Could it be shorter? Plus, in defense (sort of) of the scoop.

Just some whimsical ramblings before I begin my day . . .

OK, I've had my '17 TRD Sport DC LB AT for just over a month and 1K miles. In context, I've also owned an '07 SR5 DC LB AT and an '01 SR5 AC LB AT.

The '17 is 4" longer and 1" taller than my '07. Feels a little wider, too, but not sure about that. It seems like there's less leg room in the back seat, but don't really know that this has decreased from Gen 2 to Gen 3. It "feels" longer and I've clipped a curb or 2 making right turns at intersections. And parking spaces, whether on the street or in the lots, seem way too small for this truck, both length and width. Maybe my driving skills are decreasing; I wouldn't be the first 67 year old to experience that.

I'm committed to the DC LB, as I sometimes fill the bed with 'stuff' for a vacation or a hunting trip. And, occasionally I'll have backseat passengers for the same reasons, although I'm glad I won't have to sit back there. But if I find this need occurring less with this Gen 3 truck than my previous Gen 2 truck, I might consider going to an Access Cab Short Bed.

What do y'all think are the reasons for the increased length? Seems like a lot of breezy space between the front bumper and the engine compartment.

Finally, I could do without the (faux) scoop, as I'm not into function-less affectations. Probably could do without the oversized TRD decals on the rear fenders, a sophomoric affectation, IMO. I realize that there are solutions to these "problems", but they don't bother me enough to deal with them. Many like the scoop and the decals, so to each his / her own.

But there are other faux features on this truck, like the faux vents beneath the headlights and the oversized wheel wells accentuated in the fender sculpting. It's all just styling.

 

If you don't like the styling of a trd sport why didn't you get the Offroad or even the sr5? Access cab short bed doesn't exist. You can easily remove the bed stickers. I completely debadged my truck, much cleaner look. Larger wheel wells make it so you can fit larger tires on a stock truck.

 

I understand. You make good points. One of my points is that there will always be tradeoffs in a product like a truck. I like my TRD Sport; it's the nicest vehicle I've ever owned.

Just looking for an opportunity to bounce my thoughts / observations off others who care about or own the Tacoma. My wife, my kids, my dog, and most of my friends would yawn if I raised these points with them.

 

Trucks are getting bigger, 2016/17 Tacoma is identical in size/length to my old 1st gen Tundra. The 3rd/2.5 gen Tundra is massive compared to the First gen. Same thing with Ford / Dodge & Chevy.

As for all the space between the rad and grill, probably just styling. But does allow for some interesting engine options if Toyota or Aftermarket ever decide to do something.

The non-functional hood scoop has been part of the Toyota Tacoma/4 runner/(few other models) line up for 2 decades. (Since ~1996) probably longer, I don't think it'll change anytime soon.
I despised the stupid non-arched wheel arches of the 2nd gen Tacoma, thank god they've gone back to a decent arch. As for accentuated, I don't think the plastic fender arches are any wider than the 2nd gen, just better looking.

 

There's a video floating around TW somewhere that's an interview with the engineer in charge of the design team where he talks about this. It has something to do with anticipated government regulations on pedestrian impacts.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-live-q-a-with-chief-engineer-mike-sweers.374320/

Check out 25:40 in the video linked in this thread.