Tacoma Short Bed vs. Long Bed: Which is best?

MLO Rants is back! This is a topic we've been back and forth on quite often at the shop and Matt and Pete are here to settle the debate of which Tacoma is best Tacoma! We love this platform in all configurations but some are clearly better than others. Let us know which Tacoma you would pick and why in the comments below!
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[@MrChez65]

I went with the longbed for all of the reasons Matt detailed - I love it!

[@MainLineOverland]

👏👏👏

[@marcoblv]

lt really comes down to whether you need/want the longer bed, and whether you can deal with the longer wheelbase and worse breakover angle for off-roading. I have seen no difference in aftermarket support, no sacrifice there. I have the DCLB because it's what I found used, had originally thought I'd go with the DCSB, but I am really happy as to how things worked out--I love the versatility of the long bed and can sleep in it without my feet being bear bait...😁

[@iiTzSkeletor]

Long bed with lift and bigger tires looks way better than a short bed with lift and bigger tires. Looks like a toy truck to me

[@tmccusk1]

Long bed of course!

[@marcuscamp8103]

I got a long bed, I'm sorry but lifted they just look better. Short beds look goofy as hell with a lift.

[@m.a.cgaming6274]

On foe nem they do, they look like little toys

[@wmharris9084]

Short beds are useless!

[@wmharris9084]

I just couldn't justify paying that for a truck and not having a full size box.

[@kevinkidneyy]

Long bed looks dumb hella Long

[@Macintoshhh]

Trucks with a bed look dumb. Just put the bed ontop of the truck..

[@bluvdmssiah]

Long bed looks mad goofy and if you think otherwise you’re wrong. Long bed is worth it if you’re using it strictly as a work truck.

[@camronbay1]

Long bed for me it’s just as capable all in the driver.

[@Geared84]

I own the 2018 sport 4x4 tacoma long bed, and I love it. Fit a quad and my boat motors in perfect.

[@AlienModified]

Double-cab long bed. Why? Because I needed a truck, not a Jeep.

[@Chubbydippin]

Don't understand the short bed if you are buying a truck. Infact, if you can get the long bed with a double cab, they should make a 7-8' bed available on a single cab. A truck is made for being a truck. Having a useable bed is what makes it a truck a truck imo.

[@tushluasfresno]

I would be thrill if they make one with at least 7' bed. I put a deposit for double cap long bed but would rather prefer another extra foot bed if possible. I want a truck with long bed not a SUV with the trunk cut open.

[@michaelgutierrez6743]

@@tushluasfresno at that point your wasting your time with a tacoma just get a tundra or some other longer truck lol

[@kevinkidneyy]

Nahhhh bra if you want a 8 foot bed go get one

[@JCreole]

I need a long bed but a long bed on a full size is too big. So a long bed on a midsize truck is the perfect solution. 👍

[@Jmm623]

In my opinion the “more aftermarket support” argument isn’t valid. I have a 2017 DCLB and I haven’t ran into any situations where a company didn’t have something for me if they also had it for the DCSB

[@SeanStewart88]

I have a short bed double cab and I love the look but I totally wish I got the long bed 100% oh well.

[@Doomzdayxx]

Same here man. I didn't have a choice since they weren't selling any long bed configurations with manual trans, which is even more important

[@danysanchez8767]

Thank you men for sharing! your sacrifice means others don’t have to regret not having a long bed later I appreciate and will go for the long bed!

[@zoovthoj2177]

I get the long bed.

[@uno3863]

Short bed here on my '12 TRD sport 4x4 manual trans, wanted to from time to time do a lil bit of "spirited driving" on the highway and maybe a lil off road , not much of a hauler, just bought it cause it's black, sporty hood scoop and manual transmission😎

[@DunnMotors]

I just bought a 2023 tacoma trd offroad and it was nice to come across your channel. Great points! 👍 Those options are great to hear.

[@MainLineOverland]

Congrats on the new Tacoma! Stay tuned for more related content :)

[@TEDDYBear-yf2lq]

TLDR: Short bed= for daily drivers Long bed= for weekend/fun use

[@carlosjimenez149]

Thank you! (Keeping it short and simple) #greatadvice

[@deplorablechump8758]

Long bed does both bro

[@tomm7505]

Just got an Access Cab which automatically has the long bed. Love it. No kids to carry so the back jump seats will never be used as normal passenger seats except in an emergency.

