Anyone wish Gen 4 was bigger?

Keep in mind that engine technology has changed a lot in the past 20 years. I have no idea what kind of mileage I was getting in 1998, but if a 3rd gen tacoma is getting better mileage than a 1st Gen (which it is), then imagine what it would be getting if it was the same size as a 1st Gen.

That's the paradox of efficiency. Increased efficiency doesn't actually decrease consumption at the population scale. A more efficient lightbulb leads to people turning on more lights, while using the same amount of electricity. A more efficient engine leads to bigger, more powerful trucks that burn the same amount of gasoline.

That's great if you need a bigger truck. But I still hold that there's a huge market for people who would prefer a smaller truck, were it available.

 

My buddy’s F150 5.0 V8 (bigger truck, more power) gets the same mpg as my 3G Taco. That is the main gripe with midsize trucks, smaller, less powerful getting the same or worse mpg than a full-size. The amount of air they have to push isn’t all that much different. Don’t think the 2GR-FKS in a 1st Gen sized truck would get much better fuel economy.

The wider track and longer wheelbase of my 3G Access Cab rides better than my 1G Extra Cab. Driving them back to back makes it quite apparent. Don’t think there is a big of market for smaller trucks as you think. Honestly I could use even bigger, while I love my 3G, do wonder if I made a mistake not getting a 1/2 Ton. Spent a day driving my friends F150, really liked that truck.

 

Most truck buyers want bigger trucks, why do Tacoma owners want smaller trucks?

 

Because there are bigger trucks available. Go buy one.

 

Nope. This Tacoma forum is the only one that don't want bigger rear seat room. Other forum I been to, is not the case. 3 inches is not going to kill you.

 

While at times I could use a bigger truck (as in bed length) the 3G is about the perfect Goldilocks size, not too big, not too small.

It is just my wife and I, don’t need rear seat legroom. Why I bought an access cab. If we did have kids, surely wouldn’t buy a Tacoma, would step up to a crew cab Tundra, or other full-size. And if people were really honest with themselves, minivan is a proper family hauler, they are just not deemed “cool”.

While not a mini-van. Would do a low roof short wheelbase 4WD/AWD Transit. Be fine for running down Forest Service roads to trail heads.

 

By no stretch of the imagination a truck and get your puke-bags ready ... Pontiac Aztek

 

The people on those forums could be idiots. I'd rather have a regular can Tacoma or small truck, no reason to make a small truck larger. Every manufacture offers a fullsize crewcab with plenty of room, Ram offers a Mega Cab on their HD line why aren't more people buying those? They aren't cheap, but if you you want more room in your truck. I had a super crew which was nice and had plenty of rear seat room, I just didn't need that much rear seat room and I wanted to get a lower trim I prefer lower end trucks they feel more comfortable to me. Extended cab Tacomas are fine, but on the midsize I prefer the benefit of the shorter wheel base with the RC since the bed stays the same size.

 

I wanted to get that size MBZ Sprinter, but the 4x4 was diesel only which would have been fine. I couldn't find a reason to drive a fullsize van every day, could have did some kind of camper build, or did a 2nd row and some kind cargo/tailgate type of setup. High roofs make for better campers. The Sprinters were hard to find and usually marked up, which is why I didn't go that route.

 

Same, look at the Mercs too. Would be great for hauling dirt bikes, but didn’t want to daily a van. Low roof short wheel base could be tolerable for a daily, then you loose some comfort in camp/bike hauling mode. So a Tacoma with a trailer was the compromise.

 

I'd only go with the short wheel base and low roof, it look more like a proper van to me. I'd get a full on cargo version, no windows maybe side and rear door windows. I still want one, they are narrower than a full size pick up. Same with the Transit they also cost more than a fullsize pickup. I thought the ID buzz was going to be out by now? Not that I want an EV, I do like the compact van segment.

 

Yeah cargo van me too, was showing the passenger van since Vietkinh was concerned with passenger room.

Think the track width is similar to a Tacoma, have driven both the Transit and the Merc, they drive very nice. The cost is a bit of a turn-off. The AWD/4WD system on the vans isn’t as stout as on the trucks, another nic against a van as a do-it-all vehicle.

Not sure when the VW is coming out, keep seeing advertisements for them but no release date.

This would be cool, alas doesn’t tick all the boxes.

 

I like the Transit, until recently I had forgotten they are available in AWD. Sprinter used to be available in part time 4x4 maybe the 3500 still is. I got this one up to 64,300 that's a nice even number lol. I think I'd pick the cargo van over a Pro or similarly priced midsize pick up.



https://www.mbvans.com/en/vehicles/build/sprinter/cargo-van/m2ca4a?variantType=STANDARDROOF&selectedSpecifications=Wheelbase%20/%20Roof%20Height,0,144%22%20Wheelbase,Standard%20Roof;Powertrain,9500,4%20Cylinder%20Diesel%20High%20Output%20AWD,;Class,0,2500,Payload&options=2:7160,4:VF6,9:X13,0:F64,9:C01,0:F49,0:Q24,0:VK8,051,0:W54,0:MBGS-4,0:KHADD03-A,0:KHADD

 

I look at the 3rd Gens the same way as you with it as Goldilocks size, not too big and not too small.

 

It is really apparent if you have the chance to jump back and forth from the 1st Gen, and a half ton. Anytime I drive those, then get back in the 3rd…”ahhh, just riiiiight…”

 

I wish it was smaller, ya know, like a midside truck

 

The 70-80s fulls were a nice size, and since the modern mids are close to that, I am ok with it. The mini trucks of the 70s-80s were tiny! Wouldn’t mind owning one as a collector vehicle, but as a daily, no.

 

I don't need to tow a big trailer. I don't care about impressing people with my big-assed truck.

I just want something that's fun & reliable to toss some camping gear into, and maybe haul the occasional couch or load of lumber, without busting the bank.

If I wanted or needed a full-sized pickup, there are plenty of other options available. The Tacoma was never meant to compete with the full-sized pickups.

Don't get me wrong. I love my 3rd gen, but I'd trade it in in a heartbeat, if Toyota released one the size of my old 1st Gen. It's by far the funnest one I've driven.

 

While not for midsizes, good article on how pickups have grown over the years.

https://www.axios.com/2023/01/23/pickup-trucks-f150-size-weight-safety


Hey, just put a new engine in my 1st Gen…can do a straight swap for your 3rd if you want…

 

The only van I like are the Merc Transit Van. But those things are at least 6 figures. Though not a van and used as mall crawlers, the G-wagon is a legitimate off-road vehicle.

We need an extended double cab, then everyone would get what they want. Full size trucks cannot go off-road. Long wheelbase and too wide for most small trails.

I like having the option of having passengers. Since I don't have my own family, having too much room is kind of depressing. Trucks are nice because you have room in the back and then a bed. You don't need to have a family to make use of a bed.

I never drove a half ton trucks so I cannot say. I did however owned my own RV which is bigger than any full size or even 2500 truck, and it did not seems to big for me. I enjoy driving it.

Ironically, the Maverick has more cabin space than the Tacoma. Same with the Frontier.