The Toyota Tundra vs. Tacoma: Which pickup is right for you? This answer largely depends on your workload. The Toyota Tundra is the larger and more powerful vehicle, and it has a significantly higher towing capacity. However, those who’d prefer to drive something leaner, more fuel-efficient, and with a lower MSRP might hear the Toyota Tacoma calling their name. You’ll find either capable truck at Street Toyota if you stop by today.
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2024 Toyota Tacoma | 2024 Toyota Tundra | |
---|---|---|
i-FORCE 2.4L turbo inline-4 | Standard Engine | i-FORCE 3.4L twin-turbo V-6 |
278 | Standard Horsepower | 358 or 389 (depends on tuning) |
317 lb-ft | Standard Torque | 406 or 479 lb-ft (depends on tuning) |
RWD or 4WD | Drivetrain | RWD or 4WD |
Up to 21 / 26 (Cty / Hwy)2 | EPA-Est. MPG w/ Standard Engine | Up to 18 / 23 (Cty / Hwy)2 |
i-FORCE MAX 2.4L turbo inline-4 hybrid | Available Engine | i-FORCE MAX 3.4L twin-turbo V-6 hybrid |
Up to 23 / 24 (Cty / Hwy)2 | EPA-Est. MPG w/ Hybrid Engine | Up to 20 / 24 (Cty / Hwy)2 |
6,500 lbs1 | Maximum Towing Capacity | 12,000 lbs1 |
2 – 5 people | Seating Capacity | 5 people |
213 – 226.2 in | Length | 233.6 – 252.5 in |
5 / 6 ft | Bed Length | 5.5 / 6.5 / 8.1 ft |
While both of these trucks work hard, the Toyota Tundra is the one with more power behind it. The same holds true whether you’re looking at these pickups’ standard or available hybrid engines. For example, the Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 hybrid delivers 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque.
The Toyota Tacoma and its i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbo inline-four hybrid engine-and-motor system produce 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of low-end torque, but this lighter vehicle can save you money on gas and can be easier to drive and park if you need to head into the city.
While it’s already been established that the Toyota Tundra is more serious about towing, what configuration is needed to achieve its maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds?1 For starters, you want to select a new Toyota Tundra in the SR5 trim. Then, choose the following:
Those interested in an 8.1-foot Long Bed can still tow up to 11,370 pounds,1 as long as the other factors above are consistent.
Drivers hoping to get the most towing potential out of their Toyota Tacoma pickup truck should opt for:
Both pickups offer comfortable and reliable cabins that gain more premium materials and advanced capabilities as you ascend to the top-level tiers. We invite you to contact us if you want to dive into all the details regarding the large number of Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tacoma trim levels. For now, here’s a brief look at your options:
Some of these trims have limitations on what cab or beds they can come with. For example, the Toyota Tacoma Limited automatically comes with a five-person Double Cab and a 5-foot bed. To discuss your mixing and matching options or to figure out how these selections affect Toyota Tundra vs. Tacoma size, stop by our dealership.
To get answers to your lingering questions about these trucks or to hear Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Tundra reviews, visit our team at Street Toyota. We can help you find appealing options among our Toyota Tacoma or Toyota Tundra deals, test-drive your top models, or build a truck that’s more tightly aligned with your goals for later delivery to our dealership. In short, we’ll find a vehicle that works and plays as hard as you do.
Ultimately, the Toyota Tundra engines are more powerful. The Toyota Tundra comes with an i-FORCE 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 that can be tuned two ways and an available i-FORCE MAX 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 hybrid. The Toyota Tacoma relies on an i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo inline-four or an i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbo inline-four hybrid powertrain.
Between the Toyota Tundra vs. Tacoma pickups, the Toyota Tundra has more horsepower. Its standard engine can make 358 horsepower, or it can be tuned to provide 389 horsepower. By contrast, the Toyota Tacoma standard engine delivers 278 horsepower. If you opt for the available hybrid powertrain for the Toyota Tundra, your horsepower rises to 437. The Toyota Tacoma also has a hybrid option, but it gets you to 326.
The cabin size difference between the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma depends on which cabin you select for each. They can both come with a Double Cab, which can seat five people. However, the Toyota Tacoma can also be outfitted with a two-seat Xtra Cab. The Toyota Tundra has a second cabin option, too. It’s the five-seater CrewMax Cab, which offers more second-row legroom than the Double Cab.
1Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner’s Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. “Added vehicle equipment” includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle’s exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.
2Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.