2025 Toyota Tacoma Vs. Toyota Tundra
Toyota Truck Showdown: 2025 Tacoma vs. 2025 Tundra
The Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Tundra truck battle is intense because both vehicles are durable and well-loved. When it comes to rugged reliability and outstanding performance, Toyota trucks consistently lead the pack, but which one is right for you? Debating between the 2025 Toyota Tacoma and the 2025 Toyota Tundra, you're in for a tough choice – but one that depends on your specific needs.
The Tacoma is the smaller of the two models, which can make it more maneuverable if you often drive on the highway or have lighter work and towing needs. However, it also has some impressive off-road chops. The Tundra, meanwhile, is born for work and adventure. Both trucks boast impressive capabilities, modern features, and Toyota's signature durability, yet they cater to different drivers.
In this comparison, we'll dive into the key differences, from performance and towing to size and technology, helping you decide which truck is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Toyota Tundra vs. Tacoma Dimensions
It's no secret that in the Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Tundra comparison, the Tundra is the larger option. The Tacoma is classified as a midsize truck, whereas the Tundra falls into the full-size category. It's important to note that the Tacoma comes with available bed sizes in 5-foot and 6-foot options, while the Tundra offers 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8.1-foot beds.
The Toyota Tacoma measures 213 to 227.4 inches long and 76.9 to 79.9 inches wide, depending on the trim and configuration. The Trailhunter Double Cab with a 6-foot bed is going to be the longest Tacoma, measuring 227.4 inches long, with the SR5, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road Double Cab with a 6-foot bed coming in at a close second with 226.2 inches in length. The Tacoma has a standard ground clearance of 10.8 inches, with the TRD Pro and Trailhunter boasting a little higher at 11 inches.
As a full-size truck, the Tundra truck's exterior dimensions are 233.6 to 252.5 inches long and 80.2 inches wide – though the TRD Pro model stretches to 81.6 inches in width. The longest Tundra at 252.5 inches is the SR5 Double Cab configured with an 8.1-foot bed, with the Limited, 1794 Edition, and Platinum CrewMax with a 6.5-foot bed coming in at 245.6 inches. The Tundra gives the driver 8.5 to 9.4 inches of ground clearance, depending on the configuration and trim, which comes a little lower than the standard 10.8 inches on the Tacoma.
Let's turn to the inside. The Toyota Tacoma can be a two- or five-seater truck, depending on the cab style. It offers people in the front row 41.8 inches of legroom, complemented by 39.7 inches of headroom in most configurations. In contrast, the Toyota Tundra is great for bringing your friends along on journeys with seating for up to five passengers. It offers a more equal 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and up to 41.6 inches in the second row. Headroom of up to 41 inches in the front row gives you plenty of space, too.
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| 2025 Toyota Tacoma Vs. 2025 Toyota Tundra | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tacoma Gas-Powered | Tundra Gas-Powered | |
| Engine | i-FORCE 2.4L Turbo 4-cyl | i-FORCE 3.4L Twin-Turbo V-6 |
| Max Horsepower | 278 | 389 |
| Max Torque | 317 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft |
| Max Towing Capacity | 6,500 lbs1 | 12,000 lbs1 |
| Drivetrain | RWD or 4WD | RWD or 4WD |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Comb) | Up to 21/26/232 | Up to 18/23/202 |
| Tacoma Hybrid | Tundra Hybrid | |
| Engine | i-FORCE MAX 2.4L Turbo 4-cyl hybrid | i-FORCE MAX 3.4L Twin-Turbo V-6 hybrid |
| Max Horsepower | 326 | 437 |
| Max Torque | 465 lb-ft | 583 lb-ft |
| Max Towing Capacity | 6,000 lbs1 | 11,450 lbs1 |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | RWD or 4WD |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Comb) | Up to 23/24/232 | Up to 20/24/222 |
Toyota Tundra vs. Tacoma Specs & Performance
As you can see in the chart above, you have powertrain options for both vehicles. The Toyota Tacoma gives you the option of either the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged or the i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid engine with up to 326 horsepower. The Tundra also offers two i-FORCE powertrain choices, the i-FORCE 3.4-liter Twin-Turbo V-6 and the i-FORCE MAX 3.4-liter Twin-Turbo V-6 hybrid engine churning out up to 437 horsepower.
