Recommend Off-Road Tacoma or Tundra??? Looking Soon!

Ms. Blackwolf

Ms. Blackwolf

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I'm looking to buy a 2021 or 2022 truck and see the mileage is almost the same in both Tacoma/Tundra, I'm guessing the Tacoma is a better choice on gnarly backroads but want to hear from others what they like and why?
 
For just Off-road use, I don’t think the Tacoma can be beaten, IMO… I am on my 3rd Tundra, and they are VERY capable trucks in the mud and snow. A set of chains on the Tundra, and I can get into places that most only take an ATV. Really just depends on if you’re OK with the smaller truck or not.

They’re both pretty phenomenal off road Trucks.
 
Taco. I have a 2014 that gets severe Hunting use.
One size larger tire and a slight lift and it goes all over the place.
I chose the Taco for lots of reasons but a smaller model pickup does better on the trails IMO.
 
Smaller trucks have better maneuverability, larger trucks are more comfortable and have more amenities. If you really intend on serious jeep track-like roads, go small. Otherwise, larger truck will be more comfortable but still pretty capable for most hunting situations. Many folks buy serious off-road vehicles but really never use them in a situation that the larger vehicle couldn't easily handle. Oh- and the larger vehicle is MUCH safer in an accident!
 
HikeHunt61 said:
Smaller trucks have better maneuverability, larger trucks are more comfortable and have more amenities. If you really intend on serious jeep track-like roads, go small. Otherwise, larger truck will be more comfortable but still pretty capable for most hunting situations. Many folks buy serious off-road vehicles but really never use them in a situation that the larger vehicle couldn't easily handle. Oh- and the larger vehicle is MUCH safer in an accident!
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This
 
Tacomas are a great hunting vehicle for two people as the backseat is small.
Just got back from Nevada in a 2018 Tacoma that has a lift,suspension and aftermarket skids and was able to get out of it with out many scratches other then the sliders and skids but a guys Tundra wasnt so lucky and got beat up pretty good.He commented he was getting a Tacoma.
Ideal would be a Tundra and a side by side.
A few friends run diesels and well not many scratch or dent free panels
 
When I hit the gas pedal on my Tundra it hauls butt! I also like having gobs of room. My Tundra is my home away from home on trips. It would be nearly impossible for me to haul all my gear and sleep in the back of a Taco. There also is lots of room behind the front seat in a Tundra....not only for gear but also kids or adults. I get decent gas mileage with my Tundra but have heard of others that haven't gotten as good of mileage as mine. My Tundra does great in 4WD and I've heard that you aren't supposed to put chains on the front due to clearance and brake lines....may be similar with a Taco?
 
New tundra does have rear locker. I want the new Bronco but I have read the gas mileage is terrible. The gas mileage is reported to be much worse than a 4 runner…in 13 MPH range on highway with Sasquatch package and 2.7 V6. I think I am back to looking at either another Tacoma or the new Tundra with the locker. I had the Tacoma, my son and I loved it but it really is a bit too small for my family. I am 6’4” and my wife is 5’11”. My son at 14 is already almost 6’. I think the Tundra crew cab might be best choice for me.
 
You can put front and rear air lockers in-plus you have a compressor on board if needed for tires.For me the pro wasnt a good deal-as I went with a aftermarket fox suspension and made a huge difference then getting the pro
 
TFL is your friend. You'll get a lot better info than asking people who have spent their hard-earned money on a truck. It naturally causes all of us to have Confirmation Bias about what we bought. These guys test them all, and test them hard.


 
Ms. Blackwolf said:
I'm looking to buy a 2021 or 2022 truck and see the mileage is almost the same in both Tacoma/Tundra, I'm guessing the Tacoma is a better choice on gnarly backroads but want to hear from others what they like and why?
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I have a 2021 Tacoma double cab off-road long bed. Just turned 5k miles. It’s definitely capable off road especially with the locking rear differential. The crawl control is fun.

However, I hate the lack of power and miss the interior room of the F150 I sold to get it. I did tune the ECU and that made a big difference in smoothing out shift points and a little more power but it’s not even close.

I do like the Tacoma 6’ bed though. It is easier to load up dirtbikes, a quad or furniture though.

A long Tacoma like this has virtually the same turning radius as a full size truck as well.

