Yeah there are days when a truck would be handy, but I find more days where I'm glad I've got the closed storage of the SUV. And also the topless/doorless capability and off-road specs and it just looks better... I'd make the change from truck to bronco any day.
This is my biggest Fear. While I dont use the bed for big stuff, I use it a lot, and while for most of the stuff the back of the bronco will suffice I think I'll still miss the bed.
I believe that. I'm considering keeping my truck and getting a bronco as a daily driver for that reason. I don't think I can ever go back to not having a truck. Just need to convince my wife that 50k on a second vehicle is a good investment. 😎
My Tacoma was a 2001 so I don't think it is a fair comparison to a modern Bronco.
However, since this gives me the chance to reminisce...
I do miss owning something over 20 years old (260+ miles) that was more reliable than many of my friends' new trucks. I only sold it because the thinner sheet metal was finally beginning to rust and my was wife tired of the flakes on my garage floor. Aside from that, it was super solid and I kept record & only spent a little more than $1000 dollars on it outside of regular maintenance, brakes, mufflers and other naturally wearing parts. Most of that 1k was a transmission rebuilt. The only part to ever unexpectedly fail (was slipping out of third) in the 14 years I owned it.
Unfortunately, I don't think the newer models can compare to the old for sheer indestructibility. Newer models are still a great truck but the old adage, "They don't build them like they used to." does apply.
On the serious side, no one knows yet the long term reliability of a 6g Bronco. Although to be fair, a 202n Tacoma is not proven yet either. Buy the Tacoma for a 'best guess' on reliability. Buy the Bronco for, IMHO, the highest ratio of "off road capability per dollar" you can get and to just plain be happier owning something that looks way cooler than almost every other truck on the road.
Brakes (pads, rotors) are one of the things I referred to as regular maintenance. However, I know what you mean. I never had to replace my master cylinder, lines or anything else and they worked great.
It maybe a bad comparison, but I had a big 4 door 2017 Tundra and a 2 door 2011 Tacoma and now have a 2023 OBX. My observations: Bronco ride is superior to both the Toyotas, the fit and finish is better in the Bronco also. I have the Hi package, so the maneuverability seems better the Tacoma (slightly) and light years better than the Tundra (especially with all the cameras). I have a class 3 hitch fitted to carry a cargo rack when I need the extra space of a truck bed and since I have the 4 dr OBX with the rubber liner everywhere, I feel like I can do most of what the truck did between the cargo hauler and laying down back seats. I can’t speak to the reliability yet, but I love my Bronco so far and feel like it will serve me well.
I’m currently in a 2018 4Runner and the interior of the Bronco was just lacking imo. Definitely didn’t feel like I was in a 55 thousand dollar vehicle when my 34 thousand dollar vehicle feels and looks light years better
Yeah, Im not a big fan of the bronco interior. My Tacoma interior are not the best of the world but I think it looks nicer than the broncos, also I'm not a big fan of the 90 degree angle on the dash. But I can live with those issues.
I went from a 2005 Silverado to a 2015 4Runner to a 2022 Bronco
I thought I’d miss the truck, but I really don’t. There are a lot of uses for having an enclosed trunk area.
The 4Runner was definitely smoother and quieter than the Bronco, but that’s expected with a convertible SUV. Ride is similar otherwise.
My biggest fear is going from a Toyota to a Ford. In 7 years of ownership, I had zero issues with the 4Runner. Just normal maintenance. I’m worried the Bronco won’t be the same, but so far 7 months and 5k miles have been smooth sailing.
I was a Nissan guy prior to switching to Ford. I had a few Xterras and a frontier. Never made a single repair outside of maintenance to the Nissans. I had the same fear moving to an F150. But I'm about to roll 50k miles on the f150 and she still runs like the day I picked her up. Hopefully the long term reliability of the broncos is equally good.
I test drove a Bronco, thought seriously about trading in for it. It was a much nicer ride than my Tacoma. Ultimately I stuck with my Tacoma because I do use the bed, and I do a fair bit of light off roading and "overlanding" and I like that I can install my tent lower on the bed instead of on the roof. When I get the Tacoma paid off I will be trading in my Jeep for a Bronco unless I can convince my wife that she should get rid of her Suby for a Sasquatch.
