Seeking opinions from those who moved from a Tacoma to Tundra

.......or from a Tundra to a Tacoma.
I am considering selling or trading my '21 1794 w/ 22k miles and 10y/125k Toyota Platinum Extended Warranty in mint condition for a 2022 - 2024+ Tacoma Off-Road Premium with a 6 foot bed. Reason: I live and commute in heavy suburban/city traffic with narrow lanes and the Tundra's width really makes it dicey at times. I'm about to be an empty-nester and recently sold my 20' center console because my son and fishing buddy is about to graduate from college and start his career. I'm a little concerned I'll have sellers remorse by selling my 1794 for a Tacoma. On the other hand, a Tacoma will fit better on the roads I drive on and allow more room in my garage. Not concerned about mpg difference or savings. A little concerned about missing the power and acceleration. Thoughts? Am I crazy? I'd love to hear experiences from those who have moved from a Tacoma to a Tundra and Tundra to a Tacoma. Thanks!

 

If I went back to Tacoma I think the only thing I would miss is towing capacity and apartment like space in the back seats.

 

I had a 2018 Tacoma. Way better for city driving than the Tundra and they’re just downright fun to drive. I think they handle really well for a truck, always thought my Tundra handled like a land yacht in comparison.

The manual transmission was 9 out of the 10 reasons I owned a Tacoma. They don’t have anywhere near as much power as the Tundra but are awesome, enjoyable little trucks if that’s all you need.

I use my truck for both personal and work (commercial construction superintendent) so the bigger truck just works better for me.

 

If you want a daily for city driving then get a SUV and keep the 21 Tundra, you can't buy those anymore without two kidneys and change.
Because SUV actually does better for size but depending on what you get, you do also interior space that's good for a near-empty nester.

 

made the move from a 2001 tacoma (manual tranny) to a 2017 tundra double cab a couple of years ago. i miss the manual, but love the power of the tundy for towing (rafts in the summer and sleds in the winter). you didn't mention if you do much trailering - if not, it sounds like a taco might fit your needs better. you can't go wrong either way though. good luck and keep us posted on what you end up doing

 

I hadn’t considered a 4-runner……hmmm…..interesting. I’ll have to sleep on that. Good thought.

 

4R is a tad under powered, Seq is a tad too big (maybe, for me it is fine), Higherlander is meh, good for some and no for some.
Reason behind my thinking is, if you are more concerned about traffic/size/parking, SUV would be more ideal for that, as they are easier to get around, still has enough ground clearance and cargo space (covered).
If you can only have one vehicle, and you need a truck for weekend odd stuff, get a Taco for your need due to the above concern, but maybe look into a 2020+ but not the latest gen, some are reporting issues already and I am wary of first/second year of new gen, but that's just me, so I end up with the last MY for the 2.5G Tundra.

 

I had a 2019 Tacoma DCLB before I bought my 2020 Tundra Crewmax. Once the new wore off on the Tacoma I actually did not like it very much. The constant gear hunting and size just drove me mad. I sold it and actually made quite a bit of money because of Covid. I've owned several Toyota trucks and the Tacoma was the only one I ended up hating.

1996 Toyota T100 lifted on 33's - LOVED
2010 Toyota Tundra DC 2wd - mistake buying 2wd, ended up not liking the truck
2006 Toyota Tundra DC lifted on 33's - LOVED
2019 Toyota Tacoma DCLB lifted on 33's - HATED
2020 Toyota Tundra Crewmax lifted on 35's - LOVE!

 

I have always wanted to like the Tacoma - and love it in theory. Just a fun vehicle with a great aftermarket and community.

Have rented several for up to a week at a time. The driving position and seat comfort makes it a hard no for me to actually buy one.
I looked at the new ones before buying my 2024 Tundra (going from a 2014 Tundra) and they are just too small inside.

The 4Runner and my wife’s 2018 Highlander are wayyyyyy more comfortable than a Tacoma in my experience.

