Wrangler VS. Tacoma?

[Matt The Hammer]

I'm starving. I could go for a taco.

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[Vegas_Sirk]

Thanks for the link! I read the short version in Chapters the other day. Interesting that the Rebel wasn't as capable as the Power Wagon. Wonder if the difference in tire choice Toyo vs BFG and axels is the difference as both have the air suspension and Bilstein shocks granted they could be different part numbers and different setups. One thing that I noticed with the Rebel, the spare is a Goodyear wrangler and not another Toyo plus it's a 32" on a steel wheel. At least on Jeeps they give you the same tire and wheels.

Power Wagon is SFA where Rebel is IFS .... which might have a little to do with it. Also it has the HO Hemi in it and like you said the BFGs which IMO are a better tire. Also if you shop the two after discounts and rebates the difference in price is pretty minimal.

 

[Vegas_Sirk]

Bottom line is: Jeep Wrangler/Ram Power Wagon/Colorado ZR2/Ford Raptor all offer what people want. Toyota Tacoma doesn't. Have you seen a Tacoma TRD Off Road in person? It's got the least V6 torque in the entire segment. A plastic cargo box. Highway rated tires. No front locker. Seating position taken right out of the Camry. It's NOT what people shopping this segment want, which is probably why it's losing most media and magazine battles these days. Also, Toyota is #4 on the list of most recalls by brands in the U.S. over the last 10 years, whereas Jeep isn't even on the list.

My buddy just got one and was looking for larger tires for it and when he told me the load ratings I was like "thats for cars" LOL

 

[Craigy]

Tacoma is a good truck, but it's going to feature Toyota's cheapest build quality, feel a little tinny, and you'll suffer from little pickup truck guy syndrome.

4Runner and Tundra are simply way nicer vehicles. No getting around it. It's like going from a Rav4 to a Highlander, or a Corolla to a Camry. Much nicer, more comfortable.

Even the TRD Pro Tacoma isn't that compelling IMO, especially for the steep price.

There's a pretty small segment that I think Tacoma is best for: 1) guys who really like a little pickup truck, 2) someone who really has to have a Toyota pickup but can't afford a Tundra, 3) someone who has to have a 4wd Toyota but can't afford a 4runner.

Someone who really uses a pickup bed a lot would be better suited with a full size pickup (which is also a lot nicer to drive). Someone who doesn't use a pickup bed, JLU is going to offer a lot more usable space than a taco.

 

[SoCalWrangler]

Thanks for all the input guys. These two vehicles are similar in nature as they are some the original go anywhere vehicles of their class. With the popularity of both along with the followings, it can still be seen a decision for many looking for capable vehicle that still is able to retain its value.

 

[Spank]

A buddy of mine has a Tacoma and its a fantastic truck, but I can't get over how poorly designed the dash is. It's like it was Bring-Your-Kid-to-Work Day and whoever was responsible for the dash just decided to have his 10 year-old take a stab at it. The symmetry is off, the button layout is horrible, the typeface they're using for the gauges is straight out of the '80s, the navigation system is laughably bad, and the HVAC controls are a mess. I know, nitpicky stuff, but it just looks sloppy.

Ugh. Just... no.

 

[Craigy]

A buddy of mine has a Tacoma and its a fantastic truck, but I can't get over how poorly designed the dash is. It's like it was Bring-Your-Kid-to-Work Day and whoever was responsible for the dash just decided to have his 10 year-old take a stab at it. The symmetry is off, the button layout is horrible, the typeface they're using for the gauges is straight out of the '80s, the navigation system is laughably bad, and the HVAC controls are a mess. I know, nitpicky stuff, but it just looks sloppy.

Ugh. Just... no.

I don't mind the interior look, but I definitely agree the nav/infotainment is pretty bleh.

 

[DanW]

I love the Taco, but I agree. That cockpit is hideous. I could live with it, but I would not be in love with it.

 

[Matt The Hammer]

I always wanted a Hilux looking Taco. My neighbor drove a white 4 door taco with black wheels and a mild lift.

Reminded me of the Hilux they used in the movie 'District 9':

 

[DanW]

I always wanted a Hilux looking Taco. My neighbor drove a white 4 door taco with black wheels and a mild lift.

Reminded me of the Hilux they used in the movie 'District 9':

That's a nice looking Tacoma! I also like the looks of the TRD Pro. The ergonomics, however, are really bad for my 6'5" frame.

 

[Matt The Hammer]

I'm with you. I'm a short 6'2"

 

[WXman]

A buddy of mine has a Tacoma and its a fantastic truck, but I can't get over how poorly designed the dash is. It's like it was Bring-Your-Kid-to-Work Day and whoever was responsible for the dash just decided to have his 10 year-old take a stab at it. The symmetry is off, the button layout is horrible, the typeface they're using for the gauges is straight out of the '80s, the navigation system is laughably bad, and the HVAC controls are a mess. I know, nitpicky stuff, but it just looks sloppy.

Ugh. Just... no.

Funny you say that, because the Wrangler JL dash is almost a carbon-copy.

 

[DanW]

Funny you say that, because the Wrangler JL dash is almost a carbon-copy.

Nope. I don't see that, at all.

 

[Ahmed]

There are only features but the idea is different.

 

[Spank]

Funny you say that, because the Wrangler JL dash is almost a carbon-copy.

I agree. The JL dash is the Tacoma dash done right. Controls, buttons, and the general layout is neatly centered, positioned just right, and very symmetrical.

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