Tundra ➡️ Tacoma

I currently own a 2019 Tundra Crewmax but after owning it for a while found that the truck size is not practical for my everyday use. I have done extensive research and have thought about downsizing to the awesome Tacomas. The one thing i enjoy a lot on my Tundra is the ride height stock or even leveled. So i was wondering what would it take to transform a stock 3RD Gen Tacoma’s ride height into a stock Tundra’s ride height? Thanks

 

Please, PLEASE, go to the dealer and take multiple LONG test drives. Not just the 5 minute, dealer loop, test drives. Get it out on the highway, on hills, in traffic. Adjust the seat so you are comfortable. Got kids? Put them in the back and see if they actually fit.

 

Size isn't the biggest difference you'll notice when going from Full size to mid size, your low end torque and towing capacity are drastically decreased too, just something to note if you can live with it.

 

You will be going backwards IMHO. You will be going from a butterysmooth V8 drivetrain to a V6 with an automatic transmission that is anything BUT smooth.

 

Everyone above me is correct, go for a long test drive.
The size of the Tacoma if you’re tall is a bit of a pain to some people. I’m 5,8 so I don’t really mind. Back seats are pretty horrible as well. Almost everyone I’ve had back there tells me to move my seat up and I do not gangster lean at all. I’ve driven both tundra and Tacoma before I bought and the Tacoma has been my choice. But I looked at a lot more things than just size. You’ll love the taco, but make sure you fit in it well. Going down in size is rough.

 

What are you going to do with all the money you save on gas?

(Hint: spend it on mods that destroy the Tacoma’s MPGs so you are right back at Tundra level thirsty.)

Good luck with your decision OP. Tacoma is a great truck. I’m not a fan of the Tundra, but many people dig them.

 

All of the above is good advice and concerns moving from full size truck. However, also take the time to appreciate the benefits of a smaller and more practical truck. Good luck with your decision.

 

Yeah I love my taco but I'm 6'2" and it can get a bit cramped in there. The back seat behind me is basically non existent. This is probably the last mid size truck I'll ever buy. I also lifted my truck about 2 inches and put bigger tires on it and I've been getting about 15 mpgs lol. If I could do it again I'd go with the stock tundra

 

I like my Taco just fine. That being said, it doesn't have the grunt of the Tundra. If you go buy one after being told this, don't come here and complain about the lack of power.

 

I went the other way.

 

Welcome!

100% agree. I'm just a suburban homeowner jagoff, I don't need a full size for anything.
As others have said, take an extensive test drive/tryout period. The Tacoma is not just a down-scaled Tundra.
If you're not planning on doing any heavy off-roading, a mild spacer lift would suit you fine. A lot of people here think if you don't build your truck to tackle Moab, then you're wasting your money. Don't let that mentality get to you.

 

Facts. I didn’t realize how bad the stock automatic transmissions were until a few weeks after buying mine

 

I went from a 2014 Ram 1500 that I bought new to a 2019 Tacoma this passed December. Don't regret the decision at all. Do I miss certain things about the full-size? Yes, but I also appreciate the Tacoma in more ways. I've always liked the tacomas and my 1500 was at 160k miles and needed some work. You can't really compare them since the Ram had much more power and torque but for my lifestyle the Tacoma makes much more sense. If I had a family or hauled more than just myself around I would have stuck with another Ram 1500.

But I really think you should take an extended test drive. I took a tacoma out for about 4 hours to get a feel for it.

 

You may miss the full power rear window. I know I would...

I've got no complaints with my Taco, and it literally just fits in my garage

 

I previously had a 2016 Tundra CrewMax, great truck. But if you are ever going to have to put car seats in the back, stick with the crewmax. Rear seat space is extremely small in the Tacoma once car seats show up. I have a Tacoma double cab, and with one rear facing car seat, the front passenger seat is cramped to put it mildly. Otherwise, Tacoma is a great every day truck- easy to park, quick enough, and much better MPG than a Tundra.

 

The Tacoma is the top pick for the typical suburban jagoff
I went from a Ram 1500 and yes it takes getting used to the size difference but in my case I didn't need to tow 10k pounds and I didn't need seating for 6. It is easier to get around in and park and the mileage difference is big. Like everyone said decide what you need for your lifestyle and test drive it.

 

Tacoma is a great truck for the average person, I’d agree with the back seat is limited, normal towing, hauling all good. I must have a unicorn, I’ve seen no issues with the transmission.

 

OP: Just get a Ridgeline and be done with it. For your mission it would be perfect. Seriously. Tacoma's are ok, but they have some significant warts and are a decade + old design. Drum brakes, crappy mileage, weak, gutless engines and a bipolar transmissions. I couldn't imagine downgrading from a Tundra to a Tacoma.

 

If the Tundra would have fit in my garage I'd have bought that instead. My Tacoma only has about 4" to spare so I use 2x4's to make sure I don't smash into the garage wall in front but still can get the door down.

 

I went from a 2008 Tundra 5.7 DC Auto to a 2020 Tacoma TRD OR DCSB. These are apples to oranges comparisons. If you need a big truck, get the Tundra (Or a Chevy etc). If you need a midsize truck than consider the Tacoma. The Tundra drives MUCH, MUCH better than the Tacoma. The Tundra feels like a luxury vehicle compared to the Tacoma in terms of ride and overall feel. But the Tundra was a a pain to park, I averaged about 12-13mpg city driving (17 highway) and I no longer need the towing capability. VERY different trucks.