Which one is best for you? Mid-size or Full-size Pickup Truck

"Should I buy a mid-size or full-size truck?" is the question we often get from new truck shoppers. Tim & Jill explore this topic together in Chicago, where they happened to have both a mid-size 2022 Toyota Tacoma and full-size 2022 Toyota Tundra on-site for a walk-around comparison. Which size truck is best for you? Which one fits your life better?
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[@tommymode3064]

This is the best fullsize-midsize breakdown on KZbin. Thank you guys.

[@fjorge4014]

I traded in my 2019 Tacoma TRd pro for a limited tundra 2022. This tundra is amazing!!!!

[@PVo-1111]

I'd love to switch to a Tundra but I just can't afford it right now. But the space and mileage of the new Tundra is really nice

[@theirthereandtheyre2947]

A diesel double cab long bed Tacoma ( if they sold one ) would be my forever truck.

[@xon2013]

I wish Toyota sold the land cruiser trucks in the US with a diesel. That might just be my forever truck. For now, I'm sticking with my double cab short bed 2nd Gen Tacoma V6

[@ALMX5DP]

Yeah people thinking a midsize truck is a good replacement for a growing family type vehicle may be in for a rude awakening when they actually need to use it as such. Even a double cab Tundra will be more suited due to the width advantage it has. I think sometimes people see the Tacoma with 4 doors and assume it has the space and passenger accommodations that even a RAV4 would, when in fact it might be even tighter.

[@George15843]

I’m in the process of selling my Colorado and upgrading to a tundra because of family lol. I was single when I bought my Colorado, now I’m married, two kids, and a third on the way lol

[@ALMX5DP]

@@George15843 congrats and yeah seems like a good move if you’re able to do that. Midsize trucks are perfect for a couple of people and workable for small families, but those families probably swear on a regular basis every time the size inhibits the ease of use.

[@abalogh87]

Couldn’t agree more. Test drove the Tacoma, Ridgeline and Ranger and being 6’5” I had to have my seat all the back. No one can fit behind me. I stayed with a full size for that reason. If you’re tall, have a family or need the room midsize is not the way to go.

[@SasukeUchiha-zu6dw]

Anyone wanting a 24 hour test drive check out turo to rent someone's vehicle for an extended time.

[@Bchristi94]

Great comparison video! I currently own a 2017 Tacoma looking to upgrade to the mew Tundra. Love these vids. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@Johnnyscarcarereviews]

Great video! Getting the right payload and towing is indeed very important differences to note.

[@Gatorgolfusa]

As a new subscriber Jill is an absolute pleasure to watch!! I'm actually liking the Tacoma over the Tunrda and I'm currently driving a Titan! 🐊🦅🇵🇷👍

[@hawk3331]

Hi Tim, I've owned 2 of each of those. Both are great !

[@slash12376]

Thank you for this video!

[@bubba4072]

Send that snow down here to Georgia. We forgot what it looks like😄. Good video. I can't agree more with your opinions on the Tacoma's rear seat. It's just a little too small.

[@teter129]

What a great duo, opposing view points are always welcome.

[@AllTerrainNation]

Solid info man!

[@johnadalynn7675]

Nice snowy report..lol...great issues to think of when going for a mid-size or large size truck...I live in the suburbs with plenty of room but work in a city..so I'm still figuring out what will be better for me....thanks dude..keep reporting

[@newtonfb]

I got a 22 Tundra CrewMax with 2 kids (carseats). Its a gamechanger. The extra room is awesome. I like having the extra power if needed but a midsize could technically tow our camper but I would rather have more if needed

[@MrOdeezie585]

Really helpful thank you

[@kevinblock2307]

Great comparison video..I have the same issue as Tim with tape measure and puffy jacket 😉

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

like them both .. I still like the smaller cabs and more bed 6'.5 ' box

[@davidt.7558]

I ordered the tacoma trd sport. But since it took a while due to the shortage of everything. I picked up the 2020 tundra TRD sport. And I do love it. More room, more power, more gas 😭😭.

