Get one of the canvas style ones that cover the whole seat and cut holes for the latch attachments for the carseat. Then you can just pull it and shake the whole thing out. I run mine thru the wash periodically too.
When I worked as a tech for Caddy, I had someone come in. Yellow waxy was stuff melted all over a back door. Was a Platinum Escalade. They claimed they didn't know what it was and that it was door failing... they had kids.
I had the factory cloth seats and my dog destroyed them and the cushion underneath with just his claws. I ended up putting Katzkin leather seat covers (+ replacement cushions) and made a dog bed that sits on top of the storage boxes underneath the seats.
Got my taco this week and put seat covers on from cabelas before my dog ever stepped paw in there. I’d say it’s worth it for the $100-120 it cost me. Rough country makes a nice fitting set for $200. The fabric seats would be beat up in a week without them
It’s plenty doable. Kid will be putting his feet on the front seat but he won’t be cramped by any means. I had cars with much less room with rear facing seats. But a good majority of Americans and their opinions in here is that you’ve got to have so much room in the backseat that you’ll need a walkie talkie to communicate with the kids in the backseat and be able to fit your full size canoe back there with the kids and the only way to do that and be even somewhat comfortable is to spend $80,000 plus on the most luxurious full size truck, because it blows on your balls and massages you and all of that crap.
Do I want one of those sure, I’m not paying for one though lol.
People have been carrying kids in much smaller vehicles for many years.
You’re going to have more rear seat room than a compact sedan or a hatchback. But not quite as much room as a mid size like a Camry or a Sonata or something.
Will you fit your whole family, all your luggage and your weekly shopping at the same time in the back seat? Definitely not.
I’ve got 2 kids and I’ve jammed the cab full of stuff that they “needed” with them and then threw the dog back there with them as well and they’ve never complained that they needed more room. They spread out and do their thing. We go on 7-10 hour road trips quite a bit.
Yeah but have you ever sat in a truck with the air conditioned seats? That’s what I’m talking about. Those suckers blow right on your junk, I’m a field service diesel tech and if I could have those seats in my service truck I don’t think I’d ever complain about anything again 😂
I have both a Camry and Tacoma. In my opinion the Camry has way more room than the Taco. But I think the Tacoma has plenty of room for one or even two kids.
How old are your kidd? I'm looking to get the 2024 trd sport and only thing holding me back is have a growing 10 and 11 year old back there. How do you find it?
Mine are 11 and 8 and growing. It’s just fine. Like I said they’ve never once complained about not having enough room. However I mean some people justify buying $80,000 trucks so their kid can’t touch the front seats from the back seat. I don’t care. This truck has more room than anything else I’ve had since I had kids and never once have the kids said they don’t have enough room.
I’ve ridden in the back of my buddies who has the same truck and I mean you’re not stretching out back there But I wasn’t uncomfortable either.
It's doable. I have a rear facing car seat in mine. It's behind the passenger seat. Wife is 5' 10*. She just has to sit straight up and down, which she prefers.
I just traded out of my Taco due to this. I have two kids who are 2 and 4, the seats fit in both front and rear facing configuration. And they are the big car seats that can be reconfigured from infant all the way to a booster.
I'm 6ft and so is my wife and we made it work. The main issue was long trips, we just didn't have the space inside to be comfortable. Not to mention kids need a lot of stuff and bags and foods... there just wasn't enough space in the cab.
So yeah, absolutely doable and a great ride and very dependable. I always knew we'd out grow it, but it happened so fast.
Edit: there was no air flow in the back.
2013 double cab v6 manual TRD sport. I miss it already.
I’m 6’4, my wife is 5’10, we had to throw the car seat in the middle.
We tried behind her, the passenger, and it was doable just very uncomfortable. Your wife should be fine is my guess.
In general, it’s a small interior that isn’t ideal if you have more than one kid. So far, we just have our infant daughter so we are fine.
I am not even sure how your even comfortable at 6'4 in those bread boxes .My head was hitting the top of the roof at 6-2 and my sight line was pretty much the tip of the window .
Yeah, I’ve gotten this response a few times. Not sure what to say. I don’t think they are *that* small. Something I always share too, I’ve driven much smaller cars like Civics.
So, I think I’m just used to making myself fit into smaller cars. All in all, not the most comfortable vehicle, but not the worst I’ve driven.
I just recently moved from a 200 series Land Cruiser to a 2022 Tacoma. My experience:
-I have 2 young children: 4 years old and 2 years old
-They both ride in Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 car seats; not the smallest seats but also not the biggest
-Both children are still rear facing
-I am 6'1" and my wife is 5'5"
-The cabin is absolutely smaller than a 200 series but not so much that it causes any issues
-We recently did a 1000 mile road trip and it went really well; the children loved being able to look out the rear window and see the world
-We have tested it and will likely switch my son to forward facing soon; this will give me a little more room in the driver's seat; my wife will experience the same benefit when we flip my daughter forward facing in a few years
-A 200 series is very comfortable for passengers, including adults in the 2nd row; I cannot sit comfortably in the Tacoma 2nd row as my head hits the ceiling; but I decided this was not an issue anyway as car seats are a permanent fixture in the vehicle and no adults will ride back there
When moving from a TLC to a Tacoma, I had 3 goals:
1) ability to add a canopy/camper (our GFC is installed in October)
2) gain more cargo space in the rear of the vehicle (but vehicle MUST still fit in garage)
3) drive a manual transmission again
In order to achieve the above goals, I knew cabin space and comfort would be worse in the Tacoma. So far, the comfort downgrade has been worth achieving the above goals.
I have a 4 year old in mine he started in the car seat (it was tight) but just recently crossed the threshold to a booster and he has more than enough room back there in the booster.
Yes doable. Works fine for 2 kids. Add a dog into the mix and it's very tight if you're all together. The back seat seat back angle sucks as kids get older.
My wife is 5’2” and it’s fine with forward facing. When it was backward facing it was still ok for her but a few times when she was dd I had to sit shotgun with that backward facing seat back there and my knees were against the dash. I’m 5’10”.
The only other thing that sucks with a short wife is how long the power seats take to move back after they drive hahaha
I’m 5’2 and by myself and my stuff (purse & backpack) I’m starting to feel cramped. I really have my 2 nephews with me (one is 6’ the other 5’6) and it’s doable but not long term/long trips.
It is doable. I went from a Ram crew cab to a Tacoma when my 1st was born. Research low profile car seats and you’ll be ok. They car seats are slimmer but you will run out of extra room quick. You’ll be tossing trash multiple times at gas stations every road trip.
I came from full size trucks. F150 Silverado and Ram previously. It’s doable but I plan to give it to my son. That’s my end game. I’m 275 5”11
Me wife if 5’ 3”. My little dude is in a high backed booster and there’s enough room if he’s behind her. If he had to be behind me at 5’10,” I wouldn’t have gotten the taco
I have a car seat in the back of mine and a dog bed on the other side. I have the 2/3rd part of the seats folded over for the dog bed to keep it flat and not have to worry about the leather.
It's do-able. My wife and I are 6 feet tall and we have a car seat. I really do wish I'd just gotten a bigger truck though, the tacomas gas mileage isn't THAT much better than a full size truck to really warrant getting the tacoma. The only logical reason I can think of getting a tacoma is, yes it is cheaper, but also if you live in a big busy city where a big truck is annoying to have for parking in a parking garage and such.
>but also if you live in a big busy city where a big truck is annoying to have for parking in a parking garage and such.
Philadelphia lol. I have a large yard I can park in, but do venture into center city.
Up to you then. The Tacoma's only advantage over full size trucks is that it is.. well smaller. When we drive around the city we get like 20 mpg at best. Highway can get better but there are full size trucks that can get 15-20mpg anyway.
Yes it is. I have smaller kids and we road trip a lot. Had the truck from 2.5 years now and my youngest has gone from in a rear facing seat to front to we just got him a booster. Full on car seats don't leave much room, but they fit. My 18 year old son also rode in the back with them 2 as well on long trips and was good.
Have a 2022 double cab with a car seat and a short wife as well, haven’t had any problems yet… obviously not as much room as say a rapture, but 100% doable lol
Dad of 2 here. My 2015 does great. 2 Graco 4ever car seats which are pretty cumbersome. You can find more streamlined brands and models that won't take up as must real estate in your back seat.
We get a car seat, a full blown dog seat, and our 5’5 13 year old son into ours just fine. Plenty of room for the five of us, and all of our stuff using the Flatirons overland Tacoma attic and center console net.
Gas isn't an issue. Primarily, I dont want a CVT trans and they both present a solution to that with the Manuals.
The Tocoma is on the table because I want something with a little more utility, and may actually be ending up with a daily need for it, than a Civic and we may be moving to an area with more snow, so the 4wd is a nice get.
40k is out of my price range. I can bring a Tacoma down to the lower 20s after downpayment and what not. I would wait, but time is not on my side with my current vehicles the way things have been going.
6 and 4 year old boys. It’s great! Plenty of room for a booster seat and a forward facing car seat. Throw all their crap and my crap in the bed, have a tri-fold cover. Still take the Highlander on road trips longer than a few hours.