Generally speaking, between the Toyota Tacoma vs. Tundra, the Tundra is more powerful but less fuel-efficient. However, the Tundra also has a hybrid version that can boost your fuel economy to up to an EPA-estimated 20/24/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2 But since it is smaller than the Tundra, the Tacoma achieves up to an EPA-estimated 23/24/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 when equipped with the hybrid powertrain and up to an EPA-estimated 21/26/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 on gas-powered models.
Both vehicles can come with 4WDemand part-time four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive with an Automatic Limited-Slip Differential. The Tacoma, however, gives you the option of full-time 4WD with an electronic locking center differential on select trims and configurations.
If you're considering the Toyota Tundra vs. Toyota Tacoma and want a manual transmission, the Tacoma is the way to go because it has a six-speed intelligent manual option. However, it can also feature an eight-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). The Toyota Tundra has a 10-speed ECT-i, sequential shift mode, and uphill/downhill shift logic.
In terms of towing, the Tundra is going to offer a higher maximum rating of 12,000 pounds when properly equipped because of its full-size truck status. The midsize Tacoma is still nothing to scoff at, with up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped. Your ideal towing ability really comes down to what you want your Toyota truck to accomplish. The Tundra is going to be a more reliable workhouse for hauling bigger trailers and loads, while the Tacoma makes for a great companion as you pull your camper to that next outdoor adventure.
Test-drive both to see how they feel by stopping by our car dealership, where we showcase the full lineup of Toyota pickup trucks, SUVs, sedans, and EVs.
Tundra vs. Tacoma Interior Features & Technology
Both the Tundra and Tacoma lines were designed by the automaker with an ample number of trims.
Your options for the Toyota Tacoma are as follows:
- SR
- SR5
- TRD PreRunner
- TRD Sport
- TRD Off-Road
- Limited
- TRD Sport i-FORCE MAX (Hybrid)
- TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX (Hybrid)
- Limited i-FORCE MAX (Hybrid)
- Trailhunter (Hybrid)
- TRD Pro (Hybrid)
Entry-level models come standard with an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® compatibility, and the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver-assistance suite. As you go up the trim levels, you'll discover additional perks like heated and ventilated front seats, an upgraded 14-inch touchscreen, the Smart Key system, a 3D panoramic view monitor, and a premium JBL® audio system.
The Toyota Tundra has the following trims:
- SR
- SR5
- Limited
- Platinum
- 1794 Edition
- Limited i-FORCE MAX (Hybrid)
- Platinum i-FORCE MAX (Hybrid)
- 1794 Edition i-FORCE MAX (Hybrid)
- TRD Pro (Hybrid)
- Capstone (Hybrid)
Lower-level trims of this rugged pickup truck still have luxuries like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. Upper-level options can include leather-trimmed upholstery, a panoramic roof, and a 10-inch color Head-Up Display.
This array of benefits is inviting, but it can make it hard to narrow down exactly what you want. If you're still deciding between a Tundra or a Tacoma, contact us today. Our team will ask you about what features and capabilities are most important to you and help match you with a truck that fulfills your wish list.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Tundra Colors
The Toyota Tacoma vs. Tundra comparison continues with a look at their exterior color options. The Toyota Tacoma truck provides 12 hues, including black-roof choices, while the Tundra offers 11 color variants.