[@ronaldspins]

I would fit great in a Base Maverick (That is why they are sold out) Who can afford $120.00 fill ups???

[@donrasky7783]

I average 30-35 MPG on my midsized Chevy Colorado 2.8 L 2WD diesel. I drive roughly 90% highway/interstate and 10% city to get to and from the highway/interstate. It is also rated to tow 7700 lbs. I towed with it once in the mountains and on the CA highways pulling my old VW Jetta diesel on a car skid to the dealer for turn in in San Juan Capistrano some 70-80 miles from home. My avg mpg towing was 22 mpg in tow haul mode.

[@davisreynolds7721]

I sure appreciate everything you guys do, Do all dealers provide a twenty four hour test drive? I've been looking for the last Six months and I've decided on the Tundra, 2020 or 2022. Thank you very

[@jsk.71]

Can't wait for the Tacoma redesign

[@michaelhanson4848]

I wish 24 hour test drives were a thing. Not only to see if it will fit in your parking spot, but to make sure the interior lights aren't too bright and headlights aren't too dim.

[@westerncowhand7814]

As the owner of 2x 9-foot wide carport bays, I endorse this message.

[@andrewinaustintx]

I don't really need a rear seat and considered a full sized regular cab with a 6 foot bed versus the mid-sized, mainly because of the size of the truck when parked in a garage. (Due to the supply shortages on dealer lots and inflated prices), I punted and went with a 2005 Toyota Tundra Access Cab with less than a 100K on the odometer. Payload is 1575 lbs. - not great, but better than 900 lbs. The 1st Gen Tundra Access Cab is about a foot longer and maybe 8 or 9 inches wider than a 3rd Gen Tacoma. With regards to garage parking - which is my case is in an alley - it is two or more stabs going in and the same coming out, because my neighbor across the way has fence place right up to alley right of way.

[@RockCh4lk]

I had two car seats in a Mazda CX-5, the Tacoma doesn't look smaller than that, it should be fine.

[@Vox-Populi]

I like the size of the Tacoma, but have never driven one that felt like had enough power. I went with the Tundra. Stronger and more capable.

[@Hernsama]

Waiting for the redesign Taco

[@collinwalker]

Nice video!

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Thanks!

[@northerntoyota7584]

I have a tundra crewmax and just picked up a 2022 Tacoma and with 2 kids if I had to choose 1 truck, tundra all day long

[@cl3410]

It’s clear Toyota just said let’s make the new Tundra just look like a bigger Tacoma. Saved money in design and play it safe. They cuts a lot of cost in this new one.

[@rich7447]

Full size are too small. I prefer Large Pickups (over 8500 lb GVWR). This is the only way to get an 8' bed on a crew cab.

[@wilmarbarrick3194]

11:22 And by kid's stuff Tim means power tools. 😆

[@markcrawford1982]

So true, the tape measure doesn't always tell the truth, user wise.

[@jeffs2809]

This and similar wording is in several places in the latest version of Ford's towing guide. It's referring to the chart in the brochure, but no idea why they put that wording in instead of a payload that is GVWR-GVW= Payload. "Cargo Weight Rating shown in chart is maximum allowable, assuming weight of a base vehicle with required camper option content and a 150- lb. passenger at each available seating position." Maybe I missed something in the brochure, but I can see why you might be getting comments saying the door sticker isn't including occupants.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

What page are you seeing that? I'm seeing "Maximum towing capabilities are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and a 150-lb. driver and passenger and vary based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, option content and number of passengers. Maximum payload capabilities are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and vary based on vehicle configuration, accessories, and option content." Max towing vs Max payload. The towing including 150 lb driver and passenger language is just Ford CYA.

[@jeffs2809]

@@Pickuptrucktalk it’s somewhere near the camper loading info. I think it was in the footnotes in a couple places. I’m away from my computer with the brochure right now, though.

[@kurtfirestone2761]

Honda Ridgeline gets about 23 combined

[@dougreed736]

Yeah tim said he got 18 on the highway

[@browndogstt8546]

I write this comment as I set in my Tacoma. Honestly I get better mileage and use out of my tundra than I do my Tacoma... But I love both trucks.