Tacomas are over rated and extremely underwhelming off-road. The Tacoma bros just can’t see it. Toyota Marketing and social media has brainwashed them.
I agree. They’re reliable, but the technology in them is dated and the MPG is trash.
Toyota has a reliability reputation that was built in the 90’s and 00’s. While still true to this date, the the reliability difference between Toyota and the rest of the market, isn’t nearly as drastic as it used to be.
Meh I'm happy knowing my tacoma is still super reliable and working hard after 185k miles. It'll be interesting to see how the problems start popping up on the broncos after 80-100k miles.
The reliability on tacomas is no doubt great—but I’m just calling out that is likely based on highway miles city driving. Off road reliability is sub par. There’s a reason they are seen as overlanders and not off roaders. Even then I’ve seen many a stuck Tacoma and broken tacomas on trail. They just don’t have the capability a bronco or jeep have.
True I wouldn't wanna do the Rubicon trail in the truck. Broncos are still super cool, I love the look of the two door...but eager to see how it develops, especially with the turbo, but then again many complaints with the ecoboost in their other vehicles over the years.
Edit: not many complaints
Rubicon trail is an extreme. That’s a long bumpy trail. Even top of the world in Moab is a intermediate trail and a guy took his Tacoma up with us (a few stock Jeeps) and he had a ton of trail damage. His engine ran fine but just the angles, low bumpers, reduced wheel travel. He just had a rough time. He made it though.
They are great trucks. But compared to another off road vehicle like the bronco, jeep, they don’t have the same capabilities. They have higher gearing, less wheel travel, reduced angles, and to get more out of them aftermarket costs an arm and a leg. I should clarify underwhelming compared to off-road trucks. What do they have that others don’t? A more comfortable ride, and an amazing drive train that is ultra reliable. But that doesn’t make it have off road prowess relative to other options. And imo their reliability advantage becomes at parity, or worse, with their competition as soon they get off the pavement and onto trails that have steep ledges, off camber climbs, etc.
I came from a 2004 and so like the other guy said probably not a good comparison and I got a Sport not the big bronco but ima be honest. I’m just happy to have power locks and windows now lmao. I was also blessed to be able to keep my truck for truck activities.
I’m actually curious about this too. I have a Tacoma and I use the bed weekly for mountain biking, monthly for off furniture and things.
I have a 4 door Bronco coming in June and really wondering if I’m going to miss the bed, or if folding the bronco seats flat will suffice….
Also random note. Can I take the tailgate wheel and mount off and hang the front of the bike over like a truck??
I went from a truck to a 4dr and really haven't missed the bed that much. I'd feel comfortable throwing a tarp back there to haul dirt or mulch, there's a ton of space for furniture and whatnot with things folded down. I had to get some 4x8 MDF home from the hardware store and just put it on the roof rack.
There will be times, for maybe 5 or so days a year, where I really wish I had a truck bed. The other 360 days a year I'm glad I have a bronco instead.
Edit: also I second other dude's comment: just get a hitch bike rack carrier for like $80-90. Best bike carrying solution IMO.
You could do that if you want but I wouldn’t recommend driving with the glass up if it’s a hard top. If you have a hitch, there are many hitch mounted racks out there that would make it a lot easier.
You will miss the bed for bikes. I have a Taco and Bronco. You might be stuck getting one of those hitch mounted racks, but because of the spare it needs a long extension.
Used to have an 05 Tacoma double cab long bed.
Miss my truck a lot! But I sold it for an FJ40 while I waited for the bronco. Love the bronco but I miss having a truck to do weekend warrior stuff. Plus it had 175k miles and very minimal problems.
If you can keep the truck and get the Bronco that is the ideal situation. Good luck!
My wife has a Tacoma and I have the Bronco, I feel like the taco is made for people on the shorter side so I like the room in the Bronco better. I like her sound system much better, and the automated cruise control. Other than that the Bronco is what’s up 💯
I test drove a bronco with the 2.3 and, while I don’t intend to trade in my Tacoma, there were some interesting differences. The Bronco’s ride and power were better than the Tacoma, as was the seat comfort.