If the market wasn’t so crazy I would go back to a full size.
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Also I will add the Tacoma's are very durable but not indestructible like you always hear. I usually end up breaking mine every hunting season but I'm extremely hard on it haha. Like I will happily destroy my truck to have the chance at a 180+ deer :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO: I really don't think there are many trucks out there that could hold up to what my Tacoma has been through. The tundra's are very roomy but honestly my 2018 Tacoma has tons of room IMO but I'm used to always being in my 02 that is about the size of a SXS. There's no wrong answer both trucks are awesome just have to decide if you are ok with paying Tundra prices to drag the paint off of it through trees and sage brush.
 
Ms. Blackwolf said:
I'm looking to buy a 2021 or 2022 truck and see the mileage is almost the same in both Tacoma/Tundra, I'm guessing the Tacoma is a better choice on gnarly backroads but want to hear from others what they like and why?
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Buy American Ford Chevy Dodge and the Ford beats them Toyota's all day long better looking and more features.
Ford has the same four wheel drive system that Range Rover has. Ford bought them copied their system and then sold them off.
 
I have an 07 tundra that i bought new, and i still love it. I'm not that impressed with the 22 tundra, and will be looking at the new 23 complete body and engine change for the Tacoma!!
 
DeerHunter53 said:
Buy American Ford Chevy Dodge and the Ford beats them Toyota's all day long better looking and more features.
Ford has the same four wheel drive system that Range Rover has. Ford bought them copied their system and then sold them off.
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Dodge and Jeep are owned by Stellantis, headquartered in the Netherlands. They're not American car companies anymore.
 
Loved my Tacoma, and it was a very capable off-road rig. One of the better ones out there, and with a locker and/or chains it would be unstoppable!!. But two people and gear was a full load inside, even in a crew cab. Would pull my 16 or 19 foot travel trailers OK, but no larger and mileage went from 13-15 down to the same 8 mpg as other full size 1/2 tons. I upgraded from little to full size in my 2017 Nissan Titan, and got a SxS UTV. The SxS keeps me from trashing the expensive pickup if things get really gnarly, and I can go twice as fast, in twice the comfort in the SxS. Both are good looking trucks, but the wife hated riding in the Taco in the rocks!!

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I ran a Tacoma for a lot of years… absolutely beat the piss out of it. Switched to a Chevy Colorado last year for a hunting rig and like it a lot better. Wasn’t all that impressed with the 2.8 duramax so I went with the ZR2 v6. 300hp stock and a 7000lb tow rating.
 
Ms. Blackwolf said:
I'm looking to buy a 2021 or 2022 truck and see the mileage is almost the same in both Tacoma/Tundra, I'm guessing the Tacoma is a better choice on gnarly backroads but want to hear from others what they like and why?
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What ever you do, don’t buy a used taco in the Grand Junction / Montrose area. It may have been used by a guide!! OMG.
 
Both are incredible trucks and will do what you want them to. I’ve owned several of both trucks, loved them all. If you are a solo hunter or just have 1 other hunter going with you occasionally, a tacoma is great. If you have a bunch of people going often or take a bunch of gear with all the time, you’ll want the tundra.
 
I went with Tundra because I can load a spacious bed with coolers, generator, gas cans, water jugs, chairs, bicycle, pontoon boat, etc. and maybe even a buck or bull and still pull a small travel trailer hundreds of miles with plenty of power. It is a tank with chains on rear wheels, but can‘t put chains on the front tires unfortunately. My brother has an older Tacoma that is great on trails, but the Tundra feels more secure on the highway and might handle snow better. I have been told that bigger is safer in accident, but not eager to test that theory.

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gundog2 said:
I went with Tundra because I can load a spacious bed with coolers, generator, gas cans, water jugs, chairs, bicycle, pontoon boat, etc. and maybe even a buck or bull and still pull a small travel trailer hundreds of miles with plenty of power. It is a tank with chains on rear wheels, but can‘t put chains on the front tires unfortunately. My brother has an older Tacoma that is great on trails, but the Tundra feels more secure on the highway and might handle snow better. I have been told that bigger is safer in accident, but not eager to test that theory.

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I’ve chained up the front of mine many times.
 
Toyota Motor Corporation isn't an American car company, they're Japanese, though they do have Assembly Plants here.

If somebody wants an American-made truck, they should buy a Ford Ranger... they're the most American-made vehicle. There is not a single Toyota in the Top 10, however Tesla has several vehicles in the Top 10 if that's important to a buyer. (Stats are for 2020, the most recent year I could find)
 
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Here it is JB



www.tesla.com

Cybertruck

Cybertruck is designed to have the utility of a truck with sports car performance. Built to be durable, versatile, capable and high-performance both on-road and off-road.
www.tesla.com www.tesla.com



Robb
 
elkassassin said:
Yes!

