Is the Toyota Tacoma a Good Daily Driver? (+Toyota Tundra)
The Toyota Tacoma is a well-rounded pickup, from its basic work-truck form to off-road capable variants, making it a relatively straightforward choice for daily driving, although it’s far from the smoothest-riding truck.
And what about the Toyota Tundra?
Toyota Tacoma’s Negatives as a Daily Driver
#1 Not for Tall Drivers
Unlike most segment entrants, the Tacoma is light on headroom.
Only occupants 6 feet or less will find adequate space up front, and that is without the optional sunroof.
Tall drivers may need to crane their necks to see the traffic lights, and the sizeable rearview mirror doesn’t help.
Although the power seat provides a degree of adjustability, knee room may be an issue for long-legged drivers.
Seating space is equally tight at the back, with three across out of the question.
#2 Average Visibility
Visibility is typically a strong point for pickup trucks due to their elevated seating position, although full-size ones may face problems with substantial blind spots in front of the hood.
Driver visibility in the Tacoma is decent, although not as airy as rivals like the Jeep Gladiator, Honda Ridgeline, or Ford Ranger.
The windows are small and short, partly due to the low roofline.
A backup camera is standard, which aids rearward views, while the optional blind spot system with cross-traffic warning is available in the higher trim levels.
#3 Subpar Ride Quality
Changes introduced in the latest models have made the Tacoma a more tolerable truck to ride in – the fully adjustable driver’s seat generally helps long-drive comfort.
Still, the Tacoma rides more like a traditional body-on-frame truck – which it is – than the more comfortable modern crossovers and newer trucks.
Even on the smoothest pavement, the Tacoma transmits an underlying jitter, which can be wearing in long-distance travel.
Compared to older model years, the thicker windshield and side window glass reduce wind noise.
If you’re looking for the most comfortable midsize truck that money can buy, you should consider the unibody-construction Honda Ridgeline.
#4 Mediocre Crash Safety
A comparison with its direct rival from Japan, the Honda Ridgeline, is inevitable.
NHTSA awarded four out of five stars overall to the Tacoma and the full five stars to the Ridgeline.
| 2022 Tacoma | 2022 Ridgeline | |
| Overall Rating | 4/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Frontal Crash | 4/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Side Crash | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Rollover | 4/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
It isn’t a significant drawback, but the Honda Ridgeline is a safer vehicle reflecting today’s safety technology advancement.
Toyota Tacoma’s Positives as a Daily Driver
#5 Superb Value Retention
The Tacoma is a strong contender in the midsize truck market, offering buyers a competent canvas for off-road upgrades, impeccable reliability, and high residual values.
Toyota Tacomas shed approximately 29% of their value after the initial five years and 54% after ten years.
See the comparison with other midsize trucks below:
| 5-yr Depreciation | 10-yr Depreciation | |
| Toyota Tacoma | 29% | 54% |
| Ford Ranger | 39% | 66% |
| Jeep Gladiator | 40% | 65% |
| Honda Ridgeline | 55% | 77% |
That said, a used car’s resale value is also condition-dependent.
#6 Inexpensive Upkeep
What you pay to maintain your vehicle is a significant running cost component.
Delightedly, the Tacoma is one of the least expensive to maintain, costing $478 per year, according to RepairPal – below the segment average.
See the year-to-year maintenance costs comparison below:
| Year | Annual Costs (Tacoma) | Annual Costs (Ridgeline) | Annual Costs (Ranger) | Annual Costs (Gladiator) |
| 1 | $236 | $295 | $333 | $395 |
| 2 | $272 | $342 | $393 | $464 |
| 3 | $330 | $418 | $488 | $576 |
| 4 | $421 | $537 | $639 | $753 |
| 5 | $498 | $637 | $765 | $900 |
| 6 | $617 | $794 | $964 | $1,133 |
| 7 | $861 | $1,112 | $1,366 | $1,603 |
| 8 | $957 | $1,239 | $1,526 | $1,791 |
| 9 | $1,047 | $1,357 | $1,675 | $1,965 |
| 10 | $1,181 | $1,532 | $1,896 | $2,223 |
| 11 | $1,198 | $1,554 | $1,924 | $2,256 |
| 12 | $1,341 | $1,741 | $2,161 | $2,533 |
Tacoma’s inexpensive maintenance and repair cost is a testament to its reliability.
Other Toyota Truck Models:
Is a Toyota Tundra a Good Daily Driver?
Toyota has gone to great lengths to improve the full-size Tundra, and the third-generation Tundra is the best yet, with new powertrains, suspension, frame, and a more modern cabin.