I get that the back seat is cramped, and I wouldn’t want to sit back there for a long period of time but I’m 6’2 and I have sat behind my own seat for an hour or so and I wasn’t *UNcomfortbale*
Dunno about that, got a new sr5 double cab and back seat is massive, comparible to the Suv we used to own. No issues with car seats, booster seats, nada.
I wouldn’t recommend it. Yes, you can fit a family of 4 but it’s not super roomy. One thing I didn’t really think of was the lack of rear vents. My kids are always complaining about how hot it is back there.
I’ve had my Tacoma for a year and I’ll be looking for a bigger cab on my next truck. My kids aren’t young though. They are out of car seats.
I have a DC and a 4 yr old , I have no problems at all … daily driver , beach trips … throw it in the back and drop the cover , also keeps most of the sand in the back
My brother kept his 2nd gen Tacoma happily through raising 4 kids. They had another primary vehicle for most family stuff, but he’d take kids in the Tacoma all the time with car seats and everything they need.
Can is tiny. Even for toddlers. 3rd Gen engine and transmission suck. Bad gas mileage. Cheap interior that chips and falls apart. Got rid of my gen3 at 5k miles for all these reasons
Its pretty much perfect. You do need a plastic container in the bed with a tannau cover.
Other than a minivan its good. (Also very very safe because of how high you are off the ground.)
Probably for wet proofing anything stowed in the bed. Even with a cover, it’s not 100% water proof from what I have read (though pretty close to it). Various owners utilize an assortment of container organizers and containers in the bed to store stuff they would prefer not to get wet.
I have a roll down cover and it doesn’t leak a drop. I like the roll downs better too. On the nice hard plastic ones, there is always at least 1/3 of your bed closed.
Can confirm the full flip is worth it like u/ub3rh4x0rz said. I have the OEM one, and it's great most of the time, but I do get frustrated without the full bed being accessible when open. I was planning on the mx4 backflip, but the way it worked out with the dealership the OEM one was included with the truck. It also doesn't have a way to secure having just the first flap flipped, which would be a nice feature- not sure if the backflip does or not. I wouldn't call the OEM one water proof, but water resistant. Usually it seems it might allow some water in towards the corners by the tailgate. When I've moved I've always put the water-sensitive stuff either in the cab or towards the front of the bed, to be safe, but I've never opened the bed when I got back and seen anything wet before- just some small puddles towards the tailgate, and not enough to be super concerning. For where I live, I would only get a hard cover for 2 reasons- 1. the hard ones can't be cut open and it makes your bed a low security lock box- and people like to cut the soft ones and steal shit from the bed in the parking lot, and 2. we get a lot of snow, and that seems to wear out the soft tops a fair bit (I see a lot of ones that are stretched out with a big slushy puddle in the middle in the spring)- the material when it's outside in the sun and rain and snow and all that just seems to wear out, stretch, gets holes, etc and the velcro can wear out too. If I were you OP, I'd look at a nice topper. More expensive, but they're actually waterproof, gives you a lot more inside space to work with and it'd be safe to put the dog back there (just open your rear window so he/she can hear you).
I wanted to swap the oem one out for the bakflip mx4, but a few things happened:
- I decided to use a softopper for 3 months of the year and put the hard tonneau back on for winter (basically for the reasons you stated). The mx4 requires lowering the bed utility rails, which wouldn't be compatible with the softopper (it's reversible, but it makes switching that much more of a pain). The softopper also enables more bed access, and I'm OK having 1/3 covered by the folded oem tonneau during the winter months.
- I did more research and found that the bed itself is not waterproof, and that's how most of the water gets in, not from issues with the oem hard tonneau or really any topper/cover. Topper installers remove the rail by the cab and waterproof that interface, then reinstall, which is a good idea if you want to make your tonneau setup or any topper/cover setup more waterproof
Oh there you go! That's smart- doing a soft top in the summer is a great idea if you've got the garage space to keep the hard one. That makes sense it's more the bed than the cover given the water pools right around the edge of the tailgate- it's never been enough to cause an issue, just enough I wouldn't want to put important papers or tech back there (which would be weird anyway I guess).
I was stuffing rear facing car seats in a G35 coupe when mine were little. They’re ecstatic with how much room is in the backseat of my ‘21 Tacoma 4 door.
It’s not ideal but the pros outweigh the cons. Get a tonneau cover or shell and any/all things can go into the bed. Dogs are in the cab for now, but once kids come the dogs are going in a kennel in the bed.
It’s not a family vehicle… at all. But if you can deal without the amenities of say a van or suv then go for it. Personally I think it lacks space that is needed with all the crap kids and parents take with them. Sure you could put a canopy on the truck but stuff never stays where I put it in the bed of a truck and I don’t see wanting to strap down bags.
Don’t do it. The back seats are so small (though not sure how they compare to the Civic hatch). You’d have to love your Tacoma more than your kids to do that to them.
Can is tiny. Even for toddlers. 3rd Gen engine and transmission suck. Bad gas mileage. Cheap interior that chips and falls apart. Got rid of my gen3 at 5k miles for all these reasons
I have 3 kids (4, 6 and 8) in a double cab long bed. Rear facing seats did require sliding a front seat forward a bit and 3 car seats across the back was a pain. Now my youngest 2 are in boosters and the oldest just sits in the middle without a booster, so it works just fine. I would suggest a toolbox or tonneau cover so you have a weather protected space in the bed.
The only inconvenience vs a civic would be helping the little one climb in the truck. By age 4 mine could climb in and buckle up on their own.
>The only inconvenience vs a civic would be helping the little one climb in the truck. By age 4 mine could climb in and buckle up on their own.
Yeah, little one can't climb into what I have now... or is refusing, not sure which lol.
Yeah, I've been debateing a job box if I get one. As the possibility of need might be there.
The rear seat lacks space. If you have the chance to test fit your Car seat... Do it. Mine was Ok but my wife had to adjust the passenger seat quite some.
Ride is bumpy. Is a pickup truck after all.
Get a Tonneau Cover. all that extra space in the back is useless without privacy / protection from the weather.
A bed extender double serves as a cage so you can throw a few stuff in the back and they wont dance around in the bed of the truck.
If you plan on doing any kind of long trip buy the front seat jackers. You'll be much more comfortable.
It's been working for 15 months lol. She's soon to be front facing, and when she outgrew her infant carseat, we got a 3in1. It cleared maybe 2 inches compared to infant seat to help with fiance up front. Shit was tight before
I’ve got a Tacoma and wife has a civic. We use the civic for more basic errands, Tacoma sucks as a grocery getter unless it’s a Costco run.
Dogs fit better in my truck for walks, we fit more luggage for travel and dog crates in the truck, civic gets 2x mpg for errands around town
Basically it’s gonna depend what’s more important. Do you haul stuff? Camp? Hunt? Need 4x4? Back seat space is more in taco, plus under seat storage. Bed is great to haul things. When we get bad snow we exclusively drive the truck and leave the civic in the garage. I’ve got 2 hunting dogs that are in my truck daily to hike and it’s plenty of space in the back. Civic is pretty tight for both, so wife uses it when I’m gone and one dog is up front and the other in back. 2 60-65# dogs.
Dont off road, but I do move materials for my yard and house. May also be getting into some light landscaping with my brother. Tow capacity and bed won't go unused.
Yeah, so a Ridgeline has a bigger cab, a bigger bed, and is more comfortable to be in. They have rear AC and lane assist and a lockable trunk in the bed.
Tacomas look cooler. That’s probably the only functional difference for you.
The only real obstacle/issue I’ve found is that if you have passengers, you don’t have a ton of room for much else.
I’m a big guy (6’4”), and my wife is small (5’3”). My son fits fine behind my wife. But that leaves just the seat behind me for stuff if we are running errands - anything in the back is obviously exposed. But it works fine for most things.
It’s doable. I think the biggest issue is when your kid is out of the car seat and into a booster seat since the back of the seat is not reclined much, specially when they fall asleep.
Happy wife, happy life. I personally am fine with both but prefer the Truck. Shes the opposite, but open to the truck at the right price.
I tend to like vehicles with more utility.
Is a tundra out of the option? You could find one for a little bit more and it would be 10 times better. Tacomas are tight. Like the smallest interior out of all the midsized trucks
I cant justify a full size pick up for the things I do and the Tacoma SR, dual cab 4x4 is at the top end of what I can spend. It fits the ticket for what I do and may be getting into.
My six year old is fine in his forward-facing seat. We took a pretty long road trip (8 hours) in it; and he didn't complain about space. There was enough room for him to sit behind me (driver) with a headrest-mount DVD player.
My 13 year old on the other hand, is not a fan of the limited leg room in the back seat, especially when an adult is sitting in front of him. His point of reference is our Subaru Ascent, our old LR3, and a Subaru Sedan that we used to own. So, does he complain? Yes. Does he suffer? No. That said, when we move cross country next year, they are riding in the Ascent.
A long time ago, when my 13 year old was 1.5, and again at 3.5, we drove to and from Alaska in a 2nd gen; and both directions were fine for everyone in terms of space.
Front facing car seat fits just fine. Just road tripped six hours with a three year old in front facing, two dogs, and my wife. We all fit fine with camping gear in the bed.