[@MainLineOverland]

We love the access cabs 👍

[@davidgarneau9376]

Shortest wheel base with the least amount of weight = fun to drive In other words: she's built like a steakhouse but she handles like a bistro. I used to have an '02 Silverado 1500, regular cab, 5 speed manual with 4 on the floor and six-foot bed (then considered a short-bed). It had the "small" 4.8L V8. Man was that a blast to drive. This is the closest thing I can buy new that even comes close to that experience. And I'm having a hell of a time finding a manual in an access cab configuration with only a month or two left of production before the redesign.

[@johncole3010]

I was always a long bed person w/ work trucks in the past. When I found a 2012 TRD sport 6spd MT SB I went for it because the truck is built tough and small compared to most trucks. The shorter wheel base makes it more nimble and it pulls my 6x10 cargo trailer RV conversion easily. I’m saving up to buy a tubing bender to make the bed more user friendly . I like being able to reach in to access gear easily and I took the rear seats out for tools. Like a keep Tacoma’s aren’t very comfortable to sleep in so for me the off-road capability is incredible. I left it stock w/ 17” rims and added Firestone airbags to level the bed. Instead of loading it down w / steel armor I’m going to bend my own aluminum scaffolding beams to make sliders, a front brush deflector and bed cage that can be tarped.

[@DaDaDo661]

I don't think Toyota ever offered a double cab long bed in the 6spd. If they did I'd jump all over that

[@SaskatchewanBadAss]

Access cab is useless for passengers an thats a fair argument if you have passengers regularly. Same as the king cab frontiers, but no one who buys one puts people back there...They both need the jump seats removed an market it as a two seater with plenty of space for backpacks/duffle bags/dog beds. Same engine/transmission but less weight means better mpg, rear end is lighter so you dont get bogged down. For familys get 4 doors but if you a single guy or gal or just a couple with a dog they are great

[@lou2408]

It’s like comparing 2WD to 4WD…..it all comes down to what you need.

[@stevenjoseph8980]

Thanks for the advice. I just put down a deposit for a 2022 TRD Sport. I have been waffling back and forth on going with the Off-Road but I haven't gone on real off road trails in the past. Being a tool guy, I don't want to regret not having the off road tools that come on the OR like the locker etc. Someone mentioned to me that adding a rear locker later if I need it is a possibility. I hadn't realized that that was a fairly straightforward option. That reinforced my decision to go with the Sport. I'm planning on upgrading to a more aggressive tire and wheel combination though so I'm guessing for now that will help. As for the SB vs. LB question. I have always had long beds and am a little anxious about going with the SB but I only see carrying our 3 kayaks as a potential issue. I have a Thule rack for carrying ladders so I think if I get a hitch mounted load extender the SB will serve me well. I will daily this truck and I think the double cab/LB combination is going to be a bit of a pain driving around town. Anyway, I was pretty excited to see that you have a location in Charlotte, so once I get my new Taco (3-6 months), I'll look you guys up. I live in the triangle.

[@MainLineOverland]

Congrats! We look forward to potentially working with you. You are going to love your new Tacoma!

[@stevenjoseph8980]

@@MainLineOverland I'm excited! This will be my forth Taco. I currently have an 06 access cab. This is a bit bitter sweet though as I'll be selling the Taco and my 15 WRX baby to make this happen.

[@joes7674]

The second row on double cab Tacoma is tiny anyway. If you don't have a fam, might as well get an access cab and a 6ft bed.

[@corneliuscrewe677]

My family is grown, I need primarily a daily driver that can haul a decent amount of hay every two weeks and tow a two horse slant 30 miles a couple of times a year, and I don’t off-road. Ever. Access cab long bed 2WD is perfect for me.

[@jsmcguireIII]

Access cab long bed for ATV no passengers.

[@useryggfdcc]

2021 Tacoma TRD 4X4 OFFROAD short bed. Upgraded the suspension, Bilstein 6112 in the front, back Bilstein 5100 with ICON AAL. Winch installed, perfect.

