The Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota Tundra are two of the most popular and reliable pickup trucks on the market today. The Tacoma is a mid-size truck, and the Tundra is a full-size truck. Both trucks are available in a wide range of trims and configurations to suit a variety of needs.
The most significant differences between the two trucks are size, capability, and price. The Tundra is the beefier of the two trucks, offering more power for towing and hauling. The Tacoma, on the other hand, is smaller, lighter, and more fuel-efficient, making it a better choice for everyday driving and off-road adventures.
Which truck is right for you? This guide offers a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision between the Tundra vs Tacoma, covering everything from dimensions and performance to features and price.
Dimensions and Size: Tacoma vs. Tundra
Size is one of the most immediately noticeable differences between the Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota Tundra. Let’s break down how these trucks measure up.
Exterior Dimensions
The Tacoma is noticeably smaller than the Tundra. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma measures about 225.5 inches long, 70.6 inches high, and 75.2 inches wide. Compare that to the 2024 Toyota Tundra, which clocks in at 252.5 inches long, 78 inches high, and 81.6 inches wide. Even the redesigned 2025 models follow this pattern, with the Tundra measuring about 20 inches longer than the Tacoma.
This size difference has a real impact on how the trucks handle. The Tacoma’s smaller footprint makes it easier to maneuver in cities and squeeze into tight parking spots. The Tundra, on the other hand, offers a more substantial presence on the road, along with more interior space.
Cab and Bed Options
Both trucks offer a range of cab configurations. The Tacoma offers an Access Cab and a Double Cab, while the Tundra offers a Double Cab and a CrewMax. Each cab style can be paired with different bed lengths (short, standard, or long, depending on the model year and configuration).
Your choice of cab and bed will affect how many passengers you can comfortably carry and how much cargo you can haul. CrewMax Tundras, for instance, offer significantly more legroom for rear passengers. Longer beds are ideal for carrying larger items, while shorter beds make the truck easier to handle.
Performance and Engine Options
Let’s face it: when you’re shopping for a truck, you’re shopping for performance. So how do the Tundra and Tacoma stack up in terms of horsepower, torque, towing, and payload?
Engine Specifications
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma’s engine can crank out a maximum of 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The 2024 Toyota Tundra, on the other hand, offers a robust 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The 2025 Tundra features a 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 engine delivering 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque.
The upcoming 2025 Toyota Tacoma will offer a 2.4L Turbo 4-Cylinder engine (base) with 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque, along with an i-FORCE MAX Hybrid 4-Cylinder engine boasting 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.
The Tacoma gives you the option of a six-speed manual transmission, while the Tundra comes standard with a 10-speed automatic. Both trucks are available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.
Towing and Payload Capacity
If you’re planning to haul or tow, the Tundra definitely has the edge. The 2023 Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds and has a maximum payload of 1,155 pounds. The 2024 Tundra, however, tows up to 12,000 pounds and offers a payload capacity of 1,940 pounds. The 2025 Tundra maintains the same towing capacity of 12,000 lbs, while the 2025 Tacoma is able to tow up to 6,500 lbs.
The 2025 Tundra and Tacoma offer max payload capacities of 1,940 lbs and 1,705 lbs, respectively.
That means the Tundra is better suited for heavier work, like hauling construction materials or towing a large camper. The Tacoma is perfectly capable for lighter-duty work, such as towing a small boat or ATV.
Trim Levels and Features
Both the Tacoma and Tundra come in a range of trim levels, each offering a different mix of features and capabilities.
Tacoma Trim Options
The Tacoma offers a wide variety of trims, from the base SR to the off-road-ready TRD Pro and the new-for-2024 Trailhunter. Here’s a quick rundown:
- SR: The base model, offering essential features and Toyota’s reliability at an affordable price.
- SR5: Adds more comfort and convenience features, like upgraded infotainment and styling.
- TRD Sport: Focuses on sporty styling and on-road performance.
- TRD Off-Road: Geared towards off-road enthusiasts, with features like skid plates, locking rear differential, and off-road tuned suspension.
- Limited: The luxury trim, with leather upholstery, premium audio, and advanced tech.
- TRD Pro: The ultimate off-road Tacoma, with even more aggressive suspension, protective gear, and unique styling.
- Trailhunter: Overlanding model.
