I’ve always wondered, is the Raptor as good as the Tacoma for off-roading? And is high-speed desert racing the same thing as regular off-roading? Looking for opinions!
It depends on what you’re trying to do. The Raptor is amazing for high-speed desert runs (right out of the box), but the Tacoma handles tighter trails better because it’s smaller and narrower. The Raptor is so wide that it needs those extra lights on the front to meet federal regulations. Fun fact!
If you heavily modify a Tacoma, it can actually beat the Raptor for high-speed desert racing because it’s lighter, cheaper, and has a ton of aftermarket support. Check this out: https://youtu.be/-PieRs7eLMg
For now…
I added King extended travel shocks to my Tacoma, and it’s so much fun blasting through dunes and desert roads at speed.
Do you think the Tacoma has an edge on tighter trails just because of its size?
Aspen said:
Do you think the Tacoma has an edge on tighter trails just because of its size?
Honestly, yeah, it’s just easier to maneuver in those spaces. And the aftermarket options make it a beast too.
@Jori
Did you see that video of the Tacoma launch? Insane.
Milan said:
@Jori
Did you see that video of the Tacoma launch? Insane.
Oh yeah, the guy broke his truck on that launch, but the air he got was ridiculous!
Milan said:
@Jori
Did you see that video of the Tacoma launch? Insane.
Oh yeah, the guy broke his truck on that launch, but the air he got was ridiculous!
He hit a hill head-on and still flew higher than the Raptor ever could. Unreal.
Where you’re driving makes all the difference. Wide-open desert? The Raptor shines. Narrow trails? That’s Tacoma territory.
Also, let’s be real—Toyotas are built to last forever compared to Fords.
Ozzy said:
Where you’re driving makes all the difference. Wide-open desert? The Raptor shines. Narrow trails? That’s Tacoma territory.
Also, let’s be real—Toyotas are built to last forever compared to Fords.
Totally agree. My Tacoma barely fits on some of the trails I take, but it handles them so well. If I went any bigger, I’d be stuck.
For desert runs or sand dunes, where space isn’t an issue, bigger rigs like the Raptor can definitely dominate.
@Bailey
I hear you, but aren’t Tacomas and Tundras actually pretty close in weight?
Shawn said:
@Bailey
I hear you, but aren’t Tacomas and Tundras actually pretty close in weight?
Not really. A Tacoma double cab is over 1,000 pounds lighter than a Tundra crew max. That’s a huge difference.
@Bailey
Hmm, I thought the difference was closer, but you’re probably right. I must’ve been looking at the wrong numbers.
Ozzy said:
Where you’re driving makes all the difference. Wide-open desert? The Raptor shines. Narrow trails? That’s Tacoma territory.
Also, let’s be real—Toyotas are built to last forever compared to Fords.
My buddy got a Raptor last year and already broke down on a highway in the middle of nowhere. Ford hasn’t even checked it out yet because they’re swamped. Zero help from Ford. Meanwhile, he’s never taken it off-road.
@Rory
Ford engines are powerful, but they push their turbo models so hard that reliability takes a hit.
Ozzy said:
Where you’re driving makes all the difference. Wide-open desert? The Raptor shines. Narrow trails? That’s Tacoma territory.
Also, let’s be real—Toyotas are built to last forever compared to Fords.
Plenty of Fords do 250k miles, especially work trucks. But for personal use, I’d rather have a truck that’s nicer for the first 100k-150k miles. Ford takes more risks with tech, and it pays off with better performance and MPG.
@Aspen
That’s true. My 2014 F150 V8 gets better mileage than my buddy’s 2015 Tacoma.
@Aspen
This feels like heresy 
. Surprised more Tacoma fans aren’t arguing!