 

I had two Tacoma before my Tundras. After owning 3 different Tundra, I don't think I would go back to a Tacoma. I would miss the cab space. But I can understand the reason of why you want a Tacoma for your needs. If you are able to do so...Maybe buy a Tacoma first and drive around for couple months before you sell the Tundra. If you are happy with Tacoma, then sell the Tundra. If not happy with Tacoma, then sell the Tacoma. In the end keep whatever fits your needs/wants the best. Good luck.

 

Went from an 2004 Tacoma to a 2024 Tundra. Although the looks and off-road capabilities of the Tacoma are better (IMO), I'll never go back. The space, power, & comfort of the Tundra are far superior.

 

Just a thought: they offered the RAV4 with the 2GR V6 and manual transmission in '05/06 with 4WD. That would be an awesome little commuter car, and you could keep your Tundra. I wouldn't sell that Tundra period.

Lots of good value options out there to serve as a commuter. I went from a 2003 Tacoma (V6, 5spd, 4WD) to my 2018 Tundra Crewmax. There's no comparison when it comes to cabin space and comfort, but I kept the Tacoma and still enjoy driving it more than the Tundra by a wide margin (manual transmission is mostly responsible for that).

Unfortunately i can't fit a rear facing car seat in the Xtra cab Tacoma, so the Tundra serves as the daily driver and the Tacoma serves as the weekend fun truck.

 

You can always throw a Magnusun supercharger on the 3rd gen Tacoma to gain back some power.

The OTT tuned stock 4th gens are putting up some serious number!

 

What if you waited a year or two so they can work the bugs out of the Tacoma. I would think you will know when and if you want to do this .

I went and sat in a new one. It's still kinda tight in the drivers seat for me.

 

I couldn’t deal with the seats in the Tacoma.

 

I went from a 2014 Tacoma to my 20 Tundra. I was building a family and just simply wanted (not needed) a 1/2 ton.

If you're ruling out other vehicles and keeping the tundra, then I'd say stick with a 24+ Tacoma. The 2016-2023's weren't everyones favorites because of the engine/transmission combo. I would imagine that the new Tacoma's are pretty zippy especially with the hybrid option.

I personally agree with others about going with an a vehicle like a T4R and keeping the truck. But that's a you decision based on physical space, maintenance, and financial situation.

 

I can't get past the issue with gear-hunting when going uphill on the 3rd gen tacoma, so I would not downgrade from that nice-looking Tundra.

But if it was a pristine 2nd gen tacoma, I'd be happy to trade up and pocket the change. I miss mine. I should have kept it instead of trading it in for a BMW 335XI. I did love that car too, though.

 

Had a ‘23 Tacoma and traded it for a ‘21 Tundra. My only complaint, and the sole reason I traded, was comfort. I tried to get used to the stock seats and couldn’t. I tried seat jackers and while they helped a little, my anatomy just didn’t fit well in the truck. Not sure if it’s a common complaint but the angle of the seat combined with the stiff gas pedal and angle of it meant after 15 mins my knee was hurting and I don’t have bad knees by any means, never had knee pain from driving. If you’re not concerned about mpg, I’d lean towards getting a

$16 2022-2023 Cup Holder Divider and Hide for 2022+ Toyota Tundra, Anti-Tipping Insert (Matt Black)

2022-2023 (last couple years of the 6 cyl) vs the new turbo 4 cyl. The 6 cyl was fun to drive and felt very stout, like an old Wrangler or Cherokee. I know Toyota supposedly spent some R&D into making the seats in ‘24+ more comfy, but I haven’t sat in them so I can’t speak to that nor the new engine. I always avoid the first couple years of a new gen (Toyota or otherwise, not a dig at the Tundra problems of late) to let the manufacturers iron out the wrinkles. As for size, the Tacoma is much lower to the ground and feels a good bit narrower. The cabin on the last gen Tacomas felt pretty small and with seat jackers + a moon roof my head was scraping the ceiling if I sat upright (I’m 6’2”). I know people love the seat jackers but I wasn’t too fond of my head being closer to the ceiling in the event of a roll over, and while the seat jackers are solid aluminum, they’re not crash tested etc. which eeked me out a little bit but that’s totally a personal thing and not a dig at them whatsoever. All in all if I could fit better in a Tacoma I would have kept it, but going from back to back F-150’s with equally comfortable seats to the Tundra imo, I couldn’t justify my daily driver being that uncomfortable. I loved the size and feel of driving it but it just wasn’t a good fit for me personally.

