CHOOSING BETWEEN THE TACOMA AND TUNDRA FOR YOUR USED TRUCK
Whether your used truck search takes you toward a more agile and maneuverable body, size such as the Toyota Tacoma, or toward the heavy-duty, full-size pickup option, such as the Toyota Tundra, you can be sure either truck will offer the dependability and driving please long associated with the Toyota truck lineup. Let’s take a look at how the two used trucks compare to help you make that all-important used truck decision.
MSRP, POWERTRAIN, AND MPG
While both the Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota Tundra offer excellent value for your money, they do have significantly different used price points. A late-model, low-mileage used Tacoma in the Longview, TX area averages around $26,000 in price while a used Tundra of similar year model and mileage will run about $30,000.
The Toyota Tacoma mid-size truck has a reliable 2.5L V6 engine and 278 horsepower with 265 ft-lbs of torque, giving it plenty of power for everyday use. The bigger and more powerful Tundra steps up in the power department with a sizeable 5.7L V8 engine that touts 381 horsepower and 401 ft-lbs of torque.
Both trucks take unleaded fuel, helping to keep costs down while the Tacoma comes out in front of the fuel efficiency race with 19 MPG in the city and 24 on the highway, significantly outperforming the Tundra’s 13 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway.
The difference in engine size, power, and fuel efficiency is to be expected, as the lighter and smaller Tacoma is less of a workhorse than the bigger, heavier Tundra.
The difference in these specifications matches the difference in intended usage for each truck, and their respective prices. To make sure you make the best choice and get the right options for you, it is essential to also consider how you will use your used Tacoma or Tundra.
SAFETY AND WARRANTY
Both of the trucks are built tough and strong and come with plenty of included safety features. Both vehicles feature stability control as standard, but only the Tundra has trailer brake control and trailer assist. ABS, brake assist, and electronic brake distribution are also standard on both trucks.
The Toyota Tacoma gets points for its standard hill assist option, which the Tacoma now has available as an additional option. Both vehicles feature a standard rear parking camera, electronic traction control, low tire pressure warning, and front and side airbags.
Lane departure warning and collision warning activation at low speed combine with daytime running lights and an NHTSA rollover crash rating of four as standard on the Tacoma and Tundra.
Both vehicles offer an identical warranty package that includes a whole vehicle warranty of 36 months or 36,000 miles, powertrain warranty of 60 months or 60,000 miles, and no-cost maintenance for 24 months or 25,000 miles.
The Tacoma and the Tundra both match up well in terms of safety and warranty, with neither having a clear advantage over the other. Toyotas are well known for durability, and with proper care, either truck will last many years of trouble-free use.
INFOTAINMENT AND INTERIOR
Infotainment options in the Tacoma and Tundra include the Etune Audio system, no built-in navigation or apps, Bluetooth music streaming as standard, and an in-dash single CD player. The Tundra comes out slightly ahead with six speakers compared to the Tacoma’s four.
The two trucks are similar in their infotainment options, and choosing either one will give a basic set of features to enjoy while driving.
The Tacoma offers seating for five, while the Tundra features upgraded seating capacity for six passengers. Both trucks have standard options for reading lights, 12V power outlets, and cup holders. The only other notable differences are an overhead console storage area exclusive to the Tacoma and an additional 12V outlet and armrest only available in the Tundra.
Overall, the main differences in infotainment and interior come down to the intended design for each truck and the individual differences in price. The overall experience of each is going to remain largely the same in this area.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Both trucks feature adaptive cruise control, power steering, air conditioning, manual climate control, power door locks, multi-function steering wheel, reading lights, power windows, and automatic high-beams.
There is little to set the two trucks apart in the comfort and convenience category, giving an overall similar driving experience in both.
CONCLUSION
The Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota Tundra are both outstanding used trucks in reliability, performance, and overall looks. When choosing which truck is right for you, the deciding factor will undoubtedly come down to the price and how you intend to use the truck for work and play.
If you are looking for an about-town, maneuverable, agile, and highly efficient truck for everyday use, then the Toyota Tacoma could be the right choice for you.
If, on the other hand, you expect to need a heavy-duty workhorse of a truck or to take the kids to soccer practice or on day-trips, the Toyota Tundra will certainly be the better pick.
Whichever used truck is right for you, both Toyota trucks are sure to give you an outstanding value for money and a great overall driving experience in the used truck lineup.
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