Vehicle for 3 kids?

No. It's just me and my dog, and at times, he complains of being cramped.

 

If the dog is happy, everyone is happy!

 

no way in hell.
If I were to reproduce one time, I'd sell this little truck in a hearbeat.

It's a bachelor-mobile

 

I should have pointed out that my wife has a mini van. I have to pick up the kids from school at times.

It would be great to take it on vacation, but it doesn’t sound like it would work for that. Thanks for the replies.

 

if your wife has a mini van i think in a pinch you can use your truck on a consistent basis. it wont ever be a family vehicle. Do you need a truck bed or will an SUV work for what you need 95% of the time?

 

Get a 4Runner

 

I’d look at a Highlander

 

Highlander or grand highlander best family vehicle with good gas mileage

 

It's tough with just one kid. Only way it works is putting the car seat in the middle. That way both front seats can be almost all the way back.

 

Pilot is probably better for most.

 

As others have said, a Highlander would be my suggestion for a great family vehicle if you don’t want a minivan. I love my Tacoma but no way would it be practical with 3 kids in the back seat, especially if any need car seats. I would go test drive both, possibly compare with a Sequoia and 4Runner for two more options, but just know that the Sequoia is in a different price bracket compared with Tacoma/4Runner/Highlander, depending on trim/options.

 

Our Highlander Hybrid is awesome. 32mpg combined and comfy for the fam. My 4runner is also good for kiddos. At times I miss having a bed but we get by for the most part and I don't think I'd want any less interior space with small children haha

 

Your kids will hate you. Kids also must travel with a lot of stuff. Look for a different vehicle.

 

I have 3 kids, 16 thru 11. Taco works for short trips around the town with 5 of us, not for much else.
We have a minivan, RAV4 and a Taco, with 2 drivers. Taco IS bigger in the back than the RAV4, but not nearly as good as a minivan.

PS I used my old 2005 DD TRD OR with the rear facing child seat in the middle of the back seat. There was no much space on either side of it. Not enough for a teenager and tight for a 5 year old.

 

Pilot is a great family vehicle too. Hondas are every bit as reliable as Toyotas, you can’t go wrong with either brand - we’ve had two Pilots through the years and they were great vehicles.

OP also could tell us whether the Tacoma would be the only vehicle in the household or whether this would be in addition to an SUV/van/something else.

 

#24 op said wife has a mini van.

 

A Tacoma would be way to small. If you're not into minivans than the Highlander would be a great choice. That's what I got my now-ex girlfriend into for her and the kids. It's a really nice ride.

 

To be fair, in my parents highlander vs. my tacoma, when we go out (4 adults, 1 in booster seat) the highlander is better if we don't have alot of stuff to bring. If we need to haul, you can fit 5 in the taco with a full bed of junk vs. 5 in the highlander, 1/2 the rear seat folder and minimal space behind the 3rd row. Of course it is more comfortable regardless in the highlander.

If i were ever to buy a highlander, it would have to be the "grand" model.

 

There is no leg room in back for older kids - you will be selling it in 5 years or less.

 

Problem is those kids grow up taking up faaaar too much room eventually. Taco no good. 4 runner better choice.
Stop breeding or youll need a bus