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Tundra downsize to Tacoma??

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Wahayes, Oct 13, 2021.

  1. Oct 13, 2021 at 11:45 PM
    #1
    Wahayes

    Wahayes [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hi new here , same name over on tundras.com . I am considering downsizing from my 2017 tundra to a 2018 tacoma . I'd like to know if anyone has made the switch and what should I know about the tacoma ahead of time?? I am an offroader and have started to find the tundra too big. How capable is the tacoma and how big of tires do you need on it to be capable offroad ? The rig I'm looking at is on 285s and has a camper , trd package. I live in Utah and wheel alot. I think in order to go the next level I need something more nimble. Thoughts?

    Correction it's a 2020 not 2018.

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    Last edited: Oct 13, 2021
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  2. Oct 14, 2021 at 12:38 AM
    #2
    Superdave1.0

    Superdave1.0 Grandma Dave

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    Tacoma is stellar offroad. I would test drive the crap out of it though. Then test drive it some more. Low end acceleration is much slower. Cabin is noticeably smaller than a Tundra. Tacomas are priced higher than ever.

    I used to own a 2018 Tacoma. Have you considered a 4runner or a GX?
     
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  3. Oct 14, 2021 at 1:17 AM
    #3
    toyotahenry

    toyotahenry N/A

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    I went from a Tundra to a Tacoma.. let’s say i looked back plenty of times lol
     
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  4. Oct 14, 2021 at 3:22 AM
    #4
    Tacomaryan18

    Tacomaryan18 Well-Known Member

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    I went from a 2012 Tundra to a 2018 Tacoma Limited. I was tired of lugging the Tundras bulk around everywhere I went, though it was an exceptional truck. The Tacoma has been very good also, it’s easier to toss around and bring into the city. I don’t off road, but I use the bed for around the house stuff and that has been big enough so far. It was far to small for a camping trip last summer and the cabin is cramped with any passengers. I believe the Tundra is a more solid truck with better for and finish. The Tacoma is a quirky little truck and like someone else said, test drive the hell out of it and test drive again, then give it at least a year to grow on you. I look back at my Tundra longingly at times, but overall I don’t regret the downsize. I e been eyeballing the new for 22 Tundra, but it just seems so big and over styled, basically the opposite of what appears to me about the Tacoma. Good luck in this automotive market.
     
    Wahayes[OP] likes this.
  5. Oct 14, 2021 at 3:59 AM
    #5
    Paddy1337

    Paddy1337 Well-Known Member

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    The drivability of the two are totally different. The feel and behavior of the V8+trans in the tundra and the little V6+trans of Tacoma. Seriously different experience driving them around.
     
    bzzr2 likes this.
  6. Oct 14, 2021 at 4:02 AM
    #6
    neatoneto

    neatoneto Well-Known Member

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    316ED633-4AC9-41AC-B6BF-17D8AFD9C821.jpg

    Wanna trade?
     
  7. Oct 14, 2021 at 4:42 AM
    #7
    MuleyCrazy13

    MuleyCrazy13 Well-Known Member

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    you don’t like your Tacoma? I think your truck looks awesome!
     
  8. Oct 14, 2021 at 4:43 AM
    #8
    GOTSAND?18

    GOTSAND?18 Well-Known Member

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    For off-roading the Tacoma is great . Street use it’s a slug .
     
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  9. Oct 14, 2021 at 4:45 AM
    #9
    windsor

    windsor Just a guy

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    Homeless in Oregon
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    Canopy, fitted seat covers, OBA with self leveling air bags, 100w solar, dual Rhino Rack Pioneer platforms, side & rear LED work/FU lights, CB, cell booster. 7x16 cargo conversion, 3" lift, 7'x6.5' fold down aluminum rear deck.
    Given any thought to getting a toy instead? Something you can modify cheaply and not get too upset if you end up rubbing or lay it on its side?
     
  10. Oct 14, 2021 at 5:03 AM
    #10
    neatoneto

    neatoneto Well-Known Member

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    I absolutely love this thing but that 2020 Tundra will be the last of the great giants. I love that 5.7 V8.
     
  11. Oct 14, 2021 at 5:15 AM
    #11
    Telkins88

    Telkins88 Well-Known Member

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    I went from a Tundra to a Tacoma.
    Tundra is more refined, more powerful, and more roomy.
    Tacoma is more fun to drive, easier to maneuver, better off road, and gets a few MPG more.
    I liked my Tundra, but a Tacoma is a better fit for me (and my garage.)
     
