Toyota offers two different pickup trucks, the Tacoma and the Tundra: one big, one small. While the Tacoma has long been a beloved choice for compact truck enthusiasts, the Tundra has undergone significant changes to stay competitive in the full-size truck market. In this detailed comparison, we'll delve into various aspects of these two models, helping you make an informed decision on which one is the better buy for your needs.
2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2023 Toyota Tundra: Pickup Truck Comparison
Look and Feel
When it comes to aesthetics, CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Toyota Tacoma at 9 out of 10, while the 2023 Toyota Tundra scores a respectable 7 out of 10. The Tacoma, a midsize truck, impresses with its assertive stance. Despite being smaller than full-size trucks like the Tundra, it manages to look substantial without feeling oversized.
Toyota offers a plethora of trim options for the Tacoma, ranging from the basic SR to the off-road prowess of the TRD Pro. New for 2023 is the SR5 SX package, which adds a touch of boldness with black overfenders and wheels. The TRD Pro, in particular, stands out with its rugged features, including underbody skid pads and a unique grille.
On the other hand, the 2023 Tundra commands attention with its massive grille and imposing presence. Toyota's design elements seamlessly come together, creating a purposeful and solid exterior. The Tundra is offered in seven trim levels, catering to various preferences, from the work-focused SR to the luxurious Capstone. Naturally, being a much larger truck, the Tundra demands more space on the road (and in driveways, parking garages, etc.). However, both of these trucks deliver impressive and purposeful styling.
Performance
CarGurus experts rate both the 2023 Toyota Tacoma and 2023 Toyota Tundra with an impressive 8 out of 10 for performance.
The Tacoma offers two engine choices. The standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, may not excite enthusiasts but serves its purpose. Most buyers, however, opt for the robust 3.5-liter V6 with 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, which offers better performance. Fuel economy varies, with the V6 returning around 19/24/21 mpg with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD).
The Tacoma TRD Pro is tailored for off-road adventures, equipped with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. While it excels off-road, its on-road performance, particularly in terms of steering and road noise, could be improved.
The 2023 Tundra boasts significant changes under the hood. Gone is the old 5.7-liter V8, replaced by a more efficient lineup. The standard engine is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, delivering 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking extra power, a hybrid version of this engine, known as the i-FORCE MAX, offers an astonishing 437 hp and 583 lb-ft. A 10-speed automatic transmission manages this power efficiently.
Toyota has also improved the Tundra's ride quality with a multi-link rear suspension, making it more comfortable on various terrains. It can tow up to 12,000 pounds and boasts a payload of 1,940 pounds, surpassing many competitors.
Form and Function
In terms of form and functionality, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma scores 7 out of 10, while the 2023 Toyota Tundra shines with a rating of 8 out of 10.
The Tacoma offers various configurations, including access-cab and double-cab options with different bed lengths. The double cab, with four doors, provides more practicality, though rear-seat legroom remains tight. The Tacoma's interior quality varies across trim levels, with the higher trims offering more comfort and convenience.
The Tundra, being a full-size truck, prioritizes practicality and comfort. Its interior design is user-friendly, with physical controls for essential functions, including a wireless charging pad for smartphones. The rear seats offer ample space for both tall and wide passengers, and there's additional storage space beneath them.
In terms of cargo capacity, the Tacoma's bed sizes vary, with the double cab offering a more substantial space. The Tundra offers different size specifications, allowing buyers to choose the ideal configuration for their needs.
Technology
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Toyota Tacoma 6 out of 10 for its technology. In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Tundra excels in the technology department, earning a rating of 9 out of 10 from CarGurus experts.
While it may not be class-leading, the Tacoma offers a user-friendly interface with a 7-inch touchscreen in base SR trims and an 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims. Standard tech features include Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the interface is considered somewhat outdated, lagging behind Toyota's newer infotainment software.
The Tacoma does provide essential tech, but it falls short if you're seeking cutting-edge features, which other midsize competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado, Honda Ridgeline, and Nissan Frontier may offer.
The Tundra, on the other hand, boasts an 8-inch touchscreen on SR and SR5 trims, but the real star is the available 14-inch touchscreen, standard on higher trims. This system runs brand-new software with crisp graphics and rapid response times, representing a significant leap forward from previous Tundra infotainment systems.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all Tundras, and there's an optional 12-speaker audio system for top trims. The standout feature is the impressive 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. In terms of technology, the 2023 Tundra is a technological marvel compared to its predecessors.
Safety
Safety is a priority for Toyota, and both trucks boast a 7-out-of-10 score from CarGurus experts.
The 2023 Tacoma comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which includes features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. However, it lacks lane-keeping assist and rear automatic emergency braking, falling short of more advanced level 2 autonomous driving aids found in some competitors. As a result, it did not receive a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and scored four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests.
The 2023 Tundra boasts an array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) under Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5). Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, road-sign detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-tracing assist. A sway warning system is also included, particularly helpful for towing.
While blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available, they're not standard across all trims of the Tundra, which is something to consider given the truck's size. The IIHS awarded CrewMax models a Top Safety Pick+ in 2022, although the NHTSA has not rated the Tundra.
Cost Effectiveness
The 2023 Tacoma starts at a competitive price of $27,750 (before destination fees) when new, placing it in direct competition with the Ford Ranger. However, the top-tier TRD Pro trim comes with a higher price tag, exceeding the Ranger Tremor's cost. Our TRD Pro test truck, priced north of $51,000, is more expensive than some rivals but offers off-road capabilities that justify the cost. While it may be pricier than the base Frontier, the Tacoma's reputation for reliability and diverse trim lineup makes it a strong contender.
The 2023 Tundra starts at a relatively high MSRP of $36,965 for the base SR trim, but it comes with an impressive engine and engineering improvements across all trims, and it exists in a different class than the smaller Tacoma. At the luxury end, the Capstone trim starts at $75,245, catering to those seeking a premium truck experience. The TRD Pro trim, priced at $68,520, falls between performance-oriented rivals like the Ford F-150 Tremor and Silverado ZR2. It offers a unique blend of capability without an exorbitant price tag.
Toyota provides a comprehensive warranty package, including a three-year/36,000-mile warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and extended coverage for the hybrid hardware and battery. Additionally, ToyotaCare offers factory-scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance at no extra cost.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2023 Toyota Tundra scores 8 out of 10.
Choose 2023 Toyota Tacoma if:
- You want a dependable midsize pickup with a diverse trim lineup.
- Off-road capability is a priority, especially in the TRD Pro trim.
- You're looking for a more budget-friendly option among Toyota's trucks.
Search for a 2023 Toyota Tacoma on CarGurus
Choose 2023 Toyota Tundra if:
- You seek advanced technology and a modern infotainment system.
- Safety features are crucial, and you appreciate Toyota's ADAS offerings.
- You're willing to invest in a larger and more versatile truck that bridges the gap between luxury and performance.
Search for a 2023 Toyota Tundra on CarGurus
In the end, your choice between the 2023 Toyota Tacoma and 2023 Toyota Tundra will largely depend on your priorities and what sort of capability you need from a truck. Other considerations, like advanced tech and safety lean in favor of the Tundra.
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