Since its establishment as a truck model in 1995, the Toyota Tacoma has been an Overlanding juggernaut. Overlanding is slightly different from traditional off-roading, though the vehicle used shares some common traits, considerable differences exist.
The traditional off-roading aim is to take rough terrains to overcome obstacles. Overlanding is about touring remote areas with a self-reliant vehicle.
The thrill of Overlanding is the rebellious experience in a beautiful remote location you get your truck to. The Toyota Tacomas truck is the most popular for Overlanding.
Why Is The Toyota Tacoma So Popular For Overlanding?
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Toyota Tacomas are pickup trucks. To become Overlanding vehicles, they require some modifications. Tacomas have limited space but have good quality combinations that make them the famous choice for Overlanding.
Some of the qualities include:
1. Capable of Agile Off-Road
The off-roading capabilities of Tacomas are one of the things that makes it very popular. The Tacoma trucks are ideal for heading to locations that are hard to reach. The truck layout makes it easy for Toyota Tacomas to move through rough roads with grace and agility. This means that they are durable, and you will not have to worry while beating through the bush.
2. High Resale Value
Generally, when purchasing a vehicle, people consider the number of miles the car has covered and its age. These two factors determine the price. However, when it comes to Toyota Tacoma, they are exempted from this rule used in the car market.
The older models are even selling more than the new models!
Also, after you buy a Tacoma, you will need to upgrade your truck more than is required in off-roading when up-fitting your vehicle. Your truck will also require enough storage, recovery, and a place to sleep.
The aftermarket offers more than what one may need. People are willing to pay more because of these modifications and reliability when you get tired of your Toyota Tacoma.
3. Toyota Tacoma Makes Exceptional Customizable Vehicle
Most people like to buy Toyota Tacoma because they are easy to add accessories that enhance performance, protect them and still look glorious.
4. Ample Cargo Space
The Toyota Tacoma comes with an additional storage compartment around the cabin and has two other bins in the cargo bed. All models have composite inner-bed walls, a removable tailgate, and a bed rail system with adjustable tie-downs.
Characteristics of Tacoma Geared Toward Overlanding
The following are Tacoma specification that makes it fit for Overlanding.
1. Interior Dimensions of the Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma offers you and your passenger’s ample space to get comfortable and settle for the adventure ahead. Choosing the best Tacoma trim that fits your driving requirements is easy since most come available in Double Cab or Access Cab.
The Access Cab has 39.7 inches of headroom in front, and the rear has 34.9 inches, enabling you to stretch out during the ride. The legroom is also spacious making it ideal for Overlanding.
In addition to the dimensions, the Toyota Tacoma also has magnificent folding rear seats that enable you to access the anchor points. This creates plenty of space in the vehicle.
The Tacoma has a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Satellite radio, and three USB ports.
Other interior features include navigation, remote keyless entry, an 8-inch touch screen, push start button, and a moonroof. The touch screen menus are easy to navigate, making it easy for drivers to operate the climate setting and physical audio when the vehicle is in motion.
2. The Exterior Dimensions of Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has a width of 74.4 inches and a height of 70.6 inches. The length comes at 212.3 inches with a standard bed but increases to 225.5 inches if you have a long bed trim.
The dimension of the wheel also changes depending on the size of your bed. The wheel measures 127.4 inches with a standard bed and 140.6 in a long bed. This enables you to take the road like a champion no matter the size bed you choose.
3. Tacoma Wheel Dimensions
The wheel size of the Toyota Tacoma differs depending on the Tacoma trim you choose. The standard SR trim has styled steel wheels which are 16-inch. The upgraded TRD-Road trim has 16 inches wheels that are machine contrasted alloy wheels which are fantastic for traversing through the trails.
The wheels, combined with crawl control and the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), enable you to navigate different terrains easily. The crawl control and electronically locking rear differential automatically regulate braking and throttling.
The Toyota Tacoma also gives you an option on a limited trim if you want to have larger upgraded wheels. It lets you have wheels that will give you incredible performance making Tacoma very popular for Overlanding.
4. The Truck Bed Dimensions
The Toyota Tacoma offers two-bed options, the standard, and the long bed. The choice of the bed depends on what you want to load on the back of the truck. The Tacoma spacious bed lets you efficiently haul different items, including mattresses, dirt bikes, tools, and machinery.
The car also has a Tacoma tonneau cover that allows you quickly cover up your gear for security and safety while on the cruise.
