The differences between the Toyota Tundra vs Toyota Tacoma (2023)

The differences between the Toyota Tundra vs Toyota Tacoma (2023)

Two out of all of the Toyota Canada models are trucks: the Tundra and the Tacoma. What are the differences? Which is the best model for you? One thing is for sure, you cannot go wrong with either of these trucks, which are also known for their outstanding reliability!

Longueuil Toyota presents this comparison between the Toyota Tundra vs Toyota Tacoma to help you choose your next vehicle. Your dealership on the South Shore of Montreal also offers customized financing solutions.

Toyota Tundra vs Toyota Tacoma: Trim Levels and Prices

Both Toyota trucks offer several different configurations.

On the one hand, the Tacoma offers 4 different package options, along with the choice between a Double Cab or Access Cab. Here are the prices for the Tacoma with your Toyota dealership, for each configuration:

  • Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab 6A: starting at $ 44,279
  • Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab 6M TRD Off-Road: starting at $ 46,919
  • Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab 6A TRD Off-Road: starting at $ 48,389
  • Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab 6A SB Trail
  • Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab 6M SB TRD Sport Premium: starting at $ 50,269
  • Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab 6A SB LTD Nightshade : starting at $ 57,279

When it comes to the Tundra, it is available in four different trims:

  • Tundra SR: starting at $ 51,419
  • Tundra SR5: starting at $ 58,919 
  • Tundra Limited: starting at $ 66,919 
  • Tundra Platinum: starting at $ 79,419
Front 3/4 view of the 2023 Toyota Tundra driving on a road.

2023 Toyota Tundra

Front 3/4 view of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma Nightshade outdoors.

2023 Toyota Tacoma Nightshade

Each trim also offers different possible configurations, which include a Double Cab or CrewMax Cab, a long or standard bed, along with front-wheel drive (SR) or all-wheel drive.

Interior and Exterior Design

At first glance, it is easy to see that the Tundra vs Tacoma design is easy to tell apart from the fascia alone. The headlight shape and the grille –which is larger on the recently redesigned Tundra- are part of the noticeable differences. In both case, they boast a rugged style and sculpted lines.

The Tundra is also equipped with larger wheels (18- to 20- inches), while the Tacoma has 16- to 18- inch rims. The Tacoma also offers the Nightshade Edition for an even more stunning style. Both do offer a TRD Pro trim, which focuses on off-road capabilities.

Moreover, the Nightshade offers an added touch of luxury to the Tacoma interior, with leather upholstered seats and a sunroof. Both models have 8- way power seats, heated front seats, and several other features.

The high-end trims of the Tundra take this concept a little further, with 10- way power seats, ventilated front seats and even heated rear seats! In both cases, you can choose from several levels of fit and finishes, according to the comfort and amenities you would like to find on board.

Rear seat of the 2023 Toyota Tundra.

2023 Toyota Tundra

The front seats of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma.

2023 Toyota Tacoma

Tundra vs Tacoma: Dimensions

The main difference between the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tacoma is really the dimensions! These obviously vary according to the selected configuration, but here is a general idea of how they compare:

  Tacoma Tundra
Length 5,939 mm to 5,727 mm 5,932 mm to 6,412 mm
Wheelbase 3,235 mm to 3,570 mm 3,699 mm to 4,179 mm
Width 1,910 mm 2,030 mm Hybrid: 2,032 mm
Height 1,824 mm 1,926 mm Hybrid: 1,984 mm

Performance and Powertrains

The Tacoma midsize truck is equipped with a 3.5 L V6 with 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft. maximum torque. The latter can be coupled with an automatic transmission, or a 6- speed manual transmission.

Find out more about the Toyota Tacoma specs.

As for the Tundra, it comes with the choice between two powertrains. The first is a 3.5 L twin-turbo V6 with 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft. maximum torque.

You could also opt for a hybrid version of this V6 for an even more powerful driving experience, reaching up to 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft. maximum torque! In both cases, the powertrain is coupled with a 10- speed automatic transmission.

Here are more details on the Toyota Tundra specs sheet.

As you can see, the Tundra provides you with superior levels of power, but the Tacoma powertrain is perfectly adapted to the vehicle format and offers solid levels of performance as well.

Front 3/4 view of the 2023 Toyota Tundra outdoors.

2023 Toyota Tundra

Front 3/4 view of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma outdoors.

2023 Toyota Tacoma

Towing Capacities and Cargo Space

The Tundra is the model that demonstrates the most strength: the Tundra’s towing capacity can reach up to 11,200 lbs for the fuel trims (except for the SR) or up to 11,180 lbs for the hybrid truck.

The towing capacity for the Tacoma –a midsize truck- reaches up to 6,500 lbs with the Access Cab. Maximum payload is 1,285 lbs, while for the Tundra, it reaches up to 1,940 pounds.

To find out more, take a look at our blog on Toyota trucks and SUVs, and their towing capacities.

Comfort and Technologies

Given its dimensions, the Tundra offers rear passengers a little bit more space than the Tacoma, although the latter ranks favorably with the Double Cab. The CrewMax Cab is the one you need if you are looking for a maximum of cargo space.

Both trucks also offer a complete Technology package. Both have an 8- inch touch screen, although the Tundra gives you more, with a 14- inch screen in the Limited and Platinum trims. In both cases, you will enjoy features such as:

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Integrated navigation
  • And so much
Dashboard of the 2023 Toyota Tundra.

2023 Toyota Tundra

Dashboard of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma.

2023 Toyota Tacoma

Tundra vs Tacoma: Prices

Both of these vehicles are offered in a different price range, the Tacoma being more affordable than the Tundra. The Tundra does provide you with superior capabilities and more luxury and technologies on board, which is especially the case for high-end trims.

Tacoma vs Tundra: Specs

Here is a summary table, allowing you to see clearly how they compare:

Features Tacoma Tundra
Price Range $ 44,279 to $ 57,279 $ 51,419 to $ 79,419
Powertrain 3.5 L V6 3.5 L V6 biturbo
3.5 L V6 biturbo + electric
Power/Torque 278 horsepower/265 lb-ft. 389 horsepower/479 lb-ft.
437 horsepower /583 lb-ft.
Maximum Towing Capacity 6,500 lbs 11,200 lbs
Maximum Payload 1,285 lbs 1,940 lbs

In short, the Tundra is best for those who have greater needs when it comes to space and capabilities, while the Tacoma is the perfect choice for a more affordable truck that is just as rugged.

Take advantage of our current Toyota special offers in Longueuil for your next truck, close to Brossard and Boucherville.