[@vr4787]

Done both midsize and full size. Midsize will work for most people, easier to maneuver and live with, and can do some full size jobs if equipped. Typically cost less to run and maintain. Draw back is less power, less towing capability usually, and less space in the bed, interior, and engine bay. Fuel economy can go either way based on configuration. Aftermarket and equipment options are typically better for full size trucks. Prices aren’t that far apart like before. It’s give and take.

[@christopherrosas2738]

Never owned a full size, but I have driven them and I concur.... situation will dictate what you need..... I love My Nissan Frontier that I have now, but wouldn't mind having a Titan, but I never tow that heavy so for me a Titan seems a bit much for me, but it doesn't mean I wouldn't want one

[@vr4787]

@@christopherrosas2738For me it was a matter of availability. I need to replace my Dakota (it was fine but needed a lot of money and time to keep going) so I just put the money towards a new Ram 1500 Classic Hemi and it’s been great. I do miss the smaller size and the pluckiness of the Dakota though with the V8 .

[@christopherrosas2738]

@@vr4787 yeah I get that..... I would love an F-800, but that means I might have to head to a fleet store and filling that beast up aside from maintenance would not be cheap..... but something like that would ensure none of my family would want to drive it

[@philipjones5364]

For me I would rather have a midsize truck however a full size truck would give me more legroom.

[@hawk3331]

Tim, I told you a couple weeks ago that I have a choice of the new Capstone or new TRD Pro, both arriving in July. In the meantime I just bought a 2021 Trx level 2 equipment for $119k in Canada and that was the cheapest I could find lol

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Man that's an expensive TRX.

[@hawk3331]

@Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk The average price for a level 1 or 2 in Canada is $129k. I had to go out of province to find one cheaper. You should do a story on the difference between US and Canadian pricing. Sometimes it's cheaper for someone in the US to buy in Canada. I really appreciate what you do ! Ron

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

@@hawk3331 I had two different Canadian KZbinrs on the Livestream a few weeks ago and we talked about the pricing topic. Really interesting discussion.

[@hawk3331]

@Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk Hey Tim, I think I caught that. If you're ever up to chatting about it let me know. I'm around. I'm selling my Supra and looking for a Challenger 392 or Hellcat. Be interesting to own 2 Hellcats. There goes the gas mileage lol. Thank, Ron

[@petersaler731]

The exact reason I got rid of my Tacoma and ordered a 22 Tundra

[@dougreed736]

18mpg though The big V8s are doing better

[@LoneWolf1985BK]

100% weigh the truck with a full tank of fuel and see how much weight you have between that weight and GVWR. Usually cargo weight isn’t 100% correct before you hit that GVWR.

[@percivalgooglyeyes6178]

Fuel isn't considered part of payload? Is that true? I didn't know that and always assumed it was. I cut it close a few times but included a full tank in my calculations. I guess I had a little more margin than I thought.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Nope. Not part of payload.

[@Mattedfred]

@@Pickuptrucktalk I think this still might confuse some people. Please correct me if I'm wrong but, a full tank of fuel is already included in the curb weight of the vehicle therefore it is factored into the equation. The fixed number is the GVWR. If one weighed their vehicle with any amount of fuel in the tanks and subtracted that weight from the vehicles GVWR the result would be their payload. If they then added more fuel to the tanks after the weighing they would have to subtract that amount from their payload. In conclusion, if you hauled with 1/4 tank of gas you could haul more payload.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

@@Mattedfred Theoretically yes, if you drove with less gas, you could haul more wood if you took the time to figure out all the math.

[@RustyDuckGarage]

Full Size! I bought a 2022 Tacoma and the mileage was terrible. Sold It. Bought a Silverado 1500 3.0 Diesel inline 6 cylinder. Great power and even better fuel mileage!

[@charliekk3377]

I'm the taco's defense that's diesel vs gas. A diesel is always going to get better gas mileage than it's equivalent gas engine.