[@tgkg]

If it's SR or SR5 sport, long bed for sure. If it's offroad, short bed for them trails.

[@bobbybrunner867]

Wish they just made a 5.5 ft bed. Would be perfect size and would look so good.

[@lakeloon]

The seats in the back of an access cab are fine. You're not going on vacation with a passenger back there. No fatties!

[@russbutsenko3824]

it all comes to preference. if you want to use bed more or not.

[@Doc1855]

I went with the double cab Long Bed for my TRD Off Road with the Premium and Technology pkgs. I love to go on fishing trips and of course you’ll have to go off road to get to the better spots. A long bed is a Lot more comfortable for overnight camping. Just try sleeping in a truck with a 5’ bed… it’s not going to happen unless you’re a Little Person. We chose the Double Cab because our parents are aging and will eventually need us to drive them around. Furthermore we tend to own Large Dogs. Our current dog is an oversized 115# Chocolate Lab. He’s not fat, just BIG. He’s our Gentle Giant Joe.

[@alexgarcia3900]

I bought both an access cab off road and a double cab sport 4x4. The long bed is not much more usable unless maybe you wanna sleep inside the bed in a canper. The long bed is the size of a tundra, and I'd much rather just buy a tundra over a long bed tacoma. I owned a tundra before with the double cab and the 6.5 bed, and that's a way better vehicles by a longshot compared to the long bed tacoma. I downgraded because the trails here and some roads are super small on the coast. The access cab, in all honestly, is not great bedsides, the bigger bed that, in all honesty, is hardly bigger, and the rear cargo is also not as usable as i thought. I do absolutely love the look of the access cab and still love my access cab, and the looks are way better, in my opinion.

[@tuacatom]

For daily driving in town, the Short Bed. But I need the Long Bed for those weekends and vacations, therefore Long Bed. Buying one for my 65th B-Day. Will miss my MINI Cooper Countryman S for interior and performance, but I look forward to getting back to a truck. Previous had a GMC Sonoma regular cab 6’ bed. Used the heck out of it: lived in sticks, worked downtown, building a house, hauling water every other day. New requirements with retirement around the corner, mountain bike camping trips and other adventures. I don’t care about the gas prices, not driving to the North Pole and back.

[@paulthompson661]

Longbed 265 75 r 16 looks way better than short! Lift or bigger tires makes the longer bed. Stock short bed looks better

[@cuz129]

The only reason to get a truck is because it has a bed. Otherwise you'd get a car. So if you get to choose between a smaller bed and a longer one, easy choice for me.

[@beneficialliving1314]

6 speed Manual Transmission only available in the short bed TRD Off Road.

[@stephenweiss6001]

Pro's and Con's for all versions, whether a DC/SB, DC/LB, or an AC/LB. Which one is best depends on your situation, primary needs. For example, if situation is weekday work/utility truck plus weekend warrior offroad for a single person or empty nester, the TRD OR AC/LB makes the most sense to me (same wheelbase length as the DC/SB, so no difference for weekend offroading performance.) If married with young kids, then DC is better. But if you have more than 3 kids, then even the DC becomes obsolete--gotta then look at a Tundra, 4 Runner, etc.

[@roberttaylor7640]

Trucks are for hauling stuff. You can haul more stuff in a long bed…

[@Kitzbuhel]

SB for manual trans, have one in the driveway.

[@changievangie]

Originally got a SB. Hate it so much got LB. LB looks more proportion. The body line extended all the way to the bed vs SB.

[@theslyrylan]

Was able to get the access cab manual off road in Canada

[@aloofgalaxy2781]

This long bed 4 door truck would be perfect for me coming from a 3rd gen ford ranger ext cab planning to import a 4 door 1998 crew cab ford ranger (cab and bed only) to avoid problems compared to importing the whole truck as a project... it would just too much time, money, etc... ill just prefer to buy a tacoma 4 door crew cab with long bed.

[@camronsoorg4655]

Long bed if you plan to tow as well, imo.

[@deplorablechump8758]

1% of Taco owners off-road. 49% choose the short bed for look. The remaining 50% are smart because they can do everything with the long bed.

