Why Only Toyotas For Extreme Off-Roading?

Did you say identical?, no my friend!, Toyota off roading is a legend. The Tacoma has the same DNA, pedigree whatever you want to call it. The others are just wannabes !, ok...jeep does trace it's roots in WW2...!, you can also add to the legendary trio...Land Rover...that's about it. I'm talking legendary!

 

I was lucky enough to get a great price on my triple locked Land Cruiser when i bought it in 2011. Solid axle front, 35's fit on stock suspension, and other great items. Though Tacomas are capable to be use for "extreme off roading" whatever you consider that, with enough money you can make any truck an extreme off roader. I've seen Ford Crown Vic's and minivans off roading. So with a thread asking an opinion on a Tacoma you'll get Tacoma recommendations. Want to extreme offroad properly, buy a solid axle front end vehicle. With that said, the previous owner neglected the engine and I'm in the process of doing a timing chain. Not an easy job. If you want to see IFS off roading done right, these guys, in my opinion, know their stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs-vWZu3t2ky3oImX83S_2Q

 

Do you want a apple or a lemon ... ?

 

you can bust HUGE air in a Tacoma!

 

Obligatory

 

If I were going to get something for “extreme off roading” and had the money I would be looking at a Gladiator Rubicon. But Tacoma’s have successfully traveled all over the world.

 

To really muddy your waters: you didn't mention the Ranger Tremor. It's a new trim that moves it closer to the Ranger Raptor we don't get here.

 

That never gets old. 4-5 years old and makes me smile every time

 

Extreme offroading? Yeah...I'm buying the best tow vehicle for a UTV or buggy.

 

Very true, there's now the Ranger Tremor. Would this compete directly with the Tacoma?

 

Damn, Bison is a pretty cool and appropriate name for a truck. How did it take this long for that name to get used?

Maybe it has been used before?

Of course the badging would be more expensive but “American Buffalo” would be pretty cool too.

 

I won't speak to the off road capabilities, but whenever folks talk about the latest Ranger do this for me. Compare the bed height to the Tacoma and Ranger. Ask yourself if you want to easily be able to access the bed from the side. Its much easier to access the bed with the Tacoma. The Ranger is too high imo. Sure if someone lifted the Tacoma you would have the same concerns, but I highly suggest bed access be part of the many decision points.

 

Suzuki Samurai.



I never fully understood taking out a bank loan for a bashing toy. Trucks are great for light offroading. Small engines that can be bought and repaired for cheap are better for serious off-roading.

 

The Colorado is nice. I like the idea of the bison being off road ready right out of the box. On the other hand consumer reports says it’s the least reliable vehicle you can buy. I think the ranger is still going through some growing pains and needs another couple of years. You can beat the Toyota reliability drum all you want but these 3rd gens are still relatively new and you won’t know their true reliability for another five years at least. Some of them are already getting frame recalls. If you’re buying a $45k truck for extreme off roading obviously money is not an issue so buy one and just try it. If you don’t like it get another brand.

 

The video with sound is amazing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ3Km4pEff0

 

Reliability.

There’s a reason people going to the middle of nowhere bring a Toyota and it’s not it’s off road chops, it’s the probability of having an issue being lower (not zero), that’s all.

If you want extreme off road, fast or slow, build a custom truggy.

If you want to have the least repair bills, get a Toyota.

We go to pretty remote places several times a year. If you’re just driving it to work it’s less likely to be a major issue for you, get whatever you want.

That said, 2015 was the last year of the Tacoma

 

Yup. A lot of people complain about the 'lack' of tech, options, creature comforts, etc in these trucks. But those folks come and go on this forum. Those of us that hang around for a while appreciate the fact that these trucks are not overly complicated and there is a definite focus on quality and longevity, over the "bling" factor that those other folks are after.

Now, as far as "extreme offroading" I kind of think it comes down to what mods you do. The aftermarket is pretty extensive for Tacomas because they are popular, but if you are talented enough I think you can make just about anything into a very capable rig. Oh, and of course you need deeeeeep pockets. But you already know that if you are looking at AEV crap.

 

AEV crap? I take it you don't think they build good stuff for off-roading?