Should I Buy a Toyota Tacoma or a Toyota Tundra?
Toyota has a well-earned and long-established reputation for excellence in both style and performance. It produces dependable vehicles that look good and hold up well over the years, all for an affordable price. When it comes to trucks, you may have a hard time choosing between the Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota Tundra, both popular trucks produced by Toyota and both offering excellent features and pricing.
Here’s a closer look at how the Toyota Tundra and the Tacoma compare to help you make the best choice for your needs:
Exterior Size Comparison
Take a look at the Tundra and the Tacoma parked side by side, and you will notice right away that the Tundra is a lot beefier. The Tundra looks almost like the Tacoma after intense training. This is a trucked that has bulked up, and you can see the defined bulges throughout the body!
Just looking at the numbers, the 2017 Toyota Tacoma is 212 to 226 inches long, depending on the cab and bed configuration you choose. The Tacoma is 74 to 75 inches wide and 71 to 72 inches high. Meanwhile, the 2017 Toyota Tundra is a much longer 229 to 248 inches long, 80 inches wide, and 76 to 77 inches high. It has more bulk all the way around. While a few inches might not seem like much, it can make a big difference in terms of interior comfort and what you are able to haul in the bed.
Differences in Performance
You’ll enjoy powerful performance in both the Toyota Tacoma and the Tundra, but each offers something a little different that may influence your decision to buy. The base model Toyota Tacoma comes with a 2.7-liter Inline4 engine that puts out 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. If you want a little more oomph, you can opt for the upgraded 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. With both engines, you’ll get dependable performance and a capable ride.
However, if you really need more power behind your drive, such as if you’re going to be doing a lot of off-roading or you’re going to be hauling a lot of equipment, you might want to opt for the Toyota Tundra. The base model 2017 Tundra comes with a 4.6-liter V8 engine that puts out an impressive 310 horsepower and 327 lb-ft of torque. With that extra power, you’ll notice that the truck accelerates faster, it makes transitions more easily, and it isn’t slowed down by rough patches like gravel or uneven pavement. Of course, the truck will also feel more capable when you’re hauling heavy loads.
Interior Size Comparison
A lot of people drive trucks for work, so they think more about practicality and not comfort when they are shopping. But you don’t want to be feel cramped in an uncomfortable truck when you’re climbing into the driver’s seat after a long day at work.
You’ll find a bit more space inside the Tundra, which can seat six passengers instead of five. Front leg room is about a half inch smaller than what you get in the Tacoma, but the head and shoulder room are both a few inches bigger. Overall, you are going to enjoy a roomier ride with more people in the Toyota Tundra. However, you’ll be comfortable enough in the Tacoma. The interior comparison won’t necessarily make or break your decision.
Comparing Towing and Payload Capacity
Are you a green thumb who likes to use your truck to haul loads of mulch or wood for your hobby projects? Or are you a contractor who needs your truck to haul rental equipment and loads of raw materials? The answer will determine what kind of truck you need.
The Toyota Tundra is better suited for those who need to haul heavier loads. It can tow between 6,400 and 10,500 pounds, depending on how it’s configured. The payload is between 1,440 and 2,080. In comparison, the Toyota Tacoma can tow between 3,500 and 6,400 pounds, and it has a payload between 1,120 and 1,620 pounds. It’s important that you are realistic in your estimation of how you will use your truck when you are deciding between these two models. You don’t want to underestimate and then find yourself in a tough situation because your truck can’t handle what you need.
Pricing Differences
The 2017 Toyota Tundra is a bigger truck that offers more powerful performance, so it comes at a higher price. The base model Toyota Tundra starts at $30,120. The price goes up with the higher trim levels and with the more options you add.
In contrast, the 2017 Toyota Tacoma starts at an affordable $24,575. Likewise, the price goes up with the trim levels and the extras you add on.
When comparing costs, you’ll need to look beyond the simple numbers. Compare the features you get in exchange for that price to consider if it’s the right value. For example, do you find the more powerful engine and extra cab space to be worth the extra money that the Tundra costs? If so, that might be the right truck for you.
Which is Right for You?
You really can’t go wrong with a Toyota truck. However, to make sure that the truck you buy is absolutely perfect for you, you need to visit a Toyota dealership and take a test drive of both the Tacoma and the Tundra. Get a feel for what those engines do in action, and see how the trucks handle. Make sure you feel comfortable behind the wheel. Also take time to try out each of the features, so you can make sure that the trucks offer everything you need.
Once you experience the trucks for yourselves, you’ll quickly know which one feels better to you and which will best meet your needs. Then you can talk with the specialist about financing offers to make sure that the perfect truck for you is also perfect for your budget.