 I needed a truck that could seat three people (including booster seats) in the back, have strong safety features, and still be able to handle off-road conditions for camping and hunting. I ruled out the Honda Ridgeline because its undercarriage is more vulnerable. The Tacoma is designed for high clearance, and low roll-over risk, which means the floor is high and the roof is low. The transmission and transfer case are well protected. Everything else, including Tacoma's flaws, derive from these design goals.  The fronts seats are low. Toe room is bad in back. With side airbags and stability control, it is the safest thing out there. The roof meets 2010 IIHS standards for a "good" rating. 