FWIW, my relatively well, but not over, built 2nd gen DCSB Tacoma goes anywhere I want to go, but it’s not a Rubicon with 1 tons and 37s. It’s been a great platform for exploring the Southwest and I love it, but looking to move to a Tundra. Why? I need to be more comfortable. At 6’2” with some back issues and wanting to travel more now we’re retired, it’s not going to cut it.
I was going to go F250 with an FWC, but now planning for a built Tundra with a pop-up shell on it. Why? I still want to go places the F250 size will prohibit … and reliability. Yes, I will put a locker in. Gotta lift a bigger/longer truck a bit more so 35s for sure, lose the hitch, bumpers skids etc.
I’d keep the Tacoma for weekend stuff, short regional trips in the Southwest, etc, but I’m going to spend more time on and off road. Your needs should dictate. They’re both good trucks — It’s horses for courses as always!
I will say, having driven a ‘16 Tacoma, I don’t like them as much as the 2nd gens. The new engine and tranny combo just feels wrong. You really have to regear these. Get the best used, 2nd gen Taco and build it as you need, if you want/need the smaller platform. If the Tundra size/payload Is attractive, search around on the off-road capability. I did to convince myself I could go where I want to. There’s a lot of info. One poster on Tundras.com in particular, Joonbug, has pretty convincing videos wheeling a Tundra in some places I didn’t think one could. I would guess a long bed Taco would be similar.