 

I agree with Snert. The seating position is so important in the Tacoma. Either you fit, or you find yourself trying everything you can in order to fit. I had similar problems with the seating position and bottom cushion. It was just too short for my legs and I tried everything to work around that. My knees were high, near the steering wheel, because the floor of the truck is so high and the seat is so low. After 3 years I had enough and moved to the ‘21 Tundra. I’m not a big guy at all, 6’ 165 lb’s, but just never found the Tacoma worked for me comfort wise. I loved the truck! The gear hunting did bug me, but so many other strengths with that truck that make it what it is. The Tundra is HUGE in comparison. If I were corn-fed big guy I think I’d fit the Tundra seats better, but I still find them way more comfortable than the Tacoma. So in the end, regarding fit, it depends on what size guy you are.

There is a reason the Tacoma is so popular. It does so much, so well. The Tundra is similar, and now I can pass someone going up hill. It is undeniably bigger in all the ways, but I’m getting used to it nicely. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the Tacoma, but the Tundra is growing into my truck for the years to come.

The ‘24 is nice, more power etc. I didn’t like the back seat one bit. Son in law’s aren’t getting smaller, and neither are car seats for the growing grand kids.

My wife really liked the Tacoma, but she loves the size of the Tundra. I feel like she’s miles away in the passenger seat!

Chris in Placerville

 

So, a little different than your scenario but maybe relevant info...

Purchased an '08 Tundra CrewMax new in 08 (still have it).

Retired in 2019 and bought a 2019 4Runner Limited to 'down-size', save a little gas, and get around easier (narrower and easier to park in large metro areas)... I'm not a huge guy (6' and 215lbs), but I immediately noticed a more 'cramped' feeling in the 4R; particularly in the width of the cabin. I was fine in it by myself, but add a passenger and it seemed like we were fighting for elbow space on the center console... drove me nuts. I gave it a little over a year and found myself enjoying my '08 Tundra more than the '19 4R, so I spent most of my time in that.

Sold the 4R w/less than 10k on it w/the intention of buying a 3rd Gen Tundra when they came out. Fall of 2021 the '22 Tundras start to show up, and I get in one.... definitely not as bad as a 4R, but this thing felt more narrow than my '08 in the cab. It also felt like the windshield was short and kinda straight up and down ... The other thing I noticed about the 3rd Gen Tundra was entire center console area seemed to be a bit more encroaching than my 2nd Gen Tundra, so nope to that as well (got lucky w/that decision w/some of the issues they've had)...

So, now it's Oct '21, and I'm in a panic to try and find a new '21 Pro at a time where dealers were throwing on added mark up and such

It took me almost a month, but I finally found one at a dealer about 2k miles from me for a reasonable price. I contacted sales mgr to confirm availability and secured it w/CC in about 20-30 minute then paid for transport service to ship the vehicle to me (still cheaper than grabbing one of last few we had locally by a few thousand $$)... Absolutely no regrets w/that decision or process!!!

Point being, from what I can see, you have a beautiful and well maintained truck that you are comfortable in and used to operating. It's proven to be reliable and will serve you well for a long time. It's already been said, so I'm seconding or thirding the opinion to not let go of that truck; you'll never be able to replace it w/something as proven and as reliable w/that kind of space and comfort on the inside.

I'd opt for a commuter of some sort while retaining the truck if you absolutely had to have something smaller for certain ventures, but it would still be cheaper to pay for 'Tundra gas' than it would be to pay for a second vehicle, insurance and other fees.