5. High Horse Power and Torque Ratings
Another thing that makes Toyota Tacoma so popular is its high engine horsepower. The truck also has a 6- speed manual transmission and a four-wheel drive. The engine came in two options:
- 2.7 -Liter 4-cylinder. This engine available in the 2022 Toyota Tacoma generates up to 159 horsepower, making it have impressive power, fuel efficiency, and excellent capabilities.
- 3.5-Liter V6. The engine offers you 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The high torque and horsepower rating ensure you have no difficulties hauling heavy payloads and towing rough terrains. Some of the performance features of the engine include 24 valves, different valve timing-intelligent exhaust, and direct injection.
Toyota Tacoma vs. the Toyota Tundra: Which is Best for Overlanding?
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If you are looking for a midsize pickup truck with a powerful engine and tremendous off-road capability, the Tacoma or the Toyota Tundra would be the best options. Both are durable and fantastic. Their off-road suspension and powerful engines would take you to your desired place. Both trucks are comfortable and spacious inside the cabin.
They have admirable towing capabilities, but people don’t know which of the two trucks is more reliable. Let’s compare the two.
Tacoma or Tundra Which is More Powerful?
Looking at the performance, the Tundra is more powerful than the Tacoma.
The Tundra
Tundra has two powertrains. Most Tundras are fitted with a 4.6-liter i-Force V-8 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. As a result, the engine produces 310 horsepower and 327 lb-ft of torque. It is fitted with a double overhead cam, 32 valves, and a valuable-intelligent valve that raises its performance.
The Tacoma
In contrast, Tacoma has two less impressive powertrains. Its main engine is a 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine, matched with a six-speed manual transmission, and produces 159 horsepower and 180lb-ft of torque. Tacoma has an option of a 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 engine that delivers 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque for more power.
Therefore, if you require more power to haul and tow, Tundra is more reliable. The Tundra can give a maximum of 68,000 lbs, while the maximum Tacoma can offer is 35,000lbs.
Tacoma or Tundra Which Has Great Off-Road Performance?
Both Tacoma and Tundra have excellent off-road capabilities. They are equipped with off-road shock absorbers, four-wheel drive, and differential.
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The Tundra
Tundra is fitted with an auto limited-slip differential that enables you to overcome slippery surfaces without decreasing the engine power. The automatic slip differential stops each wheel improving traction that allows you to get out of mud or snow.
It is also fitted with a trailer-sway control and a trailer brake controller for towing during heavy duty.
The Tacoma
In contrast, only one model of Tacoma can match the off-road performance of the Tundra – the Tacoma TRD off-road edition. It is fitted with Bilstein shock absorbers and an electronic locking rear differential that raises its off-road performance.
The Tacoma TRD is equipped with crawl control and hill start aid control. The crawl control enables you to drive at a low speed on rough terrains by automatically controlling acceleration and braking, allowing the driver to concentrate on the steering.
Any four-wheel Tundra will offer you outstanding off-road performance, but for Toyota Tacoma, only the TRD Off-Road edition will give you excellent performance.
Tacoma vs. Tundra: Interior
The current Tacoma and Tundra models are nicely equipped in the cabin. Both have mirrors, windows, and power door locks.
However, Tundra has more interior space than Tacoma. For the bed, the Tundra offers larger sizes. The Tundra Access cab has an 8.1 ft bed, while the Tundra double cab features a 6.5 ft bed. On the other hand, the Tacoma double cab features a 5 ft bed, while the access cab has a 6-foot bed.
The Tundra legroom is superior to that of Tacoma. The front legroom for Tundra is 42.9 inches, while Tacoma has 42.5 inches.
Tacoma vs. Tundra: Fuel Efficiency
The Toyota Tundra is equipped with large-powerful engines, which consume more fuel than Tacoma. The fuel rating for Tacoma is 19/24 mpg on the highway, while Tundra is rated at 13/18 mpg.
Therefore, for Overlanding, Toyota Tundra is more capable than Tacoma since it can haul and tow heavy cargo due to its powerful engine.
Final Thoughts
Toyota Tacoma is an impressive truck which makes it popular in Overlanding. However, its towing capacity is limited compared to Toyota Tundra, which has large and powerful engines. Both will offer excellent off-roading capabilities, but Tundra is the right choice for extended off-road/ overlanding adventures.
