Tacoma vs the new Santa Cruz

If the Tundra was new the m.p.g. will increase some after break in and on a long trip as the gas tank level drops so, will the weight resulting in a slight increase in m.p.g.

 

it looked brand new. So, yeah, it definitely would get better with miles. They obviously did not want to make the rivian look bad by towing a more realistic trailer, instead of a porta potty on wheels.

 

I actually like the look of the santa cruz and would consider it if it wasn't for 2 things. It costs as much as a Tacoma or Frontier and a ton more than a Maverick... so I have 3 better options for the price. Secondly Hyundai has a habit of overpromising and underdelivering their HP numbers are never what they say neither is their mpg. I feel if Honda had made that as a baby ridgeline I'd get the right car but i'd pay 25k max for it for a little tiny ute.

Now carmax OMG 52K for that (love the rpf1s)

 

Looks like Ridgeline's sister.

 

You're not comparing apples to apples. The Frontier and Tacoma (body on frame) are NOT competitors for the SC. The Maverick (uni-body) is. And yes, it is overpriced for what it's offering in my opinion.

 

When I ended up with my Tacoma I looked at the Maverick. It's a great little truck but I fear Ford held back on features to get it released asap. (That and they're impossible to find)

The two biggest are:
Infotainment is still last gen compared to others in the line up. (Sync 3)
No plug in hybrid version from the escape (same platform) or awd with the hybrid

I feel like it was a 2017 truck released too late. The mid cycle refresh will likely be better.

 

Ford held back on features to keep the price down. It seems to be a well thought out, practical and reasonably priced package as apposed to Toyota. Here in Canada the starting price for Taco is $42k + tax. vs Maverick at less than $30k + tax. and uses about 1/2 the fuel to get there.

 

They can still sell a base version for cheap. There's a market for premium

 

Loads of good reading, reviews and thoughts in here. https://www.motorbiscuit.com/toyota-tacoma-sales-plummeted-q1-2022-compared-2021/

 

Great as long as features are sold as options or value packages as apposed to standard equipment where buyer pays for unwanted features. Been a Toyota fan all my life but they do not sell a basic truck in Canada anymore.

 

So, the bubble went back to normal.

 

Finally saw the Santa Cruz in person, looks like it has decent ground clearance running down Forest Service roads, bed big enough for some camping gear, though probably a wagon would be better to gear out of the elements, of course RTT racks and an open bed seems to be very popular with some of the Tacoma owners on here…I don’t get get it, as they say to each their own.

For a little truck that can’t haul much, seems a bit spendy for what it is. Maverick is the better buy, imo.