In the world of full-sized pickup trucks, there are a select few with histories of continued durability and power. Among these, the celebrated Toyota Tundra has proven itself as a top contender by continually supplying pickup truck drivers with something rough and tough, yet also smooth and modern.
The Tundra has recently gained even more popularity, causing many to consider it over some of today’s top sellers. How does the new Tundra pit against the competition? There’s plenty out there these days with new Sierras and F-150s, both touting superior power and comfort, but can the Tundra hang with them? Let’s look at the Tundra’s street power compared to a couple of the most popular truck brands today.
Truck drivers shopping for a full-sized pickup usually have a specific reason for such a vehicle. These types of trucks are not for the casual truck driver. They are made to work well under serious conditions and produce time and again. Full-sized trucks can pull and haul almost anything, anywhere; right now, the Toyota Tundra is leading the market in big pickups.
Maybe it’s because the Tundra handles as well as a smaller truck but packs a lot more power; or, maybe it’s because of the stalwart V6 engine it comes with — or even the hybrid V6. The Tundra leads the pack for many reasons, and it will only get better over the next few years as Toyota continues to focus more on its truck lineup. Mount Airy Toyota dives into more detail:
The Tundra vs. the F-150
No matter what Toyota decides to do with the next generation of Tundras, it’s worth looking at what the model has accomplished so far. And what better way to do that than to set the Tundra up, side by side, with another famous contender: the 2023 F-150.
Though the Ford F-150 has stood firm as one of America’s favorite trucks for many years, the all-new Tundra puts up a tenacious match with its cult-like following and increasing popularity within the popular market. It’s interesting how Toyota has managed to scale the ladder of success in the truck market.
Rather than try and bypass the popularity of trucks like the F-150 or even the GMC Sierra by creating “the next best thing,” Toyota has opted to play the long game. Each year, its trucks — the Tundra and Tacoma — become more competitive in what has always been a domestic-led market.
2022 Was the Model Year of Change
A great example of Toyota’s rise in the ranks is the introduction of a new Tundra version in 2022. This version of a full-size, light-duty pickup came packed with intuitive technology inside and outside of the truck, clearly setting it apart from the wannabes and bringing it into conversation with the likes of the F-150 and GMC Sierra.
Toyota didn’t stop there, either. The 2023 Tundra comes equally as packed with impressive power and technology as before — and with a little extra. Its big selling point, though — that which might even put it over the 2023 F-150 for many folks — is the fact that Toyota has mastered the full-size power in the light-duty styling. The Tundra is a lot of truck but not too much truck. Can that be said about the new F-150?
More specifically, though the Tundra doesn’t offer a conventional V8 engine as the F-150 does, it does have a 3.4-liter V6 engine fitted with twin turbochargers — there’s that power! And that’s not all. The 2023 Toyota Tundra has a parallel hybrid system incorporating an electric generator to work between the twin-turbo engine and the transmission. This is something you will not find in the F-150, one aspect that truly sets the Tundra apart and has other truck makers left scratching their heads.
It’s All in the Details
Next, there is the innovatively designed suspension of the 2023 Toyota Tundra. Rather than use the typical leaf-spring rear suspension, such as that used in the F-150 and the like, the Tundra uses coil springs, which provide a smoother ride and handling.
There are also more immediately noticeable benefits to the 2023 Toyota Tundra. There is a more refined interior with more durable, smarter materials being used. And it comes with a completely redesigned infotainment system as well. It almost seems as though Toyota, years ago, saw the writing on the wall that the modern truck would turn into a family driver, which prompted the company to create the most sophisticated, luxurious full-size pickup possible.
There’s no denying the F-150 and Tundra are solid trucks, both deserving of the accolades (especially as of late). Both truck brands come with plenty of cab styles, trim levels, bed lengths, and other choices and both will continue to dominate the US market.
The Tundra vs. the Sierra
Which truck is more reliable, faster, longest-lasting, and better overall: the GMC Sierra or Toyota Tundra? This question leaves full-sized pickup truck drivers in a bit of a pickle lately, as both trucks have been cited as two of the best in their class.
If you can reduce the many full-sized pickup options down to the GMC Sierra and Toyota Tundra, you’ve probably done your research. But there are a couple of extra questions you can ask yourself to help make this decision a little easier if you need a worthy full-sized truck.
What Kind of Power Do You Need?
Both trucks are incredibly tough, but they have their differences. You get more speed with the Tundra; it can go from zero to 60 in just 6.1 seconds. It’s hard to believe a big truck can get going that fast, but it’s true! The Tundra comes off the line quickly and with ease. This makes it as great a vehicle for highway driving as it is for off-roading.
The GMC Sierra, however, has an engine that delivers up to 420 horsepower and 460 pounds-feet of torque. But it doesn’t quite have the speed. Since the Tundra already offers almost as much horsepower and torque, the additional speed takes it over the top for us. Power and speed working together — that’s the kind of truck that gets things done!
What Sort of Features Do You Like Best?
Both trucks are leaders among their peers in technology, but the specific features vary between the two. The Tundra comes with Toyota’s Entune app suite, which includes Bluetooth, music, and mobile apps. The Tundra also comes standard with a rearview camera and is packed full of safety features and additional technology, which proves invaluable for the techy truck drivers looking to tow heavy loads and navigate through rugged terrain, all the while using the most up-to-date technology on the market.
The GMC Sierra comes with the respected IntelliLink system, which allows a wireless 4G LTE hotspot and can connect up to seven mobile devices. There are options for more technology and safety features, but the Tundra offers more standard and available perks.
Whether you want to buy now or wait to see what the next generation of Toyota Tundras reveals, Mount Airy Toyota is the place to discover everything you need to know. Give us a call or come by our dealership to see what we have on the lot — you could be driving away in your dream truck in no time!
