I Drove Across the Country | NY to CA in a Toyota Tacoma
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- With the US in a major pandemic, my senior year of college on campus got cut short! I moved all of my stuff from Ithaca, New York to San Diego, California by driving across the country in my 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road. We drove through 13 states across America within four days, stopping 10 times for gas, three times for food, and once in Albuquerque, New Mexico to see sites from the show "Breaking Bad."
Thanks for watching and stay safe during these rough times!
IG: @chloekuotaco📱
#ToyotaTacoma #CrossCountry
You have a Dad that Loves you, more than the air he breathes, Looks out for you, has your back... and let's you be you... I hope You "Get That" and appreciate it... Be thankful for that.
I am very lucky!
as a dad, yeah... Her dad is awesome! and I'm sure he is proud of his daughter.
Typical Asian dad.
i was my dads deckhand on a tugboat he was skipper on. dad passed at 64 years old. dad and i would have a beer in a bar together after a week on the boat. dad was a fun guy.had he lived today he would be 108 years old. enjoy your dad you are a great daughter, he knows that.
Agree with every word, she is bless
A lady who doesn't want to eat in her car. There is still hope for humanity 👍
Same here. Thought I was the only person who doesn’t eat in their own car
WhenVtecWasCool same with me... No eating in the car!!
And she is asian, so no shoes in the car !
JJ LLama 😐😐
@@jjllama2305 SHIT
Yeah as an introvert driving across the nation alone is the opposite of insane to me, it is ideal as hell. I love long road trips by myself: Just me and my American V8, favorite music, and peace for hours. What's not to love?
OMG I thought as an Introvert I was the only one that like to travel alone lol. I'm getting ready to travel 1800 miles by myself in two weeks.
Yeah but she moved from Pandemic to Lock Down. Wonder what her thoughts are now?
ideal world
Well driving a semi truck cross country would be a compatible profession for you then in my opinion!
Mr. Miyake Sounds amazing to me as well. I love road trips
I bought my Tacoma when I was 21. That was 15 years ago and I still drive it, excellent truck!
I’m really happy the Tacoma performed well, and got your father and yourself home safe. Watching these types of videos is really motivating, and inspiring. Sometimes building these trucks can become really mundane, but this reminds me that we build the best and the most reliable trucks in the World ! You made a great choice! That truck will go well over 300,000 miles !
When you buy a Toyota/Lexus vehicle it's a nice warm feeling to know you can drive it anywhere in the world and back to your home with out problems. Such a fun trip with your Dad! I miss road trips with mine and all of his knowledge of the country and great conversations. Have a great day!
Your dad is a cool guy! I hope to do a drive like that with my daughter when she graduates from university! Wish you guys all the best!
I couldn't help but think of Andy from the Office when you said Cornell, but you are way more likeable and amazing than him hahaa
Kite same here😂😂😂
I love andy :(
Also it’s pronounced “colonel”. Its the highest rank in the military
@@aglokss hahah your pretty funny my guy
I did this with my 2006 volvo wagon and I learned a few things driving from LA to NY and back from NY to LA. If you plan this all i can say is maintain your car well check everything plan your route and don’t stop in dark unknown areas get a hotel in advance know the limits of your car and your self. It’s dangerous specially if you’re bouncing from lane to lane while semis are traveling around you as well. There’s so much more to it but it’s a joy and amazing experience. Travel with someone always and get a actual gps not your phone look at videos get hints from people ask around and overall enjoy the trip the states are amazing it’s a journey everyone should experience!
And yeehaww Texas! Btw I traded in my 2011 Tacoma TRD off road with 190,000 miles and got 10,000 at the dealership and got the 2020 Taco TRD off road. Yay to us Taco fans!
Tacos are nice but V8 is life. Tundra for me. I have 245,000+ on both my Tundras (Gen 1 and Gen 2)
I off road my slab too !!!!
I stood my 90 FJ62 for 10K 5 years ago with 267K miles...and I regret it.
That is a good trade in value
You’ve got a cool dad. This is a good memory you two made. All the best!
