When it comes to reliable pick-up trucks, Toyota doesn’t disappoint.
Both the Tacoma and Tundra are solid options that have remained consumer favorites for more than a decade.
This article discusses the differences between these vehicles and helps you decide which of the two are best for your needs.
What You Need to Know About Tacoma
Before you start comparing the differences and similarities between these two majestic vehicles, you’ll need to know the details of what to expect from the Tacoma. Let’s take a quick look at its stats.
Tacoma Specs
The Tacoma has various information based on the model you choose. Here’s a brief overview of a few categories.
- MPG: In terms of the two-wheel drive options, the 3.5-liter automatic gives 19 MPG in the city and 24 on longer stretches. The 2.7-liter engine is a bit more fuel-efficient in the city with an average of 20 MPG, but only 23 on highway drives.
- Towing Capacity: The base 2.7L Tacoma can comfortably tow 3,500 lbs. However, if you select the V6 engine with a tow package, it can handle up to between 6,400 lbs and 6,800 lbs.
- Horsepower and Torque: The 2.7, four-cylinder engine offers you 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful 3.56 V6 engine gives 278 hp and 265 lb-ft torque.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: It has a 21.1-gallon tank.
- Curb Weight: 4425lbs.
There are also different body styles available:
- 2-door regular cab
- 2-door extended cab
- 4-door crew cab
2020 Toyota Tacoma (Source)
How Long is a Tacoma?
The length of a 2020 Toyota Tacoma is 212.3 inches long. The bed size is dependent on which trim you choose. The standard bed is six feet, but you can find models with 5-foot beds.
How Many Miles Will a Toyota Tacoma Last?
This vehicle is durable and can accumulate up to 400,000 miles if you maintain it properly. It hasnt been unheard of to reach 500K though. Tacomas are reliable enough to last more than a decade, according to sales data.
What You Need to Know About the Tundra
In a similar fashion as the Tacoma, you’ll want to know the specifics of the Tundra. You’ll notice a few differences in the specifications, but we’ll provide a detailed comparison later in this article.
Tundra Specs
To give you a clear indication of the Tundra’s details, we’re highlighting the information for various models.
- MPG: The MPG for 2020 Tundra models differ slightly but are both quite low. The two-wheel drive, eight-cylinder 5.7L automatic offers 13 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway.
- Towing Capacity: It ranges from 8,800lbs to 10,200 lbs.
- Horsepower and Torque: Thanks to its aluminum I-force V8 engine, the Tundra pushes out 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: This aspect is also model-dependent; some can hold 26.4 gallons, while others can take up to 38.
- Curb Weight: It varies according to the trim you’ve chosen but ranges from 5,172 lb to 5,640lb.
The Tundra also has various body styles:
- 2-door regular cab
- 4-door double cab
- Crewmax
How Long is a Toyota Tundra?
The length of the vehicle is 228.9 inches. The size of the Tundra’s bed varies, depending on the trim. The CrewMax has a short bed at 5.5 feet, while other models have either 6.5-foot or 8-foot beds.
How Many Miles Will a Tundra Last?
The Tundra is a sturdy vehicle that can deliver up to 700,000 miles, in some cases. Most people consider high-mileage for this product to range between 150,000 to 300,000 miles.
2019 Toyota Tundra (Source)
Tundra and Tacoma History
The Toyota Tacoma hit the market in 1995 as a replacement for the Toyota Hilux. The Tacoma was considered more appropriate for American consumers due to its superior ride quality, comfort, and handling.
First-generation models of this vehicle were classified as compact pick-up trucks. This definition applies to models produced from 1995 to 2004. In 2005 the second generation Tacoma was introduced and categorized as a mid-size pick-up. The third-generation vehicles became available in 2016, and current models fall into this category.
The Tacoma is currently produced in Mexico and the United States. It has a proud history as the first mid-size Toyota pickup truck built in America in 1999.
The Tundra is manufactured in the United States. Production in 1999 took place in Indiana but later moved to San Antonio in 2008.
Tacoma vs Tundra Similarities and Differences
Toyota has proven itself to be a reputable manufacturer in terms of pick-up trucks. This section of the review will look a bit deeper into the two vehicles’ similarities and differences. After reading this review, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the advantages of each of them.
Tacoma and Tundra Similarities
Both the Tundra and Tacoma are on the market for more than 20 years and have multiple trims available. If you’re looking to invest in the type of vehicle that will last for many years, these won’t disappoint; they still run smoothly after hundreds of thousands of miles.
Another similarity is that both vehicles offer a large bed size. The Tacoma and the Tundra’s bed sizes range from 5.5 feet to 8 feet in Tundra Models and 5 to 6 feet in Tacomas. The 2020 models also both feature Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Consumers prefer a trustworthy brand, and Toyota fits that bill. Having multiple trims available allows potential buyers to choose an option that suits their needs. The specs vary from one model to the next, but durability and ruggedness are common among these pick-ups.
