The Toyota Tacoma, a perennial favorite among mid-size truck enthusiasts, boasts rugged appeal and impressive capabilities. But beyond its off-road prowess and towing capacity, a crucial question arises for many potential buyers: how comfortable is the rear seating for adults? The answer, as with many things, is nuanced and depends on several factors.
Tacoma Cab Configurations: Access Cab vs. Double Cab
The Tacoma comes in two main cab configurations: the Access Cab and the Double Cab. These configurations drastically impact the available space in the back. Understanding the differences is paramount to determining if the Tacoma suits your needs.
Access Cab: Limited Rear Space
The Access Cab, sometimes referred to as an extended cab, features smaller, rear-hinged doors and significantly less rear passenger space. These doors open to reveal small jump seats designed for occasional use or shorter trips. Legroom and headroom are severely restricted in the Access Cab’s rear.
Adults relegated to the Access Cab’s back seats will likely find the experience cramped and uncomfortable, particularly on longer journeys. Consider the Access Cab primarily for those who seldom carry rear passengers. It’s more suitable for cargo or perhaps very short trips with children. The limited space makes it challenging for even average-sized adults to sit comfortably.
Double Cab: The More Passenger-Friendly Option
The Double Cab, on the other hand, offers four full-sized doors and a more spacious rear seating area. While still a mid-size truck, the Double Cab prioritizes passenger comfort to a greater extent than the Access Cab. Legroom and headroom are significantly improved, making it a more viable option for regularly transporting adults.
While not limousine-like, the Double Cab provides adequate space for average-sized adults on moderately long trips. It’s the preferred choice for those who frequently carry passengers in the back seat. The difference in comfort is substantial, making the Double Cab the clear winner for passenger-centric needs.
Factors Affecting Rear Seat Comfort
Beyond the cab configuration, several factors influence how comfortably adults can fit in the back of a Tacoma.
Legroom and Headroom: The Key Dimensions
Legroom and headroom are the most critical dimensions when assessing rear seat comfort. The Tacoma’s Double Cab offers a reasonable amount of legroom, but taller passengers may still find it somewhat limited. Headroom is generally adequate, but very tall individuals might feel slightly cramped, especially in the center seat.
Pay close attention to these measurements when comparing the Tacoma to other mid-size trucks. A few inches can make a significant difference in overall comfort, particularly on long drives. Test driving with rear passengers is essential to gauge real-world comfort levels.
Seat Design and Cushioning
The design and cushioning of the rear seats also play a role. The Tacoma’s rear seats are relatively flat and firm, which can become uncomfortable on longer trips. Some aftermarket seat cushions or covers can improve comfort, but the underlying design remains a limiting factor.
Consider the seat design a compromise between practicality and luxury. The seats are durable and easy to clean, but they may not provide the plush comfort found in some larger vehicles.
Ride Quality and Suspension
The Tacoma’s ride quality, particularly when unloaded, can be somewhat stiff. This can translate to a less comfortable experience for rear passengers, especially on rough roads. The suspension is designed for off-road capability and hauling, which often comes at the expense of on-road comfort.
Assess the ride quality during a test drive, paying particular attention to how bumps and imperfections in the road are transmitted to the rear seats. This is especially important if you frequently drive on less-than-perfect roads.
Center Seat Considerations
The center seat in the Double Cab is generally less comfortable than the outboard seats. It often has less padding and can be narrower. The presence of a transmission tunnel also reduces legroom for the center passenger.
The center seat is best suited for occasional use or shorter trips. It’s generally not recommended for adult passengers on long journeys.
Real-World Experiences: What Owners Say
Online forums and owner reviews offer valuable insights into the rear seat comfort of the Tacoma. Many owners report that the Double Cab is adequate for transporting adults on moderately long trips, but taller passengers may find it less than ideal.
Reading owner reviews and forums can provide a realistic perspective on the Tacoma’s rear seat comfort. Pay attention to comments from owners who frequently carry rear passengers, as their experiences will be particularly relevant.
Positive Feedback
Some owners praise the Double Cab for its versatility, noting that it provides a good balance between passenger space and truck capability. They appreciate the ease of access provided by the four full-sized doors and the reasonable amount of legroom.
Negative Feedback
Other owners express concerns about the rear seat comfort, particularly for taller adults or on longer trips. They cite limited legroom and headroom as the primary issues. Some also mention the firm seat cushions as a contributing factor to discomfort.
Comparing the Tacoma to Competitors
When evaluating the Tacoma, it’s essential to compare its rear seat comfort to that of its competitors in the mid-size truck segment. Some competing models offer slightly more rear seat space or more comfortable seating.
Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier, like the Tacoma, offers extended cab and crew cab configurations. The crew cab version of the Frontier provides a comparable amount of rear seat space to the Tacoma’s Double Cab.
Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon
The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon offer similar cab configurations and rear seat space to the Tacoma. Some reviewers note that the Colorado and Canyon may have slightly more comfortable rear seats, but the differences are generally minor.
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger provides a competitive option in the mid-size truck market. The Ranger’s SuperCrew cab offers a similar amount of rear seat space to the Tacoma’s Double Cab.
Improving Rear Seat Comfort: Aftermarket Options
Several aftermarket options can help improve the rear seat comfort of a Tacoma.
Seat Cushions and Covers
Adding aftermarket seat cushions or covers can provide additional padding and support, making the seats more comfortable on long trips.
Seat Risers
Seat risers can raise the rear seats, providing more legroom for taller passengers. However, this may reduce headroom.
Entertainment Systems
Installing a rear-seat entertainment system can help keep passengers entertained on long journeys, making the ride more enjoyable.
Conclusion: Is the Tacoma Right for You?
Ultimately, whether adults can comfortably fit in the back of a Toyota Tacoma depends on individual needs and preferences. The Access Cab is generally not suitable for regularly transporting adults, while the Double Cab offers a more viable option.
Consider your passenger needs carefully before making a decision. If you frequently carry adults in the back seat, the Double Cab is the clear choice. Test driving the Tacoma with rear passengers is essential to determine if it meets your comfort requirements. Comparing the Tacoma to its competitors and exploring aftermarket options can also help you make an informed decision. The Tacoma is a capable and reliable truck, but passenger comfort should be a primary consideration for those who regularly carry adults in the rear. If maximum passenger comfort is a top priority, you might consider a larger truck or SUV.