Tacos are a beast! When I was in the military, I drove my 2nd gen three times from VA to CA without any issues. My dad owns a 1st gen and has also driven it from coast to coast also and several trips from CA to Michoacán, México. I’m pretty sure the 3rd gen will be as a reliable as the 1st and 2nd gens.
Bro its a toyota they do not stop
about to drive my new tacoma from cali to texas and needed some extra motivation so thanks lmao
This came up on my recommended! Love when the algorithm does its thing. This video was super dope, makes me want to go on a road trip! Thanks for sharing
Nice drive. I'm still enjoying my 98 Tacoma with under 50k miles.Old School.
Looks like you have spent more money on packing fees than gas.
I can’t believe I just watched this video. 😳 … As a truck enthusiast and a long distance driver, I applaud the humble beginnings of your Tacoma Taco stardom! … Again, another AWESOME video! 😎🛻 … Thanks for sharing. 🙃
Your Dad is very cool and his Daughter is very sweet. Thank you for the video!
You're a damn legend for this. A definite life experience you won't forget that not many people get the chance to enjoy. Even if it isn't enjoyable it is still a good experience
Hi Chloe,
Thanks to you and your father for taking the time to make this video. I live in Rogersville, MO. I have trekked to both the east coast and the west coast many times. I spent 17 years in the Marine Corps and chose to drive home (Joplin) when on leave. I digress...
I have a ‘99 4Runner Limited 4x.
In 2013 I bought it bone stock, absolutely untouched with 115k. I’ve done a few mods and lifted it. Still very well behaved. I share the same love of vehicle that you spoke of in Oklahoma.
We have decided to part ways with it and think a Tacome is the best candidate for a replacement. Someone on TH-cam said they’re a 4Runner with a bed! I’m eager to take a drive in one.
Thank you for the long term customer review. Great production (even the most perfect sound bite of the front door being shut!!). Godspeed...
I still love my 2004 TRD Offroad Tacoma. Been reliable as the sunrise and doesn't creak or rattle.
Great video! Huge fan of Toyota 4x4’s, whether it may be 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra, or the world-famous Land Cruiser.
First (and current) vehicle that I own is a 2010 Toyota 4Runner SR5. First year of the fifth-gen series, so no fancy infotainment, no back-up camera, no lane safety stuff; basically bone-stock. Never will sell it. It’s the memories you make with it that make it priceless! Taken it to Branson, MO, Texas, New Mexico, and to Colorado. Just getting started!
Your dad is awesome, by the way! Will be waiting for the next Tacoma video!
That’s so cool 2k miles in the best truck and your dad is cool asf enjoy him
Don’t know why TH-cam shows me this video but I loved it! Your dad loves you and you’ll never forget this road trip!
I LOVE my 2019 Tacoma, I won’t drive anything else, traded my 2014 Wrangler Sahara Unlimited for my Tacoma best thing I ever did! Tacoma for EVER!
Ovet 900k between 4 Tacomas..now on 286k.with new factory frame...love em
yep toyota are great !!!
This recommended video was a pleasant surprise this morning. It brought back a lot of memories. Having lived in Tucson, Raleigh NC, and Syracuse for various periods in my life, I've driven up and down I-81 and back and forth on I-40 many times.
The first time I rode cross-country was in the late 60's. I was 10 years old and I-10 was under construction. We kept getting on and off of brand new sections of highway. As far as I know, all the brand new rest areas were a new invention back then. We had to take city streets through every town and everybody in the car had to watch for route signs at all the stop lights. (No GPS)
I'm assuming your dad chose the radio station at 21:51 (Led Zeppelin)
Just binged watched Breaking Bad for the first time, during our stay-at-home order. that was awesome to see!! thanks for taking us along🙏
I also drove across the country in my 2019 Tacoma TRD Sport, last october, but I did it both ways, as I live in the San Francisco Bay area of CA. I left CA and drove to the outer banks of NC, and then returned to CA. I got incredible gas mileage on the trip, averaging 28mpg, which I thought was insanely great, considering the heavy truck and 6cyl engine. Good channel!