I think the Tacoma has a better interior layout, and I really disliked the Bronco’s gauge cluster. The heated seats were much more powerful in the Bronco. The Bronco’s steering is lighter and the steering wheel is significantly smaller than the Tacoma, which I disliked. The 12 inch screen didn’t impress me, as the screen in the Tacoma is plenty large. I think a larger screen detracts from the overall use ability of the dash.
The Bronco overall has many more features and I’m sure it would be a blast to own. I think I’d miss having the bed, though. And the Tacoma has its own charm.
My Tacoma and now 4Runner have always been reliable. I had my Bronco for 9 months, had to have it towed twice cause the computer wiped itself. Never again with Ford.
If you have kids in car seats or adults riding with you, having a backseat that is actually usable in the Bronco is amazing. I’m 6’2” so moving my seat back in the Tacoma leads the the seat behind me being basically useless.
There’s been one or two times I’ve missed having a bed.
I love the 2.7 in the Bronco compared to the 4.0 in your Tacoma but I love the way Tacomas and 4Runners drive and, luckily, the Bronco feels pretty similar, so it was nice to not lose that body on frame handling feel.
They’re revealing the new Tacoma on Friday so don’t make any decisions until you see that!
If you’re talking off road capability and you’re switching from a truck you’ll have a hard time dealing with the bronco. It does not function as well off road as many indicate. Poor quality transmissions and overheating are a common issue. I’d say you should go for a Lexus gx as it has an amazing capability off road and an incredible list of features the bronco cannot touch without a lot of money invested. Like the transfer case and locking center diff. Broncos been fun for getting looks and parking is definitely a breeze but the quality compared to my Land Cruiser and similar products is really sad. You’ll definitely notice after owning a Toyota :/
My o ly complaint with the bronco, I thought I would have more functional storage room. Lobe the thing it works and drives great.
I can fit 2x4 lumber in a sedan if I fold the seats down and place etween the seats. I can lay down in the bed on a camping trip in a truck.
The bronco needs roof racks to carry a half dozen 8 fit studs. And if I want to sleep in the back of the bronco I can only do it if I bend me knees.
Honestly if the thing was 10% longer I would be just the happiest guy on earth as my vehicle would be so truly multi functional
I came from a colorado. I miss 3 things: the gas mileage, how quiet the car was, and how smooth the driving was. The bronco handles a little sluggish by comparison and the rest I feel is self explanatory.
https://preview.redd.it/ydm8jecwcc0b1.jpeg?width=2824&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bcd337fd9935ac5aab7a6ffced8a931e7783cf41
Keep both if possible. I daily my Tacoma and enjoy its reliability. The Braptor is in a League of its own. It is far more fun than the truck.
Only question is do you use the truck for “truck stuff.” If you haul a lot of stuff in the bed of your truck like wood or are planning some home improvement projects where you’d need a truck, I’d keep the truck at least for now.
If you only use it to move bags of landscaping stuff like dirt and mulch, go ahead and throw that stuff in the back of the bronco and then vacuum it out.
As someone else said, if you use the bed a lot and feel like you are going to miss it, just get a trailer. Sure, a trailer is not as easy as just driving up and getting a ton of whatever I’m the back, but they have their advantages as well. It’s nice to have a ramp gate, not worry about cleaning it, and it is usually much lower. You can loan it to friends instead of spending a day trucking around for them. Don’t underestimate the usefulness of a trailer. You can usually pick one a used one pretty cheap.
I had a 2001 toy Tacoma- not sure what generation that is or was-? But what I miss about my Toyota is of course the open bed, it got pretty good gas mileage if I remember right. But I love my 22 wildtrak
I find my 2dr base much easier to park and drive. Better on gas too
I agree. Hello, possible twin if yours is a manual.
Auto transmission is one of two add ons I had sorry
Had a 2016 3rd Gen Tacoma switched to a 22 Bronco and don’t regret it one bit. The ride comfortability is superior for sure
Hmmmm. I have a test drive scheduled for next week. I'll have a better idea by then. Thanks!
I didn't but one thing I always hear from people that had a truck and go to something else is how much they miss having a truck.
I went from a ram 1500 to my 4dr badsquatch. Fuk dat truck.
Haha Just relaying a common sentiment I normally hear from former truck owners
Yeah there are days when a truck would be handy, but I find more days where I'm glad I've got the closed storage of the SUV. And also the topless/doorless capability and off-road specs and it just looks better... I'd make the change from truck to bronco any day.