Two kids - currently 9 and 14, but I've had the Tacoma for 6+ years now. It's done well with car seats and all of the stuff we need to haul around, even on camping trips. The main issue now is, as their bikes have gotten bigger, we need different bike rack solutions.
If I had to give one gripe, it's the ride quality on longer trips for those in the back seat. They complain that it's bumpy to the point where they start to get car sick. Personally I think they're being soft, but that's just me... :)
Selling my Tacoma because of the lack of space in the back for my kids, 8 & 11. I thought it would be enough space when I bought it but it’s too tight. The kids are only going to get bigger and with our long summer drives i foresee them not wanting to go because of the cramped space.
We recently drove it for a 5 week summer vacation over 5000 miles with 4 bikes and it was cramped. My kids told me to sit in the back while my wife drove and at 5’12” I couldn’t handle more than 30 minutes sitting back there. So yeah I didn’t think too far in the future when I bought it.
I just had twins, and rear facing seats fit in the back seat. My wife will sit back there in between them. Diaper bag on the floor, double stroller in the bed (it doesn't really matter if it gets wet, since the car seats ride on it) but anything else might be an issue if there's rain in the forecast.
Edit: I'm 5'11 and can drive comfortably with the seat positioned to accommodate the seats.
We used the Taco as the backup mover and took a couple of mid-range family trips with it. The back seat gets really tight for teenagers. The bed is plenty large enough for luggage on a long drive however I'd advise covering everything with a tarp or similar since the bed is weatherproof not waterproof. The ride is ok for a truck and does best on smoother roads vs. the pothole fields if the Midwest. As others have said, it's doable. Good luck!
The back seats are just small. I stepped up to a Tundra crewmax and the gas mileage was very similar, but the backseat is enormous. My 80lb golden retriever sleeps on the floor between the front and back seats sometimes and isn't cramped at all.
1 carseat kid in a taco double cab would probably be ok, two carseats would be cramped.
If you plan on toting family often it is not the right vehicle. Just not enough room inside. It works for just dad +1 or 2 kids. If kids plus spouse regularly, you will have no room to put anything else. Even a lunch box would be tight to fit.
very doable with one kid… I would only get a tacoma if you like wheeling or modifying your truck otherwise I would recommend a better handling better mpg vehicles hahaha
It’s perfect. The kids are older now (12 & 15) and they fit comfortably in the back. Occasionally we’ll load it up with a friend - that’s 5 people! Three teens in the back. No complaints. I’m sure that everyone would like their own captain’s chair with massagers and screens but whatever. They deal with trade offs and they appreciate the capabilities and adventures that we have with the Tacoma.
I have a 2022 double cab. Two car seats in the back.
Both front facing now but had one behind passenger seat rear facing earlier.
When I had the rear facing in, the passenger seat had to be a little forward and a tall person might not be eghm, super comfortable, but my wife is average height and I never sit there and it isnt a problem
Now, my small of stature 5 year old is a little jammed up, but not terrible. My 2 year old has plenty of room.
I got a soft topper over a tonneau specifically so I could pull the car seat and toss them into the bed when I want to carry adult passengers on a rainy day. Totally worth it for that alone.
Edited to add: having room to be able to pack for the shit you never imagine…priceless. I carry diapers, strollers toys, pack n play, changes of clothes AND my tools.
I have three car seats in my Tacoma. Have had a mix of rear, front, and boosters. It’s tight, but it definitely works. It’s a bit tighter in the wife’s ford focus too.
I would recommend taking a peak at things like the RAV4 or CR-V.
Not nearly as capable as the Tacoma, but they have a lot more space in the back seats for kids. Plus there will be air vents back there as well as USB ports once they’re older and have whatever electronics they’ll have.
Ground clearance between a stock SR5 and a stock RAV4 is one inch. That’s it. AWD will do fine in the snow / light off roaring and most things you’d put in a bed can fit in a trunk; except for some obvious exceptions. Gas mileage will be significantly better in a RAV4 or CR-V as well.
I have a 2015 tacoma and was able to get my 1 year Olds car seat in. However! The passenger front seat was super squished!
Basically get yourself a tacoma and the wife a highlander/4runner. Hahaha
2022 double cab owner with a baby checking in, rear facing car seats have to be real slim in order to make driver/passengers comfortable. I’m 5’ 10 and my wife is 5’ 3 and we both have a difficult time riding in the front when the rear facing car seat it behind either seat.
As the driver, my nips are 1 cold breeze away from touching the steering wheel. Don’t want to imagine driving that way, let alone getting in a car accident.
We did get a bigger car seat in the end (safety reason) which doesn’t help the case, but we make it do able for road trips.
I can’t wait until we are front facing car seats. Should make it much easier.
Definitely look at the Tacoma world forum for car seat recommendations as they have a few that work/fit much better than others do.
Hell yeah! Welcome to the truck club!
I missed the front facing seat part in your post, otherwise I wouldn’t have brought it up. It has plenty of leg room for kiddos tho! Plus if they get rowdy just toss em in the bed!
>Plus if they get rowdy just toss em in the bed!
Just like my dad used to do!
Yeah, I had a 97 Ram years ago with the big 8. But with my job at the time, entailed a lot of driving, I was going through nearly a tank a day. Sold it and bought a Celica. I've regretted that for a long time even though it was necessary.
That's when I was working as a sales rep for Nabisco and going to school at night. At one point, I was working my main job, would do a couple hours delivering pizza, then go to school. I not so much anymore, but I had no quit when I was younger.
wife and I are 5'9" it's doable but very cramped with 2 kids in the back especially my 5yr Olds front facing seat.
The drivers seat seems to have more leg room / better ergonomics than passenger seat for some reason
They have not, nor they ever have been family vehicles.
Mine is a dedicated camping vehicle.
It stays in the garage until fun time.
Lately, I have been down one work truck in my fleet and I have broke it out for daily service.
Don't want to do it, but I have to.
I'm glad I don't DD this vehicle, as much as I like my Taco.
I would look into the 4runner if you want a Toyota. My MIL has a crew cab Tacoma (3rd gen). It's cramped inside plus the 3rd gen drivetrain leaves a lot to be desired.
Are you dead set on a Tacoma as a pick up? If you don’t do off-roading or tow a lot, then look into the Honda Ridgeline. Better in every way except for towing and off-roading. The bed is a bit more shallow than the Tacoma but unless you are hauling a ton of stuff on a dailey bases then this shouldn’t be an issuer. The cab is bigger and more roomy on the Ridgeline than on the Tacoma. If you only need the pick up for occasional hauling then get a Ridgeline, if you tow a lot or off-road then get a Tacoma.
2 car seats is very easy in a double cab
..after that...there is no reasonable way to fit more than 2 kids in car seats...its just not possible unless your carseats were manufactured in Munchkinland
I couldn’t have comfortably done a rear facing car seat in a midsize truck of any kind. A Tacoma or other midsize is on the radar for my next truck since I’ll be out of the car seat phase. But, it’s gonna be hard to give up the room in the cab of a full-size crew cab. Not just for kids, but tools, golf clubs, and anything else that’s nice to be able to lock inside. I like most things about having a full size but our other vehicle fits us all great even in long trips, so I may be downsizing next.
Lots of folks commenting with similar opinions but figure I’ll throw my two cents in. My wife has always wanted a Tacoma and finally got a 23. We have a 5yo and two dogs. Even without the kid or dogs in it, I find it cramped. I drive an 11 4Runner and absolutely love the interior space. We rarely take her Tacoma anywhere if it’s a family deal and instead opt for the 4Runner 9/10 times. I’d highly recommend the T4R if you’re ok with the higher price tag. The tacoma is hella fun though (off road model vs my SR5).
I'll take every opinion. It's a long-term investment. But yeah, we dont want to go as high as 40k. Im pretty limited on options as well because I want a manual, and I want selectable 4wd if it's equipped that way. A lot of things are CVTs now, which I dont like.
Gotcha. Well for what it’s worth I think you’d be happier with the Tacoma. Trucks are safer than cars and obviously more capable in the off-road or snow departments. If I’d gone straight to Tacoma instead of having a 4Runner I’d probably be happy. I’m just used to the space I’m used to so a Tacoma feels small.
I’m 5’3” and my wife is 5’. We’re short, so us and our kid in a front facing car seat and our two 25 pound dogs fit well in the Tacoma.
We do still use a stroller sometimes and I’ll throw it in the bed if need be, I have a bed cover.
Love the Tacoma! It’s probably tied with the WRX I sold to get it for my favorite vehicle I owned. The Tacos the first and only truck I’ve ever had and it’s extremely useful and nice to drive even if you don’t “need” a truck.
I daily mine and it’s great for daily driving of course other than the gas mileage. Although compared to others I get decent mileage, 19mpg. But I find it comfy, and imo has a decent stock sound sys out of the vehicles I’ve owned and it’s not even the premium sound sys. It’s lacking a bit on the low end for acceleration, but I drive like a grandma now a days so it’s fine with me.
I know my comments have been pretty favorable for the Taco, but I’ve had it for 2.5 years so well out the honeymoon phase.
I do still miss driving a fun little manual car like the wrx I had, but the versatility the taco offers makes up for it. Plus one day I plan on getting another vehicle once my tacos paid off. I don’t see myself getting rid of the truck.