how does it drive? I read forums where the transmission was hunting for gears and the engine was underpowered so it can get frustrating
@@zuhairafsar2540 I loved the way it drove. It was super comfortable and I really liked that people noticed it when I would pull into various travel stops along the way! Now, having said that, indeed, the transmission DOES seemingly 'hunt' for gears when it encounters the slightest inclines. That frustrated me to no end, as it would downshift from 6th to 4th, making the rpms ZOOM from about 1700 up to over 3000! If I had the 'Eco" app on, which shows constant gas mileage, I would see the gas mileage drop like a rock from almost 30mpg to around 10mpg until I got to the top of the incline, after which, it would upshift back to 6th and the rpms would drop back down to around 1700. Also, the same thing would occur when going on some of those long downhill areas where they have signs warning truckers to watch downhill speed and to use lower gears. Because I had the classic cruise control set, it is designed unlike older cruise controls, to actually want to HOLD the speed you set the cruise control at. So if you set it at 70mph, if you are going downhill on one of those long downhill stretches, if your speed goes up to say 72-73, the transmission will automatically downshift to 4th, again, making the rpms ZOOM to over 3000! It does that of course, to slow down the vehicle so it can maintain your set cruise control speed.
As for the truck being underpowered, I do not find that to be the case at all. I think people who say that, are people who drive other vehicles that have V8 engines in them, or who drove a previous truck with a V8. I had driven a 96 Tacoma Xtra cab before that had a 4cyl engine. In that truck, whenever I would come to inclines, it would of course, drop the speed about 10-15 mph no matter what I did to try to keep its speed up. With the 2019 TRD Sport that I have, with its 6cyl engine, it maintains the speed with no problems.
28mpg? she got 18, how is this possible?
@@dangda-ww7de I don't understand why she only got 18 either, but a couple of days ago while I was on a trip, on the way back, I looked at my ECO display and decided to try and take a pic. In the pic, my average speed was 65mph and I was getting between 30 and down to 25mpg, but the display clearly shows that most of the time it was in the middle, which is around 28mpg. Considering it is a TRD Sport, with 6cyl, and to me, is a big truck, I am totally stoked at that gas mileage! I just tried to post the pic here, but it wouldn't let me. Sorry about that!
Brilliant truck! and high five to your dad for driving the Lexus RX - I myself drive a 2014 Lexus GS350 F-Sport and that thing is superb!!
I do too have a sentimental value for my taco now that I’ve been to the Grand Canyon, Arches national park, and Zion. Road trips are the best memories especially when you listen to new music throughout the road trip... even more memories are made
Congratulations on graduating from Cornell. Second I too own a 2019 TRD Off Road and enjoy watching videos on how people utilize their Tacomas in different ways. I think it’s the coolest looking truck on the road especially with a lift and tires. I put on a 3 inch lift with Method wheels and 285/70/17s. Not recommended if your concerned about your mpg. lol.
as10076 any rubbing? Did ya do any trimming to fit them?
Armand Couture no chopping and no rubbing. But it’s close so it has rubbed under certain circumstances.
So glad you brought your Dad on this trip! This is one of his finest moments. You are a fine daughter.
Very cool journey. I almost felt like I was on the road trip with you guys. Btw, I have a 2012 Taco. It is by far the best vehicle that I have ever owned. It is practical and useful in every way.
Glad you didn’t do it alone. I drove from San Antonio Texas to Salt Lake City Utah alone and that was hard enough. Luckily my sister is real cool and flew in to accompany me on the drive back, because by then I was exhausted.
Also, I did that in my 08 Tacoma, with 118,000 miles on it. Truck ran beautifully, with no problems.
Wow nice and relaxing background music, can’t believe I watched the whole thing because of the Tacoma; nice truck
Me too and I'm a ram guy lol
I thought it was really cool of you to have your father along the way! Glad you guys are safe.
I am still in love with my 2011 Tacoma TRD Sport 4 X 4
I just bought a 2018 Tacoma TRD Pro. I grew up in Muskogee OK. I moved and lived in San Diego for 23 years and moved back to OK to help take care of my parents. Your videos came up when I looked for You Tube info on Tacomas. Your videos are very good and informative. I miss SD. Please continue to enjoy that wonderful city for me. I'll continue to learn from your "Taco" videos.
really enjoyed your video. i did my Maryland to Monterey, CA about 4 months ago with my 2014 honda crv! drove by myself for 5 days. it was an amazing road trip and loved it.
