Toyota Tacoma vs Tundra trucks have a well-known image for being reliable, performing well, and being very useful on and off the road. Therefore, this has made them a favourite among truck buyers. The Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra can handle work, play, or a mix of the two.
You have to choose between the Tundra and the Tacoma if you want a new Toyota pickup truck. So, no matter if you want Tacoma or Tundra. Therefore, you must analyze a lot of solid, reliable choices. Before you decide, find out more about the Tundra and the Tacoma.
Have a look at details of Toyota Tacoma vs Tundra details
1. Toyota Tacoma vs Tundra
Regarding off-road capabilities, Toyota one of the top contenders in the market. The Toyota Tacoma and Tundra are two of the most popular off-roading trucks, but which is the best? In this article, we’ll compare their off-road capabilities to help you decide which one is right for you.
The Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck perfect for those looking for a versatile vehicle that can handle rough terrain. It has an advanced suspension system that provides excellent handling on any surface.
The TRD Pro version of the Tacoma offers increased ground clearance and skid plates to protect vital components from damage. The Crawl Control feature also allows drivers to maintain a steady pace over difficult obstacles without worrying about throttle or brake control.
2. Interior Design
Toyota trucks are some of the most reliable and durable vehicles on the road today, and two of their most popular models are the Tacoma and Tundra. Both of these trucks have a lot to offer, but when it comes to interior features, there are some significant differences between them.
- Both have different size.
One of the biggest differences between the Tacoma and Tundra is size. The Tundra is a full-size pickup truck, while the Tacoma is considered midsize. This means the Tundra has more room inside for passengers and cargo than the Tacoma. However, both trucks have comfortable seating options, with cloth or leather upholstery available depending on which trim level you choose.
- Touchscreen infotainment system
Another important factor to consider when comparing these two trucks is technology. Both come standard with touchscreen infotainment systems, including Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and audio streaming capabilities.
3. Exterior design
Toyota Tacoma and Tundra. One important factor to consider is their exterior dimensions. The Tacoma is considered a midsize truck, while the Tundra falls into the full-size category.
- Both have different measurements.
With a wheelbase of 127.4 inches, the 2021 Tacoma measures 212.3 inches long, 74.4 inches wide, and 70.6 inches tall. In comparison, the Tundra comes in at a length of 228.9 inches, width of 79.9 inches, height of 76.2 inches and has a wheelbase of 145.7 inches.
While both trucks offer ample space for passengers and cargo, it’s important to note that the Tundra does have more interior room due to its larger size overall.
4. Quality of materials and construction
When it comes to picking the right vehicle for your needs, there are a lot of factors to consider. Two popular options in the pickup truck category are the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra. One important aspect to evaluate is the quality of materials and construction used in these vehicles.
Tacoma is known for its durability and reliability. The body is made of high-strength steel, which helps prevent damage from dings, dents, and collisions. Its composite bed also resists scratches and dents better than traditional metal beds.
The Tundra, on the other hand, boasts an even stronger frame composed of heavy-duty TripleTech™ technology. This includes an integrated tow hitch receiver, trailer brake controller connector, plus a towing capacity of up to 10,200 pounds.
5. Performance and the ability to go off-road
Both trucks can do different things because of how they are built and what’s under the hood. Consider the Tacoma if you want a manual drive. But choose the Tundra if you need more power.
- Tacoma
Even though there were no new engine choices for the 2018 Tacoma, the manual transmission has been enhanced with an additional speed, now with six gears instead of five. Additionally, the Tacoma is powered by a 2.7-L inline four-cylinder engine at its most basic. Furthermore, it boasts horsepower of 159 and 180 lb-ft torque. In addition, there is a powerful engine of 3.5 Liter DOHC V6. And it has a hp of 278 and 265 lb-ft torque.
- Tundra
The Tundra is more powerful and can haul and pull more than the Tacoma. Moreover, the Tundra comes with an engine 4.6L i-FORCE V8 that has a hp of 310 and 327 lb-ft torque. Further, it comes with an automatic engine with six speeds as well.
Moreover, this engine has two up-above cams and a head with 32 valves. And the timing of the valve that can be changed. However, you will also gain an engine 5.7-L i-FORCE V8 with either 381 or 401 lb-ft of torque. In addition, this engine has more horsepower and speed than its predecessor.
6. Features
- Towing Capacity
The 3.5L V6 engine in the Tacoma gives it a hp of 278 and 265 lb-ft torque. However, you can also do hard jobs based on what you need to do because Tacoma can pull up to approximately 6,400 pounds. And Tundra can pull up to 10,200 pounds. Moreover, a 2023 Tundra can pull the most weight is 12,000 pounds. However, this ranking is for the SR5 trim level with the extended cab, a 6.5-foot bed, and RWD.
- Size
In this area, it’s clear that the full-size Tundra is better than the Tacoma. Moreover, the two boxes on the Tacoma are each 73.7 and 60.5 inches long. In addition, they are 56.7 inches wide at their biggest point. And there are 41.5 inches between the wheel wells. Further, the two boxes on the Tundra are both 96.5 inches long.
- Fuel efficiency
When it comes to comparing the fuel efficiency of Toyota trucks, the Tacoma and Tundra are two leading models. Both vehicles offer impressive performance and reliability, but how do they measure up in terms of gas mileage? Let’s take a closer look.
- First, it’s important to note that the Tacoma is a midsize truck while the Tundra is a full-size truck.
- As such, you can expect some differences in their fuel efficiency ratings.
- According to EPA estimates, the 2020 Tacoma gets an average of 20-23 mpg combined (depending on engine and drivetrain), while the 2021 Tundra gets an average of 13-17 mpg combined (again, depending on engine and drivetrain).