And You've Seen it Before!

I Thought You'd Have One By Now?

If For Nothing More than To See Half of KALI Lose Their Power When You Plug that F'ER in to Charge it!
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Solar baby that is the way to go, screw PG&E I put in solar this year and my power bill last month was $9 and it has the electric feed to charge a car or truck.
 
DeerHunter53 said:
Solar baby that is the way to go, screw PG&E I put in solar this year and my power bill last month was $9 and it has the electric feed to charge a car or truck.
Click to expand...
They say the drivetrain on a Tesla will last a million miles. Even though I had a couple of hybrid company trucks, I still can’t see myself spending my own money on one.

But miners have been doing it for years, so it’s probably not as anti-American as I think.

And how about that torque……0-60 in 2 seconds.:D

drivetribe.com

Tesla's new Model S has over 1,000 horsepower and a bizarre half-steering wheel

With a radically-new interior design and a 200 MPH top speed, an 1,100 horsepower version supposedly arriving later this year, Tesla's long-
drivetribe.com drivetribe.com
 
Bluehair said:
They say the drivetrain on a Tesla will last a million miles. Even though I had a couple of hybrid company trucks, I still can’t see myself spending my own money on one.

But miners have been doing it for years, so it’s probably not as anti-American as I think.

And how about that torque……0-60 in 2 seconds.:D

drivetribe.com

Tesla's new Model S has over 1,000 horsepower and a bizarre half-steering wheel

With a radically-new interior design and a 200 MPH top speed, an 1,100 horsepower version supposedly arriving later this year, Tesla's long-
drivetribe.com drivetribe.com
Click to expand...
0-60 in two seconds with torque will pull your head back when you step on the pedal.....I had a ride the other night on Uber and the guy had a Tesala, my first time in one.
Smooth ride and not as quiet as I thought it would be, you don't hear any engine noise but the gear train makes noise and isn't as quiet as I would prefer... Maybe the more expensive model is better not sure
 
I'm selling my 06' Tundra I bought new--best truck ever! Last year of the old school style-- but it's time to upgrade. Love the old model Tundra's, I call em the Tacoma Plus because they are not really a half ton--they are just the perfect size for off road and outdoors. I ended up getting a new Chevy Silverado RST Z71 with the Duramax Diesel engine. Hope I don't regret it. I didn't want to wait 8 months for the new Tundra and with the revamp model in 22' I generally don't like being the Guinee Pig when manufacturers roll out new models. They always seem to have issues and recalls like the 2007 Tundra's had a lot of issues until they got it dialed in by 2009.
 
I bought my 07 tundra in 07, and still have it. I was hoping the 22 would be something special, and was ready to buy, but the front end is fricken UGLY, and the front bumper looks like it came off of a 58 Buick, and here's the nail, NO TOW HOOKS!! And i was hoping for front lockers, but no dice I do like the inside, and more power, better gas miles, but i still love my 07, and will see what the 23 re-design Tacoma is like.
 
one of these passed me on I15 through Barstow a few weeks ago....pulling a huge boat.....I wanted to follow him to see his range....

rivian.com

R1T - Rivian

Rivian is an electric vehicle manufacturer on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever.
rivian.com rivian.com
 
The 3.5 in the Tacoma is underpowered, and the gearing is absolutely garbage. Can’t find a gear on the highway, and 4 low is a joke. Sold mine after 2 years, couldn’t stand driving on the freeway. Toyota should’ve kept the 4.0 in Tacoma and left the gears alone. Previous generation was twice the truck as the current version imo. Fit and finish was also much better.
 
fullthrottle said:
The 3.5 in the Tacoma is underpowered, and the gearing is absolutely garbage. Can’t find a gear on the highway, and 4 low is a joke. Sold mine after 2 years, couldn’t stand driving on the freeway. Toyota should’ve kept the 4.0 in Tacoma and left the gears alone. Previous generation was twice the truck as the current version imo. Fit and finish was also much better.
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You nailed it!
 
I had the 3.5 Tacoma and loved the truck. I didn’t have the transmission issues most people have reported. Additionally, I go out of my way to rent TRD Tacomas when I travel out west. I did have a 10-12 year gap between owning my precious Tacoma and the new one. This might account for my perspective on the Tacomas. I do wish the had kept the 4.0 because of the reliability but wish they had just developed a better transmission.

