Can a Tacoma be comfortable & have a decent ride?

I currently have a '13 Tacoma, and I used to own a Tundra (06). I am getting older, and I am starting to appreciate a better ride and the creature comforts that are found in newer cars.

My Tundra was a much more comfortable vehicle to drive than my 13 Tacoma. I am getting ready for a newer truck, and I was wondering, is there a Tacoma that is actually enjoyable to drive? My current model doesn't drive much better than my first generation Taco. I realize that Toyota is slow to make changes, and I also see the value in that approach, but like I said, I am getting older...

I am torn on the Tundra. I will buy used, and I hate buying the first year of any vehicle, so the newest generation is probably out for me. I also won't take out a mortgage to buy a truck - so $40K out the door is my max. The older Tundras all seem to have the 5.7 liter engine, which is overkill, in my opinion, so that brings me back to the question - is it possible to get a Tacoma that is enjoyable to drive, or should I start looking at the F-150s?

 

You know what's uncomfortable? - Walking home.
I'd go with the used 5.7 Tundra.

 

Pretty hard to compare a Tacoma vs F-150 in terms of comfort. One is way bigger than the other.

I'm 6-3" and my 2nd gen is OK, any taller and I would need something bigger.

What is uncomfortable about the Tacoma? leg room? Seats?

Tacoma is a compact pickup. Tundra and F-150 is a living room on wheels

 

Is your taco on original suspension? Is it short or long wheelbase?
I would go test drive a long wheelbase one, maybe try different trims as well as they have slightly different suspension, some stiffer than others.
also tires can make a difference, less rim and more rubber sidewall is more comfy for bumps.

 

My dad bought a 23 Off Road package Tundra after going from his 08 Tundra he owned since new. Returned it in 5 months after not liking the stiffer ride, long hood, smaller interior space with less storage options, less fuel / mileage range capacity, less ability to engine brake down long grades with the smaller displacement engine, and (I’ll add one on) the dumb electronic parking brake that can be a big issue on some other vehicles I’ve encountered when the battery dies or you need to roll it around when something stops working on it. He traded it in for a low miles 22 with the 5.7 and never looked back.

That said, a suspension refresh can do wonders for any vehicle.

 

My 3rd gen rides as rough as any other truck out there. Leaf springs, bilsteins, old school design. I think that trucks with coil springs in the back ride better. I would also not rule out a 5.7 because it's overkill.

 

+1 on rough ride being par for the course. My 2012 Tacoma rode shockingly similar to our old 2001 Ford Ranger. The 4Runner rides a little better, and a crossover better still, but nothing compares to the comfort of a full size.

There aren't too many of them, but you could try to find a 4.6L Tundra. They get marginally better gas mileage, but are obviously less powerful.

Is 2006 a first or second gen Tundra?

 

The factory Fox shocks helps but it's not going to change it's inherent nature. I've always found half tons more comfortable because of a more spacious interior and longer wheelbase.

 

My 5 lug offers a pretty car like ride.

Seriously. But '15 was their last year.

From what I hear about the ride in the 4G trucks, I'd wait a couple years and buy a used one if ride and gizmos is what you're after.

And of course the required question is 'do you need a truck'? Or would a nice SUV/CUV/Van meet your actual needs? Combined with a nice trailer, those options can often do better (at least on road) than a truck for the average person.

 

Likely different than your definition, but I've done full tank back to back runs (1,100mi with nothin' but fuel stops), made my own self car sick in twisties, and enjoy long cruises and corners without feeling beat up?

Stock was fine, but an aftermarket suspension (Bilstein 5100s, stock coils, Icon leafs, and a sway bar delete) keeps me happy.

 

Yep, that is the hundred dollar question

 

What are your other requirements besides comfort and $40K max?
If you don’t need a “real” truck, did you consider a Ridgeline?
2022 RTL trims with average mileage are advertised in the low to mid $30Ks. Definitely more comfortable (including for any rear passengers) than a Taco, plenty of creature comforts and below your price point. The lockable in-bed trunk is a nice feature (although you sacrifice a full size spare) and the split lift up rear seat is easy to use.

 

I never understood why people expect comfort from pick up trucks in general. Want comfort & luxury? Buy over 60k, 4rd gen Taco is for that with its air pump or some bs seats, and THATS WHY IT COSTS OVER 60K.

 

I actually used a minivan with the seats removed as a “truck” for years.

 

Comfortable and decent ride are subjective, go test drive for yourself. IMO full size trucks ride better, have more power (which for me adds to the comfort), and get nearly the same MPGs. Yet I still love my lil Tacoma!

 

Did you grow a mullet and cut the roof off behind the front seats?

 

Totally forgot about the Ridgeline, excellent idea for comfort (and "needing" a truck bed).

 

The Bilstein's on the Off Road Taco is much more enjoyable ride than the Sport or SR model shocks. And then I moved up to the bigger Bilstein 5100s and love my ride even more.

 

The stock bilsteins react a lot to the road conditions and they soak up big bumps and dips very well. The bad roads here cause them to bounce around a lot though.

 

Could you imagine what the Hitachi's would put you through on those bad roads?