4th Gen Tacoma (2024+)

I agree, the Tacoma and other mid size trucks for that matter are focusing on being lifestyle trucks, I think they are banking on their buyers not actually looking at the value and practicality they are getting for the dollar.

For a while the mid-size category was a value and made practical sense in a lot of circumstances, and the bonus was they looked pretty good and worked out as lifestyle trucks.

The gap is narrowing again and I think some of the mid size marketers are hoping buyers rely on emotions more than brains and don't notice. The marketers are probably sadly right...lol

 

The truck market in general has shifted toward more luxury as buyers have decided that owning a versatile vehicle that does it all is preferable to owning a stripped down truck. You can see that in the non-fleet sales of SRs, XL f-150s, etc.


I don’t think it’s about emotions vs brains so much as the fact that we have manufacturers that can make a truck capable of towing the camper that’s also comfortable and nice enough for daily family duty. With how capable midsize trucks have gotten (towing the family boat comfortably, leg room enough for the kids and their car seats in the back, etc), it follows logically that buyers would seek the same shift in the midsize package.

For equivalent features, you’re still paying 5 figures more for a full size truck. For many buyers, the comfort and tech feature set is more important than towing >8000lbs

The exact same thing happened when crossover SUVs offered so much practicality advantage over a sedan.

I know, that means they’re not real truck buyers and everyone should seek a base SR if they’re as smart with their money as we are, but the market has spoken.

 

With the price increase, you can definitely see people start to question if a mid-size is worth the money.

Do think you’re right, a lot of people buy with emotions than practically, Hell… look how much I am made fun of for being practical. Toyota still has a practical option, they just ruined it for me. Comparing specs the ‘24 XtraCab is actually a down grade from my Access Cab, so have to look elsewhere unfortunately when comes time to buy again.

 

You’re not made fun of for being practical, you’re made fun of for being unable to understand that others value things differently than you do.

 

I think its because he's old and stubborn....I thought he said he was 60....my dad is 73 he's also old and stubborn lol

 

Actually I think the market hasn't spoken just yet as the prices in the midsize segment climbs I think the decision making process might change for some. It will be interesting to see what happens the next few years.

The other thing that will be interesting is that standard features on the full-size segment keeps getting broader closing the gap with some of the upper trim mid size offerings and the price gap is getting a little smaller.

 

Fair enough, I just see it as a well-trodden path.

 

Yep, and don’t like change. Had plenty of life altering changes over the years and just want a simple solid truck that won’t give me much trouble. That and think most of the younger generation are pussies for theirs “needs”…

Don’t like paying too-too much for a vehicle either, because you never know when one of those life altering changes will rear its ugly head again.

 

Yeah, those younger people are totally “pussies” for spending their money on things they desire. Not like us old guys who never do that

 

I'm 64 almost 65, and yeah, I just want the practicality, don't need a 14" dash-tablet mutation in a pickup. I've owned luxury cars and really never used any of the extra features. I may have opened a sunroof once, just to see it work. I will be the driver of the truck 99% of the time, so why do I need power seats with memory? I don't. If you do, there is a trim for you. If the Tacoma SR Auto didn't have the detuned engine, that would be the one for me to consider. Not happy I had to bump up to the SR5, although its rear coil suspension may be a nicer ride so at least there is both the engine boost and different suspension.

 

End of the year will give us a better idea.

Yeah, crazy what a base model comes with these days. Why I wonder why people need more than that. Remember the days of no ac, hand crank windows, no power brakes or steering. We have become quite spoiled.

 

It’s okay to acknowledge and not look down on people for liking things you don’t like.

 

Same. Toyota basically ruined the SR trim, so have to bump up the SR5 and a cab configuration I don’t really care for, or just buy the Tundra SR and get more truck. Price is so close, might as well get the Tundra. Sure there are some conveniences I like, the access doors for an example, of course they discontinued them. Happens with everything, every time you like a product they discontinue it.

 

Personally, I think the 4th gen will be a big hit. It seems better in every way than the 3G, except for the big price increase.

Having owned and driven numerous turbo vehicles, the max torque output from low rpms into the higher rpm range is a game changer drivability wise.

I'll admit to being a Toyota fanboy, but it's because of my experience buying Ford and Chevy trucks in the past. The Toyotas I've owned only saw the dealer for oil changes (I know others have had problems).

I bought a mid-sized because it fit in my garage. Maybe you like scraping snow in the morning but I don't, and I never will again. There are plenty of others that feel this way as well.

The "can buy for" price difference between the Tacoma and Tundra has narrowed. In my case it wouldn't have mattered because of the garage thing. If it wasn't for that I would be looking to buy a discounted Tundra. And if I planned on towing a camper I would buy a Tundra, period.

Can't wait to see TacoBuffet's 4G when he gets it (oh yeah, he IS getting it). He will no doubt pick the coolest tire/wheel combo that make his truck pop. Looking forward to his real-world TW member reviews. That thread will be epic.

 

For what it’s worth, only 9 are actually at the dealer, and 6 of them are LTs. The other 3 are pre-owned.

not a single 2023+ z71, zr2, or TB. Zero 2024 trucks

 

Dunno, clearly he never goes in the dirt with how much rubbing he does on his 3rd Gen. Kid on the way, be better off in a Sienna…


…built in vacuum for those stale Cheerios and dried vomit.

Just look at all that legroom!

 

True, but the desirable trim 2023s still aren’t there

 

TM stockholders everywhere are hoping you are wrong.

 

I’m just saying that they don’t seem to really be languishing on lots, and certainly not more than in very specific locations. Hard to even find one to test drive out west in many places.

I’m interested in the 2024 trail boss or zr2 as a possible competitor to a base OR and OR-P, respectively, but they haven’t shipped either yet so I’m just on standby. But yeah I did kinda make that about meeee back there

 

Oh…wouldn’t worry too too much as the Corolla, RAV4, and the Camry are the bread and butter. Tacoma sales pale in comparison.