Pickup trucks have always been the top choice for tough jobs that demand plenty of power. Over the years, however, they’ve also stepped up their interiors and features to be popular recreational vehicles and everyday drivers. With Toyota’s history and reputation for reliability and quality, it’s no surprise that they offer two of the best pickup trucks on the market: The Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota Tundra.
While both trucks are made by Toyota and share similarities, they serve different purposes for drivers. The Tacoma can tow quite a bit of power and can head off-road with ease, but does that leave the Tundra in the dust? In this Toyota Tacoma Vs Tundra guide, we’ll look at how each vehicle excels in their respective category and look over the specs to see which one is better for your needs. Read on to learn more about the Tacoma and the Tundra.
Toyota Tacoma Vs. Tundra: Performance
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The Tacoma features a 2.4L, 4-cylinder engine in every trim, but there are two different options. The entry-level trim, the Tacoma SR, is equipped with the standard version, delivering 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. The next step up is the i-FORCE engine that boosts performance to 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque.
With the SR’s standard engine, you’ll be able to tow up to 3,500 pounds. However, stepping up to the i-FORCE engine can tow up to 6,500 pounds. You’ll have your choice between rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but if power is what you’re chasing, rear-wheel drive will maximize the towing capacity. If, however, you want a vehicle that can tackle the trails and do less hauling, all-wheel drive is the move.
By comparison, the Toyota Tundra engine options come in three versions of the same 3.4L, V-6 engine:
- Base engine: 348 horsepower, 405 pound-feet of torque
- Available engine 1: 389 horsepower, 479 pound-feet of torque
- Hybrid engine: 437 horsepower, 583 pound-feet of torque
Like the Tacoma, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are options, but to unlock the Tundra’s maximum towing, RWD is the way to go. When equipped properly, the Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds. While it can handle some off-roading, it isn’t tuned for it like the Tacoma can be. The Tundra is the workhorse of the fleet and can handle the tough jobs ahead with ease.
Note: Toyota also offers a hybrid version of the Tacoma, which delivers an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque.
Toyota Tacoma Vs. Tundra: Seating and Interior
The Toyota Tacoma interior will depend on whether you choose the XtraCab, which seats two, or the DoubleCab, which seats up to five. With the DoubleCab, the Toyota Tundra passenger volume is 103.7 cubic feet. The Tundra does not come in an XtraCab option, only the DoubleCab and CrewMax cabins, both of which seat up to five passengers. In the CrewMax cabin, you’ll have 122 cubic feet of passenger volume. Since the Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck, it is a slightly smaller design than the full-sized Tundra.
Both the Tacoma and the Tundra feature rugged interiors and offer seating materials including cloth and SofTex, Toyota’s synthetic leather upholstery. The Toyota Tundra also offers leather and semi-aniline leather as seating options. Heated and ventilated seats are available on higher-end trims of both the Tacoma and Tundra, while only the Tundra offers it for both the front and rear seats. Both vehicles also offer an available panoramic roof.
Toyota Tacoma Vs. Tundra: Technology
Whether you choose the Tacoma or Tundra, the entry-level trims get the standard 8” infotainment system, while the upper-level trims get the larger 14” infotainment screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard for all trims, while wireless charging and a head-up display are available. For camera views, you’ll need to upgrade both the Tacoma and Tundra, though if you’re towing, it will quickly become invaluable.
Toyota Tacoma Vs. Tundra: Price
As you’d expect, given the size difference and the added interior space and comfort that come with it, the Toyota Tacoma is priced a bit lower than the Tundra. The Toyota Tacoma starts at $34,790 and goes up to $63,635 MSRP. The Toyota Tundra starts at $41,590 and goes up to $80,800 MSRP.
Toyota Tacoma Vs. Tundra: You Decide
If you’re ready to choose between the Toyota Tacoma or the Toyota Tundra, head down to Jim Hudson Toyota Sumter. Our team is ready and waiting to help you find the right truck and trim for your wants, needs, and budget. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a test drive of one or both of the rugged, dependable Toyota trucks.
