How Much Room is in the Back of a Tacoma? A Comprehensive Guide

The Toyota Tacoma has been a dominant force in the mid-size truck market for decades, known for its reliability, off-road capability, and overall ruggedness. But when considering a truck, one of the most important questions is: how much can it actually haul? In this deep dive, we’ll explore the bed dimensions and cargo capacity of various Tacoma configurations, empowering you to make an informed decision. We’ll look at the different bed lengths, cab configurations, and factors influencing the usable space in the back of this popular truck.

Understanding Tacoma Bed Configurations

The Tacoma’s cargo capacity is directly tied to its bed length and cab configuration. Understanding these variations is crucial to assessing how well it fits your needs. Essentially, you have a choice between two bed lengths: a short bed (around 5 feet) and a long bed (around 6 feet). These are paired with either a Double Cab (four full doors) or an Access Cab (extended cab with smaller rear doors).

Let’s delve deeper into how these combinations affect the usable space.

Short Bed Dimensions and Capacity

The short bed Tacoma, typically around 60.5 inches (5.04 feet) long, is the more common choice when paired with the Double Cab. This configuration prioritizes passenger space without sacrificing too much cargo utility. The short bed is ideal for everyday tasks like hauling groceries, camping gear, or DIY project materials.

The width between the wheel wells remains consistent across all Tacoma beds, at approximately 41.5 inches. This is an important measurement to consider when transporting items like plywood or drywall. The bed depth, also consistent across bed lengths, is around 19.1 inches.

Short bed cargo volume generally hovers around 38 cubic feet. While not the largest in the mid-size truck segment, it’s certainly adequate for many users.

Long Bed Dimensions and Capacity

The long bed Tacoma, stretching approximately 73.7 inches (6.14 feet), offers significantly more cargo-carrying capability. It’s often paired with the Access Cab, prioritizing bed space over rear passenger room. However, you can find long bed models with the Double Cab as well.

The extended length makes the long bed perfect for hauling longer items such as lumber, motorcycles, or kayaks. If you regularly transport items exceeding 5 feet in length, the long bed is the clear winner.

With the increased length, the long bed boasts a cargo volume of around 47 cubic feet, a considerable increase over the short bed. This extra space can make a significant difference when tackling larger projects or longer trips.

Access Cab vs. Double Cab: Impact on Bed Length

The choice between the Access Cab and Double Cab directly influences the available bed length. The Access Cab is typically paired with the long bed, offering a balance of passenger capacity and cargo space. The Double Cab, with its full-sized rear doors and increased rear passenger legroom, is more commonly found with the short bed, although long bed versions are available.

Choosing the right cab configuration depends on your priorities. If you frequently carry passengers, the Double Cab is the better choice. If you prioritize cargo capacity and rarely have rear passengers, the Access Cab with the long bed might be more suitable.

Real-World Cargo Capacity: What Can You Actually Fit?

Beyond the raw numbers, it’s crucial to understand what the Tacoma can realistically haul in its bed. Let’s look at some common scenarios.

Everyday Hauling: Groceries, Gear, and Supplies

For everyday tasks, both the short and long bed Tacomas excel. Groceries, camping gear, sports equipment, and DIY project supplies easily fit in either bed. The key difference lies in the ability to transport longer items without having to angle them or leave the tailgate down.

For instance, if you regularly purchase 8-foot lumber, the long bed is a must. The short bed will require you to secure the lumber diagonally or with the tailgate down, potentially posing safety and logistical challenges.

Larger Items: Furniture, Appliances, and Equipment

Moving larger items like furniture, appliances, or landscaping equipment requires careful consideration. While the Tacoma can handle these tasks, it’s important to plan ahead and potentially utilize tie-down straps or bed extenders.

A standard-sized refrigerator or washing machine will fit in either bed, but the long bed offers more room for maneuvering and securing the load. Similarly, transporting a couch or large pieces of furniture is more manageable with the long bed.

Off-Roading and Overlanding Considerations

The Tacoma’s off-road capabilities are legendary, and many owners use their trucks for overlanding and adventure travel. When packing for these trips, maximizing bed space is essential.

Roof racks, bed racks, and cargo organizers can significantly increase the amount of gear you can carry. However, it’s important to consider the added weight and its impact on fuel economy and off-road performance. Proper weight distribution is critical for safe and enjoyable off-road adventures.

Factors Influencing Usable Bed Space

Several factors can impact the usable bed space of your Tacoma, beyond just the bed length.

Bed Liners and Tonneau Covers

Bed liners, whether spray-in or drop-in, protect the bed from scratches and dents. While they don’t significantly reduce the overall volume, they can slightly alter the dimensions and feel of the bed. Tonneau covers, on the other hand, offer weather protection and security for your cargo. However, they can reduce the vertical space available, especially if they are hard-folding or retractable models.

Choosing the right bed liner and tonneau cover depends on your needs and preferences. Consider how often you need to haul tall items before opting for a low-profile tonneau cover.

Tie-Down Points and Bed Rails

The Tacoma comes equipped with several tie-down points in the bed, allowing you to secure your cargo effectively. Bed rails, either factory-installed or aftermarket, provide additional tie-down options and can also serve as mounting points for accessories.

Utilizing these tie-down points and bed rails is crucial for safe and secure cargo transport. Always use appropriate straps or ropes to prevent items from shifting during transit.

Accessories and Modifications

Many aftermarket accessories can enhance the functionality and versatility of the Tacoma’s bed. Bed extenders, for example, allow you to safely haul longer items with the tailgate down. Cargo organizers, such as bed dividers and storage boxes, help keep your gear organized and prevent it from sliding around.

