Going From Full Size to Tacoma

Hey All!

Just curious if anyone has gone from a full size truck down to a Tacoma. Wondering what Pros and Cons there are.

I had a 2011 DCLB and traded it for a 2017 Ram 1500. Thinking about getting a 2018 DCLB.

Any thoughts are much appreciated.

 

3rd gen Taco is about the size of 90's F150, if that helps.

 

Did the opposite, new Tacoma is just to underpowered lacking low end power. Traded for an f150 xlt sport with 3.5 ecoboost with the 10 speed. This 10 speed doesn't shift near as much and holds top gear with no problem. The Tacoma loves to be revved up to make power, just the way it's set up. If you don't mind running it hard you won't have any issues.

 

I wouldn't say you have to run it hard but yes, the Tacoma lacks low end especially compared to Ecoboosts and full size v8s.

 

I traded my 2005 F350 Crew Cab SB Powerstroke with an 8 inch lift for a 2018 DCLB OR. It took me a few weeks to get used to sitting so close to the ground but I am very happy with this new truck. The only drawback is with my last truck in heavy traffic, people were more eager to get out of my way when I wanted to change lanes.

 

I traded in my 2016 Ram 1500 Sport for my 2017 Tacoma TRD OR DC. At first I thought that I made a mistake, but I now realize that it was something that I probably should have done sooner. There is no comparison in the power difference between the two, IMO. The Ram had 400 HP and 400 pound feet of torque. After a while though; the Tacoma learned my driving habits, and I also learned how the Tacoma performed. IMO, there is definitely a learning curve to the Tacoma. Now that I have almost 12,000 miles on it, it performs just fine for me. All in all I am very happy with the Tacoma. I do not miss the Ram, other than the heated steering wheel.

Good luck in your decision. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

Also on board with others here. Went from very powerful, large truck (2012 Ram Cummins Crew Cab) to a DCLB TRD Off Road. Just could not justify owning the diesel Ram anymore since I did not need the towing power of the diesel.

Pros: Ease of maneuverability, more ground clearance, better fuel economy, cheaper maintenance and registration

Cons: Of course the power differential is large, but I found myself driving faster at times with the Ram so it's kind of a win/win for me. I'd look down at the speedo and think damn I'd better slow down.

 

I'm not one who went from full size to mid-size, but i did go from a custom tuned, slightly modified 2012 Mustang GT that made >400hp and 6 speed manual... I loved that car, but needed something with a bed... looked at Ram 1500, F150, GM full size and mid size... I found that what the Tacoma offered was exactly what I wanted... It did take me about a 2 weeks to get used to the drop in torque and ease of passing ANYONE on the highway without even dropping a gear... but once I did, it has been a pleasure to drive my Tacoma ever sense and I love it. I do wonder what the new Ranger FX4 will be like, but I'll hold out being envious until more info comes out and I test drive one.

 

Ask yourself what will you use truck for?
What are you looking for in a truck?

 

I did the opposite, kind of. After driving my Tacoma for 6 years, I needed more excitement in my drive, so I picked up a ‘12 GT as a second car. Now I’d like to trade into a Tundra for a little more luxury and power, but I’m afraid I’ll miss the sports car. So probably I’ll keep building the taco and keep the Mustang as my nice weather commuter.

 

I traded a 5.7L Tundra 4x4 Limited for a Taco TRD OR. As others have said, there are pros and cons to both. My observations:

Tundra:
-Better for towing
-Better highway drivability (smoother ride, more power, more stable)
-Rock-solid build quality

Taco:
-Easier to drive in the city
-Easier to drive and more capable off-road
-5 mpg better average gas mileage.
-Personally I like the looks of the 3rd Gen Taco over any generation Tundra.

 

2011 4 door F-150 FX4. Power goes to FX4. Ride, comfort and sound, goes to FX4 easy. MPG, 5.0 in the FX4, Taco wins by a slim margin. Off Road the FX4 stock vs Taco TRD Sport 4x4, FX4 wins in most situations. That being said, I love this truck and wouldn't trade it straight across for an FX4. I have now logical reason to base my opinion on. I just love this truck.

 

Went from a titan pro4x to a taco ease of DD is great so is the mileage miss the power, room, comfort but would do it again no issues

 

I agree 100% with this. I had 3 tundras and they are nice

 

So, I currently have two trucks. One is purely a work truck - It is a 2013 F-150 XLT. It’s an alright truck overall, but it’s always stuffed full of parts and tools. If I want to take someone anywhere in that truck, I have to take 10 minutes to clear out the passenger seat. This gets really old really fast, so i bought a secondary vehicle for when I’m not working.

That’s where my Tacoma comes in. It’s a Pro, so it’s about as tall as my F-150, but smaller in every other dimension... I actually like that aspect with two exceptions: ingress and egress. The seats are not up/down adjustable and the steering wheel has a very limited adjustment range. My thighs are huge, and I haven’t found a natural way to get in without pinching the right leg and hitting my head yet - which I don’t even have to think about in my F150, or even my wife’s 4Runner. Once I’m in the seat, I’m very comfortable, though. (I’m about 5’11” 260)

Part of why I bought this truck over a Raptor is *because* of it’s smaller size. PA is not known for its sprawling deserts, and the backroads tend to be narrow: Advantage smaller truck.

I will also say that the Tacoma’s make great use of space for interior storage!

 

Yep the, in cab, storage goes the the Taco!

 

I feel the biggest issue to me from the Tundras ive owned is the comfort. I am ok without the power and room for this is plenty big for me and wife. We don't have any kids around and it is me by myself 90% of time and other 10% is wife and I or me and friend. Don't tow anymore or at least nothing of size. Just wont go without a truck. I need the 4x4 and need to get to some back road areas to fish and be able to commute even in snow to get to work. I actually prefer this size truck after all the big trucks ive owned including couple 3/4 ton lifted diesels and half tons.