Is the Tacoma the best midsize truck? - new member

Hi everyone,

I am new to this site, and am going to be purchasing a midsize truck soon. I have driven the Tacoma, the new Frontier, the Ranger, Ridgeline... pretty much everything except the GM twins.
I drive 90 miles/day on the highway, and need a rig for weekend projects and on a occasion a landscape trailer. I want to find something that will last, will be reliable, and is comfortable on the freeway.

I have read too many things now, and am questioning the reliability and daily "livability" of the Tacoma because of the engine / transmission combo. Also, I am 6'3" and I haven't driven a Tacoma on a long trip, and wondered whether this would be a good daily driver given the amount of time I spend in a vehicle each day.

Any perspectives would be appreciated, and would love to know how the Tacoma compares to any other truck you have owned.

 

Even with the criticism of the 3.5/tranny combo, the Tacoma will still be as reliable as any of the other offerings, but also hold it's value the best. So that alone, makes it the best choice when commuting/racking up miles. When I bought my '14 I was doing a similar commute to work. It held up and did everything I needed and still got a decent return when I traded it in with over 150k on it. Now I have a 3rd gen and plan on keeping it a long time. I do not have that same commute now, however.

 

I like mine a lot. I have a 2021 DC SR5. I have a KDMax tune on it which pretty much removes the transmission issues. I'm about your height and it's comfortable for me, but you probably aren't gonna get an adult comfortably in the seat behind you. YMMV...

 

A full size might be a better option for you with your described use. Bigger, more comfortable, tow better, etc. Pretty sure you can see 25mpg with some full size trucks which would be nice for your long commute. I've never seen better than about 19mpg with the tacoma even when it was stock.

 

The Taco has a comfortable, but cozy cab (high standard ground clearance and low roof). I'm 6ft and enjoy it on long trips. Given your size and use, I'd look harder at the Ridgeline.

 

I have found that it's best to buy the truck you want first, then join the online vehicle "enthusiast" forum. Otherwise you will never buy another vehicle ever!

 

What kind of 6'3" build are you? I'm just about 6 2" and find it very comfortable and have the moonroof option but am also a fairly thin person at 185. You may want to aim for the non-premium for the slightly added ceiling height but have never noticed a single problem.

One thing i enjoy about this truck is its incredibly easy and comfortable to drive for long distances. I bought mine and drove home 10 hours and it felt great. 2 weeks later did a 5 hour trip hauling about 700 pounds and it was nice and comfortable unlike my old Tacoma. My mid 70's parents commented on how smooth it felt last weekend and Untruck-like.

New Frontier looks promising, just personally never been a fan of Nissan and only interested in American trucks in 3/4 and full size options which aren't needed.

 

I'd have to agree with your assessment..

Especially if OP has any kind of back/hip pain that gets aggravated by driving. I've had bouts of it over the last few years, and anything over about an hour or so on the road would leave me in a fair amount of discomfort.
The stock sport suspension and hard seats probably played a role lol. Since I'm 6'2" with longish legs, there's a very narrow window where the seat adjustment is "in the zone".

 

Stick with the Ranger. Far better truck and more reliable and better resale value.

 

I own a Tacoma but have driven a Ridgeline on several 400 + mile daily trips. Honda has much better ride, comfort, practicality, fuel economy, power characteristics, etc. Overall a much nicer vehicle.

 