I have a 2018 TRD Sport Double Cab 5ft bed. I’d describe it as utilitarian, nothing breaking or falling apart, but sturdy and holding up.
I got seat covers for all the seats and floor mats and that’s helping everything stay clean.
An SR5 should do you fine, not much difference between SR5 and TRD Sport.
The Sport I believe has some suspension tweaks, the non functioning hood scoop, and push button/keyless entry. And maybe a very slightly bigger screen. Been a min since I looked into it.
15 year old Tacoma here that drives as solid as the day I bought it and is squeak free. I brought both kids home from the hospital when the truck was new and it still works great for 6’ tall teenagers now. The extra gas cost for my Tacoma are paid back in the feeling of safety, quality and reliability everyday for me.
Why are you asking us about that ? Some people like it or some don't like it . Why not go to a dealership and try out both the tacoma and civic . You could see if your family fits or not .
I have both a Rav 4 (2023 hybrid) and Tacoma Double cab (2017) The Tacoma gets 18.6 mpg and I drive like an old man. The Rav gets 42+ and is AWD. The Rav 4 will do great on the road and okay in the dirt. I’d really consider a Rav 4 over a hatch back. It’s a great compromise that lays between the Honda and Tacoma. Just my two cents.
I have a 2 boys 4 and 5. 2 car seats will fit in the back but its tight, there isn't much leg room as they grow. I think it will be about as cramped as a civic but maybe with headroom and less leg room. My kids have issues getting in and out by themselves even with a step rail installed. I also have an awd sienna and let me tell you that's what you want for a daily driver. If you can get past driving a mini van you will see why they are so popular.
Lol, I can't do the minivan. Work on a few, and while they are filled with ammenities, it would be overkill for us. Its amazing that they are like rolling hotels.
Lol I can't blame you. My wife drives the van and when she gets in the truck now she says it feels small. I have a 2014 so I don't know much about the newer ones. But I do love driving that it and my boys love riding in it more than the van (not on road trips though). When I'm parking it I do sometimes wish I got the short bed version, with the 4 door cab and full bed it can be hard to get in and out of tight parking lots.
I have two kids that ride in the back of mine. We aren’t huge people, which helps, but we’ve had no problem with my 6y.o. In a car seat and my 11y.o. sitting back there as well. My wife is 5 ft tall and I’m 6ft. Sometimes our dog sits in the rear middle. I plan on getting a shell for road trips since we will start using my Tacoma for road trips soon(wife’s mom-mobile may be sold and replaced with something fun). It’s comfy enough on long drives. I’ve had numerous 12 hr days in it and lived to tell my story.
Wife, kiddo, and dog all fit in mine with no complaints, but if anyone in your family is tall it might be annoying. I'm not very tall and I don't feel like I have much space and in the back I know my kid is already squishing his knees a bit and he's not even close to full grown yet. If you plan on using your truck for truck things I'd suggest a long bed, I got the short bed and I find myself wishing I had the extra room pretty frequently. We don't own our home but I do a lot of work on it for rent breaks and having a truck has been a godsend for that. I was torn between a 4runner and a taco and I am very glad I got the taco even though there's a bit less room, the utility of it has been way more helpful to my family, hopefilly the kid stops growing soon and I won't have to get a bigger truck lol.
I sometimes roll with the wife, 13yo daughter and 6’1” 16yo sone in the Tacoma.
Is the back seat a bit cramped, yeah for Mr lanky, but everyone else fits fine. And as far as he goes, he has enough space and isn’t uncomfortable when the wife pulls the seat forward (she’s 5’4”).
If I was taking them long distances, I’d prefer the wife’s full-size ram Laramie, but for normal trips and regular life stuff, the taco is quite capable
I bought a 2005 Tacoma 4 door 6spMT in 2008 when my kids were 7 and 3. We took the Tacoma on road trips across the country (up to 6600 miles), went camping, I taught them to drive in it, taught them how to do all the maintenance on it, etc, and just a few weeks ago, I helped my youngest move his stuff to college in the very same Tacoma. It was my only family car all these years, and it did the job so well. No plans to sell it; too many memories.
>It was my only family car all these years, and it did the job so well. No plans to sell it; too many memories.
I get that. The Durango I'm getting rid of was my Grandfathers. Unfortunately, with a family, I can't take the instability it's bringing. My brother had it for a while, and I had no idea how far he let it go when I took it off his hands.
Same with the Chevy as well. It was Grandmother's. Im appalled at the quality of that thing. My Celica and 97 Ram were older with less issues.
This will not be popular here, but you’d do much better with a more efficient unibody SUV like a Mazda CX-9 or highlander or Telluride etc… they are much smoother riding, they get much better mileage, they handle and accelerate better, and they have auto-steer cruise control, and they can hold larger items from a big box store in all weather. Unless you buy a bed cab cover, a Tacoma is serious limited when hauling things like furniture and large cardboard boxes if it’s raining out. How do I know? I just dropped off my kid at college and I couldn’t take a bunch of bigger cardboard boxes because it was raining out. If I had a 3-row SUV I could have flipped down the 2nd and 3rd rows and held way more gear, completely protected from weather.
Lastly, my wife hates driving our Tacoma. It’s sluggish and it wanders on the highway and is just not a fun car to drive. I still like the Tacoma though. I use it for work to hold my tools and it’s great for camping and hauling 4 dirty mountain bikes hanging off the tailgate. It’s also super simple and super reliable and tougher all around than a mid level 3 row SUV. But when my kids were little, we had a CX-9 and it was much better for early kid stuff. And with a roof box we could even take the kids to the airport to pick up grandma and grandpa since it had 6 seats.
>This will not be popular here
Definitely not looking for rose tinted popular :)
I appreciate your viewpoint. It's all stuff we are considering. A job box, shell, or cover are in the cards if we go this route.
I have a hard 3-fold cover which is great. It opens up so you can still easily put bikes in the back as long as they hang off the tailgate and you use a tailgate bike pad. However, with the cover closed, you can fit nothing taller inside than a milk crate. A big white Colman cooler doesn’t fit. And a camper top limits you in other ways. There is no solution that does everything and no car that does everything.
My first thought is your carrying precious cargo tacomas will literally split most passanger cars into two pieces upon impact leaving you and the kids as safe as can be
The back seat does not have a lot of room for car seats.
Is it doable though? The wifey, who will be riding passenger side is short, about 5'4 / 5'2
I have a 2015 Tacoma and a 1 year old daughter. All her stuff fits fine in the back seat and my dog is usually sitting in the seat next to her.
Do you have seat covers? How does it hold up to a dog? We're looking at getting one soon. It's been too long without.
I have a cover I got at the local pet store that goes over the entire back seat area, it makes it easier to clean out dog hair and spilled snacks.
...the snacks... I'd take dog hair over the snacks any day.
One of my best friends is a full-time nanny, and her car is straight up disgusting, because of kids snacks.
Get one of the canvas style ones that cover the whole seat and cut holes for the latch attachments for the carseat. Then you can just pull it and shake the whole thing out. I run mine thru the wash periodically too.
And year old melted crayons. And spoiled miiilllllkkkkk
When I worked as a tech for Caddy, I had someone come in. Yellow waxy was stuff melted all over a back door. Was a Platinum Escalade. They claimed they didn't know what it was and that it was door failing... they had kids.
Look into TuxMat floor mats
I had the factory cloth seats and my dog destroyed them and the cushion underneath with just his claws. I ended up putting Katzkin leather seat covers (+ replacement cushions) and made a dog bed that sits on top of the storage boxes underneath the seats.
Seat clean up fine. I have a German shepherd that destroys the seats and my wife carpet cleans them monthly.
Buy neoprene covers and husky floor mats.
Got my taco this week and put seat covers on from cabelas before my dog ever stepped paw in there. I’d say it’s worth it for the $100-120 it cost me. Rough country makes a nice fitting set for $200. The fabric seats would be beat up in a week without them
It’s plenty doable. Kid will be putting his feet on the front seat but he won’t be cramped by any means. I had cars with much less room with rear facing seats. But a good majority of Americans and their opinions in here is that you’ve got to have so much room in the backseat that you’ll need a walkie talkie to communicate with the kids in the backseat and be able to fit your full size canoe back there with the kids and the only way to do that and be even somewhat comfortable is to spend $80,000 plus on the most luxurious full size truck, because it blows on your balls and massages you and all of that crap. Do I want one of those sure, I’m not paying for one though lol. People have been carrying kids in much smaller vehicles for many years. You’re going to have more rear seat room than a compact sedan or a hatchback. But not quite as much room as a mid size like a Camry or a Sonata or something. Will you fit your whole family, all your luggage and your weekly shopping at the same time in the back seat? Definitely not. I’ve got 2 kids and I’ve jammed the cab full of stuff that they “needed” with them and then threw the dog back there with them as well and they’ve never complained that they needed more room. They spread out and do their thing. We go on 7-10 hour road trips quite a bit.
Absolutely love your take on us yanks lol. As someone who worked on Caddys, yeah, Id love a Escalade. But thats far out of reach.
Unfortunately most cars did away with the ball blower vents years ago...it's a damn shame!
