When deciding to purchase a truck, you want to buy one that has a reputation for superior reliability and outstanding performance value. According to a Consumer Reports survey utilizing data from 2000-2017 model year vehicles, Toyota vehicles made the top ten list holding the second spot behind Lexus. The research sought to ascertain the most reliable automotive brands currently producing vehicles for sale on the market today. This article will compare Toyota trucks for sale to help in your decision-making process for finding the best one that meets your current driving and lifestyle needs today.
Reasons to Buy a Toyota Tacoma
Toyota offers the Tacoma in two body types, the Access Cab and Double Cab. This pickup truck is compact yet delivers high-performance value both on and off the road. The starting MSRP is $25,550 for the Tacoma. You’ll benefit from an estimated 18 MPG for city driving and 22 MPG on the highway.
You have a variety of exterior colors to choose from. If blue is more your style, there is the Voodoo Blue color or Calvary Blue. Maybe your personality is bolder and the Barcelona Red Metallic or Midnight Black Metallic is right for you. You might want a more stylish color like the Quicksand, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Silver Sky Metallic, Cement, or Super White.
There are six different Tacoma models that you can choose from as shown below.
- SR – The MSRP is $25,550 and this model includes an integrated backup camera, Entune Audio, Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), and fabric-trimmed seats.
- SR5 – This model has an MSRP of $27,325. In addition to the features in the SR, there is the keyless entry with engine immobilizer, 4.2” TFT multi-information display (MID), and the Entune Audio Plus.
- TRD Sport – The TRD Sport has an MSRP of $32,245 and includes the Entune Premium Audio, integrated navigation, Entune App Suite, smart key system with push-button start, and LED daytime running lights (DRL)
- TRD Offroad – This MSRP starts at $33,500. Additional features include the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), multi-terrain select, crawl control (CRAWL available in the 4×4 automatic models only), and electronically locking rear differentials.
- Limited – The Limited MSRP is $37,490. This model includes the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), front dual-zone automatic climate control, Entune Premium JBL Audio, integrated navigation, Entune App suite, and power tilt slide moonroof.
- TRD Pro – The MSRP for the TRD Pro is $42,660. It includes the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), TRD tuned high-performance FOX 2.5 internal bypass shocks, Rigid Industries LED fog lights, TRD pro skid plate, and TRD Pro cat-back exhaust.
Why a Toyota Tundra May be Best for You
The Tundra is a full-size half-ton pickup truck that is offered in two engine options. The 5.7-liter V8 delivers 381 horsepower while the fuel-efficient 4.6-liter V8 has 310 horsepower and 327 lb.-ft of torque. It is available in two body types, the Double Cab or CrewMax model. The starting MSRP is $31,420 and you’ll benefit from an estimated 15 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway.
With the Tundra, you have the same exterior colors to choose from as the Tacoma. However, there is one more choice of color—the Smoke Mesquite, which is a very unique exterior paint that will definitely make a statement in all of your on and off-road travels.
Choose from the following six different Tundra models:
- SR – With a starting price of $31,420, this model includes the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), easy lower and lift tailgate, power windows and door locks, daytime running lights (DRL), Entune Audio with 6.1” touchscreen and Bluetooth, and integrated trailer brake controller for the 5.7-L V8 models only.
- SR5 – The SR5 Tundra starts at $33,220. It includes the TSS-P safety system, fog lights and the Entune Audio Plus with Scout GPS link with a 7” touchscreen. The model comes with HD radio and SiriusXM satellite radio. It is available with 18-inch 5 spoke alloy wheels. The 5.7-liter V8 models have a 38-gallon fuel tank.
- Limited – The Limited starts at $40,685 and includes the TSS-P safety system. It has dual zone automatic climate control and leather-trimmed and heated front bucket seats that feature power drivers. This model has 20-inch Limited grade split 5 spoke wheels. It is available with the Entune Premium JBL Audio system with integrated navigation and Entune App Suite for the CrewMax body type only. The Limited has a 38-gallon fuel tank and LED headlights and fog lights.
- Platinum – This model has an MSRP of $47,380 and comes with the TSS-P safety system. You’ll love the sleek brushed metal style trim and 20-inch split 6 spoke alloy wheels. The Platinum comes with blind spot monitor (BSM) and rear cross traffic alert (RCTA). It has black premium perforated leather-trimmed seating and the front seats are heated and ventilated. This model includes Entune Premium JBL Audio, integrated navigation, and Entune App Suite.
- 1794 Edition – The 1794 Edition starts at $47,380 and has the TSS-P safety system. You’ll benefit from heated and ventilated front seats. This model is unique since it showcases a Western-themed interior with perforated premium brown leather-trimmed seating. The truck has 20-inch chrome clad alloy wheels. Power tilt and slide moonroof is available in this model. It comes with blind spot monitor (BSM) with rear cross traffic alert (RCTA).
- TRD Pro – The starting price for the TRD Pro is $49,645. This model also includes the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) system. The model includes 18-inch 5 spoke BBS forged aluminum TRD Pro wheels. The truck includes Rigid Industries LED fog lights and LED headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRL). The TRD Pro includes the Entune Premium Audio, integrated navigation, and Entune App Suite. It has an integrated trailer brake controller (ITBC) and power tilt and slide moonroof with sliding sunshade.
The Final Takeaway
The Tacoma is ideal if you are looking for a smaller pickup truck. Choose the Tundra if you want a full-size pickup. Both trucks have similar hexagonal grilles. However, the grille on the Tacoma is distinctly more angular, while the Tundra has a bulkier looking grille. The Tacoma has headlights with more of a slanted design, along with a sleeker integrated bumper. The Tundra has a bigger bumper and bolder headlights. Another difference is that the Tundra has a slight bulge of the hood.
The shape of the wheels for the Tacoma and Tundra are similar. They are uniquely different from the squarer shaped wheels on the Silverado and rounder wheels on the F-150. Both the Tacoma and Tundra have similarly designed tailgates featuring embossed lettering in various locations. The interior of both trucks is mostly similar. There are differences with regard to seating. The Tacoma Access Cab seats four and the Double Cab has room for up to five passengers. The Tundra Double Cab has room for up to six people, while the CrewMax model seats up to five or six. This depends on whether you opted for the front bucket seats or standard bench seat.
The Tacoma is a tough truck and both pickups can adequately handle hard hauling and towing instances. However, the Tundra delivers superior power when it comes to augmented payload and towing capacity. Since the Tacoma is a smaller truck, the MSRP and subsequent trim levels are less expensive than the Tundra. The Tacoma is more fuel efficient at 22 MPG for highway driving compared to the Tundra at 19 MPG.
So, depending on what you’re specifically looking for—better fuel economy or towing capacity—there is a Toyota truck for you.
Consider all your options when deciding on the best Toyota truck that is perfect for you. Review this listing of comparisons and find the one that will help you rule the road in style and deliver superior performance value for the long haul.
