The Toyota Tacoma is a popular midsize truck that has been a favorite among truck enthusiasts for decades. When it comes to choosing between the Tacoma short bed vs long bed, there are a few things to consider. Both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately the decision comes down to personal preference and intended use.
The short bed configuration of the Tacoma measures 5.1 feet in length, while the long bed is 6.1 feet. The long bed comes standard with an access cab, while the short bed has a double cab configuration. The longer bed offers more cargo space, making it more convenient for sleeping and suitable for high payload applications. On the other hand, the shorter bed is easier to maneuver in tight spaces and is more fuel-efficient. When it comes to towing capacity, both options are capable of towing up to 6,800 pounds, making them ideal for hauling trailers and boats.
Toyota Tacoma Overview
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck that has been in production since 1995. It is known for its durability, off-road capabilities, and versatility. The Tacoma is available in various body styles, cab configurations, and bed lengths, making it a popular choice for both personal and commercial use.
The current generation of the Tacoma was introduced in 2016, and it received a refresh in 2020. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma is expected to continue with the same design and features as the previous model year.
The Tacoma is available in six trim levels: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. It is equipped with a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine is also available, which produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The Tacoma comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is available.
One of the defining features of the Tacoma is its bed length options. The short bed configuration is 5.1 feet long, and the long bed is 6.1 feet long. The short bed is more suitable for those who prefer a more modest length and size of bed, while the long bed is ideal for those who need more cargo space. The maximum load capacity for the short bed is just over 1,500 lbs, while the standard bed can hold over 1,600 lbs.
Overall, the Toyota Tacoma is a reliable and versatile pickup truck that offers a range of options to suit different needs and preferences.
Short Bed Vs Long Bed: Basic Differences
Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck that comes in both short bed and long bed configurations. The basic difference between the two is in their length. The long bed is typically around six feet in length, while the short bed is about five feet in length.
The short bed is more suitable for those who prefer a more modest length and size of bed. It is also a better option for those who plan to use their truck for off-roading or in tight spaces, as it is more maneuverable. However, the short bed does have a lower payload capacity than the long bed.
On the other hand, the long bed is more suitable for those who need to haul larger items or have a bigger family. It has a higher payload capacity than the short bed and can hold more weight. However, it is less maneuverable than the short bed and may not be suitable for off-roading or tight spaces.
In addition to the length difference, there are also differences in the cab configurations available for each bed length. The access cab option fits up to four passengers, while the double cab trim seats up to five passengers.
Overall, the choice between a short bed and a long bed comes down to personal preference and specific needs. Those who prioritize maneuverability and off-roading may prefer the short bed, while those who need to haul larger items or have a bigger family may prefer the long bed.
Advantages of Short Bed Tacoma
When it comes to choosing between a short bed and a long bed for your Toyota Tacoma, there are a few advantages to consider. In this section, we will discuss the advantages of a short bed Tacoma.
Maneuverability
One of the main advantages of a short bed Tacoma is its maneuverability. With a shorter wheelbase, the Tacoma is easier to turn and park in tight spaces. This makes it a great option for city driving and navigating through narrow streets. Additionally, the shorter length of the bed makes it easier to see behind the truck when reversing, which can be helpful when backing up to a trailer or parallel parking.
City Driving
Another advantage of a short bed Tacoma is its suitability for city driving. The shorter length of the truck makes it easier to navigate through traffic and park in tight spaces. This can be especially important for those who live in urban areas where parking can be scarce. Additionally, the shorter bed length means that the truck takes up less space on the road, making it easier to maneuver through traffic.
Aesthetic Appeal
Finally, a short bed Tacoma can be more aesthetically appealing to some people. The shorter length of the truck can give it a sportier look and feel, which may be preferable for those who want a more stylish truck. Additionally, some people may prefer the look of a shorter bed over a longer bed, as it can make the truck look more balanced.
In summary, a short bed Tacoma has several advantages, including its maneuverability, suitability for city driving, and aesthetic appeal. While a long bed may be more suitable for those who need to haul larger items, a short bed can be a great option for those who prioritize ease of driving and a sportier look.
Advantages of Long Bed Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a popular midsize pickup truck that comes in both short bed and long bed variants. While the short bed configuration is 5.1-ft long, the long bed has a size of 6.1-ft. In this section, we will look at the advantages of the long bed Tacoma.