Consider investing in accessories that suit your specific needs and activities. A well-equipped Tacoma bed can significantly improve its practicality and utility.

Comparing Tacoma Bed Size to Competitors

While the Tacoma is a popular choice, it’s important to compare its bed dimensions to those of its competitors in the mid-size truck segment. Trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Frontier offer varying bed lengths and cargo capacities.

The Colorado/Canyon typically offer a slightly longer short bed option compared to the Tacoma. The Ford Ranger’s bed dimensions are comparable to the Tacoma, while the Nissan Frontier offers similar configurations.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Researching and comparing the specifications of different trucks is essential for making an informed decision.

Measuring Your Cargo: A Practical Approach

Before purchasing a Tacoma, it’s a good idea to assess the types of items you regularly haul. Measure the dimensions of these items and compare them to the Tacoma’s bed dimensions. This will give you a realistic understanding of how well the truck will meet your needs.

Consider the length, width, and height of your typical cargo. Factor in any additional space needed for securing the load or accommodating irregular shapes. Don’t underestimate the importance of vertical space, especially if you frequently haul items like furniture or appliances.

Making the Right Choice: Matching Your Needs to the Tacoma’s Capabilities

Choosing the right Tacoma configuration requires careful consideration of your needs and priorities. Do you prioritize passenger space or cargo capacity? Do you frequently haul long items or mostly smaller loads? Are you planning on using your Tacoma for off-roading or overlanding?

By answering these questions and comparing the different bed lengths and cab configurations, you can make an informed decision and choose the Tacoma that best suits your lifestyle. Remember to factor in the influence of bed liners, tonneau covers, and accessories on the usable bed space.

The Toyota Tacoma remains a strong contender in the mid-size truck market due to its reliability and versatility. By understanding its bed dimensions and cargo capacity, you can determine if it’s the right truck for you.

What are the key differences in rear passenger space between the Tacoma’s Access Cab and Double Cab configurations?

The Access Cab offers a smaller rear passenger area compared to the Double Cab. Its rear seats are primarily designed for occasional use or shorter trips, with limited legroom and a more upright seating position. Access Cab models often appeal to buyers who prioritize bed space and cargo capacity over consistent rear passenger comfort.

The Double Cab, on the other hand, provides significantly more rear passenger space. It boasts larger rear doors and a more spacious cabin, allowing for greater legroom and headroom. This configuration is ideal for those who regularly transport adults or larger children, making it a more practical choice for families or carpooling situations.

How does the bed length affect the overall interior space, specifically rear passenger room, in a Tacoma?

The bed length itself does not directly impact the rear passenger room. The Access Cab and Double Cab configurations determine the size of the rear passenger area. However, choosing a longer bed typically means sacrificing some cab space, but this is usually related to the total vehicle length rather than affecting the established rear passenger area.

Regardless of bed length (short or long), a Double Cab will always offer more rear passenger space than an Access Cab. The relationship between bed length and cab size is more about overall vehicle dimensions and cargo versus passenger priorities.

What are the exact rear passenger legroom measurements for the Tacoma’s Access Cab and Double Cab?

The Tacoma Access Cab typically offers around 24.6 inches of rear legroom. This limited space makes it suitable for smaller passengers or short trips, but it can feel cramped for adults during longer journeys. The Access Cab’s rear seats are more accurately described as jump seats rather than fully functional rear passenger seating.

In contrast, the Double Cab provides a significantly more comfortable 32.6 inches of rear legroom. This increase in space allows for adults to sit comfortably in the back, making it a much better option for families or those who frequently travel with rear passengers. The Double Cab effectively transforms the rear into a usable and comfortable seating area.

Is it possible to modify the rear seats in a Tacoma to increase legroom?

Modifying the rear seats to substantially increase legroom is generally not a straightforward or recommended process. The structural integrity of the vehicle and safety features could be compromised. Any alterations could also void warranties or affect resale value.

While some aftermarket options might offer slight adjustments, major modifications are not usually feasible due to the vehicle’s design and safety considerations. It’s generally better to choose the appropriate cab configuration (Access Cab or Double Cab) based on your passenger needs from the outset.

Does the Tacoma have LATCH anchors for child car seats in the rear seats?

Yes, the Tacoma is equipped with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) anchors in the rear seats for installing child car seats. The Double Cab configuration typically offers LATCH anchors in the outboard seats of the rear row, providing a secure and convenient way to install child safety seats.

The Access Cab may have LATCH anchors in some model years, but it’s important to verify their presence and location. Because of limited space in the Access cab, installing a child car seat can be difficult and may impinge on the front passenger space. Double Cab models are better suited for families who need to install car seats.

How does the Tacoma’s rear passenger space compare to other mid-size trucks?

The Tacoma’s rear passenger space is generally considered average compared to other mid-size trucks. Some competitors, such as the Honda Ridgeline and Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, may offer slightly more rear legroom in their crew cab configurations. However, the differences are not always substantial.

Ultimately, the perception of space is subjective and depends on individual needs and body types. It’s always recommended to test drive different trucks and sit in the rear seats to assess which model provides the most comfortable fit for your specific passenger requirements.

What are some accessories or strategies to maximize rear passenger comfort in a Tacoma?

For the Access Cab, focusing on maximizing cargo space and minimizing rear passenger usage is key. Using seat covers to protect the rear seats from wear and tear is advisable. For limited passenger use, providing a small storage organizer can help keep the area tidy.

In the Double Cab, consider accessories such as seat back protectors to guard against scuff marks and stains. Installing a rear seat organizer can help passengers keep their belongings within reach. A portable DVD player or tablet holder can also enhance passenger comfort during longer trips.

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