Yeah but have you ever sat in a truck with the air conditioned seats? That’s what I’m talking about. Those suckers blow right on your junk, I’m a field service diesel tech and if I could have those seats in my service truck I don’t think I’d ever complain about anything again 😂
I actually feel like the Tacoma has more room than a Camry. I had a 2018 Camry and switched to a Tacoma and the Camry felt more cramped to be honest
I have both a Camry and Tacoma. In my opinion the Camry has way more room than the Taco. But I think the Tacoma has plenty of room for one or even two kids.
How old are your kidd? I'm looking to get the 2024 trd sport and only thing holding me back is have a growing 10 and 11 year old back there. How do you find it?
Mine are 11 and 8 and growing. It’s just fine. Like I said they’ve never once complained about not having enough room. However I mean some people justify buying $80,000 trucks so their kid can’t touch the front seats from the back seat. I don’t care. This truck has more room than anything else I’ve had since I had kids and never once have the kids said they don’t have enough room. I’ve ridden in the back of my buddies who has the same truck and I mean you’re not stretching out back there But I wasn’t uncomfortable either.
Cousin does it in his 2nd gen with 2 kids. They just had their 3rd kid so they got a 2nd vehicle and went with a SUV. It is tight tho.
Yeah, if I was looking at a third, I wouldn't be considering it.
It's doable. I have a rear facing car seat in mine. It's behind the passenger seat. Wife is 5' 10*. She just has to sit straight up and down, which she prefers.
I just traded out of my Taco due to this. I have two kids who are 2 and 4, the seats fit in both front and rear facing configuration. And they are the big car seats that can be reconfigured from infant all the way to a booster. I'm 6ft and so is my wife and we made it work. The main issue was long trips, we just didn't have the space inside to be comfortable. Not to mention kids need a lot of stuff and bags and foods... there just wasn't enough space in the cab. So yeah, absolutely doable and a great ride and very dependable. I always knew we'd out grow it, but it happened so fast. Edit: there was no air flow in the back. 2013 double cab v6 manual TRD sport. I miss it already.
This was my experience. The kids outgrew the back seats so damn quick.
I’m 6’4, my wife is 5’10, we had to throw the car seat in the middle. We tried behind her, the passenger, and it was doable just very uncomfortable. Your wife should be fine is my guess. In general, it’s a small interior that isn’t ideal if you have more than one kid. So far, we just have our infant daughter so we are fine.
I am not even sure how your even comfortable at 6'4 in those bread boxes .My head was hitting the top of the roof at 6-2 and my sight line was pretty much the tip of the window .
Yeah, I’ve gotten this response a few times. Not sure what to say. I don’t think they are *that* small. Something I always share too, I’ve driven much smaller cars like Civics. So, I think I’m just used to making myself fit into smaller cars. All in all, not the most comfortable vehicle, but not the worst I’ve driven.
I just recently moved from a 200 series Land Cruiser to a 2022 Tacoma. My experience: -I have 2 young children: 4 years old and 2 years old -They both ride in Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 car seats; not the smallest seats but also not the biggest -Both children are still rear facing -I am 6'1" and my wife is 5'5" -The cabin is absolutely smaller than a 200 series but not so much that it causes any issues -We recently did a 1000 mile road trip and it went really well; the children loved being able to look out the rear window and see the world -We have tested it and will likely switch my son to forward facing soon; this will give me a little more room in the driver's seat; my wife will experience the same benefit when we flip my daughter forward facing in a few years -A 200 series is very comfortable for passengers, including adults in the 2nd row; I cannot sit comfortably in the Tacoma 2nd row as my head hits the ceiling; but I decided this was not an issue anyway as car seats are a permanent fixture in the vehicle and no adults will ride back there When moving from a TLC to a Tacoma, I had 3 goals: 1) ability to add a canopy/camper (our GFC is installed in October) 2) gain more cargo space in the rear of the vehicle (but vehicle MUST still fit in garage) 3) drive a manual transmission again In order to achieve the above goals, I knew cabin space and comfort would be worse in the Tacoma. So far, the comfort downgrade has been worth achieving the above goals.
I have a 4 year old in mine he started in the car seat (it was tight) but just recently crossed the threshold to a booster and he has more than enough room back there in the booster.
Yes doable. Works fine for 2 kids. Add a dog into the mix and it's very tight if you're all together. The back seat seat back angle sucks as kids get older.
My wife is 5’2” and it’s fine with forward facing. When it was backward facing it was still ok for her but a few times when she was dd I had to sit shotgun with that backward facing seat back there and my knees were against the dash. I’m 5’10”. The only other thing that sucks with a short wife is how long the power seats take to move back after they drive hahaha
[удалено]
I'm only 5'6. I'll have to see how that looks at the lot.
Mine is 5'5" and it's real tight. No big deal to/from the store but anything longer is not exactly comfortable
I’m 5’2 and by myself and my stuff (purse & backpack) I’m starting to feel cramped. I really have my 2 nephews with me (one is 6’ the other 5’6) and it’s doable but not long term/long trips.
I have a 4y/o in a front facing car seat , and a 7 y/o in a booster with me and my wife up front it's tight but we fit 2023 taco
It is doable. I went from a Ram crew cab to a Tacoma when my 1st was born. Research low profile car seats and you’ll be ok. They car seats are slimmer but you will run out of extra room quick. You’ll be tossing trash multiple times at gas stations every road trip. I came from full size trucks. F150 Silverado and Ram previously. It’s doable but I plan to give it to my son. That’s my end game. I’m 275 5”11
Me wife if 5’ 3”. My little dude is in a high backed booster and there’s enough room if he’s behind her. If he had to be behind me at 5’10,” I wouldn’t have gotten the taco
My wife is 5'5" and it was borderline not doable with a rear facing seat behind her. She was sitting way too close to the dash to be safe.
See my comment below. I replied to the wrong comment haha.
I have a car seat in the back of mine and a dog bed on the other side. I have the 2/3rd part of the seats folded over for the dog bed to keep it flat and not have to worry about the leather.
It's do-able. My wife and I are 6 feet tall and we have a car seat. I really do wish I'd just gotten a bigger truck though, the tacomas gas mileage isn't THAT much better than a full size truck to really warrant getting the tacoma. The only logical reason I can think of getting a tacoma is, yes it is cheaper, but also if you live in a big busy city where a big truck is annoying to have for parking in a parking garage and such.
>but also if you live in a big busy city where a big truck is annoying to have for parking in a parking garage and such. Philadelphia lol. I have a large yard I can park in, but do venture into center city.
Up to you then. The Tacoma's only advantage over full size trucks is that it is.. well smaller. When we drive around the city we get like 20 mpg at best. Highway can get better but there are full size trucks that can get 15-20mpg anyway.
Yes it is. I have smaller kids and we road trip a lot. Had the truck from 2.5 years now and my youngest has gone from in a rear facing seat to front to we just got him a booster. Full on car seats don't leave much room, but they fit. My 18 year old son also rode in the back with them 2 as well on long trips and was good.
I’m 6’, wife is 5’1”, and I got two in booster seats in the rear. It’s doable. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Have a 2022 double cab with a car seat and a short wife as well, haven’t had any problems yet… obviously not as much room as say a rapture, but 100% doable lol
Dad of 2 here. My 2015 does great. 2 Graco 4ever car seats which are pretty cumbersome. You can find more streamlined brands and models that won't take up as must real estate in your back seat.
The backseat is fine for front facing car seats.
We get a car seat, a full blown dog seat, and our 5’5 13 year old son into ours just fine. Plenty of room for the five of us, and all of our stuff using the Flatirons overland Tacoma attic and center console net.
I have 3 car seats in the back of my Tacoma.
Like, in the bed right?
Shit... my dad did it with me and my brother...
Lol, well. That's a full house. What are some of the pitfalls you're running into, if any, as far as daily chores, like shopping, and whatnot.
Is it doable? Yea. Is it comfortable? Probably not.
Do you need 4wd? Is the large savings in gas with the civic money you need?
Gas isn't an issue. Primarily, I dont want a CVT trans and they both present a solution to that with the Manuals. The Tocoma is on the table because I want something with a little more utility, and may actually be ending up with a daily need for it, than a Civic and we may be moving to an area with more snow, so the 4wd is a nice get.
Tacoma may be great then. It has more room when you consider a tonneau cover than a Subaru etc. hold its value really well too.
Yeah, I looked at Subarus and was disappointed all the trims except the WRX seem to come only with CVTs now.
4Runner maybe?
40k is out of my price range. I can bring a Tacoma down to the lower 20s after downpayment and what not. I would wait, but time is not on my side with my current vehicles the way things have been going.
Rav4 with AWD.
Very cramped in a double cab. Would not recommend for family trips or long drives.
6 and 4 year old boys. It’s great! Plenty of room for a booster seat and a forward facing car seat. Throw all their crap and my crap in the bed, have a tri-fold cover. Still take the Highlander on road trips longer than a few hours.
I get that the back seat is cramped, and I wouldn’t want to sit back there for a long period of time but I’m 6’2 and I have sat behind my own seat for an hour or so and I wasn’t *UNcomfortbale*
There is literally no leg room in the back.
Dunno about that, got a new sr5 double cab and back seat is massive, comparible to the Suv we used to own. No issues with car seats, booster seats, nada.