I still love the new Tacoma and would buy one in a minute if my wife would let me. I think my next truck/SUV will be the new Tundra or an F150 with eco boost and max payload. I am also looking at 4Runner or new Bronco. The 4 runner and Bronco get terrible gas mileage, would be way more cramped on long trips but would do much better off road. The Tundra/F150 with crew cab would be nice for trips.
 
Well, what did you end up with?

Can't do the truck question with no decision.

Real question, since your doing Toyota.

Did it come with a flat brim? Did you get the 3yrs MTN ops subscription with it? When you bought it did the sales bro "bring it in" for a man hug? Did you share a tear testimonial
about how your family has sacrificed for your hunting?

Sitka or first lite seat covers? Custom rack for the 6.5 manbun?

Did you hike 23 miles in, and change 8,000ft in elevation to get to dealership?

Would you describe your purchase as "epic"

When driving it, does one wear ears inside ones cap?

OR,

Did you just buy a real truck?
 
hossblur said:
Well, what did you end up with?

Can't do the truck question with no decision.

Real question, since your doing Toyota.

Did it come with a flat brim? Did you get the 3yrs MTN ops subscription with it? When you bought it did the sales bro "bring it in" for a man hug? Did you share a tear testimonial
about how your family has sacrificed for your hunting?

Sitka or first lite seat covers? Custom rack for the 6.5 manbun?

Did you hike 23 miles in, and change 8,000ft in elevation to get to dealership?

Would you describe your purchase as "epic"

When driving it, does one wear ears inside ones cap?

OR,

Did you just buy a real truck?
Click to expand...
I thought this was a U-Tard thing….. I don’t think any of that is tied to Toyotas…. I know it’s not for me, and I’ve driven them for a few years. I’ve pulled several “Real Trucks” out of a muddy hole or ditch with mine as well…..
 
I guess I better put a brick on the brim of my cap so I look better.
Although my head is to big for my ears to fit under.
I do feel like my Taco is "epic".:)
 
Utah400Elk said:
I had the 3.5 Tacoma and loved the truck. I didn’t have the transmission issues most people have reported. Additionally, I go out of my way to rent TRD Tacomas when I travel out west. I did have a 10-12 year gap between owning my precious Tacoma and the new one. This might account for my perspective on the Tacomas. I do wish the had kept the 4.0 because of the reliability but wish they had just developed a better transmission.

I still love the new Tacoma and would buy one in a minute if my wife would let me. I think my next truck/SUV will be the new Tundra or an F150 with eco boost and max payload. I am also looking at 4Runner or new Bronco. The 4 runner and Bronco get terrible gas mileage, would be way more cramped on long trips but would do much better off road. The Tundra/F150 with crew cab would be nice for trips.
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I have a 4Runner and a tundra. The 4Runner leaves a lot to be desired. It is classsic Toyota dependable.
 
I have an 07 tundra that i bought in 07 i was looking forward to the 2022 tundra, but i am really disappointed in the new design. No tow hooks, no rear bumper to step in the back of the truck, no outside lighting when it's dark and you are trying to open the door, no locking front and rear differential , less room in the back seat than i have, the rear differential looks small compared to my truck. I do like the new engine and transmission, and better fuel mileage. And oh did i mention the ugly huge FRONT END! I love Toyota build and quality, so i'm looking forward to the 23 tacoma. If not i will keep my old Tundra, it is still bullet proof after 15 years!!
 
I have wondered why Toyota has no stepped up and built a real full size "off road truck" yet. The tundra with its car like ground clearance and no locker in at least the rear, edit to add-(just looked they finally added one for 2022 finally) and nothing in the front. Looks like even Chevrolet finally stepped up this year. Oh sure they put some $400 shocks on the pro and sweet cat back on it. I have not looked at the specs on the new one other than the turbo v6 motor. Well they did give the Trd pro a 2 inch lift in the front so its $$s can almost drag in every little drainage cut on forest service roads when you put a couple hundred pounds in the bed. Now the new version has the same horrible sounding v6 turbo motor as my raptor which I do not like other than it being not bad on gas. But really the new Tundra looks terrible, who signed off on that ? some 12 year old kid.
For bad roads i won't say "off road" the 2nd Gen tacoma with some aftermarket market coilovers and real tires is hard to beat.

Take a look at the Ford Ranger Tremor also. Better shocks ( than the Fx4) , great 4wd system. Better off road than the FX4 and still has a way better payload than tacoma, several hundred pounds more. Sorry the Ford came out in a Yota thread.
 