[@callofdutyguy9]

Do you know what happened to the million mile tundra that Toyota bought back? Did they reassemble the truck after inspection? Can you ask mike about it? Please!! Thank you.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Good question. I’ll ask.

[@dudeski934]

I have a 2020 TRD fully loaded truck the only problem is it’s underpowered which is uncalled for there is no reason Toyota can’t put the engine out of the Lexus gx 460 in it as an option.

[@peterkaputsos4125]

Good video. 24 hour test? They have nothing on their lots right now and they sure aren’t going to let u borrow it for a day. These Toyotas are off the lot as soon as they arrive.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Yeah, you are right. Good advice though when things aren’t nuts.

[@peterkaputsos4125]

@@Pickuptrucktalk agree. It is great advice but seemingly impossible these days. I can’t even compare the trucks or trim levels for the same vehicle. Makes it difficult to make a decision. I was looking at Tacoma off-road and had difficulty even finding one I could test drive within 100 miles.

[@kb9oak749]

I don't need either a Full or Midsize, but I can't fit two dog kennels in the back seat of a midsize.

[@nlken7175]

Buy what you need, not want. I want a TRX but need a normal truck. LOL

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Let's be honest. We ALL want a TRX. LOL

[@chrisx5127]

@@Pickuptrucktalk Performance wise - yes, look wise - hell no. Put the TRX engine and performance into the Ford Raptor instead.

[@brycefield4569]

My question is how are regular people able to afford trucks the last 5+ years. They are so expensive. And now with the shortage it is even worse.

[@userasdf1546]

I make six figures and still can't afford it

[@marcuskoolrt]

@@userasdf1546 I make 7 figures a year and I’m still saving for one it’s my dream

[@userasdf1546]

@@marcuskoolrt you make over a million dollars a year and are still saving for it? That's 20K a week, just save up for 2 weeks and you're golden!

[@jeffw6894]

Come on Tim, you ruined my Hy-Bread drinking game!

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

LMAO.

[@PVo-1111]

My 21 Tacoma SR5 2wd does avg 24mpgs on the highway as advertised

[@edlyli7166]

Both mid size to me. Only V8 are full size.

[@dougreed736]

18 mpg on the highway sounds bad for the new tundra ?

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Longer video with more explanation. I drove through a snow storm and into the wind.

[@dougreed736]

@@Pickuptrucktalk thanks, I'm just over thinking it. I ordered an SR5 in the off road package last week. Seen gas jump up and been concerned with mpg ever since 😆

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

@@dougreed736 I’ve gotten anywhere from 15 to 22. Lots of factors.

[@dougreed736]

@@Pickuptrucktalk true thanks

[@zeuscasey]

As someone who has had both full size and mid size trucks. I really wish I never bought the mid size truck. I went from the mid size to the full size and it was a night and day difference. For the price, your really just getting less of a truck. A decent trim mid size is almost 50k. And 1 yr old nicely optioned full size truck is about the same. Maybe if the prices where a big difference it be worth it. But to me I just don't get it.

[@nichols648]

Those are both midsize the 22 tundra is smaller than the previous generation

[@lordnaarghul]

Now the thing is, I need a truck to haul hay in every so often and occasionally large appliances or stuff that goes to the dump. I don't tow. However in the last seven months I've been the only one in my truck. My big hope is to one day be able to take a comfortable truck I own on a long road trip. Doesn't matter where. Would midsized or fullsized be better?

[@ALMX5DP]

Depending on how much/large you haul, something like a Maverick or Santa Cruz may fit the bill. Would be good daily driving or on a road trip as well.

[@SasukeUchiha-zu6dw]

Yeah probably the maverick is best for your use case. If stuck between mid size and full size the only real advantage of mid size is easier to park/maneuver in the city or out on tight trails. The 2 sizes cost about the same these days and even get very similar gas mileage, but full size gets more payload, towing, space and comfort.

[@lordnaarghul]

@@SasukeUchiha-zu6dw Bed in the Maverick is too small. Same with the Santa Cruz. I've looked at it. I need a useful bed; bales of hay can be pretty large. Otherwise I'd snatch up one of those Mavericks.