[@induction7895]

83% of all stats are made up.

[@archieflunker2252]

It’s not the size of the bed, it’s how you use it.

[@seancox2840]

What is this “aftermarket support”? What’s out there for the DCSB that isn’t out there for the DCLB?

[@MainLineOverland]

Sliders for one. Double Cab long bed sliders are tough to find.

[@lanysmith1321]

@@MainLineOverland no they’re not. Lol

[@deplorablechump8758]

@@MainLineOverland It’s not true. I can find any aftermarket parts for the long bed.

[@marklundeen1025]

I wanted the long bed, but I wanted the 6speed manual more. So I had to get the short bed.

[@anthonyjoe7919]

I’m in the same position right now, lol I want the manual and the longbed lol

[@kerktam]

of course long bed, no one regrets getting long bed, other story with short bed. I got tacoma with a short bed but i got tundra plus i got gmc with 8ft

[@apa7611]

Trd off-road access cab! 6 foot bed If was getting a 5 foot bed one I wouldn’t get one I would get a 4Runner at that point

[@russellmorash3816]

A short bed truck is useless it shouldn't be called a truck it's a sport utility veicle any kind of moving you might do you need as much length as possible to me the perfect combination is and access cab long bed anyone of normal size isn't going to be comfortable in either cab configuration no one would want to drive more than half hour in the four door version and the access cab is just for storage i.m.o

[@michaelm4514]

Access cab no need to haul people. Looks better than 4 door and I fit perfectly in the bed. I wish they wouldn’t even bother with those seats.

[@Doomzdayxx]

I have a '22 TRD Pro. So it has a short bed obviously. Long bed is better in every possible way. Looks better and is more useful.

[@abrahammateo4540]

2019 3rd Gen Tacoma w/short bed… best for daily driver and overlanders. Long bed… not so sure why you would want one.

[@sjbb838]

I have a 2023 Trd sport 4×4 could you advise me on where to start to install a rear locker? Thanks.

[@Level-zb4jg]

You are all glossing over the fact that you can't find, let alone get an access cab V6 MT.

[@marksman4004]

Long bed is the one for me. Short bed to me just don't look right to me. The short beds wheel well looks weird being too close to the back door.

[@stoneycarter7789]

I have one just like the one one the lift I wanted a long bed, I think the short bed looks funny a truck is supposed to haul things

[@Chris-Pringle]

i feel that the gumby comment was a dig on his tall buddy

[@randsonic]

Honestly, who gives a shit about offroading a brand new Tacoma.

[@Jtrev072]

Lmao people are out rock crawling in 2022s

[@lakeloon]

Rare sighting: someone riding in the backseat of a 4 door truck!

[@anthonyjoe7919]

Want the long bed but I’m seeing they only come in auto

[@rhllnm]

I'm 5'10" and have puppies. Coming from a motorcycle, perfect.

[@ProfoundProductions]

The problem is neither look good. The Tacoma only looks proper with an access cab and 6 ft bed that you can’t get in 4 wheel drive. So now you’re stuck with a 4 door and silly looking bed, or 4 door with 6ft bed that looks like a low rider.

[@fransiscoscaramanga674]

i went with the long bed, i own a 2021 tacoma sr5....

[@staninokla]

Long bed for dirt bikes

[@lakeloon]

How did truck buyers come to the conclusion that they wanted to haul less in the bed and more in the cab? Makes no damn sense!

[@TheArchvictor]

Does the long bed have more room in the back seat

[@kerktam]

of course, like 7 feet more

[@KenfurVinas]

Short bed is cute

[@MainLineOverland]

HAHA!

[@hepone]

Long Bed Access Cab. A truck is worthless if you can't throw a motorcycle in the bed, or a sleeping bag for that matter. I want access cab because I don't have kids, and I can't remember the last time someone sat in the back seat of my car, years and years. Throw a shell on the bed, make it cozy for dogs and camping. yeah, wheelbase is a serious issue. I don't want too long of a wheelbase with the doublecab.

[@MainLineOverland]

All good points!

