Toyota Tacoma vs Tundra
If you’re like many drivers near Orleans, Eastham, and Harwich, MA, you may be looking for a capable pickup to suit your active lifestyle. So, you might be wondering whether the Toyota Tacoma or Tundra is the right fit for you.
At Ira Toyota of Orleans, we know that both Toyota trucks have plenty to offer. That’s why we’re comparing them point-for-point here, to show you the benefits of both. Read on to learn more, then contact our team to test drive your favorite.
Toyota Tacoma vs Tundra: Powertrain
The powertrain is important when you’re deciding on your next pickup. So, it’s great to know that both the Tacoma and Tundra offer powerful engine specs and capable handling abilities. For example, both can help you tackle those snowy New England winter roadways with available 4WDemand part-time 4-wheel drive (4WD).
Aside from that, the two trucks differ in terms of power and efficiency:
|
2021 Toyota Tacoma |
2021 Toyota Tundra |
|
| Maximum available horsepower/torque |
278 horsepower/265 lb-ft |
381 horsepower/401 lb-ft |
| Maximum EPA-estimated MPG |
20 city/23 highway MPG1 |
13 city/17 highway MPG2 |
If you’re looking for a lot of power, then we’ll direct you toward the Tundra. This Toyota truck comes standard with a 5.7L V8 engine that produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. However, if you want an everyday truck that won’t have you stopping at the pump to fill up, then the Tacoma offers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 20 city/23 highway MPG.1
Tundra vs Tacoma: Towing and Payload Specs
When it’s time for work, the Toyota Tundra offers the specs you need for heavier towing and hauling:3
- Toyota Tacoma max towing capacity: 6,800 pounds
- Toyota Tundra max towing capacity: 10,200 pounds
With a towing capacity of 10,0200 pounds when properly equipped, the Tundra offers more towing power than the 6,800 pounds you get with the Tacoma. However, we see these two trucks much more evenly matched when it comes to payload capacity. The Tacoma can handle up to 1,685 pounds of payload, and the Tundra can manage 1,730 pounds.4
Toyota Tundra vs Tacoma: Outdoor Adventuring
Of course, it isn’t all about work. Sometimes you need to play, and the Tacoma and Tundra have what you need to enjoy a day off. Take available Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), for example. A-TRAC optimizes traction across the front and rear axles simultaneously, helping improve grip on low-traction surfaces.
However, you may find that the Tacoma is a bit easier to maneuver around obstacles based on its size:
|
Toyota Tacoma |
Toyota Tundra |
|
| Minimum curb weight |
3,915 pounds |
5,170 pounds |
| Minimum length |
212 inches |
228.9 inches |
| Minimum width |
74.4 inches |
79.9 inches |
With a curb weight as low as 3,915 pounds, the Tacoma is much lighter than the Tundra. Not only that, but it’s more than a foot shorter in length, which may make it easier to park when you return to the city from your off-road adventure.
Which Will You Choose: Toyota Tacoma or Toyota Tundra?
Whether you want a truck with mighty horsepower, efficient engine specs, capable towing, or a nimble frame is entirely up to you. Our team at Ira Toyota of Orleans can help you determine whether the Toyota Tacoma or Toyota Tundra is right for your lifestyle near Eastham, Harwich, or Orleans, MA.
Contact us and test drive a Toyota today!
1 EPA-estimated 20 city/23 hwy/21 combined mpg rating for 2021 Tacoma SR 4×2 4-Cyl. AT and SR5 4×2 4-Cyl. AT; 19 city/22 hwy/20 combined mpg rating for 2021 Tacoma SR 4×4 4-Cyl. AT and SR5 4×4 4-Cyl. AT; 19 city/24 hwy/21 combined mpg rating for 2021 Tacoma SR 4×2 V6 AT, SR5 4×2 V6 AT, TRD Sport 4×2 V6 AT, TRD Off-Road 4×2 V6 AT and Limited 4×2 V6 AT; 18 city/22 hwy/20 combined mpg rating for 2021 Tacoma SR 4×4 V6 AT, SR5 4×4 V6 AT, TRD Sport 4×4 V6 AT, TRD Off-Road 4×4 V6 AT, Limited 4×4 V6 AT and TRD Pro 4×4 V6 AT; 17 city/21 hwy/18 combined mpg rating for 2021 Tacoma TRD Sport 4×4 V6 MT; and 17 city/20 hwy/18 combined mpg rating for 2021 Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4×4 V6 MT and TRD Pro 4×4 V6 MT. Use 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.
2 2021 projected EPA-estimated rating estimates. EPA estimates not available at time of posting. Actual mileage will vary.
3 Before 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 wight 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.
4 Payload Capacity is the calculation of GVWR minus curb weight and should be used for comparison purposes only. The maximum amount of passenger and cargo weight your vehicle can carry is the Load Carrying Capacity indicated on the label(s) on the driver’s doorjamb.