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If you're in the market for a 2021 or 2022, then money is obviously not object...

Find the nearest 4x4 shop and go ask them. When I used to Jeep, I went to a place near me (Sky's Extreme) and they were happy to talk to me about which vehicles are Best... You should just give them a blank check and tell them to give you the best off road machine money can buy... Good luck.!!
 
I am selling a 2020 Taco, TRD 4X4, crew cab if anyone is interested. Bought it in September of 2020 and it's just sitting there in the driveway. Has a 2-inch leveling kit, BFG's, Fuel wheels, sub, amp and 18K miles. Best offer from dealers so far is $38, 900.00. Damn nice little truck but haven't used it like I thought we would so -It's out a here next week or week after one way or another.
 
Tacoma is great off-road but a gut-less wonder with crap mileage. I had a 2019 taco. Gutless as hell and if you’re tall you’ll hate the head room. I have a 2020 gladiator. It’ll run circles around any taco power wise and it’s sitting on 40’s
There isnt a place I can’t get it. And it rides like a side by side off-road.

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Hey HC?

Where You Been?


HorseCreek said:
Tacoma is great off-road but a gut-less wonder with crap mileage. I had a 2019 taco. Gutless as hell and if you’re tall you’ll hate the head room. I have a 2020 gladiator. It’ll run circles around any taco power wise and it’s sitting on 40’s
There isnt a place I can’t get it. And it rides like a side by side off-road.

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HorseCreek said:
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If you go the Tacoma route, I would encourage you to replace the factory gearing especially if you opt to run larger tires. I went with the 4.88 & I’m happy with it. Some recommendations say to go to 5.29, but I suppose it’s a matter of personal opinion. I run 35” tires on my Tacoma & the 4.88 is great.
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First thing I'd do is replace the tires. My off road package came with passenger tires. WTF? Flat tire every time I went off road.
Next time I'll go with a size bigger than stock.
 
Ms. Blackwolf said:
I'm looking to buy a 2021 or 2022 truck and see the mileage is almost the same in both Tacoma/Tundra, I'm guessing the Tacoma is a better choice on gnarly backroads but want to hear from others what they like and why?
Click to expand...
Single = Taco / Married with Fam = Tundra also Buy white to hide all the mountain pinstripe.
 
Taco if you really need to get somewhere really bad, tundra if you like comfort and capable to do most hunting situations. we have both and I take the tundra hunting. tundra runs slower downhill in 4 high where the taco needs to be in 4Lo to actually slow it down
 
brdhuntr said:
I have an 07 tundra that i bought in 07 i was looking forward to the 2022 tundra, but i am really disappointed in the new design. No tow hooks, no rear bumper to step in the back of the truck, no outside lighting when it's dark and you are trying to open the door, no locking front and rear differential , less room in the back seat than i have, the rear differential looks small compared to my truck. I do like the new engine and transmission, and better fuel mileage. And oh did i mention the ugly huge FRONT END! I love Toyota build and quality, so i'm looking forward to the 23 tacoma. If not i will keep my old Tundra, it is still bullet proof after 15 years!!
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I’ve owned 3 Tundras the best truck I’ve ever owned. Totally agree with brdhuntr, I was in the market for the 2022 and went to the car show last weekend. Hate the design, probably going to buy a used 21 with low miles.
 
DJ1 said:
I’ve owned 3 Tundras the best truck I’ve ever owned. Totally agree with brdhuntr, I was in the market for the 2022 and went to the car show last weekend. Hate the design, probably going to buy a used 21 with low miles.
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The dealer here has 3 2021 loaner trucks with 1500 to 2000 miles for 62-65000 dollars. 15,000 over sticker in 2021!!! No way...
 
I have a Tundra and it has been a great truck. A bit large to go through the little two track roads unless you want lots of pin stripes but on the other hand I can haul a lot more gear and a side by side to where I am hunting without the need to beat up the pickup truck.
 
Ms. Blackwolf said:
I'm looking to buy a 2021 or 2022 truck and see the mileage is almost the same in both Tacoma/Tundra, I'm guessing the Tacoma is a better choice on gnarly backroads but want to hear from others what they like and why?
Click to expand...
Vehicles are through the roof right now. Even used vehicles are up 45%. If you can wait a year or two until they sort this chip debacle out, inflation steadies and gas comes back down you just might save a ton of money. Whatever you decide good luck and enjoy.
 

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