The Toyota Tundra is a reasonably well-rounded daily driver – the torquey yet smooth turbocharged V6, solid braking performance, and crucially, the improved ride comfort and a quieter cabin count among its pluses.
Fuel economy isn’t a strong suit, but its reliability is.
Covering long distances in the Tundra is a pleasant experience.
On that note, the RAM 1500 remains a class leader in on-road ride quality.
Best Toyota Tacoma for Daily Driving: Trims Compared
Table Guide:
- Engine: T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined.
- Notable Features: capability-differentiating aspects.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Tow Max | Notable Features | |
| SR | 2.7L-i4-4WD | 159-hp | 20-mpg | 3,500-lbs | Std. provisions. |
| SR5 | 2.7L-i4-4WD | 159-hp | 20-mpg | 3,500-lbs | The above plus: Keyless entry. Power driver’s seat. |
| TRD Sport | 3.5L-V6-4WD | 278-hp | 20-mpg | 6,400-lbs | The above plus: Sport suspension. Keyless entry and ignition. Heated mirrors Power-sliding rear window. |
| TRD Off-Road | 3.5L-V6-4WD | 278-hp | 20-mpg | 6,400-lbs | The above plus: Lockable rear differentials. Enhanced shock absorbers. Advanced off-road system. |
| Limited | 3.5L-V6-4WD | 278-hp | 20-mpg | 6,400-lbs | Adds luxury features, but minus the sport suspension. Blind-sport monitor. 360-degree camera. |
| TRD Pro | 3.5L-V6-4WD | 278-hp | 20-mpg | 6,400-lbs | The most capable off-roader. |
The TRD Sport with optional 4WD is the best Tacoma trim for daily driving as you get the more powerful V6 to help acceleration and lane-merging, and it is the mildest of the off-road versions.
Alternatively, you could opt for the Limited trim that adds more luxury features and has a smoother and quieter ride – albeit you’re paying close to $5k extra for a similar body style and drivetrain.
In any case, skip the headroom-robbing sunroof if you’re tall.
Toyota Trucks Comparison with Similar Vehicles
Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Tundra as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Toyota Tacoma | 3.5L-V6-4WD | 278-hp | 20-mpg | Regular | $478 | Average | Poor | 6,500-lbs |
| Toyota Tundra | 3.5L-V6-T–4WD | 348-hp | 19-mpg | Regular | $606 | Good | Good | 8,300-lbs |
Although one is a midsize and the other a full-size, the appeal of owning a reliable Toyota truck is undeniable.
While the larger of the two with greater payload and tow performances, the Toyota Tundra also emerges as the more civilized daily driver than the Tacoma with improved road manners.
The Tundra’s comfortable seats and quieter interior ensure a pleasant ride, even when covering long distances.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota 4Runner as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Toyota Tacoma | 3.5L-V6-4WD | 278-hp | 20-mpg | Regular | $478 | Average | Poor | 6,500-lbs |
| Toyota 4Runner | 4.0L-V6-4WD | 270-hp | 19-mpg | Regular | $514 | Good | Average | 5,000-lbs |
Tacoma vs. 4Runner is an uneven contest: pickup truck against SUV, although both are midsize entrants in their respective segments.
If you need an off-roader with a truck bed and modest towing ability (up to 6,800 lbs, trim-dependant), opt for a V6-powered Tacoma.
Choose the Toyota 4Runner over the Tacoma if you want a proper everyday vehicle that you can travel in comfort with a versatile interior cargo area.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Silverado as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Toyota Tacoma | 3.5L-V6-4WD | 278-hp | 20-mpg | Regular | $478 | Average | Poor | 6,500-lbs |
| Chevy Silverado 1500 | 4.3L-V6-4WD | 285-hp | 17-mpg | Flex-fuel | $714 | Average | Average | 9,500-lbs |
The Silverado has made incremental gains year on year, and although it rode poorly when the 2019 model debuted, overall comfort has improved.
Still, opt for the Tacoma if you don’t need the Silverado’s superior towing and hauling strengths and place more value on Toyota’s reliability and lower running costs.
The Ford F-150 is a hard-to-ignore solid all-rounder if you fancy a full-size light-duty truck.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford F-150 as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Toyota Tacoma | 3.5L-V6-4WD | 278-hp | 20-mpg | Regular | $478 | Average | Poor | 6,500-lbs |
| Ford F-150 | 3.3L-V6-4WD | 290-hp | 20-mpg | Flex-fuel | $788 | Good | Good | 12,300-lbs |
This contest is a full-size (F-150) versus a midsize (Tacoma) truck, with their apparent price difference.
