Toyota Tacoma Wheelbase
The Toyota Tacoma’s wheelbase starts at 127.4 inches, giving it a solid handle on the road.
Written by Sophie Boka
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The wheelbase is one of the top dimensions to pay attention to if you want to know how your car will handle the road. Those in the market for a
Toyota Tacoma
will be pleased to learn its current generation’s wheelbase range is quite solid, starting at 127.4 inches.When we’re presented with a neverending list of vehicle specs, our eyes can glaze over. There are so many numbers and impressive-sounding, yet incredibly abstract, adjectives. We might recognize a few terms here and there—ground clearance, engine, towing capacity, etc. But what about the lesser-known figures?
Wheelbase may not be a hot topic of conversation, but it can tell you a lot about your ride. Here to crack open the conversation for you is your favorite
super app
and car insurance expert, Jerry
. We’ve gathered all you need to know about the Taco’s wheelbase: some figures, definitions, pros and cons, and even a comparison of other models' specs.
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now
What is the wheelbase of a Toyota Tacoma?
This measurement ultimately depends on your trim. The 2022 Toyota Tacoma SR trim starts with a wheelbase of 127.4 inches. That number offers you decent handling. If you upgrade to a higher trim, that figure can jump up as high as 140.6 inches.
That upgrade might sound intuitive—bigger equals better, right? Maybe—let’s break down how your vehicle’s wheelbase plays into your driving preferences.
Why is wheelbase important?
Let’s start with some definitions. What is the wheelbase? Simply put, it’s the distance between a vehicle’s front and back axle—the length from the spoke of the front to back tire.
This measurement can be helpful to keep in mind when parallel parking. It’s also a good indicator of your vehicle’s interior. The shorter your wheelbase, the less space there is in the cabin. The less space there is in the cabin, the less space there is for you and your cargo.
The wheelbase also impacts your steering and safety. When you’ve got a longer wheelbase, you’ve got more control over your vehicle’s pitch and roll(think truck). On the flip, a shorter wheelbase is better suited for sharp turns at high speeds (think sports car).
Key Takeaway An underdog of the spec world, the wheelbase can indicate a vehicle’s cabin space and handling of road conditions.
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”
Patricia W.
Reviewed on 5/28/2023
How has the wheelbase changed over the Toyota Tacoma model years?
Now back to the Taco! With each new generation of Tacoma, the model is tweaked, as its wheelbase.
Let’s take a look at how the spec has changed over the years:
- First generation (1999 to 2006): 128.3 inches to 140.5 inches
- Second generation (2007 to 2001): 126.8 inches to 164.6 inches
- Third generation (2022 to present): 145.7 inches to 157.7 inches
The range presented here is due to differences in trim levels. Each generation has offered drivers something a bit bigger when opting for a double cab. But across the board, the range has increased quite a bit.
Since the first generation, the starting wheelbase has shot up by close to ten inches!
How does the Toyota Tacoma wheelbase compare to other models?
There’s only one other truck model in the Toyota lineup, their golden child, the
Tundra
. The Tundra is generally preferred by Car and Driver, with a rating of 8/10. For reference, they give the Tacoma a 6.5/10. The standard Tundra costs about $10,000 more than the standard Tacoma, but when it comes to the wheelbase, these vehicles are pretty similar.
Check out the Tundra’s specs:
Model | Cab size | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|
Toyota Tundra | 6.5 ft. Double Cab | 145.7 inches |
Toyota Tundra | 8.1 ft. Double Cab | 164.6 inches |
Toyota Tundra | 5.5 ft. CrewMax | 145.7 inches |
Toyota Tundra | 6.5 ft. CrewMax | 157.7 inches |
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversLong wheelbase vs. short wheelbase: which is better?
As is so often the case, there is no objective take on which is “better” when it comes to the wheelbase. It depends on what you’re looking for in a vehicle.
A longer wheelbase will give you more space in the cabin for comfort, passengers, and cargo. It can also increase your safety on the road: the longer your wheelbase, the better your weight distribution. If you want something zippy, then a shorter wheelbase—often found in sports cars and hatchbacks—might be better for you.
How to save money on car insurance for your Toyota Tacoma
A vehicle with a longer wheelbase may offer you more stability than one with a shorter wheelbase, but it still can’t protect you from accidents on the road. To ensure you’re taken care of, you need solid car insurance, and that’s where
Jerry
comes in.Jerry is the#1-rated insurance app in the App Store for a reason: saving drivers money and making it super easy. To see for yourself, just download the app, tap in some basic info, and you’ll be presented with competitive quotes from 55+ insurers within minutes.
All you need to do is make a selection, and our team of experts takes it from there. And then what? Drivers get a solid car insurance plan, a ton of saved time, and a savings of over $800 each year. Now, that’s a pretty solid figure if we do say so ourselves.
“My policy covers two people and four cars: a truck, SUV, convertible, and muscle car.Jerryhelped me go from paying $308 a month to $125 a month with the same coverage. I’m loving the savings.” —Jocelyn A.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