[@ALMX5DP]

​@@lordnaarghul gotcha, yeah they arent the largest beds so then maybe something with an extended cab midsize would fit the bill. Though do note that TFL has tested the Maverick and SC and even put a large load of lumbar and bale of hay in the back of them (with success). kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZTbeJeigZJjhas kzbin.info/www/bejne/opqWm4Z8h9SebdU

[@lordnaarghul]

@@ALMX5DP I'm more impressed with the Maverick in this case but I don't haul big round bales like that, I haul the flat rectangular ones that weight about 100lbs each; I could only fit maybe four of those in the bed before it becomes dangerous. The torture test they did on the hill was the most interesting part to me but given the nasty winters here in Northern Nevada I really do need something with all wheel or four wheel drive which means I can't get the hybrid. Everything shows that what I need is likely a Ranger or Tacoma. If the Maverick had a bigger, 5.5 or 6.5 foot bed, it would be a lot more useful to me. Otherwise, yeah, gimme the Maverick. That being said, my dream truck is either an F150 king ranch with the powerboost, or a 1794 Tundra with the hybrid. And that comes down to styling. But I am never gonna be able to afford those. My "day" job (I work nights) is at a homeless shelter, and that pays...maybe ten bucks an hour. I live at a small ranch where we have animals that we just don't have the heart to get rid of after my grandfather passed.

[@beexiong2995]

I cant fit a tundra in my garage. Thats why i got the tacoma

[@markcomisky7106]

What about Ford ranger

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

What about it? Good truck. We just had these two trucks that day.

[@gearhigher2027]

Tacoma is tight for 6"+ individuals, in addition, 6' bed in nonnegotiable

[@cl3410]

Looks really good when it’s wet…😳

[@jayrichards3672]

She doesn't have kids....🙄

[@banegasbanegas224]

😂😂😂

[@seagullsbtn]

There’s a reason we went full size crew cab. Mid size costs 75% of the full size for 60% of the space. Their payload and towing is no better than a Pilot/highlander

[@kaseyc5078]

This is wrong. A pilot or highlander can pull about 3500 lbs, while a Tacoma can do 6500.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@kaseyc5078 Pilot and Highlander can tow up to 5000lbs.

[@gregoryf9299]

I also find most mid-size trucks get no better mileage (the Maverick gets great mileage, but Ranger, Taco, etc were same as full size.)

[@NotYoCheese714]

Not a V6

[@Boobtube.]

Hi Jill And Tim.. Toyota should not make mid-size trucks with 4 doors. They dont fit the family life anyway. Toyota can make them with 6.5 or 8 foot beds, in place of the 4 doors. Trucks are becoming less of a "truck" these days... To me, anything with less than a 6.5 bed should not be called a truck.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Some do if you ask.

[@Boobtube.]

@@Pickuptrucktalk ? Sorry, I do not understand "some do if you ask" statement. Which one of my statements are you referring to.? Are you saying if I ask, I can get a 2 door truck that is not a work truck? I have not seen that to be true.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

@@Boobtube. sorry, my reply got on the wrong comment.

[@Boobtube.]

@@Pickuptrucktalk it happens

[@Mattedfred]

Still waiting for you to weigh your truck Tim. PS We need more female automotive journalists!

[@dwightbernheimer331]

Spoiler Alert... The only vehicles Available on Stealerships lots today are vehicles that no one else wants... Don't make me name Them... 'Nuff said!!!...

[@germanium1872]

Also the Toyota Tacoma is probably the worst, and the most expensive mid-size truck for sale now. It has the smallest cabin, it is the oldest platform,it has bad fuel economy, the interior looks really old and outdated. Sure it's reliable, but so are the other trucks.

[@DippinDom]

Tell that to my Silverado who’s tranny went out at 65,000

[@seymorefact4333]

🌟🇺🇸⭐ you guys look like penguins. Lol

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

LOL. The snow was NOT fun to film in.

[@Deatomizer]

None is best. They both have major problems.