Family Vehicle?

Hello everyone
I'm new to the forum but not new to Tacoma interest. I bought a 2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab Off Road Edition new in 03. I've had it 13 years now and it has been a great truck but I have averaged 10.6 mpg over the 13 years. We bought a 2015 4 Runner last year and love it. It serves as a great family vehicle for 4 of us (kids are 11 and 9.) My question is this, will a 2016 Tacoma also work well as a backup family vehicle? Once a year we drive 12 hours one way on vacation and we'd like to rotate vehicles to keep mileage down on both. Other than that it will be a commuter back and forth between ballgames and work. I've wanted a Tacoma for some time now but this would be my only reservation. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

I have two kids, 2 and 2 weeks, and i have a double cab first gen. I use it as a family vehicle more than I do my wifes car. only problem is exposed stuff in the bed but just get a bed cap. I love mine.

 

Honestly, as a backup you may be okay...however, problem we run into in mine is I have to sit back a ways and if we have kids in the car, the smaller would have to sit behind me. not a whole lot of leg room back there for growing kids IMO. for shorter drives you might be alright but a 12hr drive might be a bit rough.

 

It works for me and I have two kids. It is going to be a step down from your Dodge ram in terms of inside the cab space. If your traveling with it you will need to get a bed cover or a camper top so all the luggage can go in the back and stay dry.

 

I have a 2014 double cab and I can comfortably fit myself,wife, and two dogs in the back I've also had it full of three of my buddies and they had plenty of room.

 

Welcome to the club!I think you'd be fine!

 

12 hour trip...i wouldnt, assuming you will have a lot of baggage for the trip, and if you do have alot of baggage and you place them in the open bed on drives, and in the cab when you stop for food, breaks, etc...it seems like it can be hassle and not to mention thieves will do whatever it takes to get your belongings if they can see it in your truck.

ive driven to south lake tahoe from san francisco in dcsb (about 3 hours), with a booster seat for my 6 yr old and car seat for my 3 year old..plus about 2 large duffel bags stuffed in the cab too..it gets tight, but in my case it was doable...12 hours eeekkkk i wouldnt lol

 

Would never, unless you're all small people.

 

I have taken 4 full grown adults on a 13 hour trip one way, wasn't bad just kept everything in the bed unless we stopped but that was the only real hassle. Everyone in the back just had to get comfortable with each other

 

So you're saying you make a 12 hour trip once a year. You will be splitting this trip between 2 cars each year, so every 2 years you will take the Tacoma if you buy it. Sounds like a first world problem to me.

 

Thanks everyone for the information/advice. I'm test driving a 2016 DC Sport 4x4 tomorrow to see how everyone likes it.