If you are planning to go to Orange auto sales dealer to purchase a new pick-up trunk, it would be wise to stop and read this article before you head out the door. Ultimately, no matter which way you look at it, you are going to have to choose between two of the best pick-up trucks in the world: the Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota Tundra.
There are new and used options at the dealer of Orange county auto sales that are very solid reliable pick-up trucks. However, when you are stuck between two very good choices, it can be difficult to choose the vehicle that is best for you. So, the Orange auto sales representatives are there for you and have this to say about both vehicles.
Tacoma Goes Head To Head With The Tundra
In 1995, the Tacoma replaced the previous pickup truck that was creatively named the “Toyota Pickup”. After that, Toyota got to the brass tacks to make the naming structure of their pick-up trucks sound bolder, and that’s when we saw the launch of the Tundra.
The Tacoma is classed as a midsize truck while the Tundra is the larger pick-up. The Tundra was released after the Tacoma, in 1999 to be exact, and it’s the first full-size truck that was sold in North America from a Japanese car manufacturer.
Toyota launched the Tundra to compete with other big-selling large pick-up trucks on the market. A fun fact to many customers at Orange auto sales is that the Tacoma and the Tundra are assembled in San Antonio, Texas. When jumping back and forth between the Tacoma and the Tundra, you are going to realize that each truck has very different trim levels to offer, engines as well as features.
Exterior: Tacoma Vs Tundra
The Tacoma is a smaller size compared to the Tundra, so there are several recognizable differences between the two cars’ exteriors.
The Tacoma and the Tundra both have a basic model which is the SR edition. The first noticeable difference between the two trucks is the front end, particularly the grilles. Even though the Tacoma and the Tundra have hexagonal-shaped grilles, they are not the same at all. The Tacoma’s grille is more defined, whereas the Tundra’s grille is bigger and blockier.
Also, the Tacoma has slanted headlights that give the truck a sleeker appearance in the front end, plus it has a less-obtrusive, integrated bumper. One of the eye-catching features of the Tundra’s grille is the hood bulge that is right above the grille, which has a slim rectangular opening. The Tundra’s large extending bumper and bigger headlights give the Tundra its stocky appearance.
Both the Tacoma and the Tundra have the same shaped wheels wells. When comparing the back of the two pick up trucks, the Tundra and the Tacoma have twinning tailgates with embossed lettering in different places. However, the Tacoma TRD Sport has a honeycomb grille and a hood scoop which are extra features that give the truck a more aggressive appearance.
Interior: Tacoma Vs Tundra
When you start to focus on the two vehicles’ interior, they are pretty much the same. For instance when you compare the basic models of 2018 Tacoma and Tundra models come with power windows, door locks, and mirrors as standard features.
Furthermore, a reverse camera is on each truck. Although the Access Cab for the Tacoma can seat four passengers, the Double Cab can seat up to five! On the other hand, the Tundra can fit six passengers with the Double Cab and sit between five or six with the CrewMax model, but this depends on whether you went with the standard bench seat or front bucket seats.
The Tacoma’s cabin has been designed to reduce wind noise with its enhanced aerodynamics and cab-to-bed seal. Additionally, the Tacoma does not come with power-adjusted seats or pedals, but it does have a tilting and telescoping steering column. You can get leather and heated front seats, however, these are extra options.
While the infotainment system is a touchscreen, it does not include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which is a bummer for smartphone users. However, Toyota’s Entune system makes up for this drawback. Qi-compatible wireless charging is available for certain devices. Voice command, Bluetooth, an auxiliary input, a USB port, and a 12-volt outlet are additional technological features that can be found in the Tacoma.
The 2018 Tundra has more interior updates than the Tacoma. It has a 4.2-inch driver display gauge cluster that makes it more convenient to view important vehicle information. Although the Tundra isn’t trying to be a luxurious pickup truck, the 1794 edition has leather seats in a beautiful brown color. The Tundra also comes with a memory driver’s seat and power seats, which the Tacoma does not. The Tundra has the same infotainment options as the Tacoma.
Performance & Off-Road Capability: Tacoma vs Tundra
Last but certainly not least, let’s take a look at what is under the hoods of both vehicles. The Tacoma and the Tundra are both capable of hauling and towing large amounts, but how do they differ from one another?
The 2018 Toyota Tacoma has a six-speed manual transmission. The basic engine option is the 2.7L inline 4-cylinder that produces out 159 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. If you are looking for something with a little more pep, there is a slightly more powerful 3.5L DOHC V6 engine that puts out 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque.
While the Tundra has more power and towing capacities. A Tundra with a standard engine has a 4.6L i-FORCE V8 that puts out 310 horsepower and 327 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. With a double overhead cam, 32-valve head design, and intelligent variable valve timing, this engine is going to generate lots of power.
However, if you are still feeling power-hungry, you can go for a 5.7L i-FORCE V8 engine, which produces 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque.
Ultimately, you have to decide on the truck that is most suitable for you. If you are seeking a smaller truck that is easier to move around in, then the Tacoma is your perfect vehicle. However, if you need a heavy-duty, full-size pick up don’t hesitate to gravitate towards the Tundra!