Toyota's reputation for safe reliable and inexpensive cars has helped turn it into one of the most popular brands on the market. So it comes as no surprise that their pick-up trucks, the Tacoma and Tundra, are among the most popular in the country.
The Tundra, Toyota's full-size pickup was designed to compete with trucks like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado and starts at $31,000. The Tacoma is Toyota's compact pickup and is comparable in size and capability to the Chevrolet Colorado or the Ford Ranger starting at $25,500. So which one is the right truck for you? This will mostly depend on what you need the truck for.
Beyond the truck's use, there are things that every would-be car owner has to look at like price, reliability, gas mileage and of course looks.
The Tacoma's Strengths and Weaknesses
In order to keep up with its competitors, Toyota has made a number of upgrades to the 2020 Tacoma including new infotainment system tech, an updated suspension system for the TRD Pro, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. But even with these upgrades, the Tacoma is not a luxury car. The interior is minimalist and rugged and if you don't buy the extended cab model, your passengers won't have much legroom. The driving experience, according to Consumer Reports, is "stiff" "loud" and "primitive".
As with most compact trucks, the off-road capable Tacoma is lighter and more fuel-efficient than the Tundra, with a combined 20 mpg, but this fuel efficiency comes at the cost of a decrease in horsepower and towing capacity. However, with models offering up to 6800lb towing capacity, you will still be able to haul campers up to 30 feet long and boats up to 25 feet long. So if you are looking for an inexpensive truck that doesn't constantly need gas the Tacoma is your best bet.
The Tundra's Strengths and Weaknesses
Like many full-size pickups, the Tundra is more capable and comfortable to drive than its compact counterpart. The new Tundra has all the same infotainment upgrades of the Tacoma but has more cabin room and a smoother ride than the Tacoma. However, some say the Tundra is too spacious, which can make it difficult for smaller drivers to reach the controls, so if you have long limbs you might want to give this truck a try.
The Tundra comes with a 381 horsepower V8 that can tow up to 10,200 pounds. Unfortunately, this powerful engine also gets a combined 15mpg, which might seem reasonable for a full-size truck until you realize that most of its competitors can tow more on less gas.
So to conclude, both the Tundra and Tacoma are inexpensive, reliable trucks and have up to date infotainment systems. So it just comes down to how much you value greater cabin space and towing capacity. At the end of the day, the less expensive and more fuel-efficient Tacoma should be able to meet the towing needs of most people, but people with larger trailers, boats, and RVs might find the Tundra worthwhile. If you are just looking for a full-size truck to drive for looks, you might want to consider other options.