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Is Toyota Tacoma unibody?

No, the Toyota Tacoma is not a unibody truck. The Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck that uses a body-on-frame construction, which is the traditional design for trucks and SUVs.


What is a Unibody Truck?


A unibody truck, also known as a monocoque truck, is a vehicle where the body and frame are integrated into a single unit, rather than having a separate body and frame. This construction method is more commonly used in cars and crossover SUVs, as it provides a smoother ride and better handling compared to the traditional body-on-frame design.


Toyota Tacoma Construction


The Toyota Tacoma is built using a body-on-frame design, which means the body and frame are separate components that are bolted together. This construction method is preferred for trucks and SUVs as it provides greater durability, towing capacity, and off-road capability compared to unibody designs.



  • The Tacoma's frame is made of high-strength steel for increased rigidity and strength.

  • The body panels are then mounted onto the frame, creating a separate body and frame structure.

  • This design allows the Tacoma to handle heavy loads, tow trailers, and navigate rough terrain more effectively than a unibody truck.


While unibody construction has become more common in the truck segment in recent years, the Toyota Tacoma has remained true to its body-on-frame roots, providing the ruggedness and capability that truck buyers expect.

Which Tacomas have frame issues?


Despite its reputation for impeccable build quality, there was a period during the production of the first generation Tacoma where things went sideways for the Big T. As we've hinted at in previous articles, the frames of 1995-2004 model year Tacos were prone to big-time rust.



What are the disadvantages of a unibody frame?


Unibody frame vehicles are usually more expensive to repair after an accident or collision. When the car is damaged, the damage tends to affect the entire body of the car since everything is one unit. This can mean major part reconstruction and replacement to get the car back into like-new condition.



Is unibody bad for towing?


Although many unibody vehicles are capable of towing trailers, and support a trailer tongue weight, their hitches are not located in a favorable position to handle the larger downward forces created when transported a hitch-mounted carrier.



Is the Toyota Tacoma a frame or unibody?


Now that the Tacoma comes with the TNGA-F body-on-frame chassis, Toyota can build the Tacoma for more off-roading capabilities.



Is the Toyota Tacoma the same frame as the tundra?


You may be happy to know the 2024 model year represents a transition into a new, fourth generation for the Toyota Tacoma if exterior design is a selling point for you. It's now built on a version of the same body-on-frame platform that the Tundra had boasted for years.



Which is better, body-on-frame or unibody?


Unibody frame cars tend to be lighter in construction than body on frame vehicles, which means they get better fuel efficiency right off the bat. This is a major reason why so many Orlando Toyota crossovers and SUVs use this type of frame construction. Safer. Unibody frame vehicles also offer a high degree of safety.



What kind of frame does a Tacoma have?


The first-generation Tacoma has a fully-boxed frame (meaning the main frame rails have a closed rectangular cross-section) until immediately after the rear leaf spring mounting bracket, where the frame transitions into a C-shaped cross-section.



Which Tacomas had frame issues?


Despite its reputation for impeccable build quality, there was a period during the production of the first generation Tacoma where things went sideways for the Big T. As we've hinted at in previous articles, the frames of 1995-2004 model year Tacos were prone to big-time rust.



Does a Toyota Tacoma have a full frame?


While all Tacomas feature body-on-frame construction, there are two different rear suspensions. The SR, SR5 extended cab, and the TRD PreRunner are propped up by old-school leaf springs, whereas the rest have coil springs.



Which Toyotas are unibody?


This structure allows the car's weight, suspension, and wheels to be supported together. You can find unibody frames on these Toyota in Clermont, FL, on the Toyota Corolla, Camry, RAV4, Highlander, Sienna, and more! This is different from body on frame, since it is all one car body structure.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.