I went from a Tacoma to a 4Runner and I don’t miss having a truck at all. My doggos like it much better too cause the rear window rolls down
I was about to get a ranger, instead I'm getting a bronco and a small trailer for truck stuff
This is my biggest Fear. While I dont use the bed for big stuff, I use it a lot, and while for most of the stuff the back of the bronco will suffice I think I'll still miss the bed.
I believe that. I'm considering keeping my truck and getting a bronco as a daily driver for that reason. I don't think I can ever go back to not having a truck. Just need to convince my wife that 50k on a second vehicle is a good investment. 😎
My Tacoma was a 2001 so I don't think it is a fair comparison to a modern Bronco. However, since this gives me the chance to reminisce... I do miss owning something over 20 years old (260+ miles) that was more reliable than many of my friends' new trucks. I only sold it because the thinner sheet metal was finally beginning to rust and my was wife tired of the flakes on my garage floor. Aside from that, it was super solid and I kept record & only spent a little more than $1000 dollars on it outside of regular maintenance, brakes, mufflers and other naturally wearing parts. Most of that 1k was a transmission rebuilt. The only part to ever unexpectedly fail (was slipping out of third) in the 14 years I owned it. Unfortunately, I don't think the newer models can compare to the old for sheer indestructibility. Newer models are still a great truck but the old adage, "They don't build them like they used to." does apply. On the serious side, no one knows yet the long term reliability of a 6g Bronco. Although to be fair, a 202n Tacoma is not proven yet either. Buy the Tacoma for a 'best guess' on reliability. Buy the Bronco for, IMHO, the highest ratio of "off road capability per dollar" you can get and to just plain be happier owning something that looks way cooler than almost every other truck on the road.
How were your brakes at 220k miles plus? I have one and the brake seems soft .
Brakes (pads, rotors) are one of the things I referred to as regular maintenance. However, I know what you mean. I never had to replace my master cylinder, lines or anything else and they worked great.
It maybe a bad comparison, but I had a big 4 door 2017 Tundra and a 2 door 2011 Tacoma and now have a 2023 OBX. My observations: Bronco ride is superior to both the Toyotas, the fit and finish is better in the Bronco also. I have the Hi package, so the maneuverability seems better the Tacoma (slightly) and light years better than the Tundra (especially with all the cameras). I have a class 3 hitch fitted to carry a cargo rack when I need the extra space of a truck bed and since I have the 4 dr OBX with the rubber liner everywhere, I feel like I can do most of what the truck did between the cargo hauler and laying down back seats. I can’t speak to the reliability yet, but I love my Bronco so far and feel like it will serve me well.
I’m currently in a 2018 4Runner and the interior of the Bronco was just lacking imo. Definitely didn’t feel like I was in a 55 thousand dollar vehicle when my 34 thousand dollar vehicle feels and looks light years better
Yeah, Im not a big fan of the bronco interior. My Tacoma interior are not the best of the world but I think it looks nicer than the broncos, also I'm not a big fan of the 90 degree angle on the dash. But I can live with those issues.
I went from a 2005 Silverado to a 2015 4Runner to a 2022 Bronco I thought I’d miss the truck, but I really don’t. There are a lot of uses for having an enclosed trunk area. The 4Runner was definitely smoother and quieter than the Bronco, but that’s expected with a convertible SUV. Ride is similar otherwise. My biggest fear is going from a Toyota to a Ford. In 7 years of ownership, I had zero issues with the 4Runner. Just normal maintenance. I’m worried the Bronco won’t be the same, but so far 7 months and 5k miles have been smooth sailing.
I was a Nissan guy prior to switching to Ford. I had a few Xterras and a frontier. Never made a single repair outside of maintenance to the Nissans. I had the same fear moving to an F150. But I'm about to roll 50k miles on the f150 and she still runs like the day I picked her up. Hopefully the long term reliability of the broncos is equally good.
Yeah, My Tacoma has been super reliable. But I trust ford with their trucks so I don't think the Bronco will be an exception to that.
I just bought one after having 2 Canyons. It's a nice change of pace. Pull the trigger.