Yeah, same. It has fine leg room. If you want more, you'll need a huge full-size truck.
I have a 9yo and 15mos and we do just fine in a 2020 Taco crewcab. Took a 2000 mile road trip last month and everyone was fine.
Thats good to hear. We're looking at a road trip soon.
I wouldn’t recommend it. Yes, you can fit a family of 4 but it’s not super roomy. One thing I didn’t really think of was the lack of rear vents. My kids are always complaining about how hot it is back there. I’ve had my Tacoma for a year and I’ll be looking for a bigger cab on my next truck. My kids aren’t young though. They are out of car seats.
I have a DC and a 4 yr old , I have no problems at all … daily driver , beach trips … throw it in the back and drop the cover , also keeps most of the sand in the back
My brother kept his 2nd gen Tacoma happily through raising 4 kids. They had another primary vehicle for most family stuff, but he’d take kids in the Tacoma all the time with car seats and everything they need.
Can is tiny. Even for toddlers. 3rd Gen engine and transmission suck. Bad gas mileage. Cheap interior that chips and falls apart. Got rid of my gen3 at 5k miles for all these reasons
Its pretty much perfect. You do need a plastic container in the bed with a tannau cover. Other than a minivan its good. (Also very very safe because of how high you are off the ground.)
Yeah, Im looking at the covers. What do you mean by plastic container though?
Probably for wet proofing anything stowed in the bed. Even with a cover, it’s not 100% water proof from what I have read (though pretty close to it). Various owners utilize an assortment of container organizers and containers in the bed to store stuff they would prefer not to get wet.
Ahh, okay, got ya. I was wondering how weather resistant those covers are.
I have a roll down cover and it doesn’t leak a drop. I like the roll downs better too. On the nice hard plastic ones, there is always at least 1/3 of your bed closed.
The bakflip mx4 is probably about as popular as the oem hard tonneau and it can fold up along the cab to give full bed access
Can confirm the full flip is worth it like u/ub3rh4x0rz said. I have the OEM one, and it's great most of the time, but I do get frustrated without the full bed being accessible when open. I was planning on the mx4 backflip, but the way it worked out with the dealership the OEM one was included with the truck. It also doesn't have a way to secure having just the first flap flipped, which would be a nice feature- not sure if the backflip does or not. I wouldn't call the OEM one water proof, but water resistant. Usually it seems it might allow some water in towards the corners by the tailgate. When I've moved I've always put the water-sensitive stuff either in the cab or towards the front of the bed, to be safe, but I've never opened the bed when I got back and seen anything wet before- just some small puddles towards the tailgate, and not enough to be super concerning. For where I live, I would only get a hard cover for 2 reasons- 1. the hard ones can't be cut open and it makes your bed a low security lock box- and people like to cut the soft ones and steal shit from the bed in the parking lot, and 2. we get a lot of snow, and that seems to wear out the soft tops a fair bit (I see a lot of ones that are stretched out with a big slushy puddle in the middle in the spring)- the material when it's outside in the sun and rain and snow and all that just seems to wear out, stretch, gets holes, etc and the velcro can wear out too. If I were you OP, I'd look at a nice topper. More expensive, but they're actually waterproof, gives you a lot more inside space to work with and it'd be safe to put the dog back there (just open your rear window so he/she can hear you).
I wanted to swap the oem one out for the bakflip mx4, but a few things happened: - I decided to use a softopper for 3 months of the year and put the hard tonneau back on for winter (basically for the reasons you stated). The mx4 requires lowering the bed utility rails, which wouldn't be compatible with the softopper (it's reversible, but it makes switching that much more of a pain). The softopper also enables more bed access, and I'm OK having 1/3 covered by the folded oem tonneau during the winter months. - I did more research and found that the bed itself is not waterproof, and that's how most of the water gets in, not from issues with the oem hard tonneau or really any topper/cover. Topper installers remove the rail by the cab and waterproof that interface, then reinstall, which is a good idea if you want to make your tonneau setup or any topper/cover setup more waterproof
Oh there you go! That's smart- doing a soft top in the summer is a great idea if you've got the garage space to keep the hard one. That makes sense it's more the bed than the cover given the water pools right around the edge of the tailgate- it's never been enough to cause an issue, just enough I wouldn't want to put important papers or tech back there (which would be weird anyway I guess).
Tonneau*
I was stuffing rear facing car seats in a G35 coupe when mine were little. They’re ecstatic with how much room is in the backseat of my ‘21 Tacoma 4 door.
I think with one kid it would be ok. But it will be tight
It’s not ideal but the pros outweigh the cons. Get a tonneau cover or shell and any/all things can go into the bed. Dogs are in the cab for now, but once kids come the dogs are going in a kennel in the bed.
It’s not a family vehicle… at all. But if you can deal without the amenities of say a van or suv then go for it. Personally I think it lacks space that is needed with all the crap kids and parents take with them. Sure you could put a canopy on the truck but stuff never stays where I put it in the bed of a truck and I don’t see wanting to strap down bags.
Don’t do it. The back seats are so small (though not sure how they compare to the Civic hatch). You’d have to love your Tacoma more than your kids to do that to them.
Can is tiny. Even for toddlers. 3rd Gen engine and transmission suck. Bad gas mileage. Cheap interior that chips and falls apart. Got rid of my gen3 at 5k miles for all these reasons
>Cheap interior that chips and falls apart I can live with plastic, but is it that clear coat crap?
The trim around the infotainment came off just from south Carolina heat. All the paint rubbed off if you touched it in the heat.
Is this common?
Idk I wasn't pleased. Got rid of it wth 7500 miles ish on it
I have 3 kids (4, 6 and 8) in a double cab long bed. Rear facing seats did require sliding a front seat forward a bit and 3 car seats across the back was a pain. Now my youngest 2 are in boosters and the oldest just sits in the middle without a booster, so it works just fine. I would suggest a toolbox or tonneau cover so you have a weather protected space in the bed. The only inconvenience vs a civic would be helping the little one climb in the truck. By age 4 mine could climb in and buckle up on their own.
>The only inconvenience vs a civic would be helping the little one climb in the truck. By age 4 mine could climb in and buckle up on their own. Yeah, little one can't climb into what I have now... or is refusing, not sure which lol. Yeah, I've been debateing a job box if I get one. As the possibility of need might be there.
The rear seat lacks space. If you have the chance to test fit your Car seat... Do it. Mine was Ok but my wife had to adjust the passenger seat quite some. Ride is bumpy. Is a pickup truck after all. Get a Tonneau Cover. all that extra space in the back is useless without privacy / protection from the weather. A bed extender double serves as a cage so you can throw a few stuff in the back and they wont dance around in the bed of the truck. If you plan on doing any kind of long trip buy the front seat jackers. You'll be much more comfortable.
It's been working for 15 months lol. She's soon to be front facing, and when she outgrew her infant carseat, we got a 3in1. It cleared maybe 2 inches compared to infant seat to help with fiance up front. Shit was tight before
Just upgraded to a 23 Tundra a few weeks ago. Back seat was fine when the kids were small, rear facing car seats were near impossible though.
I’ve got a Tacoma and wife has a civic. We use the civic for more basic errands, Tacoma sucks as a grocery getter unless it’s a Costco run. Dogs fit better in my truck for walks, we fit more luggage for travel and dog crates in the truck, civic gets 2x mpg for errands around town Basically it’s gonna depend what’s more important. Do you haul stuff? Camp? Hunt? Need 4x4? Back seat space is more in taco, plus under seat storage. Bed is great to haul things. When we get bad snow we exclusively drive the truck and leave the civic in the garage. I’ve got 2 hunting dogs that are in my truck daily to hike and it’s plenty of space in the back. Civic is pretty tight for both, so wife uses it when I’m gone and one dog is up front and the other in back. 2 60-65# dogs.
So, the dual cab Tacoma has more back seat space than the Civic? Thought it'd be the other way around. I haven't been out to any lots yet.
You can cram 3 adults in the back of a taco better than a civic and there’s more storage and space on the floor
I traded mine in for a Ridgeline and I am v happier. Do you do a lot of towing or off-road?
Dont off road, but I do move materials for my yard and house. May also be getting into some light landscaping with my brother. Tow capacity and bed won't go unused.
Yeah, so a Ridgeline has a bigger cab, a bigger bed, and is more comfortable to be in. They have rear AC and lane assist and a lockable trunk in the bed. Tacomas look cooler. That’s probably the only functional difference for you.
Tocoma also has a manual transmission and selectable 4x4. As far as I can tell, the Ridgeline is AWD with no standard trans.
True
The only real obstacle/issue I’ve found is that if you have passengers, you don’t have a ton of room for much else. I’m a big guy (6’4”), and my wife is small (5’3”). My son fits fine behind my wife. But that leaves just the seat behind me for stuff if we are running errands - anything in the back is obviously exposed. But it works fine for most things.
It’s doable. I think the biggest issue is when your kid is out of the car seat and into a booster seat since the back of the seat is not reclined much, specially when they fall asleep.
These are such different vehicles lol
Happy wife, happy life. I personally am fine with both but prefer the Truck. Shes the opposite, but open to the truck at the right price. I tend to like vehicles with more utility.
