2019 Toyota Tacoma Owner Says, “Goodbye Tacoma With 123K Miles, Hello Ford F-150 Raptor” - He Adds, “Good Memories, But I Had To Go Bigger & Better”

The mid-size legend meets its match: why 123,000 miles wasn't enough to keep this Toyota Tacoma owner from chasing Raptor-sized dreams.

The Big Switch

Imagine this: you have spent six years and over 100,000 miles building a bond with a truck that never let you down, yet you find yourself staring at your driveway, realizing your life has outgrown the cabin. Austin Soderberg reached that exact crossroads, deciding that while his Tacoma was a faithful companion, his future required the raw scale and performance that only a full-size predator could provide.

Austin Soderberg on the Taco Nation Facebook page says, "I had my 2019 Toyota Tacoma truck for 6 years, 123,000 miles. Each mile was worth it! But as my life grows, I have to say goodbye. I had lots of good memories with my Tacoma! I traded it for a 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor. I had to go bigger & better. Hello, Ford F-150 Raptor."

When "Good Enough" No Longer Cuts It

After three decades covering the automotive industry, I have seen thousands of owners grapple with the "mid-size vs. full-size" dilemma. Austin’s story is a classic example of a driver whose lifestyle evolution outpaced his vehicle's footprint. While the 2019 Tacoma is a legendary workhorse, its interior dimensions often become a pain point for growing families or those needing serious utility. Many experts agree that the Toyota Tacoma's tight rear seating and limited shoulder room can feel restrictive over time, with some noting that "the Tacoma’s cabin is notably narrow, and taller drivers may find it difficult to get comfortable" (source: Car and Driver).

In my years of reporting for Torque News, I have frequently highlighted how the transition from a nimble mid-size pickup to a wide-body desert racer represents more than just a brand swap; it is a total change in capability. I previously analyzed how the jump to a larger platform is often driven by a need for reliability, noting that one Ford F-150 owner sought the truth about truck longevity, demanding a "real and non-biased" answer. After 572 owners weighed in, the results are finally in. Is your favorite brand actually built to last, or is it just hype? Here’s the answer.

The Ford F-150 Raptor is not just "bigger," it is a different species. When we look at the best full-size truck for off-road enthusiasts or the Toyota Tacoma high mileage trade-in value, we see why this move makes financial sense. Austin likely leveraged the incredible resale value of his 123,000-mile Tacoma to soften the blow of a Raptor’s premium price tag. The automotive landscape is shifting, and as industry analysts point out, "the Raptor offers a level of suspension travel and chassis refinement that mid-size trucks simply cannot match" (source: MotorTrend).

Having spent countless hours testing these platforms, I can tell you that the 2024 Raptor addresses every "size" complaint a Tacoma owner ever had. In my earlier investigative reports, I noted that "the ergonomic layout of the F-150 provides a level of comfort that prevents the driver fatigue often felt in the more cramped quarters of the older Tacoma models". Transitioning to a vehicle with a high-output 3.5L EcoBoost engine and Fox Racing Shox is a massive leap forward in both performance and daily livability.

Key Takeaways for Truck Owners

• Resale is King: The 2019 Tacoma remains one of the best vehicles for retaining value, even at 123k miles.
• Lifestyle Assessment: If you find yourself frequently hitting the limits of your payload or rear-seat space, it might be time to look at full-size truck upgrades.
• The Raptor Factor: Moving to a Raptor isn't just about size; it's about the best luxury off-road performance available in the current market.
• Reliability vs. Tech: While the Tacoma offers "old-school" reliability, the 2024 Ford F-150 brings cutting-edge safety and infotainment.

What Tacoma Owners Are Saying

The community response to these types of upgrades is often a mix of respect for Tacoma’s longevity and an admission of its shortcomings.

"The Tacoma is a great truck, but the seating position is like sitting on the floor with your legs straight out. I switched to a full-size, and my back has never been happier." Reddit User u/TruckGuy88

"123k miles is just breaking it in for a Toyota, but the Raptor is a dream truck. It’s hard to stay in a mid-size when you need more room for the family." Reddit User u/OffRoadFanatic

"I love my Taco, but the gear hunting on the highway drives me crazy. The power of an F-150 is a game changer." Reddit User u/TacomaTraveler

Making the Move

If you are considering a similar move, evaluate your "must-haves." Are you looking for the best trucks for towing a boat, or do you need a daily driver with off-road capability? Austin’s choice to go for the Raptor indicates a desire for a "do-it-all" vehicle that compromises on neither comfort nor power. My 30 years in this business suggest that, as the used market remains strong for Toyotas, now is the prime time to trade up if your current rig feels like a tight fit.

In the end, a growing trend among truck enthusiasts

Austin Soderberg’s journey from a 2019 Tacoma to a 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor highlights a growing trend among truck enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on space and power. While the Tacoma earned its keep over 123,000 miles, the allure of a bigger, more capable platform proved too strong to resist. It is a bittersweet farewell to a reliable partner, but a thrilling hello to a new era of driving.

What Would You Do? Would you trade the legendary reliability of a high-mileage Tacoma for the raw power and size of a Raptor, or is the Toyota "indestructibility" too hard to let go? Click the red link below to write your comment and join the community in sharing experiences.

Next Up: Is the Toyota Tacoma losing its soul? For 30 years, I’ve tracked the evolution of the Toyota midsize truck, and the jump from the 3.5L V6 to the 2.4L Turbo has sparked a massive debate. Does the new 4th-Gen really feel like a Corolla with a bed? Read more here. 

With over 30 years of industry experience, Denis Flierl brings an insider’s perspective to Torque News, where he has been a Senior Reporter since 2012. Before picking up the pen, Denis consulted for the automotive industry's biggest brands and honed his skills as a test driver. He cuts through the noise to deliver the latest auto news, compelling owner stories, and the expert analysis necessary to navigate today's changing automotive market.

Have a tip or question? Follow me on X @DenisFlierl and @WorldsCoolestRides, or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Austin Soderberg