Small windows / poor vision?

I've owned my 2009 base reg cab Tacoma for nearly a year and it's so far it's been a great truck with not one issue mechanically but there's one thing that just keeps bugging me. It seems the windows are too small and it gives off a claustrophobic feeling. Like the windshield cuts off too low and the A-pillar wants to hit me in the face. (I'm 5'8) I test drove a 1st gen ('03 base reg cab) before buying my '09 and it seemed like the first gen, while more truck-like, had a more airy cabin with sensible, minimalist proportions. Going back to the '09 it felt more enclosed like you were sitting in a bloated safety pod or something but thought I could get used to the feeling. I even remarked to the dealer that I would buy the older model over the new one if it was offered new. I was starting a job where I needed a truck so I had to make a decision and went with the newer model due to it not being much more than the older one. The visibility proportions are OK in the 2nd gen but when I look at how they supersized the successor while actually decreasing glass surface area and the offerings from the rest of the competition (which have bigger sight lines) it starts to get under my skin. It seems like such a large vehicle would have great visibility and a open view of the road if it was anything like the older model but it feels very isolated. I've driven a Ford Ranger and a 1st gen Dodge Dakota (which was a total pos) in the past but visibility on those models was never an issue. My saab 9-3 hatch had similar front visibility (lots of glass though, great view all around) but that was in a car that sat 6" off the ground. A truck shouldn't have this issue :/

That said, I agree with every other aspect of my Tacoma and love rowing through the 5-speed while getting 23mpg completely loaded with equipment and knowing I just need to change the oil when it comes to maintenance. I just feel like the mediocre visibility is preventing me from actually enjoying driving a vehicle which I'm investing a huge chunk of my income to own. Clearly it's the superior vehicle mechanically and the alternatives aren't nearly as reliable. Maybe I'm just overreacting and it really isn't that bad or this is an actual problem that other people are putting up with.

I'm thinking maybe I just need to lift it a couple inches and install the raised rearview mirror mod (which is brilliant btw) and then reevaluate the situation.

Looking for feedback on this issue.

 

I'm 6' 1" and feel the cab is bigger than I expected, at least in terms of legroom, I actually feel more space than an old 90s f150 I used to drive and feel comfortable coming from an extended cab Ranger, but I agree on the visibility, the windshield is not as straight as other trucks, it has more of a slope, so the windshield is big while really not offering a better view and also causing the roof to be lower. The pillars are also quite obstructive when I compared to other trucks I've driven and I feel sometimes the rear view mirror to be kind of obstructive too (I know someone here makes an adapter to make it sit higher), not a deal breaker for me, but I understand you perfectly.

 

At 5'8" I'm surprised you feel claustrophobic (being 6'0" myself). I actually feel like there's more room than in the 1st gen, as I've had to drive and/or ride in my brother-in-law's 03 Tacoma quite a bit.

As far as the sight lines go, the only thing that bugs me on a regular basis is the rear-view blocking my view at times...

 

Try sliding the seat back one click. That little bit of adjustment make for a different road view.

 

I'm 5'5 I do f*cking back flips and jumping jacks in my ride.

How the heck are you getting 23 mpg?

Its not an f16 fighter jet... you don't need that much visibility. With my mirrors adjusted properly a little tilt in my head and I can see everything.

 

Although not too dark, I feel the tinted windows make it feel smaller for me. But I like the fact that it stays cooler so I'm keeping it tinted.

 

Its a 4cyl, you can get 20+ mpg easily, just be easy on the skinny pedal ... its not an f16 fighter jet...

 

Ahhaha jerk!!!
Wish mine got that kind of mpg

My brother has the 4 banger and its easier to get it up to speed on the freeway.feels like my 6 banger is struggling... like there's no resistance in the 4cyl

 

Lol I accelerate slowly and shift at 2-2.5k rpm usually. Always in the highest gear possible. 5th gear from 25-35mph while coasting and not climbing hills. I get 24-26 when not loaded. 20 when loaded on winter gas.

It's not so much that I can't see what I need to but rather it feels like the designers took shortcuts during the design process and bloated everything to comply with american tastes for larger vehicles and crash regulations. (making pillars bigger and decreasing glass instead of using stronger steel, etc) And it's not how much room you have, but how it's utilized. It all makes for a vehicle that maintains unkillable reliability but loses a lot of the original charm of the first model and previous trucks that established toyota's reputation. This seems to be the trend among all automakers though, at least here. The Hilux nails the design formula I'm looking for but isn't sold here.

 

I test drove one today to replace my T100 extended cab 4x4. The visibility is horrible in comparison. I noticed my neck hurt because I was holding my head down. The front winshield is too short and close. The rear view mirror seems too small and in the way. I drive in heavy Dallas traffic. So I think I'm going to look at something else.

The engine and ruggedness on the TRD seemed great though. I'm 6'1" and surprise the other tall guys can stand it.

 

Actually, if you measure the windows for comparison to other vehicles, you'll find they're about average (some smaller, some larger, but all right around this size). The big difference in the front is the height of the dash and hood - both are taller in relation to the windshield than average.

 

I agree with the window thing the A piller blocks your view to the right and the back windows of the ex cab are actually as big as the old ones but the rear door plastic looks like the interior of an air plane and the opening is half as big as the glass. I don't feel cramped (6 foot) but except for the opening rear doors I liked the interior of the old '97' better.

 

Just installed the raised rear-view mirror mod and wow, what a difference. It really opens up the front visibility and makes the view feel more panoramic and less claustrophobic. Stock you can only utilize the driver's half of the windshield and to the passenger side if you move your head up and down to gain perspective. It's significantly easier to see other vehicles/pedestrians/cyclists at intersections and things like house numbers, which is critical from a safety and practicality standpoint. The only 'real' drawback is you cant see out the back as far as before (maybe this can be resolved with more adjusting) but the tradeoff is completely worth it. It's unbelievable this design doesn't come stock or as an option from toyota. ImMrYo should make a case for the design to Toyota and make a killing off it.

The rest of the visibility is fairly average compared to the industry, like stewartx said. With the mirror out of the way, it definitely feels more like a car than a truck, which I think is the design toyota was going for. There's a lot that could be improved but as a whole it's acceptable and I can tolerate it.