Instead of offering several different pickups, Toyota offers just two: the midsize Tacoma and the full-size Tundra. Whether you're looking for a capable work truck or an off-road companion, here's what to know about Toyota's truck families.
Key Takeaways
- Toyota's pickup lineup includes just two models: the Tacoma and the Tundra.
- Older V8-powered Tundras and V6-powered Tacomas are sought after among used buyers.
- The latest Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds with its twin-turbocharged V6 and available i-Force Max hybrid.
How Has the Toyota Tundra Evolved?
The turning point for the Tundra came with its 2022 redesign. Toyota retired the long-running V8 and replaced it with a twin-turbocharged V6, while also introducing the available i-Force Max hybrid powertrain. Every engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and properly equipped trucks can tow up to 12,000 pounds.
Toyota also made noticeable changes underneath the truck by replacing the traditional leaf-spring rear suspension with a coil-spring setup, giving the latest model a smoother, more composed ride than in previous generations.
Lower trims come with an 8-inch touchscreen, while upper trims feature a 14-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and improved voice recognition. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 adds a full suite of driver-assistance features across the board.
Which Tundra Generation Makes the Best Used Buy?
The second-generation Tundra remained in production for well over a decade, giving Toyota plenty of opportunities to improve the truck along the way. Later model years are especially desirable because they pair the dependable 5.7-liter V8 with many of the convenience and safety features buyers still expect today.
2014 brought updated exterior styling, a redesigned cabin, and improvements to the infotainment system. Toyota continued adding new equipment throughout the generation, debuting the TRD Pro in 2015 and standard Toyota Safety Sense-P for 2018.
Why Is the Tacoma So Popular?
The Tacoma's third-gen models, sold from 2016 through 2023, offer an appealing balance of modern technology and reasonable pricing. Buyers can choose between Access Cab and Double Cab body styles, along with five-foot or six-foot beds. Engine choices include a 2.7-liter four-cylinder and the far more popular 3.5-liter V6.
The trim lineup ranges from the work-focused SR and SR5 to the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and range-topping TRD Pro. Buyers planning to spend time off pavement usually gravitate toward the TRD Off-Road because of features such as Crawl Control, selectable terrain modes, Bilstein shocks, and an electronically locking rear differential.
What Does the Tacoma Offer?
Toyota completely redesigned the Tacoma for the '24 model year, introducing an all-new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder across the lineup. Most trims produce 278 horsepower, while the available i-Force Max hybrid boosts output to 326 horsepower and an impressive 465 lb-ft.
The interior also received an overhaul. An 8-inch touchscreen was added, while higher trims upgraded to a 14-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging became available, giving the Tacoma a more modern cabin.
| Models | Highlights | Watch Out For | Best Years |
| Toyota Tundra | The 3rd generation features twin-turbo V6 and available i-Force Max hybrid power, a 10-speed automatic transmission coil-spring rear suspension, and a towing max of 12,000 lbs. The 2nd generation offers a 5.7L V8, a 2014 redesign, the TRD Pro (2015), and Toyota Safety Sense-P (2018). | 1st-gen trucks lack modern tech and capability. Earlier 2nd-generation models missed out on the 2014 refresh and later safety upgrades. | 2022-present, 2014-2021, 2000-2006 |
| Toyota Tacoma | The 3rd generation combines V6 power, TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims, Toyota Safety Sense (2018), and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (2020). 4th gen Tacomas add a turbocharged engine, optional i-Force Max hybrid, a redesigned cabin, and bigger infotainment screens. | The 3rd gen four-cylinder lacks power, while 4th-generation trucks still have premium prices because of their recent redesign. | 2020-2023, 2024-present |
What Should You Consider Before Shopping?
Because Toyota only builds two pickups, deciding between them should be easy and largely depends on your needs. But if you're unsure and would like to stop in and test-drive both, we're here to get you behind the wheel!