@GODZILLA actually did what you are thinking of... He traded in his Tundra for a Taco Pro; he was good w/it until he wasn't and it was enough of an issue for him that the issue caused him to almost immediately trade the Taco in for another full-size. I believe I recall seeing him post at various times that he wishes he kept his Tundra, but maybe he can add a bit more insight to his experience going down that path...

 

If you don’t need the Tundra for towing, I’d do the same. However, I’d probably wait for a year or two before purchasing a new Tacoma as Toyota U.S.’s design and reliability is somewhat questionable most recently. This is not your father’s or grandfather’s Toyota. I know this from buying Toyota’s exclusively for almost 40 years. My pick would be a ‘24 Tacoma or 4Runner. The Runner would probably be the last vehicle you’d need to buy unless you’re doing very heavy mileage.

 

Both trucks are respectfully awesome. Obviously the biggest loss will be space in the interior. And I think that will be your deciding factor. Maybe try and rent one for a day or two and see if it’s something you can get use to again. Beside that, Taco’s are amazing, but I don’t think I can go back to being crammed in that small front seat.

 

If you're worried about width, then the new Tacoma is not going to solve your problems. The new body style is only 2" narrower (overall width without mirrors) than your current truck, which is negligible at best IMO.
https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/tundra/2021/features-specs/
https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/tacoma/2024/st-402019142/features-specs/

2021 Tundra Dimensions:


2024 Tacoma Dimensions:


If you take turning circle into account, then the new Tacoma will likely be worse in your traffic/tight areas than your current truck is.

 

I have logged over 300K on Tacos and enjoyed every mile. Nevertheless I recommend keeping the Tundra.

But whatever you do, don't buy a Taco without test driving a 4Runner. Get ready to be surprised.

 

Sold my 2014 Tacoma Baja and bought a 2017 Tundra. The Tacoma was probably the best off road truck I have owned. I could out run the UTVs on the hunting ranch. I bought the Tundra after picking up my boat in LaFayette which is 6 hours from Dallas. While the Tacoma towed the boat fine the MPGs while towing are almost the same. With the Tacoma there are lakes I fish where I could not make a round trip without stopping for gas. I like the comfort, space, power, and hauling/towing capabilities of the Tundra. I now have a 5 month old Golden Retreiver and a 36" crate fits in Tundra. Won't need the crate when she matures but right now she can get a little wild.

 

Agreed. Before I landed on the Tundra, I was dead set on trading my 4Runner in on a Tacoma. I thought it would basically be a 4Runner except with a bed. Then I sat in one. Didn’t even need to turn the key before I was extremely disappointed.

Rather than a 4Runner with a bed, it is much more like a Camry with a bed. It feels like you’re sitting on the floor rather than in a chair. The cab feels very sedan-ish. 3rd gen Taco is more of a slug than the 5th gen 4R.

The Tundra looks really big from the drivers seat but it maneuvers more like a midsize. If you get a new Taco with the 6’ bed, you are keeping the same wheelbase as your current Tundra.

My vote would be for an efficient daily driver and keep the Tundra for truck stuff.

Love my Tundra, but I still miss my old 4R sometimes. Such a great midsize vehicle.

 

On a side note, how are y'all 6' guys out there only weighting 160-ish lbs?
Bloody hell, I lost close to 50 lbs due to a knee issue (span of close to 4 - 5 months) and I bottom out around 184 +- 2 lbs....
I must be doing something wrong, or just getting old, cause at 6'2" I can't get anything under 185 lbs at this point......

 

I drove a 2016 Tacoma for 5 years about 70k miles, and thought it was the best vehicle ever made…. Then I test drove a Tundra.

 

I drove a Taco SR for work for a few year, very under power and bed was loaded with equipment, so it was slow....
Cab room was not great but since we mostly solo, it was ok but could have wished for more space.

Then Tundra came, nah, not looking back....