The key to getting better mileage is trail behind tractor trailers...
I did a cross country trip last year in my 17 Land Cruiser... I got 21-22 mpgs going 75
Just make sure you know how to communicate in traffic with them.. and neck pillows help a lot!! 😊
Toyota’s are the best! They run forever. At least the gas is cheap!
This didn’t age well lol
I had the 17' Tacoma and was so happy to get rid of it for the Ranger. It has a much smoother trans and a better torque. I don't regret it. Only if Tacoma owners knew :D
I’m sure you will always remember this trip and will want to keep your truck in part because of that. Cute Chow.
I really enjoyed your video and I must say the views are beautiful ! By the way can I say that it is really good to see a father and a daughter hanging out so well !!! Please do continue to share more content and your Tacoma is awesome!!!
TH-cam must know I’m looking at buying a Tacoma lol. Driving across the country can be fun. I drove from Massachusetts to Oregon back when I was in college in a 99 GMC Sierra. Single cab... Good times lol. Trucks are definitely useful though.
Michael Anderson tell me about it.
I drove from Baltimore to San Diego last year. I loved driving through West Virginia, New Mexico, and Arizona
She has a TRD Off Road Taco and a compass on her wrist watch. Kinda dope!
Nice video, awesome truck. I've got a 2007 tacoma that I'll keep forever, gift from my late father. Enjoy the time spent with your dad, he's a great father to do that trip with you.
I just got a 2020 Tacoma sr5. I know it’s one of the base models but I loved it. (Fun fact: it’s my first truck :) )
I have to tell you of all the Tacoma videos I have watched, this one was the most influential in my decision. Bought a 2020 Taco off road today!! Thank you for posting this.
Congrats! Have fun in your new Taco
Toyota's are the most reliable vehicle you can get im driving a 3rd gen 4runner 1999 4x4 with 310k miles on it, did all maintenance myself which im pretty proud of 👍👍 and also lexus Is300 2jz as my Daily
Awesome Ute! Bonding with your dad. Priceless... Thanks for sharing your road journey. Cheers! Keep it up. Stay safe.
The seat spacers help for long trips and comfort. I added them on my 2019 Tacoma trdpro. Glad you got home safe!
Thanks for taking us along. I've made cross country trips regularly and will be going to El Paso, Tx in my brand new Tacoma this summer. Congratulations on your graduation!
Tacoma’s rule!! Lol. I got my first one in September 2019. Traded in for a 2020 because I wanted 4x4.
As someone who values family, travel and Taco trucks, I really enjoyed watching this! Thanks for helping me get through this Covid-19 craziness. Subscription added.
Love your truck, but I'm biased because I have a 2019 Silver Sky TRD too. Great vid!
Great Video! I drove my 2011Toyota FJ Cruiser 90kmi from Texas to North Carolina and to New Mexico and it performed flawlessly. Can't beat a Toyota. Solid vehicles
Made this drive when moved to SanDiego in 2001in my Ford F-150 towing a UHAUL
Hi, Chloe, great travelogue for your impressively fast-paced (2,900 miles in 3-4 days) road trip. At least you were able to smell a few flowers along the way. The radio clip of the indoor shooting range ad in West Virginia or thereabouts was a humorous touch, and the cameo mention of the '84 Trans Am that I sold to your dad and the visit to your Corvette-loving third-grade teacher were nostalgic for this viewer. Your Tacoma is looking good (the knobby tires are pretty badass) and is very versatile. Best wishes for the next chapter of your life!
Whenever my dad and I talk about vehicles, your name always comes up in the conversation haha--thanks for your comment!