- While this may seem like a significant gap at first glance, remember that both trucks have larger engines than many other vehicles on the road today.
- Comfort and convenience
Toyota a leading manufacturer of automobiles and trucks for decades, and the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra are two of their most popular models. When it comes to comfort and convenience features, both vehicles have a lot to offer. However, there are some key differences that you should consider before making your purchase.
- The Tacoma is known for its exceptional off-road capabilities, perfect for those who love adventure.
- But with the Entune audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and Siri Eyes Free technology, it’s also designed to make your daily commute more enjoyable.
- On the other hand, the Tundra boasts much more space than the Tacoma in terms of passenger room and cargo capacity.
- Further, it is an excellent choice for families or anyone who frequently hauls large items.
- Standard and available
Regarding safety features in a vehicle, Toyota is one of the leading brands in the market. Two popular models from Toyota, the Tacoma and Tundra, embody this size commitment to safety with their standard and available safety features.
- The Safety Sense from Toyota P (TSS-P) is a standard feature on this midsize vehicle, starting with the Tacoma.
- Lane departure warnings, automatic high beams, adaptive radar cruise control, and pre-collision systems with pedestrian recognition are all features of TSS-P.
- Eight airbags are also carefully positioned throughout Tacoma’s interior for optimal protection in the event of an accident.
- In order to help avoid collisions, the vehicle also features locking brakes (ABS), brake assist innovation (BA), and smart-stop Technology (SST).
- On the other hand, the Tundra offers similar standard safety features but gives you more options to enhance its safety capabilities further.
- Base price and trim level options
When it comes to choosing a pickup truck, Toyota Tacoma vs Tundra offers two excellent options: the Tacoma and the Tundra. Both vehicles are known for their reliability, durability, and impressive off-road capabilities. However, before you make a decision on which one to buy, it’s important to understand the differences between them.
- Price
A primary factor that sets these two trucks apart is their base price. The Toyota Tacoma starts at around $26,000, while the Tundra starts at around $33,000. Of course, this can vary depending on the trim level and other features you choose.
2. Trim levels
Speaking of trim levels – both trucks offer multiple options that allow drivers to customize their vehicles to their liking. From entry-level trims with basic features to high-end models with all the bells and whistles, there’s something for everyone in both lineups.
7. Maintenance and service requirements
When it comes to choosing the right truck, drivers often prioritize factors like horsepower, torque, and towing capacity. However, it’s important not to overlook a vehicle’s maintenance and service requirements. After all, regular upkeep is essential for keeping your truck running smoothly and preventing costly repairs down the line.
Here, we’ll compare the maintenance and service requirements of two popular Toyota models: the Tacoma and the Tundra.
Tacoma and Tundra have a reputation for being reliable trucks requiring minimal maintenance. However, there are some differences between these two vehicles regarding servicing needs.
The Tacoma is generally easier to maintain due to its smaller size and simpler design. Its compact engine bay makes routine tasks like oil changes straightforward, while its solid axle suspension system requires less frequent attention than the independent front suspension found on the Tundra.
8. Which truck, the Tacoma vs. Tundra, can haul more?
Not everyone in the Harrisburg and Philadelphia area has a lot of parking at home. Even though there are a lot of big garages and drives, newer homes tend to have little garages. And not everyone has a parking area near their house.
The Toyota Tundra can do just about anything. Depending on the size of the cab you choose, there are three different bed sizes:
- Short Bed of a 5 ft
- a Standard Bed of 6 ft
- Bed: 8-foot in length
Even though these are very useful, they are also very big. Moreover, you can get the smallest Tundra is 229 in length. Further, these are also 80 in wide or at least 76 inches tall. That’s not very useful for Harrisburg homes with smaller garages or garages connected to the house.
- Customized bed
Along with a 5 ft customized Bed or a 6 ft in length Bed, the Toyota Tacoma can carry a lot. Further, it may be pretty close to that. But it comes in a much more doable size. Further, a maximum width of 75 inches and a maximum height of 72 inches.
Even with a 6-foot Toyota Pirus gas bed, the Tacoma is shorter than the smallest Tundra at 225.5 inches. If you choose the Standard Bed, its length is 212.3 inches. And This means it can fit into East Petersburg’s smaller parking spots, falling into traffic without the back end. Tacoma is a better choice if you have trouble parking or moving because of its size.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Toyota Tundra different from Toyota Tacoma?
Even the most knowledgeable truck fanatics may not know the difference between a Tacoma and a Tundra. The Tundra is a full-size pickup truck from Toyota. And the Tacoma is the company’s mid-size pickup truck.
2. How big is a Tundra compared to a Tacoma?
Even the shortest Tundras are 228.9 inches long, which is a lot Toyota Tacoma vs Tundra longer than the smallest Tacoma trims. On the other hand, the Tacoma is 212.3 inches long.
3. Toyota Tacoma vs. Tundra? Which is faster?
The Tundra has more strength and can carry and pull more than the Tacoma. Moreover, 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque are provided by the V8 engine. Further, the corolla gr also has an automatic engine with six speeds.
4. Is Tacoma a turbo?
The guys at The Fast Lane Trucks say that the next Tacoma will come with a Four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 2.4 liters and a Hybrid Max engine.
5. Is Tundra the same as Hilux?
It can pull more because the Toyota Tacoma is much bigger than the Toyota Hilux. On the other hand, the Toyota Hilux is affordable because it has more choices for different budgets. Further, the Toyota Hilux has to be a game-changer in the class of mid-size pick-up trucks made by Toyota.1
6. Does Toyota make a truck that is high-end?
If you want luxury, you might think of a flagship car or SUV first. But you can also find it in a big truck these days. The 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone is the brand’s new flagship truck. Further, it is the newest one to hit the market. It is currently in the running for the Luxury truck of Texas.