  12. Oct 14, 2021 at 5:36 AM
    #12
    Marshall R

    Marshall R Well-Known Member

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    It depends on your needs. This really shouldn't be a hard decision. If you NEED the size, power, towing and hauling capability of the Tundra you need it and the Tacoma is completely unsuited. If you don't need it, the Tacoma is a great choice. Tacoma's have really limited payload capacity. It is easy to overload one and while they advertise 6500 lb towing capability that ain't happening in the real world. Around 4000-4500 lbs is a more realistic limit.

    Not a Tundra, but I drove full size trucks most of my life simply because a Tacoma was too small and underpowered for my needs. After my youngest graduated high school and moved out I traded my 2002 F150 Supercrew 4X4 for the 2007 DC 4X4 Tacoma. For a number of years it was perfect and I had no 2nd thoughts.

    But by 2016 I had several grandkids and plans to purchase a travel trailer. The Tacoma wasn't suitable. At the time I had 2 options. I could have traded my 9 year old Tacoma on a new 1/2 ton truck, or keep the Tacoma and buy a 2 year old used 1/2 ton truck. It was pretty much the same money out of pocket either way. We chose to keep the Tacoma as a 3rd vehicle and I bought a 2014 F150 4X4 crew cab. I really looked hard at Tundra at the time, but found no suitable used 2014's so Ford was my 2nd option. It has been great so I have no regrets.

    Having both I can say the full size is far more comfortable, it has a lot better towing and hauling capability and fuel mileage is within 1 mpg on the road. About 2 mpg worse for everyday driving. At this point I drive the Tacoma more often for local driving, hauling off trash, and hunting locally. But the big truck gets more miles on it. I use it for longer trips and towing the travel trailer.

    Not everyone is in a position where having both is an option. If I had to choose one, I'd stay with a 1/2 ton.
     
  13. Oct 14, 2021 at 5:38 AM
    #13
    Sungod

    Sungod Well-Known Member

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    I went from truck to tacoma to tacoma to 4 runner to tundra to tacoma. I don't think I will ever go back to a Tundra unless I decide to become a construction worker. It was too big, got horrible mileage, felt cheap inside, fewer features, a hassle to park, etc. The only thing I liked about it was the interior space when I had more than 2 in the cab.
     
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  14. Oct 14, 2021 at 6:02 AM
    #14
    Wahayes

    Wahayes [OP] Well-Known Member

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    ........I already have a toy lol I don't think wifey would approve another :burnrubber::anonymous:



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  15. Oct 14, 2021 at 6:03 AM
    #15
    MuleyCrazy13

    MuleyCrazy13 Well-Known Member

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    I hear ya! I think about getting rid of mine sometimes, but then I go drive it again and remember why I love it.
     
  16. Oct 14, 2021 at 6:13 AM
    #16
    Wahayes

    Wahayes [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yea my needs have changed over the years. When I bought my tundra, we had two kids at home, I towed ALOT between Texas and Utah, and I towed heavier than the tacoma could probably do. Since then though, one kid has graduated, and I don't have the towing needs and it mainly serves 3 purposes now, trash hauler, offroader, and daily driver. I love my tundra , but living in utah I do alot of offroading in my free time on my days off (I have awesome trails 45 min from my house). I may need to go test drive it. Market is crazy but the toyota dealer I bought my tundra from has two tacomas that I like, one brand new trd with a stick shift, and the 2020 trd with the camper and 33s...... decisions decisions.
     
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  17. Oct 14, 2021 at 6:14 AM
    #17
    Toyko Joe

    Toyko Joe Here for the pictures

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    I went 2007 5.7L Tundra Double Cab 8’ bed to 2014 Tacoma regular cab 2.7L both 4x4.

    For me when I did it, it was a good choice as my life was simple and I could fit everything I owned into the truck and my small enclosed trailer. I was only in the Tacoma for 3 years then I moved to a Subaru Outback as my wife and I had one car only.

    Life changes and now we only have one automobile again, we do the best to figure out what’s upcoming and make the best decision at the time.


    Real question is why do you want to downsize (how much of your driving time [hours] is spent off road?)? How will downsizing look in 3;6;8 years from now?
     
  18. Oct 14, 2021 at 6:14 AM
    #18
    Wahayes

    Wahayes [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That looks perfect !! Haha
     
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  19. Oct 14, 2021 at 6:18 AM
    #19
    Toyko Joe

    Toyko Joe Here for the pictures

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    Your toy looks like fun, maybe it’s time for SUV instead of a truck? I agree with @Superdave1.0
     
  20. Oct 14, 2021 at 6:19 AM
    #20
    Wahayes

    Wahayes [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I spend about 8 hours once a week offroad. Sometimes more of I go camping over a weekend , and usually one major trip a year that's a week or more. Sometimes with a family member but usually just me and the dog. My wife has car as well and generally we use hers most of the time for family stuff
     

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