In the world of mid- and full-sized pickup trucks, there are a select few with histories of continued durability and power. Among these, the venerated Toyota Tacoma and Tundra have proven themselves as top contenders by continually, year after year, supplying pickup truck drivers with something rough and tough, yet also something sleek and modern. But of these two fantastic machines, which is the best pick for you?
Here is a quick glance at some of the new, notable features of both trucks:
The new Toyota Tundra comes fitted with a new suspension, plenty of updated technology, a tougher and sportier design, and more available packages, like the two new powertrain options–a twin-turbo V6 engine and a hybrid twin-turbo V6.
- Twin-Turbo V6: can tow up to 12,000 pounds and comes paired with a 10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission; sequential shift mode; uphill/downhill shift logic; and TOW/HAUL driving modes.
- Hybrid Twin-Turbo V6: generates 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft. of torque; also comes paired with a 10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission; sequential shift mode; uphill/downhill shift logic; and TOW/HAUL driving modes.
This year, fans of the top-selling Toyota Tacoma pickup truck will be thrilled to see and sit inside an overhauled interior, a revamp that Tacoma has never seen. Every 2024 Tacoma comes with raised seating, added headroom, and a more adjustable steering column–all designed to bring the new Tacoma to a higher level of comfort and support. The Tacoma also has plenty more upgrades this year on the interior and exterior, as well as, under the hood and body.
Tacoma and Tundra: The Specifics
It’s a tough decision, choosing between the Tacoma and the Tundra. Both are big, formidable trucks, fitted with all the newest technologies and both are easily customizable to your liking. The Tacoma, the smaller of the two trucks, is one of the highest-rated mid-size pickup trucks in the country, and the full-sized Tundra has made it to the top of most American automaker’s lists as the most popular pickup, pitting itself against the Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado 1500.
The 2024/2025 models of the Tacoma and Tundra come redesigned for the first time since 2022, making this year a big one for the brand. Both are set to maintain their spot at the top of any serious pickup driver’s list by touting a bulkier frame and a bit more power. Let’s take a closer look:
- Cab and Bed Sizes
The Tacoma comes as either a two-door Xtra Cab or a four-door Double Cab, each configuration offering a little something different. The Xtra Cab allows for two passengers and has plenty of storage space behind the front seats. The Double Cab, on the other hand, offers a rear seat and allows for up to five passengers. As far as bed size, the Xtra Cab comes with a six-foot bed while the Double Cab comes with a choice of either a five-foot or a six-foot bed.
The new Tundra, in all its versions, comes as a four-door along with a little more body length and width. The Double Cab is the smallest of the two options, as the CrewMax comes with larger rear doors and more space in the back for passengers. The Tundra also comes with four bed lengths: the Double Cab with a 6.5-foot or an 8.1-foot bed; the CrewMax comes with either a 5.5-foot short bed or a 6.5-foot bed.
- Power Under the Hood
Previous versions of the two Toyota trucks had the Tacoma as a V-6 and the Tundra as a V-8. Both come a bit differently now: the Tacoma’s sole engine choice is a turbocharged four-cylinder, while the Tundra comes with a turbocharged V-6. What’s more, the smaller turbo engines offered come with more power than they ever have before, and both the Tacoma and the Tundra offer hybrid options–the i-Force Max with an extra boost of power.
The Tacoma comes standard as a turbocharged, 2.4-liter inline-four engine with 228 horsepower. There is a step up with a 278-horsepower version of this engine, and there is also a hybrid version as an option that operates with a four-cylinder engine that produces up to 326 horsepower.
As transmission goes, an eight-speed automatic is standard in most models, but there is an available six-speed manual with certain trim levels that can produce as much as 270 horsepower. The new Tundra comes with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter, V-6 engine with or without hybrid capabilities. The base version of the Tundra comes with 389 horsepower and the i-Force Max hybrid has 437 hp.
- Towing and Payload
It’s no surprise the bigger Tundra can tow and haul more than the Tacoma, but as the smaller sibling, the Tacoma can hold its own as well.
In the SR5 Double Cab configuration with rear-wheel drive, the Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds with a total payload capacity of 1,940 pounds. Meanwhile, the Tacoma is able to handle up to 6,500 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,709 pounds–nothing small about that at all!
- Going Off the Grid
Besides their luxurious rides and standout power, the Tacoma and Tundra trucks have built a reputation for off-roading, primarily in the TRD Pro trim levels. Both trucks offer the TRD Pro option that features tons of surprising upgrades that help to traverse through tough terrain. This version of the Tacoma and Tundra also comes with a more rugged physique with black trim, special coloring, unique wheels, and stylish badging throughout the interior and exterior. The TRD Pro includes four-wheel drive as standard for both models, while this feature comes as optional on most of the other trim levels. Additionally, both trucks under the TRD Pro trims come equipped with lifted suspension setups with special Fox shocks and 33-inch all-terrain tires. For ground clearance, the Tacoma’s smaller size makes it a little better than the Tundra for navigating tighter trails.
Lastly, the new Tacoma is introducing a new trim level called the TrailHunter, which is a more extreme version of the TRD Pro. The TrailHunter comes with the same mechanical upgrades as the TRD Pro, and it is set to accommodate overlanding extras like a rooftop tent and accessory lights, as well as, additional power outlets and an onboard compressor–the perfect setup for using your Toyota pickup as an outdoor tent.
What is great about the Tacoma and Tundra trucks is that both are large and agile enough to have some fun when off the beaten path, yet they are compact enough to handle any suburban commute; this versatility, in addition to the uncanny longevity, is one of the key factors to the growing popularity of Toyota truck—especially in an age where people like to have the option to head to the mountains on a whim and know that their vehicle is more than capable of handling anything.
