100% getting a Tacoma. 100% not sure what kind.

It’s time for a new Tacoma. I’ve known Toyotas all my life; day one from my old man. My wife and I want to start a family soon, and want a brand new truck to have in the family forever.


I know it’ll be a Tacoma, though I am just not sure which trim. I’ve been dead set on an Off Road for a few years, but I’m now starting to consider a lower trim for a few reasons. (SR or SR5 — there was the SR5 Trail, but that now moved up to “higher” than the OR.)


Mainly, I have been in a 3rd Gen 4Runner for the past 25 years of my life. I’ve never owned anything newer; always feel weird driving any “new” trucks. I ONLY know old trucks. This being so, I won’t really miss all the bells, whistles, and gadgets — mainly because I genuinely won’t know what I’m missing. However, I’m sure there are many quality of life things to be had in the higher trim that I’m not fully aware of.


Secondly, I know I’m going to upgrade it. Even if I promise that I won’t, I still will. Now, not to the point of full on trail rig, or expedition overlander (I can say this with certainty as I’ll move my 4R to be the main off-roader.), but just a little lift and bigger tires, engine stuff, interior stuff.


Affordability in comparison to the different trims isn’t an issue; I can afford the OR, just wondering if it might be “better” to get the SR5 if I know for certain that I’ll replace the suspension. I DO want a locker. I DO want a nice interior with nice seats and speakers. I DO want LED headlights. I don’t care about super fancy, latest and greatest things, but at the same I would notice a dumbed down version like a smaller headunit/center console of the SR than the OR.


What do y’all think?


edit: how do we actually feel about the Trail? I was pretty interested before, but as now it’s become more than the OR… meh… Seems not worth it anymore.

edit2: where may I find something to help me decipher all of the different “package” options? i.e. when you’re building a Tacoma on toyota.com, there’s the technology package, advanced technology package, advanced with options, and “TRD Premium Off-Road Package (Double Cab A/T) with options.” There are entirely too many choices and subtle differences and the website’s UI is not helpful.

 

If you want a locker and leather you have to get a TRD Off Road Premium or a TRD Pro. The Trail gets the locker, but cannot get leather. Those are the only 3 that get the locker.

For the packages click the "View all details" in the builder on any package and it gives a breakdown.







If you are planning on kids you better go for the double cab, and even then car seats are going to suck.

 

DC for sure — wouldn’t even consider anything else. I have clicked on the the “View All Details,” but it’s still confusing sadly.

 

If you are looking at a growning family.... buy a tundra

 

Well, what part is confusing you. Pick one item that you don't understand and I'll see if I can clarify if for you. Then we can move to the next item. I'm working nights and it's slow, so I've got time to burn and would be happy to help.

 

We’re going to have more vehicles for sure. My wife has a car and I will still have my 4Runner. I’ve had my heart set on a Tacoma forever. I also don’t personally love the look of the new Tundra’s unless they have at least 33’s on them. (Buying a used 2nd Gen isn’t out of the question, but it would need to have ridiculously low miles; and asking for that just may be ridiculous, lol.)

 

Just saying, Tacoma is a small truck. If you all want to be comfortable... then get a tundra. I've owned a couple of tacomas and really wishing had the extra space most of the time, and I only have 1 kid and wife

 

From your description of things you want the SR5 is out, and the OR is available with a locker, leather and LED headlights. Check out the inventory on dealer websites in your area and that'll give you an idea about what's commonly available. It can take a while to get what you want, so be patient and good luck!




.

 

You’re a gem! Thank you for your offer. I’m just confused as there’s so many options, and one option package can contain the entirety of a lower one, or some of a lower but not all.

Is there any one package that pretty much everyone goes with?

 

Thank you. I’ll get to checking! I see you have an AG ‘22? I thought they stopped making that color last year. I wish they kept it — it’s easily my favorite color. So my eyes are still out for a nearly new one..

 

Any 4x4 version of the Tacoma is perfect.


At times I wish I had a Limited and other times I wish to have an SR 4x4 with no flares .

I love them all!

 

You’re not wrong. Though I’m worried the Tundra would be too big when we’re not all loading up. Also the wife being able to (comfortably) drive the truck is a consideration, too.

Also, Tundra’s can be quite a bit more…

 

I can't speak for what people go with, but it may be easier to come at this from your must have options. I'll give you a numbered list, and you tell me what are must haves. This isn't a comprehensive list, but it should have enough to point out the proper trim/package for you.

1. Leather/Softex Interior
2. Manual Transmission
3. Automatic Transmission
4. 6 foot bed
5. Premium Sound
6. LED Head Lights
7. Blind Spot Monitoring
8. Rear Locker
9. 4x4
10. 360°/Bird's eye camera
11. Parking Sonar Sensors

 

I am not trying to steer your decision, just trying to give helpful advice... the 4 runner and Tacoma are relatively small vehicles. With a growing family, you will want more room.... or take 2 vehicles.

 

Depends on what the truck is for. If there is a family wagon for family stuff and the truck is a commuter and home owner tool for moving larger items then kids space isn't the biggest concern, and a half ton truck may be overkill. That's why I downsized from a Tundra to a Tacoma. Loved the Tundra, but it was just so much more than I need.

 

1, 3, 4 *maybe*, 5 (I can also replace speakers myself, but then again I’d be so much simpler to just already have them), 6 (same as 5), 7, 8, 9.

 

Oh for sure, I know you’re just offering advice! But it does make me think, my family never had issues taking 4 people out for a multi-day camping trip in just the ole 4Runner.

 

Ok then you are looking at a TRD Pro to just have it all in it, but you cannot have a 6 foot bed on it, or you are looking at a TRD Off Road with the TRD Premium package and advanced technology package. Those are the only two options to get the BSM, leather, and include everything else already.

If you are going to mod it at all, get the TRD Off Road, as on the pro you will be paying for stuff you already said you'd change.

 

Exactly this!!! It’ll be mainly mine. We’ll still have the 4Runner, and the wife will be getting a roomier Toyota when her Chevy Spark laugh dies.

 

@blairrad this is the package in the TRD Off Road that checks all your boxes. You can get it with the 5 or the 6 foot bed as you prefer. Personally, I like the shorter wheelbase and easier parking of the 5 foot, but I also don't haul a bunch in the bed and I'm not opposed to using my utility trailer for stuff that doesn't fit.