@@ChloeKuo You're welcome. Ha!...I am sad that the Trans Am ended up not being reliable for your dad (I had no major problems with it when I owned it). American cars have gotten much better since then, but no one consistently beats Toyota for reliability. It is so cool that TH-cam allows you to share experiences like this, and you do a great job editing. I agree that you may want to hold onto the '19 since it has so many great memories tied to it. : )
@@ChloeKuo FYI from AutoWeek: www.autoweek.com/drives/a32406530/2020-toyota-tacoma-trd-off-road-review/
Once you lift and get some bigger tires, it'll be more like 20 fills to get across! Haha. Driving around in a 4Runner with 35's and getting 12 mpgs. (:
Loved the video . So glad you and your dad arrived safe. I also have a 19 TRD off road 4x4, cement. Ready to turn 55k . You purchased the best truck made. Enjoy🙂
Great vlog. I wish I could do a cross country trip with my dad. Cherish those precious memories
Thanks for the road trip. I can’t wait to do it with my 2019 Tacoma! I have had mine for a year now and it’s always been my dream truck and I love it.
This came up on my recommended. Gonna drive my 2019 from LA to CA in a few weeks. Still 1000 miles less.
Lol nice to see a familiar face.. you found my TH-cam channel!
From LA to California...wow
@@homelessmillionaire1 Louisana not Los Angeles lol
came across your vid while viewing Tacoma vids.. had to comment.... your trip reminds me of when i helped a friend move from los angeles to the east coast... and we did the cross country drive moving all his stuff. it's always fun to see different parts of the country. glad you made it safely.
That’s so sick!!! I have a Tacoma too! I also reside in So Cal! Tacoma Life 🤙🏽. Stay safe indoors 😷
No idea how this popped up on my feed, but this was a joy to watch! Thanks for sharing!! Best time for a road trip. Congrats on graduating. Sorry you can't walk down your well-deserved commencement!
I would've drive a few more blocks in circles to get "7777" 😄😄😄😄. Who knows, I need some luck for a long cross country road trip.
Me too!! 😆
Really enjoyed this. I usually don't watch random videos, but this one popped up and I watched the whole thing. Good stuff!
Not sure why this was in my recommended. The TH-cam algorithm is funny like that lol. But Toyotas are awesome, and you and your dad seem super awesome as well. It's a cool relationship you guys have. This was a relaxing but fun vlog to watch. Thank you TH-cam algorithm for once for a good recommendation!
Wish that I had found your channel while you were still in NY. Fun video. "I hope my kids will get to drive this Tacoma." You rock, Lady !
I have the 2019 TRD Pro love it so far got it in January 🔥🤘
Yeah me to love my pro 🤘its badass
You were right about the sentimental value upon your truck. I love my 05 pre-runner taco. It was my first truck when I was in high school. Im not going to sell it.
You're lucky to own a $40k plus Tacoma as a student. The only car I could afford as a college student was a beater car. That car lasted me 15 years.
belmont3451 u act like u have to pay 40k to get a car it’s called monthly payments
Evrett Gutierrez Regardless of the fact, people can’t afford the payments. And almost nobody buys new vehicles outright anyway.
Think about it. If she can afford to attend Cornell another $40,000 for a truck is chump change!
I really don’t understand what was so unique/special about this drive/road trip from east to west? Is it b/c this person was from an Ivy League school? BTW, I was driving 20+ years old hooptie when I was in college. Although, I started w/ bus passes during my freshman year.
I have own all 3 generations Tacoma since I was 18.. I am 40 now and just bought a 2020 Tacoma 4 x 4 off road..white exterior and I Love it!! I really enjoyed watching your video.
I wouldn't trust any other vehicle during the apocalypse.
Not even a ford f150?
Great video! I really enjoyed it. Made me think of my pops and how much I miss him.
just fyi I have a Tacome took my Daughter to Boston University took the rear seat out sooo much more room very easy to take out
Been a long time since I've enjoyed a video as much. Thank you to you and your dad.
You have 998,000 miles to go on that motor...Taco for Life!!
Nice video, a cross country road trip with your dad; of all of the things to come out of the C19 response, this was a great one.
Drives a Taco and a Breaking Bad fan...I'm in love
I wish my parents bought/loaned/gifted me a late model car my last year in college. Oh well, life is different.No shade, not bitter. It's just the first that popped in my head. I'm 32 now. Its good to see you and your family are safe during much of this(I hope they're still safe, as this video is a few months old).
