Increased Wheelbase - Why?

Anyone know why Toyota decided to increase the wheelbase length on the 4th Gen? What's the benefit? Obvious negative is that there's more chance of bellying out off road.

Anyone concerned about the increase? Non-issue? What's the general consensus?

 

Shared platform with Tundra means compromises.

Most people consider tacoma a lifestyle truck rather than a hardcore offroader. So drive quality takes priority.

The tacoma will likely have a lot more caster and possibly less suspension travel, but it will ride much nicer on the road.

I prefer the 3rd generation tundra to previous leaf spring years for ride quality, so I imagine it will be similar for tacoma.

 

Had nothing to do with the TNGA frame. There is no hard dimension on the length.

Bigger footprint = increased allowable fuel consumption per US Federal regulations.

 

I didn't realize it's built on the same platform as the Tundra thanks for explaining. Coil springs in the rear will definitely make for a nicer ride.

 

^Surprisingly coil springs do not automatically make a better ride. Tuning is more important. For example, the 3rd gen rides better than 5th gen 4Runners, because the 5th gen 4Runner was developed in 2010.

I would expect even the Xtra Cab with leafs to ride better than 3rd gens just because it's a newer platform with more advanced shock tuning.

 

i disagree, the 5th gen 4 runner offfroad rides wayyyy better than Tacoma off road

 

That may be from the OR shocks and springs. The 4Runner SR5 suspension handles like a boat yet is harsh over potholes and recessed manhole covers.

 

Likely, yes, I haven’t ridden the 4Runner sr5 but I can imagine it’s not great, that vehicle is boxy, upright and lifted

 

I find our 21 4Runner ride quality quite nice on road trips and off-road. As for Leaf's vs 5 link? I can't keep up with my buddy's 06 4Runner in the rough roads around Moab in my 04 Taco. Even with custom tuned Fox coilers and rear dampers. Far too rough and shakes the shit out of the whole truck. I drove his and it was so damn smooth. I felt beat up at the end of the day he had way less fatigue. Just my experience.

 

After owning 2 3rd gens, and now a 5th gen T4R, I would agree. Those leaf springs are shit over bumps. I am sure the ride quality is going to improve on the 4th gen Taco now that they put a proper rear suspension on it.

 

My observation is my 3rd gen Tacoma OR rode and handled better than my 5th 4Runner SR5, but the 4Runner is better than the 2nd gen Tacoma OR I had before.

 

I have a double cab long bed 2016 and it has a longer wheelbase. It is a plus in ride quality. I suspect for the average person that ride quality is more important than not dragging the bottom on something. Longer wheelbase is not good for offroad but it is not the end of the world for most Tacoma buyers.

 

Longer wheelbase is like a longer hull on a boat- less pitching and a more settled ride.

Coil springs help, but keep in mind the truck still has a solid rear axle which will never ride as well as a true independent suspension.

 

Tacomas are alright off-road. Departure angle is its major weakness.

Jeep/4R are way better off-road than a Tacoma.