Thinking of getting a Tacoma vs My Tundra Question

Hello,

Sorry if I'm being that guy... really need some advice.

Thinking of trading in my 2014 Tundra for a 2016 Tacoma. Reason, overall size. My concern, I'm moving to Denver and the elevation. Being how we lose approximately 3% HP for every 1000ft in elevation.

Is there anyone living in the 5000 to 5700 feet above sea level range that can tell me what to expect performance wise with a V6? Really, the V6 is my concern. When I test drove a 2015 Tacoma, it felt sluggish... at 82 feet above sea level. Partially because I'm used to a V8 I'm sure.

I also noticed the TRD super charger is no longer offered.

Thank you

 

Yeah I figured. I'm curious to know how those in higher altitudes feel about their trucks. Would they buy a V6 again if given an option?

Thanks!

 

I'm in the Tahoe, CA region all the time which is about 6,000 to 7,800 feet. I have the 4.0 and while you do notice the loss of power but it gets the job done. I have no problem accelerating to 90+ on a 7% incline. Although the other day a GMC Sierra Denali with the 6.2 V8 was on my ass in a passing lane and I was pinned at about 80mph and it eventually flew past me while I was still at around 5000rpm. I never really tow and the most I'll haul is about 1,000 lbs of firewood so for what I do it works. Going from the big v8 to the 6 will leave you quite disappointed in the power category no matter what.

 

I'd drive that Tundra into the ground. Stay the course, IMO.

 

I live near Denver and go up into the mountains weekly. I've only ever driven v6s but the Tacoma holds its own for sure. As mentioned it isn't the most powerful truck and it's a bit slow off the line, but once it gets to speed it has no problems with any normal maneuvers.

Everyone out here either drives a Tacoma, a 4runner, or a Subaru. If all you want is a mountain car that's fast, good MPG, and does well enough on trails; get a turbo forester. If you want to tow in the mountains often, stick with the Tundra. If you want to get to the really tough trail heads out here, get the Tacoma. I personally wouldn't want a truck as big as a Tundra on the tight trails.

 

Try the manual transmission. Feels much better with power delivery. Penalty is 2 mpg. Worth it in my opinion.

 

Did you drive it with the ECT button OFF? Definitely not sluggish in this mode.......

edited to add....I live at about 4800 ft.

 

I have an OR with the manual and feel that I have plenty of power here in Colorado. Going over La Veta Pass a few weeks back (9413') I could feel how the lack of air was taking some edge off the engine, but dropping into 4th gear allowed me to maintain the posted speed limit with ease.

 

I am not at altitude but traded my 15 tundra for my 16 Tacoma v6 auto. I did not need the big truck and couldn't park in the garage. I use the eco button always and it is not sluggish at all from start. and on hyw from 40 to 90 it is very good. I miss my tundra because seats were more comfy and it rides better over rough roads but not much better. Other than that the Tacoma with tech pkg has heated cloth seats/sun roof/ passing sensors in mirrors/ weather app in nav/ and it fits in garage and much easier in town and parking and off road it is much better due to size on off road areas. It is just me in the truck 90% of time commuting 80 miles rt a day to work and then running around on weekends with wife and I. Just us two so didn't need the big Tundra for us. Loved that tundra but this truck for me is much better. I don't tow anything more than an aluminum boat about 3500 pounds loaded with gear and fuel. This truck pulls it easy. My tundra got 15 mpg and this one is over 21 in my use. So great there too. Especially with 30000 a year I put on it. I like the power a lot in this truck. No it isn't the 5.7 but it is more than enough power for sure.

 

if I was going to Colorado I would think lots of trails up there!!

 

I own both and the Tundra is heads and shoulders better than the Tacoma in All but the most challenging off road conditions.

 

Another owner of both.

I hate the Tundra for parking and off roading. I took the Tundra thru the trails one time. It sucked. The truck is just too wide. The Tacoma rocks off road.

The Tundra is the sure winner for hauling the 5th wheel camper and highway travel. The MPG between the 2 on the xway is only 2 mpg.

I use the Tacoma for 80% of my driving. Let me tell you, the power of the Tundra feels awesome after lugging around in the Tacoma.

I really don't have a dog i n this hunt. Its stupid flat around here, so I don't know the extent of power loss in the mountains.

 

This is all great stuff! Really appreciate it.

 

You didn't say if you were going Auto or Manual? Last week I traded in a 2011 Tundra Double Cab on a 2016 Tacoma 6spd Manual Access Cab. I always drove the Tundra in "Manual/Tow mode" Shifting the Tacoma is just to much fun! The one thing I noticed is the Tacoma manual transmission does not hold you back going down hill (or down shifting) like most standard transmission. It kind of free wheels like a diesel. If you hold it in gear (ether Auto/ECT mode or Manual Trans) it has plenty of power. If you plan on towing anything in the mountains, stay with the Tundra. My 2 cents,

 

I don't tow anything yet. I do want to camp and hit trails. I was thinking the automatic, only because as I age... I find being stuck in traffic is better with an auto. That said, I've always loved manuals, plus, think a manual would be better for trails? So, something to mull over for sure!

 

When I first moved to Colorado 5 years ago, I had the 07 Tundra crewmax. Loved that truck, but fuel economy sucked typically 11mpg around town at 6000ft and 15-17 Highway going to Denver. Co. Springs to Breck is about 130 miles each way, so I'd have to fuel up before coming home to ensure I had reserve in case of trouble on the road. Off Road, well I managed to get the tundra out on many trails while stock, but was better with a 2" level on front. Accept you will get a lot of pin striping due to the width, it felt cumbersome but oh so comfortable. I just bought my Tacoma 2 days ago and love it so far, but it's like sharing a loveseat with my wife instead of a sectional. There's enough room, but no excess... The Taco is much more enjoyable off road however there are air bags all over the damn thing, so it's going to be a challenge fitting a CB radio so I can start wheelin' with friends (thinking inside the console). I haven't yet loaded the camping gear into the Taco, but will be buying a topper in near future so shouldn't be a problem. Power wise, the Tundra will win every time, but I need a vehicle that's more economical, that I can park at supermarket and squeeze through tight trails so the Tacoma is my choice.

The built in Locking Diff was used on our first foray off road today when we got sucked into a hole in the snow. There are so many 'toys' standard in the tacoma, I love it.

Feel free to get in touch when you get to Denver, I'm always looking to get out and have fun.

 

I made it to Denver! No question the Tundra feels wide in downtown. Coming in from Santa Fe, NM... that whole drive on I-25 North... couldn't imagine a V6. No question the Tundra is wide to the point where you'd have to expect pin striping running trails. Depending on what area I live in, I think a Tacoma makes a lot of sense.

Thanks Krazyscot, I'll do that!

 

Just to whet your appetite there are a couple of websites you should know about for exploring Colorado!

http://www.traildamage.com/ online list of colorado off road trails, with descriptions and gps gpx files from a local club

www.funtreks.com for printed books on the main off road trails in Colorado.

www.bushducks.com Australian website that maintains a page on trail conditions in Colorado each year. It's updated by volunteers but can be a good resource to know about for any issues whether snow, rock fall or annual gate closures....

Don't be in too much of a rush to switch to a tacoma, try the trails first then decide whether to take the plunge. I did a lot with my tundra. You can see a list of the trails I have done in different vehicles on my website http://www.stuartandcherie.net/offroad/trailsrun.shtml