Small trucks are slowly getting bigger and bigger

Yea, I had my top off but my front on going on a road trip one day with the kids in the back, they will never let me forget about how they were soaked. They like to bitch about it I see it as a good memory and story to tell

 

Did that to my ex girlfriend and her friend lol

 

My stepdaughter was pissed at me for bringing her in it on her first date while it was misting outside. If that dude doesn’t like you in misting weather then he’s probably gay

 

Had my 2015 DCLB parked next to my Dad's 2001 extended cab S10. It looked like a piss ant sitting next to my truck.

 

No idea what you're talking about.

 

Thought I heard somewhere that the larger size allowed manufacturers to get around stricter emission requirements for new vehicles

 

My first truck was a 2000 Chevrolet S10 Extended Cab. My ‘17 Tacoma DCSB feels like a cargo ship compared to the S10. I admit I feel safer driving the Tacoma, but I sometimes miss the small statue and maneuverability of the S10.

 

Not gonna lie, I would have gotten a Colorado over a Tacoma if they didn't get so damn huge.

 

Topkek

 

People are bigger.

 

No love for the offroad capability?

 

I disagree, and I usually agree with you.........

1st Gen Miatas had excellent crumple zones. Seen many hard hits where the cabin was safely intact and the rest unrecognizable. Front airbags too.

Had a '93 Accord hit super hard in the front, could still open the doors and the windshield was intact.

Good engineering doesn't always require bigger.

Which we kinda sorta have. The Tacoma is equal to the full size of not long ago in size, but with mid size (think '90s Sonoma) load capacity and power.

Every gen of everything bloats.

Look at early Datsun 240 Zs swelling to 350's. Accords & Civics. Subaru Outbacks.

Even my '04 Highlander is smaller than my 5 lug (no less) Tacoma. I'd never buy a new Highlander. Just too big for our needs. Besides, the new RAV4 is the same size as my old Highlander...........

And we could go on and on.

Bigger butts, more cupholders, more consumer tech and good marketing contribute to bigger vehicles too. "I need a rolling sofa for my truck"

 

I agree OP. Toyota needs to shrink the Tacoma... Even the gen 2's are WAY too big for a mini pickup. I wouldn't be able to justify buying a new Tacoma vs. a 1/2 ton, especially since the prices are damn-near equal now.

The Tacomas are getting bigger and the engines are shrinking in displacement and the prices continue to climb Haha, don't get me started.

 

I did have a 2016 sport. I just traded it in Monday at the dealer. I know it's not that big of a truck compared to the full size, but for me
hard to maneuver in parking spots. Hard to see where the corner of truck is, for me at least. The truck ran fine, and already had the
differential replaced. Now I'm in a small SUV.

 

I'm sure CAFE standards play in to it... I've been told that is why RAM and Dodge are separate brands now. Smaller vehicles make it harder for the larger vehicles when they have to comply with an average emission standard. When the better sellers are the bigger vehicles, In rams case their heavy towing capacity fleet type trucks they arent going to make the smaller trucks that require their larger trucks to be weakened to comply with an average.

 

Ok

 

Yeah, I remember getting caught in the ran in my Jeep many a time in the summer and being almost hypothermic by the time I got home.

 

This is why I am keeping my Gen 1.

 

It's definitely true all trucks have gotten bigger from previous years, but if you're coming from a 15 Tundra like me which is like driving a beached Whale!! then you're Tacoma will feel like you're a little sports car.. This truck is so much more fun to drive!! I whip this thing around like nothing lol.... The Tundra is a Beast for Power and Tork if you need it to tow a house!! but this little Tacoma is so much more nimble, fun and practicle for me it was a no brainier.,.

 

Here is an old post with size comparison of a 1st gen, 2nd gen, 3rd gen and also a 04 Tundra:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ever-expanding-taco.497473/

My son in law has a 03 tundra and when I park my 17 DCOR next to it they are almost the same size.