Here are the Toyota Tacoma colors you can choose from:
- Terra
- Bronze Oxide
- Celestial Silver Metallic
- Ice Cap
- Wind Chill Pearl
- Underground
- Blue Crush Metallic
- Black
- Supersonic Red
- Mudbath with Black roof
- Ice Cap with Black roof
- Underground with Black roof
The Toyota Tundra shares some of the same exterior color options. The 11 exterior colors for the Tundra are:
- Mudbath
- Ice Cap
- Wind Chill Pearl
- Magnetic Gray Metallic
- Celestial Silver Metallic
- Midnight Black Metallic
- Supersonic Red
- Smoked Mesquite
- Lunar Rock
- Blueprint
- Terra
Toyota Tundra vs. Tacoma Reliability & Safety
Both the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra have excellent reliability and safety ratings, and they both have many standard and available safety features. The Toyota Tundra3 and Tacoma4 each received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for the new 2025 models, proving once again that the Toyota brand puts driver and passenger protection first.
The Toyota Tacoma truck has a suite of safety systems known as Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with the Tundra equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. Both include a set of driver-assistance technologies that help to prevent three of the most common accident types: frontal collisions, accidents resulting from unintended lane departures, and nighttime accidents. The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package on the Tacoma offers:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Proactive Driving Assist
- Automatic High Beams
The 2025 Toyota Tundra is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which offers similar driver-assistance features. This package provides:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Road Sign Assist
Find Your Dream Truck at Tom Wood Automotive
Now that you have taken a look at the 2025 Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Tundra comparison, it's time to experience these Toyota trucks firsthand. Whether you need a work-ready pickup or an adventure-seeking companion for road trips, we've got you covered with our extensive truck selection. If you're ready to finance your next Toyota model, contact us today.
We use transparent language to lay out your best options. Trading in a vehicle you currently own can also help you save money or upgrade to a higher trim level, and we make this process as simple and easy as the rest of it.
What Reddit Users Say About the Tacoma vs. Tundra
Reddit is an excellent place to find online reviews and commentary from normal people. We have pulled together some Tacoma vs. Tundra Reddit content in order to help you decide which truck is the right fit for you and your needs. While this article has provided an in-depth comparison of what these vehicles have to offer, reviews from actual drivers can provide additional insight.
For those who may be unaware, Reddit is a popular website where users congregate to share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences. A dizzying array of subjects are discussed, including specific automobiles. As you can see below, Tacoma vs. Tundra Reddit reviews can provide you with real-life details about each of these powerful Toyota trucks.
"I’ve had both, a couple Tacomas and now a 24 tundra. If you can work with the size, the tundra is hands down a better vehicle. The 24 taco will make drivetrain improvements, but in its current form is limited. That said, I miss the 16 off-road taco in extended cab and long bed. It was one cool looking truck."
No_Hamster_605
"Sold 2016 Tacoma TRDS DC and bought a 23 Tundra CM because we have two kids in car seats. The Tundra is a better truck in every way. However the 24 Tacoma will likely improve the same ways. If the Tacoma har a slightly bigger back seat I'd go back to the Tacoma right away. Loved that truck and form factor. Get the Taco and mod it to where you like the looks."
Nipperkid
"I chose the tundra crew max 2023 Limited TRD package so I wouldn’t look back and complain about cabin space. I have 2 kids in car seats. I love it. The Tacoma is awesome too, but space was the deciding factor."
Homerpalooza
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger: the Toyota Tacoma or the Tundra?
The Toyota Tundra is bigger than the Toyota Tacoma, although its size is determined by the bed length you choose. Its length can vary between 233.6 inches and 252.5 inches, while the Toyota Tacoma is 213 to 227.4 inches long. The Toyota Tacoma also has two passenger seats in XtraCab configurations, though it can seat up to five in other models.
Which is better for towing: the Toyota Tacoma or the Tundra?
The Toyota Tundra is more of a heavy hauler than the Toyota Tacoma. It can tow up to 12,000 pounds when properly equipped, while a Toyota Tacoma truck's maximum towing capacity is 6,500 pounds when properly equipped. However, both vehicles can only reach this level of prowess in certain trims. Talk to our team to confirm that the trim you're interested in has the towing capacity you need.
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1Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.
2Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/tundra-extended-cab-pickup/2025
4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/tacoma-crew-cab-pickup/2025
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