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Is the Ford Bronco or the Toyota Tacoma the best vehicle for off-road enthusiasts?
Matt Sword took to the Toyota Tacoma Owners’ Facebook page to find out what other Tacoma owners think about the TRD Off-Road for going deep off the pavement. He owns a 2024 Ford Bronco Sasquatch and takes it off-road, but there are things he doesn’t like about it.
Matt says, “I’ve been seriously tossing around the idea of trading my 2024 Ford Bronco Sasquatch in for a 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road.”
Imagine driving on the highway to get to your favorite off-road trail. The best spots are far from the city, and it takes at least two hours to get there from where you live.
You purchased a 2024 Ford Bronco Sasquatch with 35-inch all-terrain tires so you could go deep into the wilderness. You love the vehicle with larger tires, upgraded suspension, and advanced off-road technology because it’s a capable, rugged-off-road machine.
However, the thrill of driving on those large all-terrain tires is dampened by the deafening noise. The removable top, while a unique feature, becomes a nuisance on long drives. By the time you reach the trail, the noise is still echoing in your ears, disrupting the tranquility of the wilderness.
There’s more.
The Ford Bronco will only tow up to 3,500 lbs, and you need more capacity to tow a larger camper in the summer. In addition, it would be handy to have a pickup bed to carry all your gear.
Matt continues,
“Is anyone here who came from the Bronco world and switched to the new 4th gen Toyota Tacoma? If so, how do you feel about it? I’d 100% eventually have to lift it on 35s, but I’m torn because I love my Bronco, and having a front locker and 4WD auto is extremely handy in certain off-road situations.”
“Also, I’m worried about the Toyota’s smaller engine. My 2.7 low-key rips even with the 35s.”
“I love my 2024 Ford Bronco Sasquatch, but it would be nice to have a decent towing number and a truck bed and not feel like I’m going deaf after a couple-hour road trip.”
First, how much will the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD AWD tow?
The Toyota Tacoma TRD, when properly equipped, has a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. Some TRD models may have slightly different towing capacities, such as the TRD Sport with 6,400 lbs or the TRD Off-Road with 6,700 lbs.
The Tacoma TRD Off-Road out-tows the Bronco Sasquatch with an additional 3,200 towing capacity. That’s more than enough to pull Matt’s camper and extra cargo.
Does the 2025 Tacoma Have Enough Power?
Matt’s 2024 Ford Bronco Sasquatch with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine produces 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel.
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD AWD with the i-Force MAX Hybrid produces 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The Tacoma’s torque is considerably more than the Bronco’s 2.7-liter powerplant, and torque is what Matt needs to tow a heavier load.
What Are Ford Bronco Owners Saying About Road Noise?
Reddit user SaigaExpress says, In my experience, the tires are significantly louder than the wind noise. You have a flat windshield, so there is wind noise, but I noticed a massive difference inside after I changed my tires. The Sasquatch tires are good but very noisy.
Reddit user DisastrousZucchini15 says, It makes some noise, but if you’re looking at getting a rig, they will all be loud, and the Bronco is quieter than most. The road noise is a lifestyle, and if it’s bothersome, I’d recommend a truck instead, like a Ranger or F-150. Or maybe a Subaru/Land Cruiser-style rig.
tractorcrusher says, If you get the Sasquatch package, those 35″ tires are significantly louder than the models without Sasquatch.
What Are Tacoma Owners Saying About the Power?
On the Facebook page, Mason Harris says, “You’d be surprised at how much power the new Tacomas engine has with the turbo. I love it. I bought a ’25 Tacoma about 2 months ago, and at the time, it was between that and a Bronco. I test-drove both and preferred the Tacoma.”
Colby Magalhaes – The only thing stopping me from switching is my need for a front locker. There are very few obstacles a rear locker and 4L won’t get you through. I’ve been running 35s for 15k miles, and the power is plentiful. Idk about “rips,” but in sport mode, it feels like they’re not there.
Ron Childress, The only advice I can offer is that if you are concerned with power, go with the hybrid option. It won’t be as quick as the Bronco, but it will be better, especially if you plan on going with 35s.
What Did Matt Decide?
He says, “So I went today to test-drove a 2025 Toyota Tacoma locally, and it’s much smoother and quieter, and it didn’t feel slow. The only option they had available was an SR5, and the specific trim I want isn’t anywhere in the state, so I put my name on a waitlist to give me more time to think it over fully.”
“The trim I’m considering is the TRD Off Road, non-premium, with sway bar disconnect and the trailer brake controller. Preferably a manual, but I will take an auto. There are none available in the entire state of Montana right now.”
Two More Reasons To Buy the Toyota Tacoma
Matt says that one of his issues is living in Montana, where there are high winds. He says the tire noise is only part of the issue.
“The top is my issue. I’m in Montana, and winds are regularly 50-80 mph gusts frequently. And with 80-85 mph speed limits, the removable top is super loud to me.”
And for towing? “The Bronco tows just fine, but I would like to buy a bigger camper and be able to tow more,” Matt concludes.
Conclusion:
Matt finds himself at a crossroads, contemplating a switch from his 2024 Ford Bronco Sasquatch to a 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road. His journey of decision-making is one that many off-road enthusiasts can relate to.
Matt would likely have pulled the trigger if the Toyota dealer in Montana had a 2025 Tacoma TRD AWD trim level. Now he has to wait for the dealer to ship one in, or he’ll have to go out of state to get one.
How About You?
What would you advise Matt in his situation? Keep the Bronco Sasquatch or trade for a 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD AWD? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my 2024 Toyota Tacoma story: My 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport With 33s Overheats When I’m Off-Road In 4HI, But the Dealer Can’t Replicate It, So Now They Say They Can’t Do Anything
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you’ll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Matt Sword and Colby Magalhaes
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Source: torquenews.com
