Hello all,

I have a first gen (2006) Tundra that is the primary vehicle for my wife. We are considering selling it to my son, which means my wife will need a new truck. The new Tundras just seem too big for her, so we are looking at a loaded Tacoma 4x4 V6. My questions:

Has anyone made this switch - from a first gen Tundra to a new Tacoma? How do they compare size wise? Does going from a V8 in the heavier Tundra to a V6 in the new Tacomas result in noticable loss of power/acceleration/performance?

Also - I've been playing around with building and configuring new Tacomas on the Toyota web site. It looks I can get a loaded Tacoma with all the options and accessories for about $34K. However, I was rather surprised to note there is no option for a navigation system! This was an unpleasant surprise...Is this something specific to my area (Mid Atlantic region), or is it simply not offered on Tacomas?

Finally - any other general lessons learned or things to be aware of in the Tacoma line? I am familiar with the first gen Tundras, and have owned several other Toyota/Lexus models, but I have never looked at the Tacomas closely.

What an odd question.

The Tacoma would be better for your son.

I went from a 1st gen Tundra to an 09 Tacoma. I can't compare everything, because the new truck is a crew cab and I do enjoy the extra doors and higher gas mileage. But, my Tundra was much nicer fit and finish, I miss the (4.6) V8, a great engine. My Taco is actually longer than the Tundra, but narrower. The front cab is a bit cramped in comparison and the seats are not as comfortable. It seemed like a step down. But the new Tundras were just too big, I couldn't make it up into the cab without a step (ok I'm short) I really liked the 1st gen best.

Set in a new 4Runner and see what you think.I think the new redesigned 2012 or 2013 tacoma will be that size.About the size the first gen Tundra was.I had a first gen Tundra and loved it and traded for a 2007 beast sized Tundra and did not like it.Much too big but a nice truck.I traded it for a second gen Tacoma and love it.I now have a 2011 excess cab Tacoma.The 4.0 V6 does not have the power of the 5.7 V8 but there is so much traffic anymore you seldom get a chance to use it.If navigation is a problem get a garmin or tom tom.

i agree on the garmin or tom tom. better gps than oem... at least better than what is in my wife's SC430

Trying to buy a OEM GPS from a 4 Runner is going to break the bank - like $4k or more before it's all said and done. I know, I did the homework. Get a Garmin.
The V6 Tacos are shy on torque from the V8 experience. I had an 02 Tundra.

I put this Pioneer in my '05 Taco - it worked great, only cost about $1,000 and I thought it look really good too.

Wow, that really does look good!
What model is it?

I'm considering the switch myself. I've got a 2001 tundra access cab, and I'm considering the purchase of a new tacoma crew cab longbed this december. I've also been considering the nissan titan crew as well. I feel the new tundra is just too big now.

Am I to understand that the newest tacoma model has increased in size? The gas milage savings is due in part to the reduced weight of the new composite bed. What are the specific differences in size between the 1st gen tundra and the 2012 Tacoma? Is it bigger than the nissan fronteir or the ford ranger? How does it compare to the Chevy Colorado? The models I am looking at are similar price to the Nissan Titan.

I really wish they had a model the same size as the 1st gen tundra. A full size truck sucks to drive and park in the city, but the light trucks are too small and cramped. I'm torn between the Tacoma and just getting a full size truck. Any thoughts?

Wow, that really does look good!
What model is it?

It was in their 800 model range I think - I can't remember the specific model number. The closest to it in the current lineup would be this one:

Pioneer AVIC-X930BT Navigation receiver at Crutchfield.com (http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130AVIC930/Pioneer-AVIC-X930BT.html?tp=20222)

Mine added not only navigation but much better sound, blue tooth for my phone and an iPod interface. I later added a backup camera too, which gave me everything you would get from an OEM head unit. I had already changed out the speakers but with the OEM head unit the sound still sucked. The Pioneer made the sound quality much better and I was very happy with it. I used a Scoshe dash kit to get the factory look on the install.

Thanks dickinsonj, I have the 2010 with the high end sirius stereo, but no navigation..


I'm considering the switch myself. I've got a 2001 tundra access cab, and I'm considering the purchase of a new tacoma crew cab longbed this december. I've also been considering the nissan titan crew as well. I feel the new tundra is just too big now.

Am I to understand that the newest tacoma model has increased in size? The gas milage savings is due in part to the reduced weight of the new composite bed. What are the specific differences in size between the 1st gen tundra and the 2012 Tacoma?

The newest generation Tacoma double cab long bed is about the nearest in size you're going to get to the 1st gen Tundra. Slightly smaller in size, but unless you're "king size" or well over 6 foot tall, it should be okay. The Taco is narrower than the Tundra but just as long. I would suggest going to drive one to see, because the V6 is going to feel much different. The torque you're used to is not going to be there anymore. Just the nature of the V6 beast.. gas mileage may be pretty close if you're looking for the 4x4 (?) my mileage is at 20 mpg.

You will have more leg room in the tacoma (in the driver's seat) than you will in either a 1st or 2nd generation tundra. I'm 6'2'' with 36" inseam. However, the seats are not as wide. I've been getting 18 1/2 to 19 1/2 mpg in the tacoma. Same on the highway as in town. In my '10 Tundra i got 13-15 in town and up to 20 on the highway on long trips. Averaged 19.2 on a 5K trip to yellowstone and back in the 10 tundra. That was a fraction better than i did on the same trip in the '04 tundra.

Hello all,

I have a first gen (2006) Tundra that is the primary vehicle for my wife. We are considering selling it to my son, which means my wife will need a new truck. The new Tundras just seem too big for her, so we are looking at a loaded Tacoma 4x4 V6. My questions:

Has anyone made this switch - from a first gen Tundra to a new Tacoma? How do they compare size wise? Does going from a V8 in the heavier Tundra to a V6 in the new Tacomas result in noticable loss of power/acceleration/performance?

Also - I've been playing around with building and configuring new Tacomas on the Toyota web site. It looks I can get a loaded Tacoma with all the options and accessories for about $34K. However, I was rather surprised to note there is no option for a navigation system! This was an unpleasant surprise...Is this something specific to my area (Mid Atlantic region), or is it simply not offered on Tacomas?

Finally - any other general lessons learned or things to be aware of in the Tacoma line? I am familiar with the first gen Tundras, and have owned several other Toyota/Lexus models, but I have never looked at the Tacomas closely.

34K??? WOW. This is in the ballpark of what I paid for my 09 Crewmax 4x4 5.7 Tundra SR5, brand new. This is why the way compacts have morphed over the years it seems like they're no longer a very good value besides the Colorado, which is a piece of crap.

Tacoma for sure!

Is this thread old or new? Anyway I want to switch back does that count?

I went from a New 1GEN Tundra Crew Cab (2004) to a New 1GEN Tundra AC (2006) to a New 2GEN 2006 Tacoma DC SB and now want to go back to a Tundra. I am sick!! :D

I won't bore anyone the details of my purchases. All have been great trucks. I do regret selling the Tundra Crew Cab. Its fit and finish and how it rode was sweet (the longer wheel base?).

Many of the points have already been covered. I for one want to go back to a Tundra for towing. We upgraded our Enclosed trailer and live in the Mtns.

The Tacoma has been a good truck over the past 4.5 yrs but honestly think Toyota shorts Tacoma buyers in some departments especially with prices at 30k+ for the 4WD TRD models. I feel it could be better. Just my .02 cents.

But for your wife, definitely a tacoma or a 4Runner. :thumbsup: