Subaru vs Midsize Truck for mountain roads

[txtransplant]

I think I may be willing to pay the Tacoma tax at this point after having test driven one, but they’re just so hard to find. Had a good one picked out but I was a day too late. Still debating the Subaru but I am leaning towards a Tacoma. Also looking at newer frontiers but not certain if I’d be willing to try it out.

I’d also look at Chevy Colorado if you want to avoid the Taco Tax. The off road trims are very capable. Maybe less reliable / more maintenance than Toyota? Worth a look though.

I will say - having hunted out of only SUVs, I would LOVE a truck bed. I’d DQ Subarus for that reason alone.

Edit to add: unless you’re going to tow a SxS, in which case I’d put 4Runner back on the board (a modern one that can tow). But I don’t think that’s where you’re headed with this.

 

[elkhunter505]

I’d also look at Chevy Colorado if you want to avoid the Taco Tax. The off road trims are very capable. Maybe less reliable / more maintenance than Toyota? Worth a look though.

I will say - having hunted out of only SUVs, I would LOVE a truck bed. I’d DQ Subarus for that reason alone.

Edit to add: unless you’re going to tow a SxS, in which case I’d put 4Runner back on the board (a modern one that can tow). But I don’t think that’s where you’re headed with this.

Makes sense to me. I have put the 4Runner back on the list after finding a few nice old ones on Facebook marketplace that would save me a ton on payments, but it feels like playing Russian roulette. I’ve also considered Colorados but I’m looking for a 6 foot bed and haven’t seen many of them in my area. I’ve been pretty attached to having a 6 ft right now because if I’m gonna spend that level of money, I want to get exactly what I want that could last for 10 years at least. I’ve also started entertaining Tacomas with 200K miles since they are a decent amount cheaper, especially the older 1997-2004 models but it does feel like I would be living dangerously.

 

[StupidLightweight]

I own an F150 and had a Tacoma for 8 years, but when I go hunting, I almost always take my wife’s car. On rough roads, the independent suspension and AWD is impossible to beat without going to a side by side. As others mentioned, ground clearance is the only limiting factor. You will hear lots of homo jokes, but for a one-car solution, Subarus are king—well, maybe queen…