Cargo Space
One of the main advantages of the long bed Tacoma is its cargo space. With a bed length of 6.1-ft, the long bed offers more cargo space than the short bed, which has a length of 5.1-ft. This makes it easier to haul larger items such as furniture, appliances, and building materials. The long bed also has a higher payload capacity than the short bed, which means it can carry more weight.
Off-Roading
While the long bed Tacoma may not be as maneuverable as the short bed, it does have some advantages when it comes to off-roading. The longer wheelbase of the long bed provides better stability on rough terrain, and the extra length can help improve the break-over angle, which is the angle at which the vehicle can pass over an obstacle without getting stuck.
Towing Capacity
Another advantage of the long bed Tacoma is its towing capacity. With a longer wheelbase and a higher payload capacity, the long bed can tow more weight than the short bed. This makes it a better choice for those who need to tow trailers or other heavy loads.
In summary, the long bed Tacoma offers more cargo space, better stability on rough terrain, and a higher towing capacity than the short bed. While it may not be as maneuverable as the short bed, it is a great choice for those who need to haul larger items or tow heavy loads.
Considerations When Choosing
When choosing between a Toyota Tacoma short bed and a long bed, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:
Purpose of Use
The purpose of use is one of the most important factors when choosing between a short bed and a long bed. If you plan to use your Tacoma for work, a long bed may be more suitable. The longer bed provides more cargo space, making it easier to transport large items. However, if you plan to use your Tacoma for daily driving and occasional hauling, a short bed may be more practical.
Parking Space
Parking space is another important factor to consider when choosing between a short bed and a long bed. A long bed Tacoma requires more space to park, which can be a challenge in tight urban areas. On the other hand, a short bed Tacoma is easier to park and maneuver, making it a better choice for city driving.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is another important consideration when choosing between a short bed and a long bed Tacoma. A shorter bed generally means a lighter vehicle, which can translate to better fuel economy. However, the difference in fuel efficiency between a short bed and a long bed Tacoma is usually not significant.
In summary, when choosing between a Toyota Tacoma short bed and a long bed, it is important to consider your purpose of use, parking space, and fuel efficiency. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between a Toyota Tacoma short bed vs long bed, there are several factors to consider. Both options have their own pros and cons, and the choice ultimately depends on the needs and preferences of the buyer.
The short bed is ideal for those who prioritize maneuverability and parking convenience. It is also a better option for those who plan to use their Tacoma for off-roading or other outdoor activities. On the other hand, the long bed is perfect for those who need more cargo space and are looking for a comfortable ride on longer journeys.
In terms of dimensions, the short bed is 5.1-ft long, while the long bed is 6.1-ft long. This means that the long bed offers a larger cargo capacity, with an available length of 73.7 inches compared to the short bed’s 60.5 inches.
When it comes to price, the long bed option is typically more expensive than the short bed. However, the price difference may not be significant enough to sway the decision for those who prioritize cargo space over cost.
Overall, both the Toyota Tacoma short bed and long bed are great options for those in the market for a mid-size pickup truck. Buyers should carefully consider their needs and preferences before making a decision on which option to choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the length of the short bed on a Toyota Tacoma?
The short bed on a Toyota Tacoma is 5.1 feet long.
How much longer is the long bed compared to the short bed on a Toyota Tacoma?
The long bed on a Toyota Tacoma is 1 foot longer than the short bed, measuring at 6.1 feet.
Are there any differences in off-road capabilities between the long bed and short bed Toyota Tacoma?
The long bed has a longer wheelbase, which can make it more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and can affect its off-road capabilities. However, both the long bed and short bed Toyota Tacoma have similar off-road capabilities.
Does the Toyota Tacoma come in different bed lengths?
Yes, the Toyota Tacoma is available in both short bed and long bed variants.
What is the length of the bed on a 3rd Gen double cab long bed Toyota Tacoma?
The bed on a 3rd Gen double cab long bed Toyota Tacoma is 6.1 feet long.
Is there a difference in ride quality between the short bed and long bed Toyota Tacoma?
There is no significant difference in ride quality between the short bed and long bed Toyota Tacoma. However, the longer wheelbase of the long bed may result in a slightly smoother ride.