the outside they look like you are sitting on the floor and have no head room, yet there is tons. I came from a 2005 Nissan Frontier KC, and just wanted another 1ft of room. My Taco is perfect for my needs.

 

[RU55ELL]

See I think it just depends on what you want. I specifically avoided the new Taco's because I didnt like how large they had become. I absolutely love how Toyota managed to squeeze as much room as the 1st gen Taco's have in such a small space. From the outside they look like you are sitting on the floor and have no head room, yet there is tons. I came from a 2005 Nissan Frontier KC, and just wanted another 1ft of room. My Taco is perfect for my needs.

If you are small enough to fit in one, then it is fine.