Should I Choose the Toyota Tundra or Toyota Tacoma?

When deciding between the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tacoma, the answer really depends on knowing exactly what you want to get from your truck and then choosing the model that best meets your needs. While that can seem simple enough, once you start digging into a lot of different specs and trying to jump back and forth between different reviews, the whole thing can quickly turn into a headache. Not to worry, however, as we’re going to help you look at what both pickups have to offer so that when you come to visit us at Colonial Toyota to see our new trucks in stock, you’ll know which is right for you.

The key thing to remember, before we get into the kinds of questions you are probably asking, is that this isn’t a situation where one of these trucks is definitively better than the other. They’re different models in different classes, so they’re going to have very different types of performance and capability. We can help you answer a lot of questions here about these two trucks, but it’ll help if you have a good sense of what you need from your pickup. That way, you can look at these answers, compare them to what you’re looking for, and your decision will be easy.

Which Truck is Bigger?

This is a great question to start with because a lot of other factors depend on the size and class of your truck, so you want to get one that meets your needs without being too big for your lifestyle. Overall, the Toyota Tundra is larger than the Tacoma because the Tundra is a full-size model while the Tacoma is a midsize pickup. Both trucks offer a wide range of excellent features, but if you want something large, then you’ll definitely want to look at the Tundra.

To break this down a bit further, let’s look at a few dimensions for these two trucks. The Tundra can measure almost 250 inches in overall length, about 80 inches in width, and stands just over 77 inches tall, depending on the trim you’re looking at. This length is if you choose a model with the largest bed available, which measures just over 97 inches long. By comparison, the Tacoma can measure about 225 inches long, about 75 inches wide, and around 71 inches in height. This length is for a model with its longest bed, which is about 73 inches long, while Tacoma models with the shorter bed are just 212 inches in total length.

That’s a lot of numbers. The point is that, in general, the Tundra can be about two or three feet longer overall and gives you access to a much longer bed. If you have some space concerns with a garage or other issues, then the smaller size of the Tacoma can be a better choice.

Which Truck Has a More Powerful Engine?

Since the Tundra is a larger truck, you’d probably expect it to have a more powerful engine; and you’d be completely right. The Toyota Tundra comes standard with a 5.7L DOHC V8 engine that delivers 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque for excellent power and performance with a 6-speed automatic transmission. By comparison, the Tacoma has two engines available: a 2.7L 4-cylinder that offers 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5L V6 with 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque.

What’s really interesting, however, is that two different transmissions are available for the Tacoma. Depending on the trim and options you choose, it can have either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. It’s become pretty hard to find a manual transmission on trucks these days, so if you want one on a midsize pickup, then the Tacoma is the way to go.

Which Truck Gives Me More Towing? More Payload?

You’ve probably already guessed the answer to these questions based on what you’ve read so far, and you’d be right: the Toyota Tundra gives you more of both. In terms of towing, the Tundra can handle up to 10,200 lbs of maximum towing when properly configured. By comparison, the midsize Tacoma tops out at 6,800 lbs of maximum towing with its V6 engine and the available tow package.

Looking at payload, the Tundra once again comes out on top, but the numbers are closer. When properly configured, the Toyota Tundra has up to 1,730 lbs of maximum payload. The Tacoma, on the other hand, can handle up to 1,685 lbs of maximum payload. So while the Tundra can take more weight loaded onto it, the difference is actually pretty minimal.

Which Truck Is Better for a Daily Commute?

So far, the Tundra has certainly looked like the superior option with a more powerful engine and far greater towing capacity. But what about how each of these compares for your daily commute or running errands? Let’s take a look at the kind of fuel economy they each have to offer and see which will go easier on your wallet.

Although there is a slight difference between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, at best, the Toyota Tundra can get an estimated 13 MPG in the city, 17 MPG on the highway, and 15 MPG combined. By comparison, in its most fuel-efficient configuration, the Toyota Tacoma gets an estimated 20 MPG in the city, 23 MPG on the highway, and 21 MPG combined. As you can see, you’re going to spend a lot less on gas while getting around town and hitting the highway with the Tacoma than you will with Toyota’s full-size option.

Which Truck Has a Better Entertainment System?

This is going to very much depend on the trim level you choose for these trucks, so let’s look at both of their standard starting options and the best they have to offer. The Toyota Tundra starts with a 7-inch infotainment display, support for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa, and a 6-speaker sound system. By comparison, the Tacoma essentially has the same starting options with a 7-inch infotainment display, 6-speaker sound system, and the same connectivity options.

When you look at the best entertainment systems available on these two trucks, however, then there’s a more significant difference. The Tacoma has an 8-inch infotainment display with navigation, along with a more sophisticated 6-speaker JBL premium audio system that includes a subwoofer and amplifier. Looking at the larger Tundra, you can get a similar 8-inch display with navigation, but it has a more impressive 12-speaker JBL sound system available.

Which Truck is More Expensive?

It’s easy to spend a lot of time looking at engines and performance, entertainment and sound systems, and end up ignoring something truly crucial: your budget. What you can reasonably afford is always going to have a huge impact on which truck is right for you, so let’s take a look at the prices of both of these trucks. For a full picture, we’ll look at the starting prices for most of their trim levels.*

Toyota Tundra

• SR – $34,025
• SR5 – $35,715
• Limited – $42,740
• Platinum – $49,245
• TRD Pro – $49,125

Toyota Tacoma

• SR – $26,400
• SR5 – $28,190
• TRD Sport – $33,310
• TRD Off-Road – $34,565
• Limited – $39,155
• TRD Pro – $44,325

As you can see, the Tundra generally costs more than the Tacoma, which makes sense when you consider the Tundra is larger, more powerful, and tends to have more features available. This really depends on the trim you look at, however, as you could easily spend more on the Toyota Tacoma Limited compared to the starting option for the Tundra. So while your budget will certainly impact which truck is right for you, the overall features and performance you want will likely have more of an influence on which pickup you can really afford.

Which Truck Is Right For You?

As we said, this question is really going to depend on your needs. If you need to haul heavy trailers or want a spacious family vehicle filled with premium features, then the Toyota Tundra will be your best choice. However, if you are looking for an affordable pickup or want an off-road truck with a manual transmission, then the Tacoma is your number one option. If you are still having trouble deciding, then swing by Colonial Toyota and take these two awesome trucks out for a test drive.

*MSRP subject to change. See dealer for details.