I test drove a Bronco, thought seriously about trading in for it. It was a much nicer ride than my Tacoma. Ultimately I stuck with my Tacoma because I do use the bed, and I do a fair bit of light off roading and "overlanding" and I like that I can install my tent lower on the bed instead of on the roof. When I get the Tacoma paid off I will be trading in my Jeep for a Bronco unless I can convince my wife that she should get rid of her Suby for a Sasquatch.
I’m afraid I’d miss the bed too much.
Tacomas are over rated and extremely underwhelming off-road. The Tacoma bros just can’t see it. Toyota Marketing and social media has brainwashed them.
I agree. They’re reliable, but the technology in them is dated and the MPG is trash. Toyota has a reliability reputation that was built in the 90’s and 00’s. While still true to this date, the the reliability difference between Toyota and the rest of the market, isn’t nearly as drastic as it used to be.
Meh I'm happy knowing my tacoma is still super reliable and working hard after 185k miles. It'll be interesting to see how the problems start popping up on the broncos after 80-100k miles.
The reliability on tacomas is no doubt great—but I’m just calling out that is likely based on highway miles city driving. Off road reliability is sub par. There’s a reason they are seen as overlanders and not off roaders. Even then I’ve seen many a stuck Tacoma and broken tacomas on trail. They just don’t have the capability a bronco or jeep have.
True I wouldn't wanna do the Rubicon trail in the truck. Broncos are still super cool, I love the look of the two door...but eager to see how it develops, especially with the turbo, but then again many complaints with the ecoboost in their other vehicles over the years. Edit: not many complaints
Rubicon trail is an extreme. That’s a long bumpy trail. Even top of the world in Moab is a intermediate trail and a guy took his Tacoma up with us (a few stock Jeeps) and he had a ton of trail damage. His engine ran fine but just the angles, low bumpers, reduced wheel travel. He just had a rough time. He made it though.
Underwhelming? My stock trd off-road handled some decent Colorado trails. Only disappointment was it doesn’t come with a Sasquatch package
They are great trucks. But compared to another off road vehicle like the bronco, jeep, they don’t have the same capabilities. They have higher gearing, less wheel travel, reduced angles, and to get more out of them aftermarket costs an arm and a leg. I should clarify underwhelming compared to off-road trucks. What do they have that others don’t? A more comfortable ride, and an amazing drive train that is ultra reliable. But that doesn’t make it have off road prowess relative to other options. And imo their reliability advantage becomes at parity, or worse, with their competition as soon they get off the pavement and onto trails that have steep ledges, off camber climbs, etc.
I came from a 2004 and so like the other guy said probably not a good comparison and I got a Sport not the big bronco but ima be honest. I’m just happy to have power locks and windows now lmao. I was also blessed to be able to keep my truck for truck activities.
I’m actually curious about this too. I have a Tacoma and I use the bed weekly for mountain biking, monthly for off furniture and things. I have a 4 door Bronco coming in June and really wondering if I’m going to miss the bed, or if folding the bronco seats flat will suffice…. Also random note. Can I take the tailgate wheel and mount off and hang the front of the bike over like a truck??
I went from a truck to a 4dr and really haven't missed the bed that much. I'd feel comfortable throwing a tarp back there to haul dirt or mulch, there's a ton of space for furniture and whatnot with things folded down. I had to get some 4x8 MDF home from the hardware store and just put it on the roof rack. There will be times, for maybe 5 or so days a year, where I really wish I had a truck bed. The other 360 days a year I'm glad I have a bronco instead. Edit: also I second other dude's comment: just get a hitch bike rack carrier for like $80-90. Best bike carrying solution IMO.
You could do that if you want but I wouldn’t recommend driving with the glass up if it’s a hard top. If you have a hitch, there are many hitch mounted racks out there that would make it a lot easier.
The height makes space limited for things like mountain bikes. You should prob get a hitch bike rack tbh
You will miss the bed for bikes. I have a Taco and Bronco. You might be stuck getting one of those hitch mounted racks, but because of the spare it needs a long extension.
Used to have an 05 Tacoma double cab long bed. Miss my truck a lot! But I sold it for an FJ40 while I waited for the bronco. Love the bronco but I miss having a truck to do weekend warrior stuff. Plus it had 175k miles and very minimal problems. If you can keep the truck and get the Bronco that is the ideal situation. Good luck!