The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro are particularly noteworthy for their off-road prowess. These trims come equipped with features like skid plates to protect the undercarriage, locking differentials for improved traction, and specialized off-road suspension to handle rough terrain.
Tundra Trim Options
The Tundra also offers a diverse lineup, ranging from the work-ready SR to the ultra-luxurious Capstone. Here’s a look:
- SR: The base Tundra, providing a capable and reliable work truck.
- SR5: Adds more features and comfort compared to the SR.
- Limited: A step up in luxury, with leather seats and more advanced technology.
- Platinum: Focuses on premium comfort and styling.
- 1794 Edition: A Western-themed luxury trim, with unique leather and wood accents.
- TRD Pro: The off-road-oriented Tundra, with similar features to the Tacoma TRD Pro.
- Capstone: Most luxurious model.
The Platinum and 1794 Edition trims cater to those seeking a more luxurious experience. These trims boast features like premium leather upholstery, high-end audio systems, and a range of advanced technology features.
Technology and Interior Features
Both the Tacoma and Tundra offer appealing tech and comfort features, but there are some key differences to consider.
Infotainment Systems
Both trucks come standard with infotainment systems that include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a backup camera. The base Tacoma has a smaller screen than the Tundra, but both offer available upgrades like larger touchscreens, navigation, and premium audio.
Interior Comfort and Convenience
If you regularly haul passengers, the Tundra is the clear winner. It offers significantly more rear seating space and a generally more comfortable ride. Both trucks offer available comfort features like heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and power-adjustable seats, but the Tundra generally offers a higher level of refinement.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities. If you prioritize maneuverability and affordability, the Tacoma is a great option. If you need more space and capability, the Tundra is the way to go.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Both the Tacoma and the Tundra come standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ (TSS), a suite of features designed to keep you and your passengers safe. These include:
- Pre-collision system
- Lane departure alert
- Adaptive cruise control
It’s worth noting that the Tacoma boasts a slightly newer version of this technology (TSS 3.0), which offers enhanced performance.
And when it comes to crash testing, both the Tacoma and Tundra have earned the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), so you can rest assured that you’re driving a safe vehicle.
Pricing and Value
When it comes to price, the Tacoma wins hands down. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma has a starting MSRP of $31,500. The 2025 Toyota Tundra starts at $40,500.
The Tacoma gives you a lower price, while the Tundra gives you more power, space, and options. Both trucks are known for reliability, so the best value depends on what you need. If you don’t need a full-size truck, the Tacoma is a great choice. But if you need maximum capability, the Tundra is worth the extra money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Tundras hold their value like Tacomas?
Tacomas are known for outstanding resale value, often outpacing even the Tundra. The Tacoma’s popularity as a mid-size truck, combined with Toyota’s reputation for reliability, contributes to its strong value retention. While the Tundra holds its value well for a full-size truck, the Tacoma tends to depreciate less over time.
Why do Tacomas cost more than Tundras?
It’s a common question, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. Generally, comparing base models, the Tundra has a higher MSRP. However, lightly used older Tundras can sometimes be found at prices similar to, or even lower than, newer, well-equipped Tacomas due to market demand and trim levels. The Tacoma’s enduring popularity can drive up its price on the used market.
Do Tacomas and Tundras have the same engine?
No, Tacomas and Tundras do not share the same engine. The Tacoma typically offers a smaller displacement engine, often a four-cylinder or a V6. The Tundra, being a full-size truck, generally comes with larger, more powerful V6 or V8 engines designed for heavier workloads and towing capacity.
What is the most reliable Toyota truck?
Both the Tacoma and Tundra have earned reputations for reliability. However, the Tacoma is often cited as being slightly more reliable overall, likely due to its simpler design and smaller size, which can translate to fewer potential issues. That being said, both are excellent choices if reliability is your main concern.
Wrapping Up
The Toyota Tundra and the Toyota Tacoma are both excellent trucks, but they’re designed for different purposes. The Tundra is a full-size pickup that’s great for heavy-duty tasks like towing and hauling. The Tacoma is a mid-size truck that’s more maneuverable and better suited for everyday driving and off-road excursions.
When you’re trying to decide which truck is right for you, carefully consider your needs. What will you be using the truck for the most? Towing? Hauling? Off-roading? Daily commutes?
The best way to choose between the Tundra and the Tacoma is to visit your local Toyota dealership and test drive both of them. That way, you can compare the features and see which one feels right for you.