Toyota Tacoma Long Bed Vs Short Bed – Which One’s Your Best Bet?

So you’ve decided to get a truck and you’re now torn between a Toyota Tacoma long bed vs. short bed. Which one’s a better choice for you?

It can be a confusing scenario for some, since both have their own pros and cons. But which one should it be – Tacoma short bed vs long bed?

Let’s take a look at the features and differences between the two. Then, you can take your pick and decide on the right one that truly meets your needs. 

Toyota Tacoma Long Bed Vs Short Bed Dimensions

Many vehicle owners find themselves in a dilemma involving choosing between a short bed vs long bed Tacoma. 

After all, both have their own ups and downs. But let’s backtrack a bit and get down to the basics to have a better understanding of what suits you best. So let’s get into detail about the tacoma long bed vs short bed dimensions to start. 

A Toyota Tacoma comes in different bed options. You can opt for either a long bed that measures 6.1 feet long while there’s also the short bed at 5 feet. When you opt for the standard bed at 6.1 feet, this comes with a total available length of 73.7 inches and 41.5 inches wide. 

On the other hand, the short bed comes with a decent size of 5 feet long. Double Cab models usually come with this bed size, offering you up to 60.5 inches of total interior bed length. It’s also 41.5 inches in width just like the long bed. As for the maximum payload, it is 1,505 lbs.

Difference Between Tacoma Long Bed And Short Bed

Do you prefer a work truck that offers greater flexibility? Perhaps a spacious and robust family hauler that you can use for towing a trailer?

If so, this is what a Toyota Tacoma is all about. And the best thing about it is that you can opt for either the Double Cab or the Access Cab.

Toyota Tacoma double cab short bed
Toyota Tacoma double cab short bed.

For a smaller family, you will find the Access Cab suitable for your needs. It offers up to 34.9 inches of spacious headroom and a passenger space of 85.6 cubic feet. 

On the other hand, the Double Cab offers more space and can easily fit five passengers. The passenger space is 100.1 cubic feet and a rear legroom of 32.6 inches.

Now when it comes to the Tacoma short box vs long box, it is pretty much depending on your requirements. For a bigger family and a maximum payload that goes up to 1,620 lbs, the long bed is more suitable for your needs. There is a standard bed that extends to 73.7 inches in length and can hold over 1,600 lbs.

As for the short bed, this is more suitable for those who prefer a more modest length and size of bed. The maximum load capacity is also just a little over 1,500 lbs. 

If you are hauling small furniture or need a decent space to fit your toolboxes, then a short bed should suffice. After all, it’s got 60.5 inches of total length, which is ideal for fewer gears in the truck.

However, if you prefer a longer bed, then there’s the 6-foot long or the 73.7-inch long bed. It is suitable for construction sites and spacious enough to haul multiple toolboxes and carrying ladders, to name a few. 

Toyota Tacoma double cab long bed
Toyota Tacoma double cab long bed.

These are worth thinking about when you find yourself torn between a Tacoma double cab long bed vs short bed. 

Consider your needs, your budget, and what suits your requirements the most. 

Toyota Tacoma Dimensions Quick Facts

Bed SizeAccess CabDouble Cab
Headroom (front/rear)39.7/34.9 in.39.7/38.3 in.
Legroom (front/rear)42.9/24.6 in.42.9/32.6 in.
Shoulder room (front/rear)58.3/56.5 in.58.3/58.9 in.
Hip room (front/rear)57.2/51.7 in.57.2/56.3 in.
Source: www.toyotaofmanchesternh.com

Wrapping Up

There is no doubt that the Toyota Tacoma offers various possibilities when it comes to the type of bed you need.

If you are not sure whether you should get a Toyota Tacoma long bed vs short bed, then you can easily decide by learning more about the features of each. If you prefer something compact, then there’s the short bed for the access cab. The smaller frame makes it easier to manage.

On the other hand, there is also the double cab long bed. While it is not as compact as the short bed, you can have more space that you need to get the job done. 

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