[@mikedobell4964]

Exactly what I did access cab with ARE truck cap I sleep in it it's perfect

[@kerktam]

I would trade my dc sb for dc lb anyday

[@brianl8250]

I think a Honda CRV with the seats folded down is more full size than a short bed. Lol.

[@MainLineOverland]

Haha!

[@dinehbee6168]

Try putting a brand new 85" HDTV in that CRV then tell me it is more full size than a short bed.

[@JuanManuel-fm9jt]

I have a short bed but regret it. I want a long bed

[@m.a.cgaming6274]

I would go sport 4x4 all day, mods are more worth it because its an empty (almost) platform that actually has open space for something to be added in. You get the better towing capacity (only 100 lbs. but still) engine oil cooler + transmission oil cooler, and the hood scoop which when made functional can keep that supercharged/stock engine just a few degrees cooler + a long bed option which makes more sense for when you need to haul more sh*t or help a friend move. It just makes more sense to get a real truck instead of a baby toy short bed.

[@ham7357]

Doesn’t “sport” just mean it’s gets the hood scoop and larger rims

[@wmharris9084]

Well I guess if you have trouble driving then buy the short thing! Otherwise, it's a truck, you buy a truck for the use of the box. Don't care about box room then buy a 4Runner.

[@AldapesExpress]

Wheel base ain’t too bad

[@craig9069]

Size doesn't matter Guys!

[@MainLineOverland]

😂🤣

[@williewill1237]

If ya bed ain’t 6’ or bigger, it ain’t a truck!

[@bobbybrunner867]

But Mater in Cars is confirmed 5 foot bed

[@mattspaulding7488]

If you want a long bed don’t get a midsize truck

[@FishHuntFreedom]

Save your money and get the TRD Off-road

[@kcs1981]

Long bed, lifted, bigger tires 👍

[@skisquatch]

Long bed is a real truck.

[@deplorablechump8758]

6-ft bed. It’s a truck and is used as a truck. It’s the people who want to make a truck into a bragging right.

[@grayman618]

For the money difference buy the long bed. You can't even put a big electric bike in a toy bed..

[@martin4749]

5’ bed is just this side of useless as a pickup. I’m bummed they dropped the Access cab in 2024.

[@user-gu6rc4xj1n]

Should of just put on some boxing gloves

[@stevesisavathkeo9791]

Short bed when lift look like toy.

[@stevesisavathkeo9791]

I got 2010 long bed 3inches lift up look better.

[@kevinkidneyy]

Most yah don’t even use your truck beds 😂💯🔥

[@MainLineOverland]

Often true :)

[@morosousify]

get a jeep (LOl) Dude if you like the short bed.

[@gavinkeddie8540]

The v6 double cab RWD short bed is a terrible configuration for the Tacoma! The best configuration is definitely the 4 cylinder access cab long bed with 4x4. It's way cheaper than the v6 double cabs!! Saves way more gas , never ever needed back seats for extra passengers it's not a minivan it's a pickup truck!

[@kevinkidneyy]

I can tell you don’t own a Tacoma my v6 get same gas as a 4 cylinder. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@tomm7505]

Per Toyota's specs for the Access Cab in 4x2: the 4 cylinder is 20/23/21 and the V6 is 19/24/21. Same mileage and the V6 has much more horse power. Of course the V6 costs more but you're getting more bang for your money.

[@gavinkeddie8540]

Getting over 30 miles per gallon in my 4 cylinder 4 wheel drive , 2020 Tacoma . Yes 30 mpg. In my 3.4 V6 4 runner I get 16 mpg. There is nothing the same here. V6 Toyotas are has hogs. The 4 cylinder has multi port fuel injection getting way better real world mpg!

[@gavinkeddie8540]

@@kevinkidneyy should have gotten a 4 cylinder. I get 30mpg every single day on my 15 mile trip to work and 29mpg on the way back . I've never gotten over 20mpg with the V6 even driving like a grandma. Hope you guys are actually testing these motors and not just trusting what you read on the Sticker. Toyota doesn't want to sell 4 cylinders they want to sell 6 cylinders. So yes they are going to say they get the same mpg but in real world conditions that is not the case !!

[@AndreBradshaw]

if you want a truck for truck needs, get the access cab, long bed. If you need a full backseat, get a car.