The 2022 Toyota Tacoma vs Tundra

If you’re in the market for a pickup, Toyota has two great choices for you to pick from in 2022. The 2022 Toyota Tundra is a full-sized truck, while the 2022 Toyota Tacoma offers you a more compact option. Both of these vehicles are great in their own ways, so deciding which one to buy really comes down to what your top priorities are. Here’s a look at the differences between the 2022 Tacoma and Tundra.

Engine and Performance

As the smaller of the two trucks, the Tacoma is powered by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that can put out 159 horsepower. You can opt for an optional upgrade to a 3.5-liter V-6, which provides you with more power under the hood. The V-6 manages 278 horsepower and is a good choice if you plan on testing the Tacoma’s strong off-roading abilities.

There’s no denying that if having the most power possible is your main concern, the Tundra has the edge over the Tacoma. The Tundra’s base engine is a twin-turbocharged V-6 that churns out 389 horsepower. You can opt for a hybrid setup that pairs the same engine with an electric motor. This power train boosts your Tundra’s output to 437 horsepower.

Truck buyers who don’t plan on towing heavy loads probably won’t require the extra power offered by the Tundra. If you’re intending to stick to some light towing duties, the Tacoma may prove a more attractive option for you. It offers slightly better fuel efficiency, achieving up to 24 mpg on the highway compared to the Tundra’s 23 mpg. On city roads, the Tacoma is good for 20 mpg compared to the Tundra’s 18 mpg.

If your idea of performance is more focused on how your truck copes on rough terrain, both the Tacoma and Tundra are well equipped to go off road. Both trucks are available in the TRD Pro trim, which comes with some key off-roading features. These include standard four-wheel drive, skid plates, off-roading suspension, and a multi-terrain monitor. The TRD Off-Roading package is also available throughout the trim lineup in case you don’t want to purchase the range-topping TRD Pro trim.

Towing and Cargo Beds

You can pick from three bed lengths for the Tundra. The longest measures just over 8 feet and is ideal if you require the maximum cargo-carrying capacity. The two shorter options measure 6-and-a-half feet and 5-and-a-half feet, respectively.

The Tundra’s maximum towing capacity is 12,000 pounds. To access this capability, you’ll need to opt for a rear-wheel-drive setup. All Tundras can tow at least 8,300 pounds.

The Tacoma’s two cargo bed options are a short bed measuring 5 feet and a long bed that’s just over 6 feet. Standard features include a bed liner and a removable tailgate. Bed rails and tie-downs for securing items are also provided.

The Tacoma’s towing capacity is 6,800 pounds, but to reach that, you’ll need to upgrade to the V-6 engine. If you stick with the base engine, you’ll have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This compact pickup can also comfortably haul a payload in its cargo box of up to 1,685 pounds.

Cab Options

Whether you’re thinking about purchasing a Tacoma or a Tundra, you need to consider the type of cab you’d like before finalizing your choice of cargo bed. That’s because not all cargo bed lengths can be paired with the different cab options.

For example, the Tacoma offers a choice between the Access Cab and Double Cab. Access Cab Tacomas have room for four passengers, with the rear seats being quite compact. Double Cab Tacomas can seat five. In addition, the Access Cab is only available with the longer cargo bed, while the Double Cab can be paired with either bed.

Likewise, the Tundra’s longest bed is only available with the Double Cab, while the larger CrewMax cab is only offered with the two shorter beds. The Double Cab can seat up to five people, but the rear seats are quite compact. They’re suitable for kids and teens, but they can also work for adults on short drives. By contrast, the rear row in the five-seater CrewMax provides considerably more legroom.

Both the Tacoma and Tundra boast cloth upholstery in their base setup. However, if you opt for higher trims, you can turn the cab into a more luxurious place to be with leather upholstery, heated seats, and other upgrades.

Infotainment and Safety Tech

Both the Tundra and Tacoma are equipped with an impressive array of infotainment features. The Tacoma’s base setup includes a 7-inch screen and six-speaker stereo and also has voice recognition for easy access. You can upgrade to an 8-inch screen and wireless device charging so you can keep your phone fully charged while you’re on the go.

The Tundra’s infotainment system is led by an 8-inch screen, with a mammoth 14-inch version available as an optional upgrade. Many of the same infotainment features from the Tacoma are available, including voice recognition, wireless device charging, and a wireless hotspot.

Toyota’s trucks possess a long list of standard safety features. The Tundra and Tacoma both have forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, which can alert you in time to avoid accidents. The automatic emergency braking system brings your truck to a swift stop. There are also several features designed to make highway driving easier, such as adaptive cruise control, which can adjust your speed so you maintain a safe distance from other motorists.

Test Drive a Tundra or Tacoma at Keith Pierson Toyota in Jacksonville

If you’re ready to explore further, why not reach out to us at Keith Pierson Toyota today to arrange a test drive in Jacksonville? You can compare your experiences with the Tundra and the Tacoma to decide which vehicle is right for you.

If you still have questions, our team of experts is happy to provide you with their advice. You can contact us today by phone or online, or swing by our dealership to chat with us in person.

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