Although the larger of the two, the Ford F-150 rides more comfortably as a daily driver than the Toyota Tacoma and has superior payload and tow abilities.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Toyota Tacoma | 2.7L-i4-4WD | 159-hp | 20-mpg | Regular | $478 | Average | Poor | 6,500-lbs |
| Ford Ranger | 2.3L-i4-T–4WD | 270-hp | 22-mpg | Regular | $615 | Good | Poor | 7,500-lbs |
Toyota Tacomas have two engines in the lowest trim levels – the older 3.5-liter V6 and the newer 2.7-liter inline-four.
Although both generally have poor ride quality, the latest Tacoma iteration is the more agreeable truck to ride in.
The Toyota Tacoma is a better everyday car than the Ford Ranger with its marginally higher ride comfort, lower maintenance cost, and solid durability.
Further, the Tacoma is more rugged off-pavement than the Ranger without the optional off-road package.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Honda Ridgeline as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Toyota Tacoma | 3.5L-V6-4WD | 278-hp | 20-mpg | Regular | $478 | Average | Poor | 6,500-lbs |
| Honda Ridgeline | 3.5L-V6-AWD | 280-hp | 21-mpg | Regular | $502 | Good | Excellent | 5,000-lbs |
If you need a utilitarian but smooth-riding truck, the Honda Ridgeline is decidedly better than the Toyota Tacoma for daily driving as it’s one of the most comfortable pickups around with its unibody construction.
It has a roomy and well-appointed cabin, precise handling, and a full suite of standard safety features to aid driving.
Its base price has crept up in recent years, but it’s an absolute bang for your money if you’re looking for a comfortable truck to drive every day.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Jeep Gladiator as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Toyota Tacoma | 3.5L-V6-4WD | 278-hp | 20-mpg | Regular | $478 | Average | Poor | 6,500-lbs |
| Jeep Gladiator | 3.6L-V6-4WD | 285-hp | 19-mpg | Regular | NA | Good | Average | 4,000-lbs |
Changes made to the latest iteration of Tacoma made its on-road ride quality agreeable.
Still, neither can give you a plush enough ride to emerge as the more comfortable everyday vehicle.
Should you value an ultra-reliable work truck, the Tacoma will make a better daily driver than the Gladiator.
Even though the Tacoma is a rugged vehicle, the Wrangler is your winner if you do plenty of off-roading and enjoy the occasional drive in the sun as it’s the only convertible truck available.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Jeep Wrangler as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor (base trim).
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Toyota Tacoma | 3.5L-V6-4WD | 278-hp | 20-mpg | Regular | $478 | Average | Poor | 6,500-lbs |
| Jeep Wrangler | 3.6L-V6-4WD | 285-hp | 20-mpg | Regular | $694 | Good | Average | 2,000-lbs |
The Wrangler is an SUV, and the Tacoma is a pickup truck.
As far as getting one for daily driving duties, the Wrangler is better than the Tacoma, albeit by a narrow margin in outward visibility and ride quality.
Opt for the Tacoma instead if you need an everyday work truck.
Toyota Tundra vs. Ford F-150 as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Toyota Tundra | 3.5L-V6-T–4WD | 348-hp | 19-mpg | Regular | $606 | Good | Good | 8,300-lbs |
| Ford F-150 | 3.3L-V6-4WD | 290-hp | 20-mpg | Flex-fuel | $788 | Good | Good | 12,300-lbs |
Both compete in the full-size truck segment with comparable ride quality on the road; still, the Ford F-150 edges the Toyota Tundra as the nimbler daily driver around town with its quick steering while remaining a steady freeway cruiser.
Its higher towing ability and flex-fuel requirement also offer greater utility and flexibility.
Toyota Tundra vs. Toyota 4Runner as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Toyota Tundra | 3.5L-V6-T–4WD | 348-hp | 19-mpg | Regular | $606 | Good | Good | 8,300-lbs |
| Toyota 4Runner | 4.0L-V6-4WD | 270-hp | 19-mpg | Regular | $514 | Good | Average | 5,000-lbs |
An uneven matchup: the Tundra is a full-size truck, while the 4Runner is a truck-based SUV.
If you need a heavy-duty daily driver, you can’t go wrong with the Toyota Tundra work truck, as it is easy to drive and live with.
The 4Runner doesn’t ride as comfortably as the Tundra, but it is more suited for daily use if you want interior storage instead of an open truck bed.
References:
https://www.ford.com/new-trucks/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Raptor
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2022_Ford_F150.shtml
https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/classic-cars/g36476691/ford-f-series-generations-guide/
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/tacoma-crew-cab-pickup/2022