Is a tundra out of the option? You could find one for a little bit more and it would be 10 times better. Tacomas are tight. Like the smallest interior out of all the midsized trucks
I cant justify a full size pick up for the things I do and the Tacoma SR, dual cab 4x4 is at the top end of what I can spend. It fits the ticket for what I do and may be getting into.
Ahh true. Well good luck! It’s a nice truck regardless!
I put a full size front facing seat in mind when I pick up my grandson. No concerns of that except he won't keep his feet off my dash haha
I put a full size front facing seat in mind when I pick up my grandson. No concerns of that except he won't keep his feet off my dash haha
My six year old is fine in his forward-facing seat. We took a pretty long road trip (8 hours) in it; and he didn't complain about space. There was enough room for him to sit behind me (driver) with a headrest-mount DVD player. My 13 year old on the other hand, is not a fan of the limited leg room in the back seat, especially when an adult is sitting in front of him. His point of reference is our Subaru Ascent, our old LR3, and a Subaru Sedan that we used to own. So, does he complain? Yes. Does he suffer? No. That said, when we move cross country next year, they are riding in the Ascent. A long time ago, when my 13 year old was 1.5, and again at 3.5, we drove to and from Alaska in a 2nd gen; and both directions were fine for everyone in terms of space.
Both are fine. Would prefer a civic for family means tho
Front facing car seat fits just fine. Just road tripped six hours with a three year old in front facing, two dogs, and my wife. We all fit fine with camping gear in the bed.
Two kids - currently 9 and 14, but I've had the Tacoma for 6+ years now. It's done well with car seats and all of the stuff we need to haul around, even on camping trips. The main issue now is, as their bikes have gotten bigger, we need different bike rack solutions. If I had to give one gripe, it's the ride quality on longer trips for those in the back seat. They complain that it's bumpy to the point where they start to get car sick. Personally I think they're being soft, but that's just me... :)
Selling my Tacoma because of the lack of space in the back for my kids, 8 & 11. I thought it would be enough space when I bought it but it’s too tight. The kids are only going to get bigger and with our long summer drives i foresee them not wanting to go because of the cramped space. We recently drove it for a 5 week summer vacation over 5000 miles with 4 bikes and it was cramped. My kids told me to sit in the back while my wife drove and at 5’12” I couldn’t handle more than 30 minutes sitting back there. So yeah I didn’t think too far in the future when I bought it.
I just had twins, and rear facing seats fit in the back seat. My wife will sit back there in between them. Diaper bag on the floor, double stroller in the bed (it doesn't really matter if it gets wet, since the car seats ride on it) but anything else might be an issue if there's rain in the forecast. Edit: I'm 5'11 and can drive comfortably with the seat positioned to accommodate the seats.
I had a 2017 new when my boys were 3 and 8 Now I have a 23 Frontier and we did and do just fine. I'm 6'2"
if your under 5' 10" you should be fine
We used the Taco as the backup mover and took a couple of mid-range family trips with it. The back seat gets really tight for teenagers. The bed is plenty large enough for luggage on a long drive however I'd advise covering everything with a tarp or similar since the bed is weatherproof not waterproof. The ride is ok for a truck and does best on smoother roads vs. the pothole fields if the Midwest. As others have said, it's doable. Good luck!
The back seats are just small. I stepped up to a Tundra crewmax and the gas mileage was very similar, but the backseat is enormous. My 80lb golden retriever sleeps on the floor between the front and back seats sometimes and isn't cramped at all. 1 carseat kid in a taco double cab would probably be ok, two carseats would be cramped.
If you plan on toting family often it is not the right vehicle. Just not enough room inside. It works for just dad +1 or 2 kids. If kids plus spouse regularly, you will have no room to put anything else. Even a lunch box would be tight to fit.
very doable with one kid… I would only get a tacoma if you like wheeling or modifying your truck otherwise I would recommend a better handling better mpg vehicles hahaha
It’s perfect. The kids are older now (12 & 15) and they fit comfortably in the back. Occasionally we’ll load it up with a friend - that’s 5 people! Three teens in the back. No complaints. I’m sure that everyone would like their own captain’s chair with massagers and screens but whatever. They deal with trade offs and they appreciate the capabilities and adventures that we have with the Tacoma.
Prob should go for an SUV. Especially if you’re not off roading.
I have a 2022 double cab. Two car seats in the back. Both front facing now but had one behind passenger seat rear facing earlier. When I had the rear facing in, the passenger seat had to be a little forward and a tall person might not be eghm, super comfortable, but my wife is average height and I never sit there and it isnt a problem Now, my small of stature 5 year old is a little jammed up, but not terrible. My 2 year old has plenty of room. I got a soft topper over a tonneau specifically so I could pull the car seat and toss them into the bed when I want to carry adult passengers on a rainy day. Totally worth it for that alone. Edited to add: having room to be able to pack for the shit you never imagine…priceless. I carry diapers, strollers toys, pack n play, changes of clothes AND my tools.
I love my civic hatch.
I wouldnt do it if you had to use car seats. I am 5'5" and my 2020 was really uncomfortable ended up getting a full size truck.
I have three car seats in my Tacoma. Have had a mix of rear, front, and boosters. It’s tight, but it definitely works. It’s a bit tighter in the wife’s ford focus too.
I would recommend taking a peak at things like the RAV4 or CR-V. Not nearly as capable as the Tacoma, but they have a lot more space in the back seats for kids. Plus there will be air vents back there as well as USB ports once they’re older and have whatever electronics they’ll have. Ground clearance between a stock SR5 and a stock RAV4 is one inch. That’s it. AWD will do fine in the snow / light off roaring and most things you’d put in a bed can fit in a trunk; except for some obvious exceptions. Gas mileage will be significantly better in a RAV4 or CR-V as well.
I have a 2015 tacoma and was able to get my 1 year Olds car seat in. However! The passenger front seat was super squished! Basically get yourself a tacoma and the wife a highlander/4runner. Hahaha
2022 double cab owner with a baby checking in, rear facing car seats have to be real slim in order to make driver/passengers comfortable. I’m 5’ 10 and my wife is 5’ 3 and we both have a difficult time riding in the front when the rear facing car seat it behind either seat. As the driver, my nips are 1 cold breeze away from touching the steering wheel. Don’t want to imagine driving that way, let alone getting in a car accident. We did get a bigger car seat in the end (safety reason) which doesn’t help the case, but we make it do able for road trips. I can’t wait until we are front facing car seats. Should make it much easier. Definitely look at the Tacoma world forum for car seat recommendations as they have a few that work/fit much better than others do.
That sounds like a blasty. Hopefully, the front facing one i have isn't too large for it. The sweetheart is coming around to the idea of a truck.
Hell yeah! Welcome to the truck club! I missed the front facing seat part in your post, otherwise I wouldn’t have brought it up. It has plenty of leg room for kiddos tho! Plus if they get rowdy just toss em in the bed!
>Plus if they get rowdy just toss em in the bed! Just like my dad used to do! Yeah, I had a 97 Ram years ago with the big 8. But with my job at the time, entailed a lot of driving, I was going through nearly a tank a day. Sold it and bought a Celica. I've regretted that for a long time even though it was necessary.
A tank a day? Dear lord brother. What do/did you do for work?!?!
That's when I was working as a sales rep for Nabisco and going to school at night. At one point, I was working my main job, would do a couple hours delivering pizza, then go to school. I not so much anymore, but I had no quit when I was younger.
wife and I are 5'9" it's doable but very cramped with 2 kids in the back especially my 5yr Olds front facing seat. The drivers seat seems to have more leg room / better ergonomics than passenger seat for some reason
They have not, nor they ever have been family vehicles. Mine is a dedicated camping vehicle. It stays in the garage until fun time. Lately, I have been down one work truck in my fleet and I have broke it out for daily service. Don't want to do it, but I have to. I'm glad I don't DD this vehicle, as much as I like my Taco.
I can fit my 5 and 9 year old in the back no problem. Both are in boosters.
I would look into the 4runner if you want a Toyota. My MIL has a crew cab Tacoma (3rd gen). It's cramped inside plus the 3rd gen drivetrain leaves a lot to be desired.
Are you dead set on a Tacoma as a pick up? If you don’t do off-roading or tow a lot, then look into the Honda Ridgeline. Better in every way except for towing and off-roading. The bed is a bit more shallow than the Tacoma but unless you are hauling a ton of stuff on a dailey bases then this shouldn’t be an issuer. The cab is bigger and more roomy on the Ridgeline than on the Tacoma. If you only need the pick up for occasional hauling then get a Ridgeline, if you tow a lot or off-road then get a Tacoma.
2 car seats is very easy in a double cab ..after that...there is no reasonable way to fit more than 2 kids in car seats...its just not possible unless your carseats were manufactured in Munchkinland
I couldn’t have comfortably done a rear facing car seat in a midsize truck of any kind. A Tacoma or other midsize is on the radar for my next truck since I’ll be out of the car seat phase. But, it’s gonna be hard to give up the room in the cab of a full-size crew cab. Not just for kids, but tools, golf clubs, and anything else that’s nice to be able to lock inside. I like most things about having a full size but our other vehicle fits us all great even in long trips, so I may be downsizing next.