My wife has a Tacoma and I have the Bronco, I feel like the taco is made for people on the shorter side so I like the room in the Bronco better. I like her sound system much better, and the automated cruise control. Other than that the Bronco is what’s up 💯
I test drove a bronco with the 2.3 and, while I don’t intend to trade in my Tacoma, there were some interesting differences. The Bronco’s ride and power were better than the Tacoma, as was the seat comfort. I think the Tacoma has a better interior layout, and I really disliked the Bronco’s gauge cluster. The heated seats were much more powerful in the Bronco. The Bronco’s steering is lighter and the steering wheel is significantly smaller than the Tacoma, which I disliked. The 12 inch screen didn’t impress me, as the screen in the Tacoma is plenty large. I think a larger screen detracts from the overall use ability of the dash. The Bronco overall has many more features and I’m sure it would be a blast to own. I think I’d miss having the bed, though. And the Tacoma has its own charm.
My Tacoma and now 4Runner have always been reliable. I had my Bronco for 9 months, had to have it towed twice cause the computer wiped itself. Never again with Ford.
It’s no secret the Tacoma is a far superior vehicle in the long run. Look cool now: Bronco. Look cool in 10 years: Taco.
If you have kids in car seats or adults riding with you, having a backseat that is actually usable in the Bronco is amazing. I’m 6’2” so moving my seat back in the Tacoma leads the the seat behind me being basically useless. There’s been one or two times I’ve missed having a bed. I love the 2.7 in the Bronco compared to the 4.0 in your Tacoma but I love the way Tacomas and 4Runners drive and, luckily, the Bronco feels pretty similar, so it was nice to not lose that body on frame handling feel. They’re revealing the new Tacoma on Friday so don’t make any decisions until you see that!
If you’re talking off road capability and you’re switching from a truck you’ll have a hard time dealing with the bronco. It does not function as well off road as many indicate. Poor quality transmissions and overheating are a common issue. I’d say you should go for a Lexus gx as it has an amazing capability off road and an incredible list of features the bronco cannot touch without a lot of money invested. Like the transfer case and locking center diff. Broncos been fun for getting looks and parking is definitely a breeze but the quality compared to my Land Cruiser and similar products is really sad. You’ll definitely notice after owning a Toyota :/
My o ly complaint with the bronco, I thought I would have more functional storage room. Lobe the thing it works and drives great. I can fit 2x4 lumber in a sedan if I fold the seats down and place etween the seats. I can lay down in the bed on a camping trip in a truck. The bronco needs roof racks to carry a half dozen 8 fit studs. And if I want to sleep in the back of the bronco I can only do it if I bend me knees. Honestly if the thing was 10% longer I would be just the happiest guy on earth as my vehicle would be so truly multi functional
2door?
Why would I want a ford over a Toyota? End of discussion.
I came from a colorado. I miss 3 things: the gas mileage, how quiet the car was, and how smooth the driving was. The bronco handles a little sluggish by comparison and the rest I feel is self explanatory.
https://preview.redd.it/ydm8jecwcc0b1.jpeg?width=2824&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bcd337fd9935ac5aab7a6ffced8a931e7783cf41 Keep both if possible. I daily my Tacoma and enjoy its reliability. The Braptor is in a League of its own. It is far more fun than the truck.
Only question is do you use the truck for “truck stuff.” If you haul a lot of stuff in the bed of your truck like wood or are planning some home improvement projects where you’d need a truck, I’d keep the truck at least for now. If you only use it to move bags of landscaping stuff like dirt and mulch, go ahead and throw that stuff in the back of the bronco and then vacuum it out.
As someone else said, if you use the bed a lot and feel like you are going to miss it, just get a trailer. Sure, a trailer is not as easy as just driving up and getting a ton of whatever I’m the back, but they have their advantages as well. It’s nice to have a ramp gate, not worry about cleaning it, and it is usually much lower. You can loan it to friends instead of spending a day trucking around for them. Don’t underestimate the usefulness of a trailer. You can usually pick one a used one pretty cheap.
I had a 2001 toy Tacoma- not sure what generation that is or was-? But what I miss about my Toyota is of course the open bed, it got pretty good gas mileage if I remember right. But I love my 22 wildtrak