In terms of mileage, these automobiles can go for decades without needing to be replaced. A properly maintained Tacoma or Tundra can easily reach 200,000 miles and still be considered to be in mint condition.
Tacoma and Tundra Differences
The biggest visible difference between the two is size. The Tacoma is classified as a mid-size pick-up, whereas a Tundra is a full-size truck.
The cab space ranges from 55 cu ft to 81 cu ft, whereas the range of a Tacoma’s cab is between 34 cu ft and 47 cu ft.
Performance
If you’re looking for power, the Tundra is the workhorse you’ll prefer. It has a maximum towing capacity of 10,200lbs compared to the 6,400lb maximum of the Tacoma. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Tundra gives less MPG than its counterpart.
Value
A basic SR trim Tacoma price averages around $26,150, but the more luxury TRD Pro can cost as much as $45,135. The bulky Tundra has a hefty starting price of $33,425, and a model with luxury features can have a price tag of up to $45,275.
Reliability
Both Toyota pick-up trucks are reliable, but consumers rate the Tundra more favorably. The main reason for this is the size, power, and longevity of the vehicle.
Performance and Off-Road Capabilities
The ground clearance of 10.2 inches, combined with its powerful V8 engine, makes the Tundra ideal for off-road adventures. The pick-up has a high-mounted suspension, which is necessary for protecting the vehicle’s key components.
Its low end torque and great horsepower capabilities make it easy for the truck to ascend steep inclines. If you opt for the TRD off-road package, your truck will have added protection with steel plates and a resin cover.
These protect the engine and the fuel tank from debris damage. The shocks provide a comfortable ride even on off-road terrain. The Toyota Tundra carries standard rear-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive is optional.
2020 Toyota Tacoma (Source)
The Toyota Tacoma is fully capable when in four-wheel drive. The rear-wheel option is not conducive to off-road adventures, getting stuck in even moderately muddy terrain. The automobile does feature a crawl control function, which assists with such situations.
TRD trims provide, among other things, a locking rear differential and Bilstein shocks. The Tacoma has a multi-terrain feature that allows the driver to steer through mud, sand, and rocky surfaces confidently. It assists with traction control for enhanced performance.
The Tacoma allows for left-foot braking in low range without killing the throttle. This feature comes in handy for challenging situations, such as getting over obstacles or out of holes. The ground clearance is approximately 7.5 inches when measured against the mud flaps.
Top Pick Between Tacoma and Tundra
While both the Tacoma and Tundra are excellent pick-ups, the Tacoma’s engine can’t quite measure up to the Tundra capabilities. When assessing the difference in torque, horsepower, and towing capacity, the Tundra’s superiority is clear.
Regarding other aspects such as fuel efficiency, the Tacoma ranks better. It’s also more convenient for fitting into smaller spaces. The compact size has a trade-off in confined cabin space, which is less spacious than the Tundra.
Purchasing a Tundra is more expensive. Both trucks are solid and dependable, but the Tundra is the top pick when it comes down to it. Its ability to carry heavy payloads and move at high-speeds despite its size is what appeals to consumers.
Bigger isn’t always better, but in the case of the Tundra, it is.
Conclusion
This review took an in-depth look at the functions and features of two well-loved pick-ups. Both the vehicles are worthwhile investments if you’re looking for a long-term purchase. The Tacoma is smaller and more versatile, suited for both on- and off-road driving, but the Tundra is packed with power.
People Also Ask
Even though both vehicles’ specs have been analyzed, there are still some popular questions left to answer.
Are Tacoma and Tundra Wheels The Same?
The Tundra has a bolt pattern of 5×150. This feature is what Toyota has been using since 2007. The Tacoma uses a bolt pattern 6×139. The Tacoma wheel size is 16×7 – 18×7.5, while the Tundra’s wheel size is 18×80 – 24×10.5.
How Much Gas Does a Tacoma vs Tundra Need?
The fuel consumption is higher with the Toyota Tundra, which is the cost of all the torque and horsepower. You’ll need to fill up more frequently than with the Tacoma. With a 26.4 gallon tank, the Tundra needs refueling every 448 miles, while the Tacoma needs a refill at 422 miles.
Toyota Tacoma vs Tundra: Which is Better For Off-Road?
While the Tacoma is slightly more agile, the Tundra has the power and ground clearance for more challenging surfaces. The Tundra’s shock absorbers and high-mounted suspension make off-roading effortless.
Tacoma vs Tundra. Which is Bigger?
In all aspects, the Toyota Tundra is bigger.