Keep in mind much of what you read here relates to a small number of owners who have encountered glitches with their Tacos. Many of those glitches can be tied to mods that they've done and not with a 'pure' stock Taco. There are far more Taco owners out there who do NOT have an issues with their trucks. One does not see as many posts here from those owners.
My first small pickup was a Chevy Luv. 4 cyl 4x4 utilitarian version. Made by Isuzu. Was nowhere near as long-lived as every Taco since. Basic POS after 80K miles on New England roads. Functionally fine, but durability was lacking.
I'm now on my 4th Toyota pickup. My previous Taco was an '06 TRD OR AC. Had it for 15 years and 127K miles. No serious issues other than a frame that Toyota graciously replaced for me.
Now own a '21 TRD OR AC. The evolution of technology in these trucks has been a challenge for me. I could probably be labelled as a Libertarian driver - don't like my vehicle doing stuff that I, as a good driver, should be able to handle. But comfort-wise it's a great truck. At 6'-3 you should avoid any Taco with a sun/moon roof as the headliner is a bit lower. Guess that'll depend on whether your height is from long legs or from a long torso. Yes, the auto does shift a lot. Mostly to satisfy the gov'ment's fuel and emissions standards. But the current 3.5V6 is vastly different than the previous 4.0V6 - its power band is narrower and at higher RPMs, so consequently the tranny tries to stay within that 'ideal' band. That took some adjustment on my part.
I have no regrets about this truck. It suits my needs and is a comfortable truck to drive. Can't wait for a 'Real' winter to see how it does.
Hope this insight helps in your decision process.

 

Ridgeline if your trailer is a 1000 pound 5x7 or smaller.

Tacoma or Colorado if you need to tow midsize trailers.

Tacoma is the least comfortable on the highway but it is the most general-purpose "tick all boxes" utilitarian, IMO.

Also IMO, Tacoma has some of the best interior dashboard ergonomics out of the bunch, and the most useful rear seat configuration. I don't particularly find the driver's seat uncomfortable, but it isnt the most plush either.

 

I just got over a left knee thing. It would get angry being in one position for a long time, which worried me for a long trip that I was going to do. Thankfully, I was able to do full tank stints comfortably.

You are right though, the Taco has a very small zone where things can be properly adjusted and comfortable. Given that, it is crazy that there is so little steering adjustment. It should minimally be triple of what is there.

 

I love my Tacoma and at a gentleman's 5'7" fit nicely in the cab with plenty of room. My wife is about 5'4" and she complains about the low seating position on even moderate road trips so it just comes down to personal preference.

Serious question,why didn't you take a look at the Colorado or Canyon? Both offer a better seating position than the tacoma. And both have similar tow ratings as well.

Just going off of what your uses will be, the GM trucks will most likely meet your needs.

I agree about the miles though, those truck will depreciate fast when compared to the Toyota, especially with high milage so depends on what you want more. Day to day comfort vs. Resale...

 

I am oddly proportioned with short legs and long upper body. Stand 6'1" but sit easy 3" taller than people of similar standing height. I have had my truck for 4 years and have put 54,000kms behind the wheel. I even have the sunroof. My head does touch the roof at times and the sunvisor is useless to me, but it is something I am used to in most vehicles. I still find the truck comfortable and easy to drive. Even on the long trips down to Oregon or into the mountains of Central B.C. I am very happy with my choice.

Good luck with your choice

 

When I was shopping for a mid sized truck last November, all the other trucks interior quality and design seemed very dated and poor imo. The Ranger was decent but almost felt like I was sitting in a Ford Fusion.

A ton of issues you see on here has been resolved with the late '20 and pretty much all '21 models; tranny shift points, leading 3rd brake light etc.. I have a '21 and had none of the gripes on this forum. Only thing if I really had to criticize would be the steering wheel, if it telescoped a couple inches out more, that would be perfect. However that is a very minor thing and maybe because my legs are awfully long.

Overall, I love the Taco and had no second thoughts since I picked it up. Though that '22 Tundra does look appealing if I ever wanted to go into a full sized.

 

Imo, this 2020 tacoma i have is the best truck i've had since my 2001 tundra...maybe better. The fuel mileage certainly is.

 

I’m 6’3”, 300lbs and fit fine in my taco, but I don’t have a sunroof.

 

I had not considered that. Any recommendations on full size that might do better than the Tacoma?

 

I can see what you mean by that. Seems like people come to these forums because they are either an enthusiast, or they've had a bad experience... and the 90% don't pay attention to these forums...