Thinking about Tacoma Off-road - 25 vs 26 - Questions for those informed

[Brumey]

Hello everyone:
I currently own a 2025 4Runner SR5 iForce (non-hybrid). Had it for 8 months, 4K miles and generally happy with it. So, I am not new to the platform but I am new to Toyota, the 4R was my first one after 33 years with Ford. My other vehicle is a 2005 F350, crew cab, long bed diesel with 30K miles. Owned from new, garaged when not used, almost showroom condition looks and mechanical. I have decided to sell as we don't tow or need a truck this large. Looking at Tacoma's and F150 Tremor's, V8 5.0 only. I am not into off-road, been there, done that with a jeep. However, 4x4 is nice when needed and off-road suspension, smaller wheels, larger tires "should" be better on road dealing with crappy roads.

I know these are very different trucks, F150 being bigger in all specs. Both will be smaller to me compared to an F350 super duty. I am not interested in the Toyota higher trims like the TDR Pro. Too much money and they would open up more choice in other vehicles.

F150 Tremor should cost me $58,500 with a good deal plus Tax and License. They have a higher package that costs about $12K more and these go for about $70, $10k under MSRP with some slipping down to $68K.

I keep my vehicles for 10+ years. In the case of my F350, it's 20 years old. I am also NOT interested in aftermarket mods to the suspension, wheels, engine.

Goals include:

• Comfortable on crappy roads and highways (ruts, potholes, seams)
• Reliability
• Getting a deal on selling price and not paying MSRP.
• Getting options I need - I know, Toyota's system and I have to get something close and it will be missing something I want and have something I don't. I want the 14" screen (not a requirement). I want the Bedliner spray in. If I got one of the higher packages with more goodies but also a huge discount, I'd consider that.
• No dealer upgrades. I don't even want them to wash it based on the experience with my 4R paintwork being trashed.
• No BS dealer adds like Pain protection, etc.

I have a few new questions for those informed and knowledgeable. I know some of these are very subjective.

1) 2025 or 2026. Not much change with the biggest being coil springs on the read and weird low shock attachment. Would the rear coil springs dramatically improve road and highway driving over leave spring? Not interested in the new colors and don't see anything else in the 2026.
2) Force vs Hybrid. This will come down to cost. Fuel ecconomy is not a primary issue for me. It would be nice having the extra torque when needed but not a requirement. I think it will come down to the deal. If I get a hybrid deal, significant discount. Otherwise, having the gas only might be better as I keep vehicles a long time and may not want to deal with replacing the battery.
3) Are there any known major issues with the 2025 platform that may carry over to the 2026?

Pros for the F150 Tremor include:
1) Proven engine, V8 5.0, no turbo's, sounds great and simpler to work on I understand.
2) Larger inside and in the rear cabin.
3) The Tremor is nicely fitted but I have hear reports of rattles and noise.
4) MPG (not an issue for me but 17 average, 15 city, 20 highway.
5) Off-road stuff is claimed to be awesome adding to inroad comfy, some claiming it's a Cadillac like right. might be a bit floaty for some.

Any other advice would help me decide.

Thanks in advance and apologies for the long post.

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[Amorak]

I pay no attention to Ford.

As we roll into Dec/Jan... you will not find better prices (even more true 12/26 to approx Feb - dealers really anxious to clear the lot) on a 2025 Tacoma, especially if a "turn back in" w/ low miles (how I bought my 2025 Pro, just a couple weeks ago) - the key - there are little, to practically no changes for 2026 Tacomas - again, that started the whole "buy one now" for me as no changes are coming for a 2026 Pro - literally a negative money wise to wait longer. Toyotas are not getting cheaper coming off the assembly line...

This site /tool Is beyond fantastic. Pay $5 weekly and you will get even more info on dealer add ons doc fees etc. Set the filters to the exact Tacoma you want - you will get updates sometimes daily on what is showing up on dealer lots. Serious bargain buyers are prepared to travel to buy their Toyota. I worked my way to a great deal out of state, then gave the local dealer a chance to beat it (basically same everything "certified" Pro) - sales manager blew the existing offer out of the water - a win for me. Simple and effective strategy- get prices farther out, then work your way back closer...
https://visor.vin

 

[Brumey]

Great info, will take a look at the tool.

I just spent an hour looking at the rear cab pics. Either the dealer pics had the front seats all the way back or its really small. We almost never have people in the back but use it for cargo.

Any comment on the 2026 coil spring change from leaf?

 

[Amorak]

Great info, will take a look at the tool.

I just spent an hour looking at the rear cab pics. Either the dealer pics had the front seats all the way back or its really small. We almost never have people in the back but use it for cargo.

Any comment on the 2026 coil spring change from leaf?

Drove a 3rd Gen Off Road w/ upgraded shocks for yrs. Folks have been clamoring for coil springs and disc brakes for years in a Tacoma. Toyota pretty much addressed all 3rd Gen long running complaints w/ the 4th gen. IMO the 4th gen is a quantum leap from the 3rd gen in virtually every driver experience. I am thrilled with/ the truck - the only thing I don't like - the smaller gas tank

Tacoma back seat room is never great - the sacrifices of a mid size. The 4th gen Pro is laughingly worse! I'm an empty nester now so back room is not mission critical. My wife hasn't even complained, and she and baby grandchild have ridden in it (yeah backwards facing car seat was a tight fit)

 

[izzy]

It's generally advised to decide if you want a bed or not BEFORE you purchase the $45,000 4R

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