Get a roof rack with cargo carrier... I have a 2017 tacoma trd offroad with a 5 foot bed... it has so much more space for clothes
This is such an awesome vid. Nothing like a road trip in the truck with loved ones.
6:39 your in my city! In Va the Costco gas. I randomly came across this video too
*you're
Oh man, I just basically did the same trip two weeks ago. I live in southern Oregon, but found a really nice 2018 TRD Pro with over 20K in modes and parts for sale in New Hampton, NY. I figured it was worth the plane fare and gas back to buy it and drive it back. I did pass thru Ithaca on my way, and what a beautiful campus....so sorry you lost out on your senior year. I did go the far northern route passing thru Wisconsin, Minnesota, ND, Montana, Utah and back into Oregon. My butt is still sore, but the trip was well worth it.
Im fixin to buy a 2020 Tacoma! Trading in my Ford F-150 can’t wait!!!!
Tina Maybe Your going to fall in love let me know what you think was it worth it or not be safe peace...
temeriando22 I will 👍 I’m pretty sure I’m going to love it!!!! Be safe
so
I love that you took this trip with your dad and that you drive a Tacoma. Great video.
I have 2019 Trd of road and I love it
I drove a 2019 Tacoma trd sport from Texas to California, it drove perfectly, super comfortable, and pretty good mpg
Nice trip. How often can a dad spend such long bonding time with their college kid? I have always wanted to do such a trip with my daughter and am waiting for the right opportunity.
Lol my dad tried to drive with me... I told him no. I made it in three days flat going way over the speed limit smoking way too many cigs and blasting music way too loud drinking red bulls.
@@jr23kid Thanks for sharing your honest experience. Parents care more for their kids' safety. As long as you have showed you're independence, they trust your judgement.
Gary Zhang
It was something that I wanted to do myself. I wanted to drive that distance without help. I wanted to be able to have fun without him.
That drive from central Cali to Pasadena CA to the Grand Canyon then to Houston got pretty rough for a while. But being an introvert helped. Music, my thoughts, no longer having to worry about the military's bs, my lil Tacoma and lots of soul searching/ self reflection. It was great, exhausting but great. Grand Canyon is something you have to see in person.
I'm on the same with you about not selling my first truck. Recently bought a 2016 tundra platinum and my dream is to do some cool mods on it and pass it along to my son.
Very Cool road trip video Chloe. In 2008 me and my Dad did a round trip from Austin Texas to Waukegan Illinois for a family funeral. About 1200 miles each way. There was something going on with the airlines and even renting a Cadillac STS and taking a week off of work for this was a much better $$ option. The point is that spending that time with my Dad, like you did, was unbelievable and today, I so value the memories. We had a blast. Everyone - go take a long road trip with your Dad.
That’s a lot of driving without getting a room !!!
Great video Chloe ... your Tacoma was filled to the rim!!! That was an awesome cross country trip and to get to share it with your Dad makes it they much better. Glad y’all made I’d home safely
Make sure to wash hands after pumping gas. Glad you having a safe trip with your Dad
Always a good idea to wash hands, but regarding gas, for years now, I have always carried a stack of larger napkins like you get in restaurants, just for the purpose of using while I pump gas. I unfold them so they completely cover the handle and squeeze handle. Gas pump handles are probably the most nasty handles out there, as they are rarely cleaned, if ever!
Hey Chloe this the video was the first one I watched that was recommended for me when I got mine im glad great channel you've grown your channel so much since this video. That's awesome
2:36 The sign of our times. xD
7:23 Holy moly, that's a lot of octane choices. As you know by now, only three in San Diego [edit: Ah, you're from SD, so you already know :) ].
7:54 I love that song, Adia, by Sarah McLachlan. Heck, I'm going to play it in the background for a few minutes. :)
9:06 Did they sound prejudiced? What were they saying? I'm Asian, too. Just wondering if there's that much prejudice is still quite visible in the middle of the country.
So I'm guessing the total cost for gas for this cross-country trip is roughly $200? Luckily due to low demand, the gas prices are low right now.
My son and I did the same trip in reverse two years ago. We drove all the way from NYC to San Diego where my son is going to school. It was a fun trip, even in our small Prius.