Taco as a family hauler

Doesn’t feel more modern to me. Except for the infotainment sys. Not sure it’s safer either. Engine no doubt is more complex but it doesn’t drive any better or get better milage. Not trying to knock the Taco I love my truck. To me it doesn’t feel like newer vehicle other than the screen.

 

I got my 2019 with under 10K miles because the original buyer didn't like it as a family hauler. Since my family is my wife and I along with the cats, it works well. We're planning to drive south to pick up the grand kids and go somewhere with them. We'll see how it works with my giant grandson and my not so huge granddaughter. They ride in my sons Gen 2 Tacoma fairly often, so it likley won't be an issue other than that they fight like cats and dogs from time to time.

 

My 5 and 6 yo boys love the truck and riding in the back. Seat is higher with the child seats so they can see more. This is where you come to regret the black seats/trim as whatever is stuck to them, ends up on your seats. I got kick guards and others have done seat covers. It's a truck, I'm going to take care of it but I'll use it as such; not a Ferrari. They have some issues getting into it (no steps or sliders) but they'll grow.

So far, they have plenty of room and the sliding window gives some more air movement to the back. Also, start them early in working on it.

 

I know either BSM or rear cross-traffic sensing isn’t in the 4Runner, and I don’t think you can get as nice of (or any) LED lighting system.

 

I stuffed my 400lb friend in the front passenger, my 6.5Ft tall step father in the rear passenger jump seat and my fiance in the seat behind me for a 2hr round trip from Glensfalls to Ticonderoga. Want to talk about cramped! But everybody was comfortable enough to not complain about hurting the next day.

 

This is true (although those features don’t mean much to me). The 4Runner has Led tails (no idea why the taco doesn’t). I did an hid headlight retrofit on both the taco and the 4Runner so lighting is great prolly better than led.

 

It’s definitely not the best kid hauler, but the best kid hauler sucks at being a midsize truck that carries kayaks, bikes, climbing gear, camping stuff, and still gets 18+mpg all for under $35K. (Include Sportsmobile daydream here.) I always try to keep in mind that a lot of kids and then people worldwide ride in very compact cars. For mine we’ve used subcompacts, mid-sized sedans, vans, Teslas, you name it, and my kids, now 6&9 haven’t complained once about my trucks interior space compared to any others. Yours will get used to it quickly if you use your truck for recreation — they’ll associate it with fun. Oh, and don’t forget the “Please don’t kick the seats”!

 

I run the wife unit, 16 year old, 9 year old and a 100lb lab with no issues. For longer trips we do take the 4Runner.

 

Same! I have a baby and a 3 year old. The taco is my daily work truck and my wife and kids move around in an 18 rogue. We use the rogue around the city and the truck for our trips.

 

Its safe to assume the tacoma is a better dog hauler than a child hauler. I'm kinda in a similar situation, my twin brother who is almost 18 years old and 6 feet tall refuses to sit in the front passenger seat. On top of that, he also hates the feeling of wind so he will flip his shit when the windows are rolled down an inch, even the rear sliding window . He prefers to sit in the back seat of every single vehicle he gets into, even if there is literally no rear seats. He hates sitting in the back seat of my tacoma, he always complains about having no leg room and no cool air. I'm not sure why my brother is so terrified of cars/trucks. My brother failed his permit test 4 or 5 times, idk how he managed to pass drivers ed and the permit test. He only has like 6 hours of driving experience over the past 2 years so it looks like I'm going to be driving him around until I go off to college smh.

 

I can fit 5 yo, 3yo, and 2 yo in the back with no issue.

 

Day two into our “experiment” it seems to be bothering my wife more than the kids, lol

 

I should have been clearer: We're waiting on grandkids. Waiting. And waiting. And waiting...

... the truck is ready though.

 

I’m in a pickle. My wife wants to do a small vacation before kids go back to school/ and with COVID 19 screwing everything up - we want to do a road trip with our 6 and 4 year old. We live in So Cal and thinking of driving up to San Francisco. She just got 2020 Rav/ JBL trim and it’s growing on me. She wants us to take her car. And for every reason she’s right . My Taco sucks gas/ it’s 4x4 on 32’s and my truck is my work daily so I’m already racking up miles . Yet, I’m obviously going to do all the driving - and I love my Taco. And I have backflip on my long bed for all our stuff - and I just upgraded my speakers to (focal) with sub so I use any excuse to drive my truck . Luckily- both cars are tech package so we have WiFi for kids . I feel most likely we will take her Rav- but I already know myself- gonna wish I was in our Tacoma . Maybe I can talk her into some off road detours on way up to Nor Cal haha.

 

Completely agree! I have the DC, I’m 6ft tall and have no issues with two youngsters 3 and 8. We’ve gone on several 5-6 hr trips. WiFi and iPads certainly help, but that’s got nothing to do with room.

 

I feel your pain! Especially if you’re
the one driving.

 

Haha yeah bro, i have to come up with some good points. My wife already has me beat on all the gas we will save and miles on my truck. That money can be spent on kids/ trip blah blah blah... meanwhile I’m picturing myself driving up the coast blasting my music since my kids will have headphones on. I’m sure I’m gonna lose this battle .. happy wife happy life haha

 

Taco most definitely, would be my last choice for a family hauler. Rear facing car seats don't fit, older kids inadvertently kick the back. Great for off-roading with 2 or less people though

 

Have you tried hitting them when they kick your seat?

 

I've found my 5th gen 4R was much better built as well. The Taco presents much more of a raw feeling when driving. I was shocked at the difference actually