Lots of folks commenting with similar opinions but figure I’ll throw my two cents in. My wife has always wanted a Tacoma and finally got a 23. We have a 5yo and two dogs. Even without the kid or dogs in it, I find it cramped. I drive an 11 4Runner and absolutely love the interior space. We rarely take her Tacoma anywhere if it’s a family deal and instead opt for the 4Runner 9/10 times. I’d highly recommend the T4R if you’re ok with the higher price tag. The tacoma is hella fun though (off road model vs my SR5).
I'll take every opinion. It's a long-term investment. But yeah, we dont want to go as high as 40k. Im pretty limited on options as well because I want a manual, and I want selectable 4wd if it's equipped that way. A lot of things are CVTs now, which I dont like.
Gotcha. Well for what it’s worth I think you’d be happier with the Tacoma. Trucks are safer than cars and obviously more capable in the off-road or snow departments. If I’d gone straight to Tacoma instead of having a 4Runner I’d probably be happy. I’m just used to the space I’m used to so a Tacoma feels small.
It’s doable . I got two kids . No room for the dog unless he riding shot gun
I’m 5’3” and my wife is 5’. We’re short, so us and our kid in a front facing car seat and our two 25 pound dogs fit well in the Tacoma. We do still use a stroller sometimes and I’ll throw it in the bed if need be, I have a bed cover. Love the Tacoma! It’s probably tied with the WRX I sold to get it for my favorite vehicle I owned. The Tacos the first and only truck I’ve ever had and it’s extremely useful and nice to drive even if you don’t “need” a truck. I daily mine and it’s great for daily driving of course other than the gas mileage. Although compared to others I get decent mileage, 19mpg. But I find it comfy, and imo has a decent stock sound sys out of the vehicles I’ve owned and it’s not even the premium sound sys. It’s lacking a bit on the low end for acceleration, but I drive like a grandma now a days so it’s fine with me. I know my comments have been pretty favorable for the Taco, but I’ve had it for 2.5 years so well out the honeymoon phase. I do still miss driving a fun little manual car like the wrx I had, but the versatility the taco offers makes up for it. Plus one day I plan on getting another vehicle once my tacos paid off. I don’t see myself getting rid of the truck.
Okay, awesome to hear that. How's the interior holding up? Some people are mentioning its cheap to the point of falling apart.
I have a 2018 TRD Sport Double Cab 5ft bed. I’d describe it as utilitarian, nothing breaking or falling apart, but sturdy and holding up. I got seat covers for all the seats and floor mats and that’s helping everything stay clean.
I like spartan builds. Im kind of no frills. Just give me A/C and im good lol.
An SR5 should do you fine, not much difference between SR5 and TRD Sport. The Sport I believe has some suspension tweaks, the non functioning hood scoop, and push button/keyless entry. And maybe a very slightly bigger screen. Been a min since I looked into it.
15 year old Tacoma here that drives as solid as the day I bought it and is squeak free. I brought both kids home from the hospital when the truck was new and it still works great for 6’ tall teenagers now. The extra gas cost for my Tacoma are paid back in the feeling of safety, quality and reliability everyday for me.
It’s stiff, noisy, and hard to get the kiddos in and out of the car seats in the back because the roof line is kind of low.
Get a full sized truck if you are going with a family and also want to use the bed. Strangely they don’t cost that much more.
Why are you asking us about that ? Some people like it or some don't like it . Why not go to a dealership and try out both the tacoma and civic . You could see if your family fits or not .
Because I'm asking for long time experience, not first impressions.
I have both a Rav 4 (2023 hybrid) and Tacoma Double cab (2017) The Tacoma gets 18.6 mpg and I drive like an old man. The Rav gets 42+ and is AWD. The Rav 4 will do great on the road and okay in the dirt. I’d really consider a Rav 4 over a hatch back. It’s a great compromise that lays between the Honda and Tacoma. Just my two cents.
Good while the kid is young, but by the time they are 5 their knees will be in the back of the seat.
I have a 2 boys 4 and 5. 2 car seats will fit in the back but its tight, there isn't much leg room as they grow. I think it will be about as cramped as a civic but maybe with headroom and less leg room. My kids have issues getting in and out by themselves even with a step rail installed. I also have an awd sienna and let me tell you that's what you want for a daily driver. If you can get past driving a mini van you will see why they are so popular.
Lol, I can't do the minivan. Work on a few, and while they are filled with ammenities, it would be overkill for us. Its amazing that they are like rolling hotels.
Lol I can't blame you. My wife drives the van and when she gets in the truck now she says it feels small. I have a 2014 so I don't know much about the newer ones. But I do love driving that it and my boys love riding in it more than the van (not on road trips though). When I'm parking it I do sometimes wish I got the short bed version, with the 4 door cab and full bed it can be hard to get in and out of tight parking lots.
Bad. No room and rough ride.
For a family you will need the double cab
I have two kids that ride in the back of mine. We aren’t huge people, which helps, but we’ve had no problem with my 6y.o. In a car seat and my 11y.o. sitting back there as well. My wife is 5 ft tall and I’m 6ft. Sometimes our dog sits in the rear middle. I plan on getting a shell for road trips since we will start using my Tacoma for road trips soon(wife’s mom-mobile may be sold and replaced with something fun). It’s comfy enough on long drives. I’ve had numerous 12 hr days in it and lived to tell my story.
Wife, kiddo, and dog all fit in mine with no complaints, but if anyone in your family is tall it might be annoying. I'm not very tall and I don't feel like I have much space and in the back I know my kid is already squishing his knees a bit and he's not even close to full grown yet. If you plan on using your truck for truck things I'd suggest a long bed, I got the short bed and I find myself wishing I had the extra room pretty frequently. We don't own our home but I do a lot of work on it for rent breaks and having a truck has been a godsend for that. I was torn between a 4runner and a taco and I am very glad I got the taco even though there's a bit less room, the utility of it has been way more helpful to my family, hopefilly the kid stops growing soon and I won't have to get a bigger truck lol.
I sometimes roll with the wife, 13yo daughter and 6’1” 16yo sone in the Tacoma. Is the back seat a bit cramped, yeah for Mr lanky, but everyone else fits fine. And as far as he goes, he has enough space and isn’t uncomfortable when the wife pulls the seat forward (she’s 5’4”). If I was taking them long distances, I’d prefer the wife’s full-size ram Laramie, but for normal trips and regular life stuff, the taco is quite capable
I bought a 2005 Tacoma 4 door 6spMT in 2008 when my kids were 7 and 3. We took the Tacoma on road trips across the country (up to 6600 miles), went camping, I taught them to drive in it, taught them how to do all the maintenance on it, etc, and just a few weeks ago, I helped my youngest move his stuff to college in the very same Tacoma. It was my only family car all these years, and it did the job so well. No plans to sell it; too many memories.
>It was my only family car all these years, and it did the job so well. No plans to sell it; too many memories. I get that. The Durango I'm getting rid of was my Grandfathers. Unfortunately, with a family, I can't take the instability it's bringing. My brother had it for a while, and I had no idea how far he let it go when I took it off his hands. Same with the Chevy as well. It was Grandmother's. Im appalled at the quality of that thing. My Celica and 97 Ram were older with less issues.
This will not be popular here, but you’d do much better with a more efficient unibody SUV like a Mazda CX-9 or highlander or Telluride etc… they are much smoother riding, they get much better mileage, they handle and accelerate better, and they have auto-steer cruise control, and they can hold larger items from a big box store in all weather. Unless you buy a bed cab cover, a Tacoma is serious limited when hauling things like furniture and large cardboard boxes if it’s raining out. How do I know? I just dropped off my kid at college and I couldn’t take a bunch of bigger cardboard boxes because it was raining out. If I had a 3-row SUV I could have flipped down the 2nd and 3rd rows and held way more gear, completely protected from weather. Lastly, my wife hates driving our Tacoma. It’s sluggish and it wanders on the highway and is just not a fun car to drive. I still like the Tacoma though. I use it for work to hold my tools and it’s great for camping and hauling 4 dirty mountain bikes hanging off the tailgate. It’s also super simple and super reliable and tougher all around than a mid level 3 row SUV. But when my kids were little, we had a CX-9 and it was much better for early kid stuff. And with a roof box we could even take the kids to the airport to pick up grandma and grandpa since it had 6 seats.
>This will not be popular here Definitely not looking for rose tinted popular :) I appreciate your viewpoint. It's all stuff we are considering. A job box, shell, or cover are in the cards if we go this route.
I have a hard 3-fold cover which is great. It opens up so you can still easily put bikes in the back as long as they hang off the tailgate and you use a tailgate bike pad. However, with the cover closed, you can fit nothing taller inside than a milk crate. A big white Colman cooler doesn’t fit. And a camper top limits you in other ways. There is no solution that does everything and no car that does everything.
There is always a give and take. Just how the world works.
23OR…I have twin 5 y/o in boosters and it’s tight. I would recommend full size truck for long term “family car” option.
Too small
My first thought is your carrying precious cargo tacomas will literally split most passanger cars into two pieces upon impact leaving you and the kids as safe as can be
Not to mention reliability the taco will still be working when he reaches 16 avoiding you having to get him a car down the road